Jerusalem is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, and inside its Ottoman walls the Old City’s four quarters are minutes apart on foot.
What to see in Jerusalem
Almost everything essential is inside the Old City or a short walk from its gates.
The Western Wall
The last surviving wall of the Second Temple compound is Judaism’s holiest place to pray. Men and women pray in separate sections, and many visitors leave a written prayer between the stones.
On Friday at sunset, as Shabbat begins, the plaza fills with singing; you can watch respectfully, without photos.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Built over Calvary and the tomb of Jesus, it is shared by six Christian communities. Inside are the Stone of Anointing, Golgotha and the Aedicule that holds the tomb.
Arrive first thing to enter the Aedicule without long lines.
The Via Dolorosa
The Way of the Cross winds through the Old City’s streets in fourteen stations, from the Muslim Quarter to the Holy Sepulchre. On Friday afternoons the Franciscans walk it in procession.
The Mount of Olives and Gethsemane
The lookout at the top takes in the whole Old City and the Dome of the Rock. On the way down you pass Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, down to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations.
Mount Zion
By Zion Gate stand the Cenacle, the room of the Last Supper, and the Dormition Abbey.
The new city
The Israel Museum with the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and the Mahane Yehuda market, perfect for tasting local food.
Jerusalem in 3 days
With only one day, keep the first: the Old City, the Wall and the Holy Sepulchre.
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Day 1
The Old City
In through Jaffa Gate, the Via Dolorosa, the Holy Sepulchre, the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall.
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Day 2
Mount of Olives and Mount Zion
The Mount of Olives lookout, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane; in the afternoon, the Cenacle and the Dormition.
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Day 3
Bethlehem and the new city
The Church of the Nativity in the morning; the Israel Museum or Yad Vashem and dinner at Mahane Yehuda.
Best time to visit Jerusalem
Spring and fall are ideal for exploring the city on foot.
- Jan Rainy
- Feb Rainy
- Mar Good
- Apr Ideal
- May Ideal
- Jun Very hot
- Jul Very hot
- Aug Very hot
- Sep Good
- Oct Ideal
- Nov Good
- Dec Peak
Jerusalem sits about 2,600 feet above sea level: summer is hot but milder than at the Dead Sea, and winter nights are cold with some rain. Holy Week and Christmas bring unique celebrations, and the highest demand for hotels.
Where to stay in Jerusalem
On a first visit, stay within walking distance of the Old City.
- The Old City
- Religious guesthouses and small hotels in the Christian and Armenian quarters. Unbeatable for early starts, with car-free streets.
- Jaffa Gate and Mamilla
- Modern hotels by the walls and the Mamilla shopping avenue. Very convenient for everything.
- Downtown (Jaffa and Ben Yehuda)
- Restaurants, the light rail and nightlife, about 15 minutes’ walk from the Old City.
- Mount of Olives
- Hotels with city views, quieter; you need a taxi or bus to get around.
Tips for visiting Jerusalem
Conditions can change; before every departure we review the State Department advisories and tell you plainly.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches, at the Wall and on the Temple Mount.
- The Temple Mount has limited hours for non-Muslims, and you cannot enter the Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa.
- Shabbat changes the city: from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening many shops and public transport close.
- Comfortable shoes. The stone streets are slippery and there are many steps.
Entry requirements for Jerusalem
Israel’s entry requirements apply to Jerusalem.
US and Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourism, but they do need an approved ETA-IL electronic authorization before the flight. Always carry your passport to Bethlehem.
See the full entry requirements in the The Holy Land (Israel) guide
Official sources: ETA-IL (Israel Population and Immigration Authority) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Our trips with Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the final, most awaited stage of our Exodus Journey.
Bookings for the 2026 trip are closed. Ask us about the next departures.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Jerusalem in one day?
The Old City: enter through Jaffa Gate, walk the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre, cross the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall and finish at the Mount of Olives lookout at sunset.
How many days do you need in Jerusalem?
Two or three days: one for the Old City, one for the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion, and a third for Bethlehem or the museums.
Can you go inside the Dome of the Rock?
No. Non-Muslim visitors can go up to the Temple Mount plaza during limited hours, but cannot enter the Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Where should you stay in Jerusalem?
Near Jaffa Gate or in Mamilla to have the Old City a few minutes away on foot; inside the Old City if you prefer religious guesthouses.
