Old City of Jerusalem
Old City of Jerusalem
5
About
Characterized by narrow, winding streets and alleyways, this ancient part of the city is filled with shrines and attractions holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims including the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
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Neighbourhood: Givat Ram
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385 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Brenda SAuckland Central, New Zealand42 contributionsSensory overload!How do you was co e a city as full on as Old Jerusalem. So many sacred sites, people's of all faiths and religions, food, markets, noise, colour, and fragrances. Come prepared to bargin walk away if you are not happy there are so many people trying go trade. It is sad to see so many sacred sites over run by just tourists taking photos. At times it was sad to see thepeople treated each other pushing to get to where they wanted to go. But Oh come ready to enjoy this wonderful city.Visited March 2023Written 23 March 2023
- George A5 contributionsWonderful tour of the Old City with Itay!We had a great tour of Old City Jerusalem with Itay (Itayshevach@gmail.com). Of course, the Old City is amazing, but it can also be overwhelming. Itay was able to guide us through its maze, filling us in on some of its awe-inspiring history (you kind of feel like you are at the center of the world)... The Temple Mount is probably the highlight, but also the Upper Room, the Church of the Sepulcher, and on and on. In any case, Itay knows where to go and I think as importantly, *when* in the day to go (it makes a difference in terms of the crowds). See the Old City!Visited February 2023Written 26 March 2023
- Katie RiglePottstown, Pennsylvania47 contributionsHumbling and SurreSurreal and humbling experience walking through Old City Jerusalem. No matter your religion, please take the time to tour this city. It is vast with lots of history, architecture, and culture. I would actually opt for a tour guide for this city, as there is just so much going on. Wear comfortable shoes and pack your patience! Lots of walking and many many people.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 26 March 2023
- JoeNathan9249Saint Paul, Minnesota6,094 contributionsNot to be missed - recommend visiting Western Wall, Dome of the Rock & MarketsHighest recommendation - if possible visit BOTH Western Wall and Dome of the Rock, along with markets. Fascinating history and current events combine. Also recommend recently opened tunnel tour - recently excavated tunnels under the wall.Visited March 2023Written 10 April 2023
- Travel the WorldSan Francisco, California1,136 contributionsBiblical History you won’t Want to MissIf you are interested in the history of the Bible this is amazing place to visit. There are way too many places to list but the highlights for me were the Church where Jesus was buried (and rose from the dead) and the route that Jesus took on the way to the cross. Seeing these really brought the Bible alive. Such an amazing journey.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2023
- Paul Tour Guide in IsraelJerusalem, Israel31 contributionsThe old city of Jerusalem - a place worth visiting for a travelerThe Old City of Jerusalem brought together ancient history, different cultures, holy places, different traditions. And all this amazing kaleidoscope is limited by the walls of the old city with a perimeter of 4.2 kilometers. The old city is divided informally into four quarters: Christian, Armenian, Hebrew and Muslim. People live here and holy places are located: synagogues, churches, monasteries, shrines.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 May 2023
- Terence D14 contributionsWalk into the pastJust to wander around the narrow alleys, hearing the vendors shout out about their wares, to smell the intoxicating smell of spices, fresh kaak, falafels and herbs is just amazing. Take your time visiting the many churches especially Holy Sepulchre and walk in the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Delarosa. If permitted, visit Haram Al Sharrif and Al Aqsa Mosques which are incredibly beautifulVisited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 July 2023
- PaulineMelbourne, Australia20 contributionsCultural blowout that has to be experienced to be believed!This was an amazing place. We went twice, the first time was with a tour group and the second time on our own because the Tour was so bad we just had to return so that we could enjoy it. 4 totally different communities living together with so much history and atmosphere deserves to be given time. If you can source the real shopping areas (not so much the souvenirs) but where the locals live and shop you get a truer insight into the lifestyles and the food of the area. The last walk of Christ, the churches, the mosques, the synagogues and the Armenian quarter are full of history, art, atmosphere, religion, culture and harmony. If you enjoy people watching this will be an absolute utopia for you.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 July 2023
