View of Jerusalem Old City with the Dome of the Rock and ancient stone walls

Things to Do in Jerusalem

15+ must-see attractions from the Western Wall to world-class museums and vibrant markets.

Jerusalem is unlike any city on Earth. Within the walls of the Old City — barely one square kilometer — three of the world's great religions converge at sites that have drawn pilgrims for millennia. Beyond the walls, world-class museums, a buzzing food market that becomes a nightlife hub after dark, and 3,000-year-old underground tunnels await. Most sacred sites are free to enter. Here are the essential experiences, ranked by our editors.

Last updated: April 2026

1
Sacred Sites

Western Wall (Kotel)

The holiest site where Jews can pray, the Western Wall is a 57-meter-long section of the ancient retaining wall of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The massive Herodian stones — some weighing over 500 tons — have witnessed 2,000 years of prayer, tears, and hope. The plaza is open 24/7, and visitors of all faiths are welcome. Men pray on the left side, women on the right. Placing a written prayer in the cracks between stones is a centuries-old tradition. The Western Wall Tunnels tour (advance booking essential, ₪35) reveals 485 meters of underground passages along the full length of the wall.

⏱ 30 min-1 hour 💰 Free (Tunnels tour ₪35/$10)

Tip: Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and powerful atmosphere. Friday evening Shabbat prayers are especially moving — the plaza fills with singing and dancing.

2
Sacred Sites

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This church in the Christian Quarter marks the sites of Jesus's crucifixion (Calvary/Golgotha), burial, and resurrection according to Christian tradition. First built by Emperor Constantine in 335 CE, the current structure dates largely to the Crusader period (12th century). Inside, find the Stone of Anointing where Jesus's body was prepared for burial, the Aedicule enclosing the tomb itself, and Calvary/Golgotha upstairs. Six Christian denominations share custody of the church under a complex arrangement dating to the 1757 Status Quo. The immovable Ladder on the facade has remained in place since at least 1728 as a symbol of this shared stewardship.

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Free

Tip: Arrive at 4:30 AM to witness the church's dramatic opening ceremony and have the Aedicule nearly to yourself. Midday crowds can mean 1-2 hour waits to enter the tomb.

3
Sacred Sites

Dome of the Rock / Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif)

The gleaming gold dome — arguably the most recognizable image of Jerusalem — caps the shrine built in 691 CE over the Foundation Stone, sacred to both Islam and Judaism. For Muslims, this is where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj). For Jews, this is the site of the First and Second Temples and the place where, according to tradition, Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac. The 35-acre compound also contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque (third holiest site in Islam) and beautiful gardens with fountains and arches. Non-Muslim visitors can enter the compound but not the shrines themselves.

⏱ 1-1.5 hours 💰 Free

Tip: Non-Muslim visitors enter only through the Mughrabi Gate (near Western Wall), Sun-Thu 7:30-10:30 AM and 12:30-1:30 PM. Closed on Muslim and Jewish holidays. Dress modestly; no religious symbols.

4
Sacred Sites

Via Dolorosa

The processional route through the Old City marks the 14 Stations of the Cross — the path Christians believe Jesus walked carrying his cross to Calvary. The route begins near the Lions' Gate (Station 1, at the former Antonia Fortress site) and winds through the Muslim and Christian Quarters to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Stations 10-14). Each station is marked with a chapel or plaque. Every Friday at 3 PM, Franciscan friars lead a public procession along the route. The path passes through some of the Old City's most atmospheric streets.

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Free

Tip: Join the Friday 3 PM Franciscan procession for the most authentic experience, or walk it early morning for quiet reflection. Many stations are inside churches with limited hours.

5
Old City Quarters

Jewish Quarter

The most restored quarter of the Old City, largely rebuilt after 1967. Highlights include the Cardo (a 6th-century Byzantine colonnaded main street, partially excavated), the Hurva Synagogue (rebuilt in 2010, climb to the roof for Old City views), the Herodian Quarter/Wohl Archaeological Museum (luxurious mansions from the Second Temple period), and the Broad Wall (8th century BCE fortification built by King Hezekiah). The quarter's clean stone streets, yeshiva students, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Western Wall plaza make it one of the Old City's most pleasant areas to explore.

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free (museums ₪25-40)

Tip: The rooftop of the Hurva Synagogue (₪25) offers one of the best panoramic views in the Old City. Visit the Cardo early when shops are quiet.

6
Old City Quarters

Armenian Quarter

The smallest and quietest quarter, home to one of the world's oldest Armenian communities (dating to the 4th century CE). The enclosed Armenian Compound centers on the Cathedral of St. James (limited visiting hours: Mon-Fri 3-3:30 PM for vespers, Sat-Sun 6-6:30 AM for matins). The quarter has a distinct, almost village-like atmosphere. Look for the Armenian ceramic workshops — the tradition of hand-painted tiles dates to the 16th century when Armenian artisans were brought to Jerusalem to decorate the Dome of the Rock. The Armenian Museum chronicles 1,700 years of community history.

