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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.)

I was fortunate enough to live in Jerusalem for a couple of years while studying abroad, and I’ve visited the Western Wall often. Every time I visit is always inspiring and uplifting, which is why this is the first place I went to on my summer trip to Israel. Being in a place rich with so much holiness and history never ceases to amaze me. People of any faith (or no faith) are welcome, and everyone, no matter religious affiliation, will find something that fascinates them here. Here are a few tips for new visitors to maximize your experience: If you can, come visit on Friday night at around sunset. This is when the Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath) begins, and when thousands of Jews gather to welcome in the holy day with song, dance, and prayer. It is truly a sight to see, you will not be disappointed! If you want to visit when it is not busy, come on weekdays in the late morning, early afternoon, or evening (early-mid morning and late afternoon gets a little busier, as well as during weekends). You can usually find a spot right by the wall to introspect, pray, or take pictures during these times. Be aware that during Jewish holidays, it can get VERY crowded. There is a custom to put a handwritten note into the cracks of the wall when you visit. According to Jewish tradition, God reads these notes personally, and is inclined to answer any prayer or request written on it. You do not have to be Jewish to partake in this custom, anyone can do it. It is a super uplifting experience. Make sure to pre-write your note, though, since they do not have pens and paper available. The bathrooms are newly renovated, very spacious, and very clean. Definitely use them! A few other things to keep in mind: Being that this is the holiest site in Judaism, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. This means that men must wear a head covering (any head covering works), and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Kippas and scarves are available for those who need. There are usually a few beggars around. Some could get a little aggressive, but none are dangerous. If you do happen to have some spare change, however, you could really make their day. They really do need it. All entrances to the Western Wall are guarded by heavy security. It doesn’t usually take long to get through, but be prepared to empty your pockets and have your bag searched before you enter. I can’t recommend visiting the western wall enough. If you happen to be in Israel for any reason, go. It is a life-changing experience.

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.

As a Jew, whenever I go to Israel, the first place I go to after checking into my hotel is the Kotel, but even as a non-Jew you'll find it as an immensely satisfying spiritual experience. The first time you visit the Kotel is the best, though each time after is still beyond amazing. Theirs a certain "wow" effect despite its simplicity. Perhaps its the masses rocking in sincere prayer, collectively in unison. Maybe Its the massive mix of people from all different kinds of race, religion, and ethnicities, or a boy becoming Bar Mitzvah reading from the Torah for the first time. Whatever it is that touches your heart a trip to the Kotel will be guaranteed meaningful and time well spent. What to do: pray. Its as simple as that. You can do it in your own words or from a Siddur (Jewish prayer book, I would highly recommend the Artscroll interlinier) It is also common to leave a note of prayer in the cracks of the stones. You could also to the Kotel tunnel tours which are both informative and fascinating. When to go: All year round is good though during Holidays it will be ultra crowded. If you want a more quiet, less busy time, I would recommend 11 am to 3 pm Sunday to Thursday, & 11 am to 1 pm Friday. Saturday is ultra crowded the whole day. Dress code: Men: required to keep their head covered,. kippas are available at the entrance to the prayer section. Women: must dress modestly and preferably wear a shirt with sleeves and long skirts. Bare shoulders, short skirts and shorts are not permitted. Shawls in dark colors and a form of a wraparound skirt are also available at the entrance to the prayer section. There are also strict codes of behavior during Shabbat and Jewish festivals, including a ban on smoking, eating, writing, taking photographs and using any form of digital equipment, especially smartphones. Security: all visitors have to go through a security barrier, manned by IDF soldiers. its typically pretty quick, taking a minute or two. You'll go through a metal detector and they might ask some basic questions, its also a good idea to have some photo id just in case.

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.