- AlexandraBurgerCape Town, South Africa8 contributionsWalkative Tour of Jerusalem by David Ha’Ivri is a perfect start to visiting JerusalemThe Walkative Tour lead by David Ha’Ivri on our first day in Jerusalem was phenomenal. We started with the Christian Jerusalem Tour and we’re hooked- we then stayed on for the Evening Jerusalem Tour and it was fantastic! Would highly recommend Walkative Tours when you arrive in Jerusalem- it’s such a rich and complex place. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 September 2023
- Nave M4 contributionsamazing tripJerusalem is a city of contrasts, with ancient history and modern culture colliding on every corner. It is a holy city to three major religions, and its streets are steeped in religious significance. But it is also a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a thriving arts scene and a diverse population. No visit to Jerusalem would be complete without visiting the Old City, which is home to some of the most important religious sites in the world. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock are all must-sees. But there are also many other interesting things to see and do in the Old City, such as wandering through the maze of alleyways, shopping for souvenirs, or sampling the local cuisine. Outside of the Old City, there are many other things to see and do in Jerusalem. The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The Israel Museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. And the Mount of Olives offers stunning views of the city. Jerusalem is a city that can be difficult to understand, but it is also a city that is impossible to forget. It is a city of peace and conflict, of hope and despair, of love and hate. But it is also a city of beauty and wonder, of history and culture. If you are looking for a truly unique travel experience, then Jerusalem is the city for youVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
14 126 reviews
Excellent
12 062
Very good
1 679
Average
284
Poor
56
Terrible
45
Sara R
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Kalman was great. He took us through many areas of the old city and provided a fascinating account of the sites we visited and shared interesting anecdotes which brought history alive. He was very knowledgeable and had a slew of information at his fingertips. All of us from the adults, teens and kids, really enjoyed the tour. We would highly recommend using Kalman!
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel L
Apex, NC656 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
The dark narrow streets full of vendors and winding alleyways with cool stuff are still there, but they have definitely now been tourist trap-ified a good bit. Undoubtedly still awesome, but a ton of the vendors are just dedicated now to selling little tourist trinkets, the quality and genuineness of which could be put into question.
Coolest part by far is getting to see the different blends of cultures kind of culminate around this area in their respective sections.
Coolest part by far is getting to see the different blends of cultures kind of culminate around this area in their respective sections.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14 153 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Jerusalem's Old City is the ancient Walled Heart of the Holy Land. The Old City has four sectors -- Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian. We stayed in the Armenian Quarter; it was an experience of history. Some of the Gates have been walled up. The Jaffa Gate is easy to access by the Mammilla Mall. The Dung Gate is near the Western Wall, it was used to remove trash. The Zion Gate and Lions Gate are historic, the Damascus Gate led the way to Damascus. The's also the New Gate and Herod's Gate. To get a view of the Old City, you can walk around the Wall. The Old City is always interesting, and the markets are fun.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VivianiAlbuquerque
41 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
This historically city is amazing, a real time-travel back 2000 years! Everything is prepared to have the tourism and I highly recommend hiring a expert local guide.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nave M
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Jerusalem is a city of contrasts, with ancient history and modern culture colliding on every corner. It is a holy city to three major religions, and its streets are steeped in religious significance. But it is also a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a thriving arts scene and a diverse population.
No visit to Jerusalem would be complete without visiting the Old City, which is home to some of the most important religious sites in the world. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock are all must-sees. But there are also many other interesting things to see and do in the Old City, such as wandering through the maze of alleyways, shopping for souvenirs, or sampling the local cuisine.
Outside of the Old City, there are many other things to see and do in Jerusalem. The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The Israel Museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. And the Mount of Olives offers stunning views of the city.
