The capital of Israel, Jerusalem attracts about 2,8 million visitors to the famous holy places for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The Old Town is outstanding by its monumental architecture. Western Wall, Temple Mount, and the Tower of David Museum are the most famous sites in the old part of Jerusalem. While exploring the Old City, take the time to walk around the narrow streets of the souk, on the Eastern side of Jerusalem; passing by Damascus Gate, Jaffa Gate, Zion Gate, and Gethsemane.
From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, it usually takes 40 minutes by bus. Take the bus from Arlozorov Bus Terminal in Tel Aviv, and in Jerusalem from Central Bus Station. By train, it takes about 2 hours. In Tel Aviv, from Savidor Mercaz station and in Jerusalem from Malcha Mall station.
Another way to travel to Jerusalem is to take a day trip from Tel Aviv. You will leave with a comprehensive view of the city, having walked in the quarters of the Old City, continue the poignant, Holocaust Museum for the later part of the day. Learn more about this tour here!.
What else to visit in Jerusalem?
In addition to the Old Town, I recommend everyone traveling to Jerusalem spend the time at Machane Yehuda Market for food tasting, visiting Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial to get to know about this tragedy, and Israel Museum for archaeology and fine arts. To visit these three places without any rush, I recommend taking two or three days of stay.
Machane Yehuda Market
Known as shuk, the Machane Yehuda Market is the largest market in Jerusalem with more than 250 shops selling everything from fruits to clothing. It’s the place for travelers who look for sensory experiences with particular smells and sights of a Middle Eastern market.
Opens every day, except during the Shabbat (from Friday evening to Saturday evening). Thursdays and Fridays are the days when the market gets busier as most locals do their shops for the Shabbat. There are also tours and cooking workshops organized by 3 firms that manage the official website of Machane Yehuda Market. Located about 10 minutes walking the Jerusalem city center, between Jaffa St. and Aggripas St. Another option for a food tour is GetYourGuide’s Machane Yehuda Market Tasting Card.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Yad Vashem is the Holocaust Remembrance Center, with the purpose of educating, documenting, and researching to keep the memory of the Holocaust relevant. Admissions are free but for your convenience, you may book Skip the Line:1.5 Hour Audio Tour. Groups of 6 people or more need to coordinate their visits in advance with the museum.
Opening hours:
From Sunday to Wednesday: 8:30h – 17:00h
Thursday: 8:30h – 20:00h
Friday and Holiday eves: 8:30h – 14:00h (closed on Jewish holidays and on Saturdays)
Located at Yad Vashem Street. Next to Mount of Remembrance. The entrance is next to Herzl Boulevard, opposite the entrance to Mount Herzl. To reach the Mount Herzl bus stop, you can take the bus lines: 10, 16, 20, 23, 24, 26, 26a, 27, 27a, 28, 28a, 29, 33, 25, 39, 150. A free shuttle runs between Mount Herzl and Yad Vashem during the opening hours.
Israel Museum
The largest museum in Israel, housing collections on Archaeology, Fine Arts, Jewish Art, and Life Wings. Israel Museum also houses the largest collection of biblical archaeology in the world. The Israel Museum also has two off-site locations: the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum (archaeology from ancient Israel) and the Ticho House (younger Israeli artists).
Opening hours:
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00h – 17:00h
Tuesday: 16:00h – 21:00h
Friday and Holiday Eves: 10:00h – 14:00h
Saturday and holidays: 10:00h – 17:00h
Located at Ruppin Boulevard, 11. Admission 54 NIS, discounts for students and seniors upon presentation of documents.
If you look for more travel tips about where to go in Israel before and after visiting Jerusalem, you find recommendations about the Dead Sea, so as what to do in Tel Aviv in 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days, art galleries and museums.
Originally posted 2018-11-11 19:25:10.
