Western Wall, Jerusalem
Western Wall
Western Wall
4.5
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Read more
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred to the Jewish people.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
757 within 3 miles

The Quarter Cafe
243
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Israeli • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Bassem’s Gallery & Cafe
71
0.3 mi$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Abu Shukri
427
0.2 mi$ • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Israeli

Amigo Emil
523
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern

Austrian Hospice
412
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • German • Austrian

Jaffar Sweets
120
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • Middle Eastern

Armenian Tavern
792
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Armenian • Vegetarian Friendly

Versavee
516
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • Mediterranean

Holy Cafe
132
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Israeli

Al Mufti Espresso Cafe
42
0.3 mi$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
339 within 6 miles
Chabad Of The Western Wall
18 ftReligious Sites

The Western Wall Tunnels
3,474
252 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Dome of the Rock
794
459 ftHistoric Sites • Religious Sites

Old City of Jerusalem
13,959
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Neighborhoods

Golden Gate (Bab el Rahmeh, Sha'ar Harahamim)
276
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Al Masjid Al Aqsa
287
350 ftReligious Sites

Western Wall Observation Deck
53
524 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Aish HaTorah building - Aish Center
57
269 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Temple Mount
1,573
0.1 miReligious Sites

Ophel Archaeological Garden (Yitzhak Ben Youssef Levy Garden)
40
326 ftAncient Ruins
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,174 reviews
Excellent
8,702
Very good
1,847
Average
500
Poor
72
Terrible
53
Tibor P
Budapest, Hungary327 contributions
Jul 2021
We were there at dawn on a Saturday, which was Shabbat, and we saw Jewish worshippers in groups praying, coming and going at the Wailing Wall. Meanwhile, the muezzin was calling the Muslims to pray from the minaret. The religious and cultural significance of Jerusalem is also understood at such a moment by those who are otherwise indifferent to religions. If you can visit at a time like this, you will have a fantastic experience. (It's worth to visit the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday early morning, the Franciscan mass at the Holy Sepulchre is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.)
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barry Goldmeier
Key Biscayne, FL195 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Besides it being to holiest place in the world to Jews, and the spit closest to God, it is beautiful, meaningful and exciting to visit since something special is always happening there. Today there were 2 groups of army troops who just completed training visiting there.
The enclosed area next to the famous outside facade wall has been turned into a synagogue where men are praying round the clock.
The area above the Kotel is where Solomons Jewish temple was built and is called Mt. Moria. On that hill the first the Crusader build a church then the Muslems built giant Al- Aksa mosque. This is THE Flashpoint of conflict between Jewish Israel and Muslim Palistinians over who can pray there. Thus visitors are restricted to the plaza area in Jewish Israel facing the wall.
There are also recently excavated tunnels going deep underneath the plaza and Arab homes to expose the pavements from the time of Christ.
The enclosed area next to the famous outside facade wall has been turned into a synagogue where men are praying round the clock.
The area above the Kotel is where Solomons Jewish temple was built and is called Mt. Moria. On that hill the first the Crusader build a church then the Muslems built giant Al- Aksa mosque. This is THE Flashpoint of conflict between Jewish Israel and Muslim Palistinians over who can pray there. Thus visitors are restricted to the plaza area in Jewish Israel facing the wall.
There are also recently excavated tunnels going deep underneath the plaza and Arab homes to expose the pavements from the time of Christ.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JAE
York, PA29 contributions
Jan 2020
Our group visited on Shabbat, and we were quickly moved by the devotion of those around us. Although I am not Jewish, a group of Jewish women quickly embraced my friends and I and invited us to dance and sing with them. It was very crowded near the wall, but again, it was touching to see countless women praying and singing.
Please note that men and women are separated as they get closer to the actual wall, so if you travel with individuals who do not want to split up, that might be a minor issue. There was also a long to get into the area as well, particularly as security tensions were high when we visited.
