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Jerusalem, Palestine - Things to Do in Jerusalem

Things to Do in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Palestine - Complete Travel Guide

Three religions converge in Jerusalem within a space you can walk across in 20 minutes. The Old City's Ottoman walls contain the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque—all within easy reach of each other. Total walking distance: under a mile. Narrow cobblestone alleys wind between sacred sites, revealing traditional bakeries, shops selling religious artifacts, and courtyards that haven't changed in centuries. Modern Jerusalem sprawls beyond. The German Colony offers tree-lined streets and cafes, while Mahane Yehuda Market buzzes with locals buying fresh produce and spices.

Top Things to Do in Jerusalem

Old City Quarter Walking

The Old City's four quarters pack distinct atmospheres into a remarkably small area. You'll move from incense-filled corridors near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to bustling souks in the Muslim Quarter. Vendors sell traditional Palestinian embroidery and fresh-baked bread. The narrow stone pathways follow routes used for over 2,000 years. They connect sacred sites with everyday neighborhood life. Ancient meets modern every few steps.

Booking Tip: Free to walk independently, though guided tours cost $15-30 and provide valuable historical context. Early morning (7-9 AM) offers the most peaceful experience before tour groups arrive. Look for local Palestinian guides who can share personal stories and provide access to family-run shops.

Western Wall and Temple Mount Complex

The Western Wall sits adjacent to the Temple Mount. Judaism's holiest prayer site neighbors the golden Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The juxtaposition creates a powerful atmosphere where centuries-old prayer traditions continue today. The limestone blocks weigh several tons each. They've absorbed the prayers and tears of countless pilgrims. History lives in these stones.

Booking Tip: Western Wall access is free 24/7, but Temple Mount has restricted visiting hours (usually 7:30-11 AM and 1:30-2:30 PM, closed Fridays and Saturdays). Dress modestly and bring ID. Security lines can take 30-60 minutes during peak times, so arrive early.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Mahane Yehuda transforms throughout the day. It starts as a produce market where locals shop for fresh vegetables, spices, and Middle Eastern delicacies. By evening it becomes a nightlife destination with wine bars and restaurants between the stalls. The sensory overload includes vendor calls in Arabic and Hebrew. You'll smell fresh herbs and roasted coffee while seeing pyramids of colorful spices and olives. Some of the city's best street food hides here.

Booking Tip: Free to wander, with individual food items costing $2-8. Food tours run $40-60 per person and include tastings at 6-8 stalls. Friday afternoons are particularly lively as locals prepare for Shabbat, but arrive before 2 PM as many stalls close early.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This ancient church sits over the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried. Different Christian denominations maintain various sections—Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian, and others. The result: a fascinating display of diverse worship traditions and artistic styles. The atmosphere ranges from quietly contemplative to intensely spiritual. Religious ceremonies amp up the energy. The architectural maze can confuse first-time visitors.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but expect crowds and long waits to enter Christ's tomb (up to 2 hours during peak seasons). Early morning visits (6-8 AM) or late afternoon offer shorter lines. Consider hiring a Christian guide ($20-30) to explain the complex history and current arrangements between denominations.

Mount of Olives and Surrounding Villages

The Mount of Olives offers panoramic views of Jerusalem's Old City. It provides access to several religious sites including the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive trees. The nearby Palestinian villages of Silwan and At-Tur offer glimpses into local daily life. Traditional stone houses line narrow streets. Family-run restaurants serve authentic Palestinian cuisine while shops sell olive oil and handicrafts. The contrast between sacred sites and neighborhood life defines Jerusalem.

Booking Tip: Public transportation costs about $2, or shared taxis (service) cost $3-5. Local Palestinian guides charge $25-40 for half-day tours and can arrange visits to family homes for traditional meals ($15-20 per person). Best visited in late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures.

Getting There

Ben Gurion Airport sits 50 kilometers from Jerusalem. Shared shuttles cost ~$15 and take 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Many visitors arrive via Jordan through the Allenby Bridge crossing, which requires advance coordination and can take 2-4 hours to process. The political situation complicates things. Palestinian areas have different transportation options and requirements than Israeli-controlled areas. Plan accordingly.

Getting Around

Jerusalem's light rail connects major areas for ~$1.50 per ride. Local buses serve most neighborhoods for similar prices. Walking works best in the Old City's narrow alleys, though the hills will test your legs. Comfortable shoes are essential. Shared taxis (service) operate throughout Palestinian areas and cost $2-4 for most trips. Regular taxis use meters and cost more but offer door-to-door convenience.

Where to Stay

Old City (atmospheric but noisy)
German Colony (trendy cafes and restaurants)
City Center (convenient for transport)
East Jerusalem (Palestinian cultural area)
Mount of Olives area (great views)
Bethlehem nearby (Palestinian hospitality)

Food & Dining

Jerusalem's food reflects its mixed population. Traditional Palestinian restaurants serve musakhan and knafeh alongside contemporary Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. The Old City hides family-run spots that have used the same recipes for generations. Neighborhoods like the German Colony offer modern cafes and wine bars. Street food thrives in markets and busy intersections. You'll find excellent falafel, fresh bread, and seasonal specialties like roasted chestnuts in winter.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palestine

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Umi Sake House

4.6 /5
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Sushi Kashiba

4.7 /5
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Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

4.5 /5
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Roma Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(805 reviews) 2

Switch Brick-Oven Pizza & Wine Bar

4.6 /5
(752 reviews) 2

Pronto’s Gyros & Pizza

4.7 /5
(707 reviews) 1
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When to Visit

Spring and fall offer the best weather for walking Jerusalem's hills and stone streets. Temperatures stay in the 60s-70s°F with minimal rainfall. Summer gets quite hot, though the dry climate makes it more bearable than you'd expect. Winter brings occasional rain and cooler temperatures. They rarely drop below freezing. Religious holidays create unique atmospheres but also bring larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Friday afternoons and Saturdays see reduced public transportation and many closures due to Shabbat, but Palestinian areas maintain normal schedules
Carrying both Israeli shekels and Jordanian dinars can be helpful as some Palestinian businesses prefer dinars
Many of the most interesting cultural experiences happen through personal connections - don't hesitate to accept invitations for tea or meals from locals you meet

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Jerusalem

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Jerusalem

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Jerusalem

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Jerusalem

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