Jerusalem can be explored through several distinct themes: the religious significance of the Old City, historic sites, museums and cultural offerings. When looking for accommodation, it can help to first decide which of these aspects you want to focus on when planning your trip. The following examples range from buildings and museums to guided tours, cultural programs and a tasting tour for organized groups.
Buildings and religious traditions
The Dome of the Rock was built in the 7th century and is decorated with geometric and floral motifs. The Western Wall separates the quarters of Jerusalem’s different religious communities. In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Rotunda of the Resurrection houses the tomb of Christ. The City of David lies southeast of Jerusalem’s Old City, on the Ophel Hill near the Western Wall. Taken together, these places offer different perspectives on Jerusalem: architecture, spatial layout and religious tradition.
Museums and guided tours
The Tower of David Museum tells the story of Jerusalem over more than 3,000 years through archaeological finds. The Bnei Mikra Heritage Center in the Jewish Quarter has a narrower focus: it is a museum dedicated to Karaite heritage and features an exhibition on what makes the Karaites distinctive, with a variety of objects. A 45-minute guided tour covers the Karaite community in Israel and the diaspora. Confirm the current arrangements before your trip. The center also includes a visit to an old synagogue where Karaite Jews pray on carpets and without shoes.
The Museum of Psalms in Jerusalem displays a collection of 150 paintings based on the Book of Psalms. At the Hebrew Music Museum, a guided tour shares stories about the instruments on display; visitors can also try the instruments themselves. The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art presents a collection of rare objects that illustrate a Jewish community. Jerusalem therefore offers both broad historical narratives and museums with a clearly defined subject.
The Mount of Olives: landscape and religious history
The Mount of Olives is a high ridge east of ancient Jerusalem that separates the city from the Judean Desert. It is of religious significance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Muslims associate it with the Day of Judgment at the end of time. Christians associate the mountain with places where Jesus was active during his final days in Jerusalem. Landscape and religious tradition stand side by side here; the associations differ according to religious tradition.
Shows and cultural programs
The audiovisual show “The Night Vision” tells the story of Jerusalem through projections on the old walls, archaeological ruins and hidden paths of the Tower of David Museum’s citadel. As dates and availability may change, check the latest information before making plans. The National Library of Israel hosts lectures, seminars, concerts, exhibitions, performances and educational programs for children. Dates vary for individual events; if you plan to visit on a particular day, it is worth checking the current program.
The Cardo and culinary discoveries
The Butchers’ Market, Perfume Market and Goldsmiths’ Market are located along the route of the Cardo, Jerusalem’s main street in Roman-Byzantine times. The three markets are distinct landmarks. A tasting tour at Mahane Yehuda Market includes fresh bourekas from traditional ovens, Israeli beer from local breweries and Jerusalem halva made according to traditional recipes. The tour is for organized groups only; availability and arrangements may change. Jerusalem’s offerings thus range from historic connections to a culinary experience with a clearly stated participation requirement.
Discover more destinations: Harel, Bar Giora, Abu Ghosh, Giv'at Ye'arim, Tsafririm, Agur, Yad Hashmona, Tal Shahar
For the broader travel overview: Jerusalem.