Please note that men and women are separated as they get closer to the actual wall, so if you travel with individuals who do not want to split up, that might be a minor issue. There was also a long to get into the area as well, particularly as security tensions were high when we visited.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rhona R
Hendersonville, NC180 contributions
Dec 2019
You can only access this area by either walking in the old city or getting a taxi with a special license to drive in. If you have any difficulty walking highly recommend taking a taxi. It is customary to place a note in the wall to ask for special consideration/healing. Be prepared to wait until there is a space to touch the wall. A wonderful place to pray and have some quiet time. Chairs are available to sit.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JP Vann
Manila, Philippines233 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel to the Jews, is both a religious and historical/cultural site which everybody who goes to Jerusalem must visit and experience.
I knew nothing about the Western Wall prior to my impromptu visit. I happened to reach the area while walking inside the Old City of Jerusalem after my scheduled tour that day was suddenly cancelled due to Covid-19. Ms Michal Berger, a Western Wall attendant gave me a very detailed explanation on what the Western Wall is - from its history and significance to Jews and non-Jews like me. Thank you for all the information, your patience, time and kindness, Ms Berger!
This wall has withstood the test of time and people from all over the world come to offer praises and prayers and to receive blessings and answers. This place has remained sacred for more than 2,000 years.
It was a solemn experience spending silent moment in front of the Western Wall, touching the holy stones then afterwards slipped my prayers in between the cracks of the wall. I felt blessed. It is believed that this wall absorbs the prayers of the people who go there and that the divine presence never departs from the Western Wall.
"Ask God for something that comes from deep within your heart and He will hear you."
I knew nothing about the Western Wall prior to my impromptu visit. I happened to reach the area while walking inside the Old City of Jerusalem after my scheduled tour that day was suddenly cancelled due to Covid-19. Ms Michal Berger, a Western Wall attendant gave me a very detailed explanation on what the Western Wall is - from its history and significance to Jews and non-Jews like me. Thank you for all the information, your patience, time and kindness, Ms Berger!
This wall has withstood the test of time and people from all over the world come to offer praises and prayers and to receive blessings and answers. This place has remained sacred for more than 2,000 years.
It was a solemn experience spending silent moment in front of the Western Wall, touching the holy stones then afterwards slipped my prayers in between the cracks of the wall. I felt blessed. It is believed that this wall absorbs the prayers of the people who go there and that the divine presence never departs from the Western Wall.
"Ask God for something that comes from deep within your heart and He will hear you."
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kteversole
212 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I have been there with friends many times. There are four experiences of the Western Wall (or Ha-Kotel). Go there during high tourism or holy days and the crowd becomes your focus. In daylight, thoughts of historical continuity and importance override all others. walk there at night and the lighting focuses your eyes to the beauty of the wall, the golden dome and the night while the thin crowd allows you to linger in thought and prayer. Dress warmly and go there in bad weather and you will be alone there with your reflection, your gratitude, your awe of the divine, and your inner demons. Walk directly from the Jaffa Gate. The path is pretty straight, well lit, and safe.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
llinia
Belgium261 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A lot of people are visiting this wall. It’s worth a visit. Men and women have to separate to touch/come close to it. Men also have to wear a small head (I don’t know the word in English) that they receive for free.
It isn’t quiet at all: a lot of people pray at loud or cry next to the wall.
There are drinking fountains with cold water and water stations were you can wash your hands as well.
It isn’t quiet at all: a lot of people pray at loud or cry next to the wall.
There are drinking fountains with cold water and water stations were you can wash your hands as well.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Betsi B
Weatherford, TX233 contributions
Mar 2020 • Business
What I expected at the wall was quiet dedicated worship. Instead what I experienced was exuberance including dancing and merriment! Very much worth a visit on Shabbat! Take note of different silks, different hats, hair etc, each depicting special groups of worshippers. Women have a special section of the wall so be careful once inside the courtyard where you enter to get right up to the wall. There is bag screening at entrance with no delays. We were thankful for the security measures. Be respectful of the “no photos” rule. Expect very busy public restrooms.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jay B