Jerusalem is a city that can be difficult to understand, but it is also a city that is impossible to forget. It is a city of peace and conflict, of hope and despair, of love and hate. But it is also a city of beauty and wonder, of history and culture. If you are looking for a truly unique travel experience, then Jerusalem is the city for you
No visit to Jerusalem would be complete without visiting the Old City, which is home to some of the most important religious sites in the world. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock are all must-sees. But there are also many other interesting things to see and do in the Old City, such as wandering through the maze of alleyways, shopping for souvenirs, or sampling the local cuisine.
Outside of the Old City, there are many other things to see and do in Jerusalem. The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The Israel Museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. And the Mount of Olives offers stunning views of the city.
Jerusalem is a city that can be difficult to understand, but it is also a city that is impossible to forget. It is a city of peace and conflict, of hope and despair, of love and hate. But it is also a city of beauty and wonder, of history and culture. If you are looking for a truly unique travel experience, then Jerusalem is the city for you
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexandraBurger
Cape Town, South Africa8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The Walkative Tour lead by David Ha’Ivri on our first day in Jerusalem was phenomenal. We started with the Christian Jerusalem Tour and we’re hooked- we then stayed on for the Evening Jerusalem Tour and it was fantastic!
Would highly recommend Walkative Tours when you arrive in Jerusalem- it’s such a rich and complex place. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would highly recommend Walkative Tours when you arrive in Jerusalem- it’s such a rich and complex place. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
Trenton, Canada27 contributions
Aug 2022
What an incredible place! An overwhelming experience from the sounds to the sights to the smells. We moved quickly through here but I wish I could have spent all day. I am not a religious person but I felt very spiritual moving through all the spaces.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irakli B
Georgia37 contributions
Jul 2023
For every Christian, the old city and places of worship are holy!!!! You need to feel this atmosphere, it is completely different there !!!! But I ask you not to forget that you have to bargain on the market and negotiate with taxi drivers in advance !!!!
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane S
4 contributions
Jun 2023
The old City is truly fascinating! Great exposure to multiple cultures and religions. Be sure to take your camera!
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was an amazing place. We went twice, the first time was with a tour group and the second time on our own because the Tour was so bad we just had to return so that we could enjoy it. 4 totally different communities living together with so much history and atmosphere deserves to be given time. If you can source the real shopping areas (not so much the souvenirs) but where the locals live and shop you get a truer insight into the lifestyles and the food of the area. The last walk of Christ, the churches, the mosques, the synagogues and the Armenian quarter are full of history, art, atmosphere, religion, culture and harmony. If you enjoy people watching this will be an absolute utopia for you.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
Grapevine, TX27 contributions
We are arriving by NCL cruise ship to Ashdod port and want to go to Yad Vashem and also see Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount of Olives, and the old city of Jerusalem. I cannot find a tour that does this. Do you have any recommendations? The only MUST is Yad Vashem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Travel the World
San Francisco, CA1 136 contributions
So sorry but I can’t help you with this question.
Доброе время суток.Пожалуйста помогите с контактами русскоговорящего гида в Ерусалим.Весь город посмотреть за день
How much does water cost per bottle
tony_greek
Larnaca, Cyprus301 contributions
Water is 1 euro everywhere
J0andBrian
Yorkshire5 contributions
Hello Danny, We are arriving by cruise ship to Ashdod Port for 1 day only to visit Jerusalem.I am a Christian and just want to get a 'feel' for the place where Jesus once walked. I am disabled, this means that I can walk for only short distances at a time. All the ships tours involve a lot of walking. My husband and I are thinking that we could maybe get a taxi into the Christian Quarter and then get taxi to different places of interest - is this feasible? I would like to see the Garden Tomb, we realise that I would not be able to visit the more popular sights as I could not queue or stand for long. Any help at all would be very much appreciated, thank you.
Dino Dino
Tampa, FL39 contributions
Yes, generally speaking, the Old City will very much require at the very least long lines of simply standing and much walking. The terrain is varied and cobblestoned, with various inclines and declines, just about every you go. It will be challenging but not impossible if you come rested and ready.
