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Plan Your Trip to Jerusalem: Best of Jerusalem Tourism

By Krystyna-Tina

Jerusalem, Israel

Religious pilgrims have been traveling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.

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Jerusalem travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Itinerary Recommendations

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend visiting significant religious and historical sites in Jerusalem. Some suggested starting with the Mount of Olives, including sites like the Chapel of Ascension and the Pater Noster Church, followed by a walk through the Old City to explore various quarters, particularly the Muslim and Christian Quarters. Key attractions include the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Day Tours and Self-Guided Options

For those looking for structured activities, some users have recommended joining guided tours such as the New Sandemans walking tour for a comprehensive understanding of the city's quarters. Additionally, self-guided walking tours using apps or websites that offer audio guides and maps are highly advised for independent explorers wanting to delve deep into the city at their own pace.

Additional Activities

Travelers have called out the importance of incorporating local markets like Mahane Yehuda for a taste of Jerusalem's vibrant food scene. Furthermore, day trips to nearby areas such as Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and Masada were frequently suggested to complement the Jerusalem experience, offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

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Public Transportation Overview

According to forum posts, Jerusalem offers a variety of public transportation options. The city buses and light rail (tram) are noted for being wheelchair accessible. The light rail operates with stations where tickets can be purchased on platforms, and buses require a Rav-Kav smartcard for fare payment.

Accessibility Features

Travelers have highlighted that city buses are equipped with ramps that need to be activated by the driver for wheelchair access. The light rail is praised for its easy accessibility, allowing passengers to wheel themselves in without assistance.

Service Limitations

Some forum users pointed out that intercity buses are not wheelchair accessible. Additionally, it is mentioned that the light rail currently has only one operational line (Red), with more lines under construction but not expected to serve all parts of the city immediately.

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Religious Events

According to forum posts, Jerusalem hosts significant religious events such as Easter and Hanukkah. Easter is marked by activities like Palm Sunday and the Stations of the Cross, primarily concentrated in the Old City. Even though it can be crowded, some areas may not be noticeably busier than usual. Hanukkah in Jerusalem features events for children, including plays and musicals, mostly conducted in Hebrew.

Cultural Events

Travelers have noted cultural events such as the Jerusalem Festival of Lights and the Sukkot celebrations. The Festival of Lights, held in June, transforms parts of the city with spectacular light installations. During Sukkot, although it's a home-centered holiday, Jerusalem sees public events and the construction of Sukkahs, especially around restaurants.

Independence Day Celebrations

Forum contributors mentioned that Independence Day in Jerusalem is celebrated with various municipal events. However, festivities might be subdued depending on the national mood and recent events, with changes such as reduced fireworks displays.

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Car Rental Availability on Shabbat

According to forum posts, car rental offices in Jerusalem are closed from Friday around 1 pm until Sunday morning, except at Ben Gurion Airport where they operate 24/7. This affects travelers planning to rent a car on a Saturday, as they would need to pick it up earlier or use the airport facilities.

Parking in Jerusalem

Some travelers have mentioned that parking in Jerusalem can be challenging, especially in the Old City where there is no parking for non-residents. Paid parking lots like Carta and outside the Mt. Zion Hotel are available, but you should expect to pay for parking throughout the week.

Driving and Traffic

Forum contributors have advised that driving in Jerusalem can be stressful due to traffic, and recommend using public transportation within the city. Furthermore, renting a car to travel outside Jerusalem, such as to the Dead Sea or Galilee, is considered useful, but the return trips and parking logistics need careful planning.

Car Rental Insurance

It's important to use official Israeli rental car websites ending in .co.il to ensure all compulsory insurances are included in the quoted price. This avoids unexpected charges that might occur when booking through third-party sites.

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Online Resources and Recommendations

According to forum posts, travelers looking for reputable tour guides in Jerusalem can refer to specific TripAdvisor threads that provide recommendations and contact information for licensed guides. The threads mentioned are: How do you find a good licensed guide and Updated list of contact info for private guides, which include names like Oreet-S, Eyal-Amos R, Davetheguide, and VisitIsrael.

Contacting Guides

Travelers have recommended contacting guides directly through personal messages on TripAdvisor. By clicking on the guide's name, a personal message box appears, allowing potential clients to reach out directly. This direct contact method is emphasized as crucial in ensuring the selection of a suitable guide.

Guides Forum Activity

Forum users also suggest reading posts by guides on TripAdvisor to gauge their knowledge and tone. This can give insights into the guides' expertise and approach, helping travelers make a better-informed choice.

Compliance with Tripadvisor Policies

It's important to note that TripAdvisor's policy prohibits guides from soliciting business directly through the forum. Travelers are advised to report any unsolicited contact from guides to maintain the integrity of their trip planning process.

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