The First Station Jerusalem
The First Station Jerusalem
4.5
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
In the heart of Jerusalem, the First Station is a major center of entertainment, culture and culinary delights. The complex is accessible and open to the general public - both local Jerusalemites and tourists, and is a lively focus of activities, with something to offer for a variety of wishes and needs, on the go almost all hours of the day, every day of the week. The Station's location in the city's downtown tourist and culture area makes it a bridge between neighborhoods and communities, and the first station for any visit or night out in the heart of Jerusalem.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
596 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
211
Average
58
Poor
11
Terrible
3
Steven S
Greater London, UK346 contributions
Feb 2020
As mentioned, it is a historical venue that has been modernised with entertainment options.
When we went end of February, many of the vendor stalls were closed or empty. When I asked one of them, they confirmed it does get quite bust over summer. There were things like clothing, handmade jewellery, small hand crafted items etc.
There is an "amphitheatre" where people can just pick up the mic and do a performance. You are unlikely to see Celine Dion there but who knows?
There are a few stores selling branded items and bespoke things. Honestly nothing to write home about. There a a number of eating places from creperies to ice cream (the Excellent Vaniglia) to pizza and other types of food. There is probably something to appeal to everyone.
That being said, I wouldn't make a dedicated trip here but as we were 5 minutes away, we past through twice.
When we went end of February, many of the vendor stalls were closed or empty. When I asked one of them, they confirmed it does get quite bust over summer. There were things like clothing, handmade jewellery, small hand crafted items etc.
There is an "amphitheatre" where people can just pick up the mic and do a performance. You are unlikely to see Celine Dion there but who knows?
There are a few stores selling branded items and bespoke things. Honestly nothing to write home about. There a a number of eating places from creperies to ice cream (the Excellent Vaniglia) to pizza and other types of food. There is probably something to appeal to everyone.
That being said, I wouldn't make a dedicated trip here but as we were 5 minutes away, we past through twice.
Written February 26, 2020
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.
beheaded c
Brisbane, Australia1,349 contributions
Dec 2019
This historic complex has so much to offer and so much history. An Ottoman railway station between 1882 and 1982, it was converted into an entertainment complex around 2013 and boasts an array of restaurants and shops. We walked from our hotel many times to enjoy the food and ambiance, It was always very busy and great for large groups.
Written January 31, 2020
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.
Sarah W
1 contribution
Jul 2023
went to RONI restaurant. its been open for 1.5 months. the food is fantastic. Everything was amazing
they gave a ARAK on the house as soon as we sat down. we were so full from the food we could not order dessert. :(
the owner is nice and friendly. the staff always had a smile and happy to help in any way.
we asked for something not on the menu and they made it with a smile.
they are very accomadating not like most restruants
they gave a ARAK on the house as soon as we sat down. we were so full from the food we could not order dessert. :(
the owner is nice and friendly. the staff always had a smile and happy to help in any way.
we asked for something not on the menu and they made it with a smile.
they are very accomadating not like most restruants
Written July 20, 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.
Jazizollah
London, UK123 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a great place to walk around. Located about 30 minutes walk from the centre and on the edge of the German Colony area of Jerusalem. It is a disused railway station (you can still see the tracks. Here are restaurants and coffee joints. Some open on the sabbath and a couple of strictly kosher ones so obviously not. The Lanver cafe is good for coffee and light meals. The public toilets there however are a disgrace. It is forgivable that you can't flush your toilet paper (use the bin provide) as this is a plumbing infrastructure issue but what is not acceptable is the absence of soap and also broken hand dryer. The comment of a staff member at my hotel was "nobody goes to the public toilet at the First Station"
Written November 29, 2022
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.
Jerusalemite
Tel Aviv, Israel8 contributions
Apr 2022
Along the main walk way are restaurants and about in the Middle is Fiori. Ser vice is excellent, prices are reasonable and food it g rat. Good for families.
I live here and have written for you before. I visited there in April; I did not travel.
I live here and have written for you before. I visited there in April; I did not travel.
Written May 4, 2022
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.
Jazizollah
London, UK123 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The place looks very sad and neglected now. Cafe Landwer have left and there is nowhere to order just coffee or tea. There are a few restaurants left including Adom.
The Gaza war didn't help but I was just very disappointed.
The Gaza war didn't help but I was just very disappointed.
Written March 22, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,536 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We visited First Station several times. Saturday night is popular for a night out. First Station was a link between Jerusalem and the port of Jaffa, opening in 1892. It's a good place in Jerusalem for dining and entertainment. First Station is a good place for an evening out.
Written February 9, 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.
I visited this place🇫🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧
Israel35,127 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
PROS
* Concentrated area of restaurants, cultural performances, and activities for little children
* Located in historical edifice – the original main train station at the end of the line from Jaffa to Jerusalem initiated in 1892.
* It is possible to lounge and relax there
* There are many shaded areas
*. There are probably close to a dozen food establishments, many of them with some kosher supervision, and probably at least one with the “elegant” supervision
* There are a tremendous amount of games, toys, activities, entertainment, rides for little children.
