Plan Your Trip to Jerusalem: Best of Jerusalem Tourism
Jerusalem, Israel
Essential Jerusalem
Things to do
Places to stay
Food & drink
Browse collections
- Art galleriesDiscover local and global art inspirations
- Historical landmarksUncover landmarks steeped in heritage
- Middle eastern cuisineDive into a blend of taste traditions
- Nightlife and entertainmentMix it up with bars and cultural gigs
- Outdoor activitiesHiking, biking, and sights galore
- Religious sitesExplore the roots of religious history
- ShoppingFrom crafts to couture under one sky
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Jerusalem travel advice
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.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?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.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?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.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?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.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?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.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?