You can definately taxi to Jerusalem (plan on roughly an hour there and back, 280 Shekels cost) However, taxing within the walled Old City won't be doable as the vehicles only drive along the edges/border of the walls. The Garden tomb is outside of the city, so you could go there and then taxi to the just inside the Old City, probably the Jaffa Gate entrance.
If you have only a day I highly suggest thinking about what it is you truly hope to get out of this visit. Jerusalem, as a Christian pilgrim, really should be about moments of reflection, contemplation, prayer as opposed to the usual "quick selfie" stylings of other tour spots. So when you pray and read your bible, what moments from the Gospel really stand out to you? Then pick maybe 2 of those moments and try to get there to spend some quality time.
Areas of interest are honestly going to be fairly spaced out. The main attraction of the Christian Quater would have to be the CHurch of the Holy Sepuchler (but if you're aiming for the Garden Tomb, I take it you are not of the belief that he was entombed at the Sepchler so no need to go there?)
If you're aiming for more time where Jesus likely walked, perhaps a taxi visit to the Mount of Olives just outside the city to vist the Garden of Gethseme (with 2,000 year old olive trees) and the beautiful Basillica of All nations nearby. Or maybe not visit Jerusalem at all and head north to the beautiful Sea of Galiee area where his ministry began in earnest. Some amazing sites up there easily transverable via taxi.
My take away is this. Visiting the Old City for a day is not ideal (but really, what place is sufficient in a day?) but doable. As a disabled person, you will be challenged so take your time and decide on what you really want to see. The Way of the Cross will likely be too challegening for you. Do you enjoy church visits? If so, there are plenty of many denominations? A suggesting might be to visist the Cenacle (the Upper Room Last Supper). In that immediate area you have the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Upper Room, as well as the Tomb of King David so you could get some Jewish culture as well as you see them intently praying at the tomb.
Lots of decsions and you can't really go wrong as long as you go with patience and the right attitude. Have fun!
lucia b
Hermosillo, Mexico7 contributions
Hola! Viajaré a Israel la próxima semana, por favor me podrían sugerir una ruta de visitas?...me interesan todos los lugares santos...muchas gracias
Wallfahrer
Brunnen, Switzerland38 contributions
Sorry, spreche zu wenig Spanisch
Norma S
Deddington, UK113 contributions
As a lone female, Is it safe to walk back from the Old City to the Yehuda market area on Shabbat evening? Is there ant form of transport available?
michelle b
17 contributions
The safest route to walk is via the Armenian quarter. (NOT through the shuk) rather through the Jewish residential quarter upto the police station in the Armenian quarter and out through Jaffa gate.
This is a very busy route travelled by many so you'd be in good company.
That being said, as a religious person myself who does not travel in vehicles on the Sabbath I cannot advise you on transportation. I know many of the taxi services do close for the Sabbath and don't know the other ones, so I can't vouch for them as I am unfamiliar. The walk to machane Yehuda market is about 20-25 minutes and very pleasant. On a busy route, so I believe you'd be safe. Of course I don't know what time you are planning this...so obviously within reasonable timing with pedestrian traffic around. I hope this helps
ScenicGirl92
Manchester, UK66 contributions
Hey,
I am travelling to Israel for a week in mid June. We are staying within the Old City of Jerusalem, and just wondering what it's like at night? I've heard some horror stories of people feeling unsafe to walk around after dark, and we really don't want to be stuck in the hotel until the sun comes out. If anyone can help reassure me, I'd be really grateful.
(I have been to Istanbul and walked out around midnight to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia - 10 mins walk, and never felt more relaxed, it was buzzing with life - just wondering if the Old city will be anything like this?)
Also, we have a jam packed itinerary (Nazareth day trip, Massada & dead sea, Bethlehem & Jericho, Caesaria and Grottos) but we will have two full days to spend in the Old city (Fri & Sun) will these be good enough days to explore, considering one is the Shabbat?
Thanks all!
