What to do in Jerusalem

Activities, attractions and tours

Mount of Olives which includes a city, a sunset and landscape views
Mount of Olives which includes a city, a sunset and landscape views
Church of Mary Magdalene featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Yad Vashem which includes interior views
Yad Vashem featuring interior views

Jerusalem Attractions

People around the world know Jerusalem as the Holy City because it has some of the oldest and most religious sites in the world. Even if the idea of visiting mosques and other religious sites doesn't interest you, you can easily find other things to do in Jerusalem that will make you glad you chose this destination.

Look for Jerusalem tours taking you to some of the top holy sites. While some visitors grab a map and take a tour on their own, most of those travelers feel confused, and some even find they cannot locate the sites they want. By booking a tour, you can reach all of those sites and learn more from your local tour guide.

When looking at Jerusalem activities, consider stopping by the Israel Museum. Well-known throughout the world for its abundance of artifacts, this museum will introduce you to the history of the region and the controversy surrounding the area. You can also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, which many call one of the best memorials of its type in the world. Unlike other museums, which are only indoors, this museum has multiple areas where you can learn more about how the Holocaust affected Jewish people. Not only does it have an indoor museum, but it also has outdoor spaces and gardens.

As a tourist, you should also think about taking Jerusalem excursions and tours of the Old City of Jerusalem. This area marks the oldest part of the city, and while there aren't many attractions here, you can see the famous wall. Even if you decide to skip the wall tour, you can still view other historic spots. Other must see places include the Western Wall Tunnels and Hezekiah's Tunnels. These tunnels run underneath the city, giving you a look at how people once worshipped.

While you'll find hundreds of things to do and attractions in Jerusalem, make sure you visit the Wailing Wall before you leave. Hundreds of local worshipers come here every day to pray, and you can say your own prayers, too. When visiting the House of the Holiness, use Expedia to help you plan your visit.


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Top places to visit

1. Al-Aqsa Mosque

A long-venerated place of worship for Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the important religious structures located on the Temple Mount. The site is known in Arabic as Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). View the rectangular, Islamic-influenced design of the building and learn about its long and fascinating history.
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Al-Aqsa Mosque which includes landscape views, a city and heritage architecture

2. Western Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the Al-Buraq Wall, the Kotel or the Wailing Wall, has been a site of pilgrimage for Jews and Muslims for centuries. Its towering sandstone blocks are stuffed with paper prayers. Watch as men, women and children gather here to recite scriptures and touch the ancient stone.
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Western Wall showing a city, landscape views and a sunset

3. Machane Yehuda Market

Explore the historic market of Machane Yehuda to get a feel for the energetic, commercial face of Jerusalem. The market is particularly famous for food, and is home to all kinds of stalls and vendors. If you’re after a traditional Levantine meal, choose one of the many shawarma or falafel stands. For dessert, try a regional favorite like halva or baklava.
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Mahane Yehuda Market showing interior views and markets as well as a family

4. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Of all the holy Christian sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most famous. Join the many Christian pilgrims who come here to view sacred spots associated with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
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Church of the Holy Sepulchre which includes interior views and heritage elements

5. Mount of Olives

Visit the picturesque Mount of Olives and you’ll find not only an iconic feature of Jerusalem’s landscape, but an important site in Jewish and Christian scripture. It is mentioned numerous times in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is also considered holy by Muslims.
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Mount of Olives which includes a city, a sunset and landscape views

6. Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is among the country’s most acclaimed cultural institutions. Discover exhibits ranging from ancient Holy Land artifacts to contemporary art collections and displays detailing important chapters from Israeli history.
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Israel Museum which includes interior views and art as well as a couple

7. Temple Mount

The Temple Mount (or Haram al-Sharif, as it is known to Muslims) is a raised area situated close to Jerusalem’s Western Wall. It is considered to be among the holiest sites in the world for Muslim and Jewish people, as well as holding great significance for Christians. Visit the Temple Mount complex to admire the iconic Dome of the Rock and to enjoy beautiful vistas of Jerusalem’s Old City.
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Temple Mount showing a city, landscape views and heritage architecture

What to do in Jerusalem


Discover the most popular places to visit in Jerusalem

Explore areas of Jerusalem

Great Hostel. Clean, near the shopping  centre.

Jerusalem City Centre

4.5/5(83 area reviews)

Unique features of Jerusalem City Centre include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Ben Yehuda Street or Mamilla Mall while you're exploring the area.

Jerusalem City Centre
Old City showing food, street scenes and markets

Old City

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Walled and divided into four distinct quarters, the Old City houses key religious sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Explore its unique atmosphere, attractions, and diverse shops and restaurants.

Old City
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Old City of Jerusalem
The Old City is home to several sites of key religious importance: the Temple Mount and Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1981

Mamilla

5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mamilla, Ben Yehuda Street and Mamilla Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Mamilla
West Jerusalem showing street scenes as well as a couple

Mishkenot Sha'ananim

Historic sites, restaurants, and spas are some highlights of Mishkenot Sha'ananim. Make a stop by The First Station or Sultan's Pool while you're exploring.

Mishkenot Sha'ananim
Jaffa Street

Nachlaot

While visiting Nachlaot, you might make a stop by sights like Machane Yehuda Market and Ben Yehuda Street.

Nachlaot
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Kerem Avraham

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Kerem Avraham. You might want to make time for a stop at Machane Yehuda Market or Gush Katif Museum.

Kerem Avraham

 

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Day trip destinations from Jerusalem

Frequently asked questions

Is Jerusalem worth visiting?
Known for its views and culture, finding awesome things to do in Jerusalem is a cinch. Remember to add Ein Hemed National Park to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Jerusalem?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre and Kiftzuba, spend the rest of your day discovering Jerusalem's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Jerusalem?
Ein Hemed National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Jerusalem and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Jerusalem?
Three days in Jerusalem is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend four days on average. Ein Hemed National Park, Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre and Haas Promenade are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Sweimeh.
Is Jerusalem a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Jerusalem. Several key sights, like Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre and Haas Promenade, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Jerusalem's neighbourhoods, Mamilla is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Nachlaot is 0.32 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Jerusalem with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Jerusalem with kids.

What to do in Jerusalem for adults?
Notre Dame of Jerusalem Centre and Yad Vashem are just a few of the things to do in Jerusalem. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Jerusalem?
In Jerusalem, Ein Hemed National Park is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Jerusalem.

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