Jerusalem can be explored on two scales: the Old City with its walls, and individual places where history, collections and the urban landscape come into view. The Old City and its walls hold great symbolic significance as a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam; its historic heritage includes 220 monuments. The Dome of the Rock in the Old City was built in the 7th century. As a single building, it offers a tangible historical landmark alongside the many monuments.
Old City, history and museums
The permanent exhibition at the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum spans ten galleries. Innovative technology and interactive presentations sit alongside archaeological finds and ancient artifacts. Here, you can encounter both different forms of interpretation and objects from the past. The exhibition brings these elements together without limiting itself to a single way of presenting them.
The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem presents rare artifacts from the ancient Near East. Its offerings include special exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, guided tours and lectures. The program changes over time, so you should check specific event offerings in advance. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, was founded in 1965. These museums offer different points of interest, from rare objects from the ancient Near East to the history of a Jerusalem institution.
City views and green spaces
The viewpoint at Phasael Tower is 777 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view over Jerusalem’s Old City and New City. From here, your gaze takes in not just individual buildings but both parts of the city. This is a different perspective from looking at the Dome of the Rock or the Old City’s monuments: it takes in Jerusalem as a whole.
Jerusalem Walls National Park is located in the center of Jerusalem and includes historic, archaeological and religious sites. It was designated to preserve historic, archaeological, traditional, architectural and landscape values for public benefit. In the heart of the city, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens encompass 150 dunams of nature. The two places offer different emphases: the national park brings together several types of sites with a preservation purpose, while the garden’s natural areas represent another facet of the cityscape.
Routes and discoveries in the surrounding area
On the Pilgrims’ Road in the City of David, visitors can walk over original paving stones once used by city residents and pilgrims on their way to the Temple. Check access requirements before your visit. The Jerusalem Trail connects Jerusalem with the Israel Trail and passes through Jerusalem Walls National Park, along the Kidron Valley and through the Hinnom Valley. The route thus links a section of national park with two named landscape features. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Jerusalem’s immediate surroundings also offer a connection with nature: Lifta Nature Reserve preserves a spring cave, agricultural terraces and orchards at the entrance to the city. Lifta Spring is a 60-meter-long spring cave that feeds a collecting pool; its water continues on into irrigation channels. The details about its length, pool and water flow show how this natural feature differs from a garden or a route through historic sites. You can shape your discoveries in Jerusalem around your interests: monuments and museums, city views, nature, or routes that reveal different aspects of the place.
Discover more destinations: Jerusalem, Tsafririm, Yad Hashmona, Harel, Ma'ale Hahamisha, Agur, Abu Gosch, Li On, Giv'at Ye'arim, Aderet, Bar Giora, Mesilat Zion, Tal Shahar.
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