Jerusalem Travelers Recommend

More than 5,000 years old, Jerusalem is an epicenter of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city is rich with holy sites, including the biblical locations of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee. To make the most of your visit, see below for some of Jerusalem’s most sacred destinations.

The Temple Mount

Sacred to three religions and also known as Haram Al-Sharif, the Temple Mount is an ancient elevated platform in the southeastern corner of the Old City. For Muslims, the site’s principal draws are the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which is said to house the rock from which the prophet Mohammed took his night journey into heaven. For the Jewish community, the Temple Mount marks the location of the First Temple, while for Christians, it’s known as the spot where Jesus challenged authorities, partly leading to his crucifixion.

Western Wall

The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall or the Buraq Wall) forms part of the Temple Mount’s western flank and is one of Judaism's most holy sites. The wall is a remnant of Jerusalem's Second Temple, which the Romans destroyed in AD 70. Today, Jews come from around the world to worship at the wall and place prayer notes in its crevices.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Located at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, this church is one of the holiest places on earth for Christians, marking the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. From the church, the sacred route of Via Dolorosa (the road Jesus is said to have walked to his crucifixion site) leads to the Mount of Olives, where Mary's Tomb, the Church of Maria Magdalene, the Tomb of Zechariah, the Church of All Nations, and the Garden of Gethsemane are located. 

Mount Zion

The Zion Gate, which connects the Old City to Mount Zion, is an important site for the Jewish and Christian faiths. Here you can find the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper, where Jesus is said to have had his final meal. Other important Mount Zion locations include Dormition Abbey, where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary fell into eternal sleep, and the Tombs of the Prophets, which Judaism identifies as the tombs of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Buried temples, traditional cultures, and vibrant cuisine make Jerusalem one of Israel’s most fascinating places, but it’s also a great starting point for visiting other sites. With three days in Jerusalem, you can cover the Israeli capital’s highlights and then swim in the Dead Sea, visit ancient cities, or check out desert scenery. Here’s how to plan.

Day 1: Begin Where It All Started

Kick off your first day in the city with a tour that covers key Old City Jerusalem landmarks, from the Western Wall to the Dome of the Rock. Visiting with a guide is a good way to understand  cultural practices that may need some interpretation. After a break for lunch, go underground to explore an even older section of Jerusalem. Touring the City of David, an active archaeological site, gives you a glimpse of discoveries from thousands of years ago. Alternatively, explore Old City neighborhoods, following narrow streets into each of the four traditional quarters: Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian.

Day 2: Go Beyond the Walls

Begin your second day with a delicious introduction to local culture. Head to Mahane Yehuda market for a tasting tour, with stops for strong coffee and sweet treats. Alternatively, take a food tour in one of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods, linking up a series of family-owned shops, restaurants, and cafés as you learn about life in the city. In the afternoon, brush up on everything from contemporary artwork to archaeology at the Israel Museum, or visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center to see personal artifacts and exhibits. Book your admission and tours in advance online to save time.

Day 3: Day-Trip Destinations

Whether you’re most interested in ancient history, desert landscapes, or culture, Jerusalem is just a day trip away from some of Israel’s top attractions. Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Galilee are rich with Biblical sites, or you can head to the West Bank to learn about Palestinian communities. Trails and a cable car lead to the mountaintop archaeological site of Masada, and even the Jordanian site of Petra is within range. If you’re ready for desert scenery and relaxation, Dead Sea beaches are ideal for an afternoon of floating in the salty water; many tours feature access to private beaches. Combination tours allow you to sample a little bit of everything and be back in Jerusalem in time for dinner.

With two days in Jerusalem, linger in the Old City, plan a museum afternoon, and get a taste of the local food and nightlife scene. Plan strategically so you can take it all in without rushing, since this ancient city is deeply layered with history and culture that’s well worth slowing down for. Here’s how to plan a 2-day trip to Jerusalem.

Day 1: Old City, Fresh Nightlife

**Morning:**Rise early to beat the tour-bus crowd, and enter the Old City through one of the historic gateways. Take advantage of this quiet time to check out the landmarks, from the Western Wall to the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

**Afternoon:**Some of the Old City’s treasures have been buried by time, so go underground to see the City of David, an archaeological site that’s uncovering the very oldest areas. It’s an active site with few signs; opt for a guided tour to understand the history on display.

**Night:**Now that you’ve got the past down, sample the city’s up-to-the-minute nightlife, which goes from laid-back pubs to energetic discos. Since pub crawls come with a ready-made crew of fellow travelers, they’re a fun way to ease into the scene (often with perks like skip-the-line entry and included drinks).

Day 2: Markets and Museums

**Morning:**Pick one of Jerusalem’s museums for a morning of history, art, archaeology, or Jewish heritage, taking advantage of pre-booking options so you don’t get held up in line. The Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum has an intimate take on wartime stories, while the Israel Museum appeals to history and art buffs alike.

**Afternoon:**Browse sweets, crafts, and farm-fresh produce at the Mahane Yehuda Market, and taste your way through some of Jerusalem’s most delicious treats. Because self-guided and guided options let you sample the best of the market, there’s no reason for a sit-down lunch at all.

**Night:**Head back into the Old City for a night of sound and lights with ancient stones for a backdrop; the audiovisual show is an immersive way to experience the landmarks that’s worthwhile even if you’ve already done a daytime tour.

From ancient temples to markets and landmark museums, Jerusalem invites travelers to explore the past, sample local cuisine, and discover traditional culture. Since key sites are found in the compact center, you can cover the essentials with just one day in the city. Here’s how to plan a day in Jerusalem.

Morning: Old City Exploring

The historic center of Jerusalem is like a city within a city, and the area within the walls is packed with destinations. Start the day by entering Old City Jerusalem through one of its landmark gates, then make your way to the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David Museum. Since every stop is deeply layered with history, join a guided tour that delves into the stories behind each place; choose between general-interest excursions and trips that focus on the Old City’s religious heritage, underground passageways, or traditional neighborhoods.

Afternoon: Beyond the City Walls

After a light lunch in one of the many Old City cafés—save your big meal of the day for Mahane Yehuda Market—go outside the historic center to check out one of the city’s world-class museums. The Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum is a deeply personal take on the lives of victims of the Holocaust, while the Israel Museum goes from ancient archaeology to modern-art installations. Book tickets online to save time when you get there, or opt for a tour that helps unlock the stories behind the museum exhibits.

Night: Market Foods and Flavors

Hundreds of vendors gather in the landmark Mahane Yehuda Market, which combines a neighborhood shopping spot, tourist destination, and foodie heaven under its peaked roof. With so much to try, avoid filling up in one place. Instead, taste your way through the market on a guided food tour, or snag the Mahane Yehuda “Bite Card,” which is good for samples at a long list of stops. Cafés stay open late, but if you’re hoping to visit the many fresh-food vendors, plan to arrive early in the evening for a wider selection.