Steeped in history and culture, the Holy City is still a down-to-earth destination where locals get on with their daily lives and enjoy the many entertainment areas. Major attractions are tied to history, like the impressive Herod’s Gate and Temple Mount. The beautiful old city is home to four separate and very different quarters: Christian, Armenian, Jewish and Muslim. They each give you a sampling of the exotic worlds that comprise Jerusalem.
There are so many sights in Jerusalem, you’ll have trouble deciding which to see first. Take in Herod’s Gate and Temple Mount; or visit Mount Moriah, said to have been made of stones from the Garden of Eden. The old city should be at the top of your list of places to visit, as you can get a great mix of cultures by taking in all four quarters: Christian, Armenian, Jewish and Muslim. You can sample the delicious cuisine and shop for exotic souvenirs in all the quarters, gaining insight to the peoples who make up the Holy City.
Don’t forget to take in a hafuch, the local cappuccino, and eat a deliciously warm schwarma or falafel. In the evening, head to Azza street, where students tear up the town with rambunctious partying.
Highlights
Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary: this religious site is the holiest site for Jews. According to their beliefs, it is to be the location of a third temple to be rebuilt with the coming of the Jewish Messiah. Muslims call it the Noble Sanctuary, and this location is also where you’ll find two major Muslim religious shrines: Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Church of Saint Anne and the Pools of Bethesda: situated inside the Lion’s Gate, this 12th century church was built to honor of the birthplace of the mother of Mary. Next to it is the Bethesda Pools, where Jesus is said to have healed people.
Israel Museum: is housed in a building displaying the best of modern Israeli architecture. Here, you can explore the Bezalel Art Museum, Billy Rose Art Garden, Shrine of the Book and the Samuel Bronfman Biblical and Archeological Museum.
Yad Vashem Memorial and Holocaust Museum: is Israel’s memorial to the millions who perished during the Holocaust. As the most comprehensive of all the Holocaust museums in the world, there are video testimonies by survivors, exhibits of the suffering of Jewish communities, diary excerpts, personal photographs and much more.
Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book: this national museum contains largely Jewish artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, this being their permanent home.
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: take a break from the more serious religious attractions and check out the stunning array of furry friends housed here.