* One can see and walk on the remnants of the original train tracks that comprised the station.
* The outer edifice from the street side is a historical reminder of train travel 130 years ago.
* There is abundant, parking on both sides of the structure
CONS
* This dining and entertainment facility is relatively newly refinished and refurbished, and as such has minimal tourist value nor potential that I can see
* The turnover for restaurant seems unreasonably high.
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… twice in the month of August 2022, and at the behest of children and grandchildren.
The first time, we visited the then new restaurant, Izik, and it was average at best. We were not very satisfied, nor very happy with that, although the owner and the server did admirably try to address and correct and attend to our concerns and disappointment.
The second time, we took the little ones to the absurdly, and wildly extremely expensive ijump pavilion (see my one photo of the cost listings). They jumped and climbed and ran and laughed and enjoyed it, and were adults sat and watched and supervised and participated and relaxed and rested and eh… slept.
One thing that I especially enjoyed: an old authentic Israeli vintage train passenger carriage from at least 80 years ago. It’s been converted into a long display of electric toy trains going through classic European Swiss Alpine Villages. Shall I say that the little children also enjoyed that with me?
ADVICES
This is certainly a fine and decent place for tourists to wander here and visit in the evening – for food and drinks, or whatever after a long day, seeing the sights of this Holy City. But there is no other reason for your guide to bring you here… other than to eat……
* Concentrated area of restaurants, cultural performances, and activities for little children
* Located in historical edifice – the original main train station at the end of the line from Jaffa to Jerusalem initiated in 1892.
* It is possible to lounge and relax there
* There are many shaded areas
*. There are probably close to a dozen food establishments, many of them with some kosher supervision, and probably at least one with the “elegant” supervision
* There are a tremendous amount of games, toys, activities, entertainment, rides for little children.
* One can see and walk on the remnants of the original train tracks that comprised the station.
* The outer edifice from the street side is a historical reminder of train travel 130 years ago.
* There is abundant, parking on both sides of the structure
CONS
* This dining and entertainment facility is relatively newly refinished and refurbished, and as such has minimal tourist value nor potential that I can see
* The turnover for restaurant seems unreasonably high.
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… twice in the month of August 2022, and at the behest of children and grandchildren.
The first time, we visited the then new restaurant, Izik, and it was average at best. We were not very satisfied, nor very happy with that, although the owner and the server did admirably try to address and correct and attend to our concerns and disappointment.
The second time, we took the little ones to the absurdly, and wildly extremely expensive ijump pavilion (see my one photo of the cost listings). They jumped and climbed and ran and laughed and enjoyed it, and were adults sat and watched and supervised and participated and relaxed and rested and eh… slept.
One thing that I especially enjoyed: an old authentic Israeli vintage train passenger carriage from at least 80 years ago. It’s been converted into a long display of electric toy trains going through classic European Swiss Alpine Villages. Shall I say that the little children also enjoyed that with me?
ADVICES
This is certainly a fine and decent place for tourists to wander here and visit in the evening – for food and drinks, or whatever after a long day, seeing the sights of this Holy City. But there is no other reason for your guide to bring you here… other than to eat……
Written December 12, 2022
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.
bevalt52
Edgware, UK344 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We were staying in the Dan Boutique Hotel which is just around the corner within walking distance thank goodness as there are no other restaurants around the hotel and with not understanding where buses go and come from as all is written in hebrew and unless you understand the language then you do not have to only rely on this place to eat. Having said that it is wonderful what they have done with the place. loads of restaurants from expensive to affordable (Italian place) and also there is a supermarket in the corner which sells everything so all prezzies to bring home (Halva) was bought here. 17 sheckles a box which to me is not expensive at all. We ate at the Italian place twice and you choose what pasta or ravioli you want (sweet potato filled ravioli) with whatever sauce you want its all on show for you. Pizza was delicious as well, had a mushroom one and was cooked to perfection. Thursdays there is a veggie and fruit market stall in the middle and there is always something going on here. Dancing, and loads of seats to sit on and just chill.
Written March 22, 2016
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.
Temper43 - Alfredo
Panama City, Panama1,297 contributions
Aug 2020
Always is fun to come over to visit the stores and coffee places in the First Station, one of the main sites in Jerusalem for the locals to walk around, and tourists when they will be back
Written August 6, 2020
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.
Shalom ! We will be a seniorgroup of 11 persons from Norway who arrive Israel 1.10.17. During our stay in Jerusalem 8.-14.10.17, we hope to experience live Israeli music, folklore dance etc. Do you think First Station is the right place ? And what days will be the most attractive for us to go ? Thank you for more info !
Best regards, Jan Magne Johnsen, Tel 47-95829688 Mail: jan.magne.johnsenc@bkkfiber.no
Written August 19, 2017
Does anyone know if the "Free to the Old City" shuttle from the First Station parking lot to the Old City is operating now in October? Thanks --
Written October 6, 2015
I don't know about the free shuttle but the old city is pretty easy to walk to by going past the King David hotel and ymca to the Jaffa gate.
Written October 12, 2015
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