Luxury T
Los Angeles, CA44 contributions
Yes I agree it is not safe but yet it is safe. What do I mean by that, Jerusalem is a beautiful town However it is full of conflict. There is always somebody crazy who hates the American and wants to hurt them, so better to avoid taking chances. The best thing to do in Jerusalem Visiting Hezekiah Tunnel , The museum and of course where Jesus walked , prayed and died. So two days is ok but if you can have more time will be better. I love the old Town market and I love shopping there for Herbs & spices.They have the best. If you have more questions email me .
Дмитрий Саламатин.
Sochi, Russia133 contributions
Доброго время суток! Подскажите пожалуйста собираюсь в Израиль в первый раз после нового года. Посоветуйте как лучше ехать самому или с туром? Заранее спасибо!
ereznik95
Kyiv, Ukraine80 contributions
в Иерусалиме есть замечательные гиды русскоговорящие. Я очень люблю изучать город с Зоар Хальфан, ее страничка есть в ФБ. Есть еще Вадим Лаут, Юлия Хович. Ну еще много талантливых гидов есть. Это если самим ехать и потом на экскурсии попадать, чтоб знающие люди вас везде поводили и показали. А можно и в турагенствах экскурсии заказывать, и самим бродить - в интернете обо всем масса информации есть и карты соответствующие.
Galinakug
Moscow, Russia45 contributions
Действительно ли существуют проблемы при въезде в Израиль? Какие вопросы могут представлять сложности для туристов?
ereznik95
Kyiv, Ukraine80 contributions
в связи с тем, что въезжающие как туристы стали массово оставаться и работать нелегально, ужесточился безвизовый въезд. Причем проверка может занять как 15 минут, так и 7 часов, а многих заворачивают, не объясняя причин - право принимающей стороны. Проверяют и наличие обратного билета, и гостиничную бронь, и знание адреса, куда направляетесь. Проверяют психическую стабильность, задав вопрос и оставив вас одних (камеры наблюдения включены, но не заметны) в комнате досмотра. Потом может зайти другой сотрудник, начать задавать те же вопросы. А психологи в это время изучают вашу реакцию и выносят вердикт: адекватен ли турист, не представляет ли социальную угрозу. Поэтому: улыбайтесь, господа! ( ну и соответствующими документами обеспечьте себя)
Galinakug
Moscow, Russia45 contributions
Добрый день! Планируем впервые посетить Изоаиль во второй половине ноября. Скажите, пожалуйста, открыт ли доступ к Стене плача?
gulya19711907
Astana, Kazakhstan7 contributions
Проблем не было. Доступ был открыт для всех. В одежде требуется соблюсти сдержанный и достойный вид:ничего открытого, короткого, мини. Желательно иметь головной убор или платок.
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Claim your listingOLD CITY OF JERUSALEM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old City of Jerusalem
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Old City of Jerusalem:
- Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour (From R 1 404,81)
- Jerusalem Half Day Walking Tour (3 hours) from Jerusalem (From R 730,50)
- Travel to Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem & TelAviv (From R 936,54)
- Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv (From R 2 041,66)
- Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus (From R 1 667,04)
- Hotels near Old City of Jerusalem:
- (0.17 km) Lutheran Guest House
- (0.08 km) GLOWS - a unique experience
- (0.12 km) Al Arab Hostel
- (0.17 km) The Rova Arches — Historic Home in the Old City
- (0.10 km) Appartement Penthouse David
- Restaurants near Old City of Jerusalem:
- (0.00 km) Al-Buraq
- (0.21 km) The Quarter Cafe
- (0.08 km) Arafat Hummus
- (0.16 km) Burgers Bar - Tiferet Israel
- (0.19 km) Holy Cafe
- Attractions near Old City of Jerusalem:
- (0.04 km) Just Jerusalem Tours - Day Tours
- (0.10 km) Israel With Arky: Day Tours
- (0.17 km) The Western Wall Tunnels
- (0.14 km) The Cardo
- (0.11 km) Bassam Barakat Antiquities