Fairhope, AL775 contributions
Nov 2019
We visited the Wall as we were exiting Old Jerusalem. The sun was setting as we approached this very holy and moving area. The mood here was vastly different than anywhere else in the city. People of all 3 faiths were there praying. You could literally feel God's presence. Unlike other Old Jerusalem sites, there is plenty of open space so you can take your time and really enjoy your time there. Just a couple of items to be aware of. Men and women pray on different sides (men on the left, women on the right), so be prepared to split up and rejoin your group. Men,be sure for me to grab a yamaka from the kiosk as you approach the Wall as men are REQUIRED to have some sort of head covering. Also, when you are done, DO NOT turn your back on the Wall, but instead back away from the wall for a few paces while still facing it. Follow these tips and you will be able to enjoy your visit AND honor these ancient customs.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DQShaw
York, ME1,345 contributions
Jan 2020
We were lucky to visit the Western Wall during our stay in Jerusalem. A week day in January with off and on rain so the crowds were light. People place prayers on notes and places them in cracks of the wall, some people also do that on the southern wall. Everyone I saw there behaved well in this place of great religious significance.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DrJazz123
Montreal, Canada22 contributions
How do I book a guided tour of the Western Wall and the underground tunnels ?
David G
Gedera, Israel1,289 contributions
Educated guess - Ask the hotel that you are staying at for recommendations - e-mail them in advance , OR there is a ministry of tourism office 20 meters inside from the Jaffa gate ( of the old city ) , where you can ask in person for details etc
Massimo Valentino
Gorgonzola, Italy1 contribution
Hi. How much time is recommended to plan for a good visit to the Western Wall?
Maurisans
Este, Italy47 contributions
Se non ci sono particolari ricorrenze religiose non molto, 15-20 minuti. L'ingresso è controllato con varchi con metal detector e militari, e può capitare che si faccia un pò di coda.
nanon74
Lyon, France119 contributions
Pour voir le Kotel, les femmes doivent porter un foulard sur la tête comment doit être ce foulard
?
Mss
Paris, France16 contributions
c'est surtout par respect pour le lieu et pour les femmes religieuses qui fréquentent le kotel et y prient. même s'il n'existe pas une "loi" ou une obligation impérieuse qui y contraint.
tucsonfolks
tucson az210 contributions
will be staying at inbal Jerusalem. want to go to Friday night sabbath at the western wall .
so do people walk to this?? is it safe for two older ladies to walk to this?
(have no sense of geography in Jerusalem yet.)
thank you so much!
judy in az
guybeau2016
Athens, Greece157 contributions
Yes. Keep in mind that women and men are separated.
Somasundaram G
Johannesburg, South Africa11 contributions
Hi ,
I am Tamil ( Hindu) from India, can i touch the wall and pray ?
Sunshine34500
West Orange, NJ2,080 contributions
Absolutely.
Aspergillius
Carlsbad, CA
Is there wifi and mobile phone reception at the wall?
Vasant Sanzgiri
Mumbai, India168 contributions
I am not sure about wifi but the signal on the mobile phone is good.
Aspergillius
Carlsbad, CA
Is there wifi available at the wall?
Pmussert
10 contributions
No you should use your own cell
Juju
New York City, NY1 contribution
Good Morning!
Thank you guys for the previous input regarding my trip in January to Israel-Jordan and Egypt.
I was wondering if anyone can indicate a tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem all day tour that it’s not a rush kind the tour and also a all day tour to the Red Sea and Masada, all the tours that I’ve been checking seems a little on the rush side .
Thank you again .
Zickles
Brisbane, Australia46 contributions
Sorry, I just saw your question now. If you still need help let me know.
לא עניתם לי
אני רוצה לרדת דרך השוק המוסלמי
לכותל
כמה מדרגות יורדים?
i.natan
10 contributions
כל התשובות לעיל נכונות ואין לי מה להוסיף עליהן. עם זאת, נדמה לי מניסיוני שהירידה לכותל דרך השוק מעניינת, מרתקת ומלווה בריחות ובמראות שוק משובבי לב. לחזור מהכותל אפשר דרך הרובע היהודי ואף זו חוויה בפני עצמה, כולל בבית הכנסת החורבה. אפשר כמובן להגיע להגיע דרך הרובע היהודי ולחזור דרך השוק.
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Wall
- Western Wall is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Western Wall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 149 Western Wall tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Western Wall:
- (0.04 mi) Chain Gate Hostel
- (0.19 mi) The Rova Arches — Historic Home in the Old City
- (0.12 mi) Abrahams Tent Jewish Hostel
- (0.12 mi) Litov Kotel Hotel - A Jewish Orthodox Hotel
- (0.26 mi) Ecce Homo Convent
- Restaurants near Western Wall:
- (0.13 mi) The Quarter Cafe
- (0.08 mi) Simcha Hall at the Kotel
- (0.18 mi) Holy Cafe
- (0.24 mi) Abu Shukri
- (0.25 mi) Bassem’s Gallery & Cafe
- Attractions near Western Wall:
- (0.00 mi) Chabad Of The Western Wall
- (0.00 mi) Believeland Tours
- (0.02 mi) Western Wall Experience
- (0.04 mi) America Israel Tours
- (0.05 mi) The Western Wall Tunnels