As the city dates back more than 3000 years, you just know for sure there are tons of sights, attractions and things to do in Jerusalem. And just because this is a holy city and a place where many religions have and have had their influence, that doesn’t mean it isn’t an all around fantastic tourist destination. Lovers of history, art and architecture will certainly find plenty of things to do in Jerusalem.
1 Visit the Western Wall
A visit to one of Judaism's holiest site is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem. Built by Herod about 2,000 years ago, this supporting wall is a perfect place to see all sorts of people at prayer – it's a tradition to write your personal prayer on a paper and put it in the wall, precisely in the spaces between the large Herodian stones. The wall is segregated between males and females – and ladies, you must cover your head.
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2 Walk the Ramparts
A walk of the ramparts, which stretch for 4kms, is a brilliant way to get a view of the Old City. Start your journey at Jaffa Gate, where you can see the stone walls originally built in 1538 by the Ottoman Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Check out the eight gates, including Damascus Gate and the Golden Gate, which has been closed since the 7th century and will only be opened with the arrival of the Messiah.
3 See the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Regarded as one of the most sacred of Christian sites, the Holy Sepulcher commemorates the place of Jesus' crucifixion and tomb. Originally, Emperor Constantine built this church in the 4th century, but the Crusaders renovated/rebuilt it in 1149. What you’ll find rather amazing is that six religions share space under the very grand roof – Franciscan Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Coptic, and Armenian, Syrian, and Ethiopian Christians.
4 Find Peace at the White Father's Compound
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Jerusalem. This quiet retreat is the perfect antidote to the buzzing hubbub of the Arab souk. This is the site where The Bible states Jesus performed his miracle of curing the cripple. Today the site is the remains of a Byzantine church and a Crusader chapel sitting on a dyke between two ancient reservoirs.
5 Visit Haram Al-Sharif
This is 3rd holiest Muslim site and is a large plaza with a shrine called the Dome of the Rock on top of it. Made of pure gold, the Dome rules over the city and is among the finest attractions of Jerusalem. You will just love the view you get from the Mount of Olives. In order to enter the Dome, you have to go up a wooden bridge, from where you can also catch a glimpse of the Al-Aqsa Mosque that looks marvelous with its intricate mosaics and designs.
6 Shop the Mahane Yehuda Market
Let’s turn away from religious sites to more earthly pursuits. The Mahane Yehuda Market is one of the most exciting things to do in Jerusalem, especially if you're hungry to experience the fascinating Israeli culture. Yes, it's a crowded market, but it’s not to be missed for the sheer assault on your senses and of course, the inexpensive produce, including pre-made salads, colorful spices, and freshly-baked pastries.
7 Visit the City of David
For a time-travel adventure, there isn't a place better than the ancient City of David. Here, archaeology, landscape, and biblical history intersect – underground! Don't forget to bring your 'water shoes,' because passing through the narrow and dim passage of the Hezekiah's Tunnel is one of the best experiences – you will have to pass through water up to your knees. It’s best to arrange a guided tour, as you might have a hard time figuring out what you are looking at without a guide.
8 Get a Culture Fix at the Israel Museum
Pay a visit to this cultural institution of Israel and browse an encyclopedic collection of over 500,000 objects, with the world's most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeological exhibits. Sections include the Jewish Ceremonial Art Section, Second Temple Model, and the Shrine of the Book, where several artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display.
9 Eat
Eating the cuisine of Israel is an essential part of your Jerusalem experience. Whether you buy takeaway from a side street café in the Old City or eat in a fine dining establishment in one of the trendy neighborhoods, you’ll fall in love with Israeli food. Why not buy a picnic and head upwards to one of the many viewpoints to enjoy glorious views as you eat glorious food?
I’ve been looking at places for my honeymoon and the things to do in Jerusalem are rather compelling. Is it somewhere you’ve been or would love to go?