⏱ 1-1.5 hours 💰 Free (museum ₪10)

Tip: Time your visit for 3 PM vespers at St. James Cathedral — the incense-filled ceremony with ancient chants is extraordinary. Buy Armenian ceramics directly from workshops for authentic souvenirs.

7
Old City Quarters

Muslim Quarter

The largest and most vibrant quarter, home to roughly 22,000 residents. The labyrinthine streets are a sensory overload: spice shops, fresh bread bakeries, fabric merchants, juice stands, and souvenir stalls. Beyond the commerce, find important sites like the Pool of Bethesda (where Jesus healed the paralytic), the Church of St. Anne (famous for its acoustics), and the beginning of the Via Dolorosa. The Damascus Gate entrance is one of the Old City's most magnificent — a 16th-century Ottoman gate built by Suleiman the Magnificent.

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free (shopping extra)

Tip: Enter through Damascus Gate for the full immersion. Haggling is expected in the souk — start at half the asking price. Try fresh ka'ak (sesame bread) from street vendors (₪5).

8
Museums

Israel Museum

Israel's national museum is a world-class institution housing the Dead Sea Scrolls in the iconic white-domed Shrine of the Book, a 1:50 scale model of Second Temple-period Jerusalem, and extensive collections of archaeology, Jewish art, and fine arts. The Dead Sea Scrolls — the oldest known biblical manuscripts, dating to the 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE — are the museum's crown jewel. The archaeology wing traces the land's history from prehistoric times through the Ottoman period. The Ruth Youth Wing is excellent for families. Allow at least 3 hours for a meaningful visit.

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₪54 ($15), free on Tue & Sat

Tip: Tuesday and Saturday are free admission. The Shrine of the Book's white dome and black wall symbolize the Sons of Light vs. Sons of Darkness from the scroll texts.

9
Museums

Yad Vashem — The World Holocaust Remembrance Center

Israel's official memorial to the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. The main History Museum (designed by Moshe Safdie) is a 180-meter-long prism-shaped structure that narrates the Holocaust chronologically through personal testimonies, artifacts, and multimedia. The Children's Memorial is deeply moving — a single candle reflected infinitely in darkness represents 1.5 million children. The Hall of Names contains the names and biographical details of millions of victims. The Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations honors non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews. Photography is allowed in most areas but is prohibited in the Children's Memorial.

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free (audio guide ₪25/$7)

Tip: Allow 2-3 hours minimum. Not recommended for children under 10. The museum is emotionally intense — many visitors take breaks in the gardens. Free admission. Audio guide ₪25.

10
Viewpoints & Sacred Sites

Mount of Olives

The ridge east of the Old City offers the quintessential Jerusalem panorama: the entire Old City with the golden Dome of the Rock, set against the Judean Hills. The Mount of Olives has been a Jewish burial ground for 3,000 years — an estimated 150,000 graves cover its slopes, including those of biblical figures. Key sites include the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus prayed before his arrest, with olive trees dating to the 12th century), the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony), the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster, and the Tomb of the Virgin Mary.

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free (some churches accept donations)

Tip: Start at the top (viewpoint) early morning for the best light and photographs, then walk downhill through the sites to the Garden of Gethsemane. The descent takes about 1 hour.

11
Food & Markets

Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk)

Jerusalem's main open-air market has over 250 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and spices to rugelach, halva, dried fruits, fresh juices, burekas, and kubbeh. During the day it's a traditional Middle Eastern market buzzing with shoppers and food stalls. On Thursday through Saturday nights, the market transforms into a nightlife district — the metal shutters become canvases for street art, bars fill up, and live music spills into the alleys. Must-try foods: kubbeh soup at Rachmo, fresh rugelach at Marzipan Bakery, halva at Halva Kingdom, and shakshuka at virtually any stall.

⏱ 1-3 hours 💰 Free entry (food ₪10-60)

Tip: Visit Thursday or Friday morning for peak market energy. Return Thursday or Saturday night for bars and nightlife. Marzipan Bakery's chocolate rugelach (₪5 each) is legendary — locals buy trays before Shabbat.

12
Archaeology

City of David

The original Bronze Age settlement of Jerusalem (est. ~1800 BCE) lies just south of the Old City walls. This active archaeological site has revealed 3,800 years of history. The highlight is Hezekiah's Tunnel (Warren's Shaft) — a 533-meter water tunnel carved through solid rock in 701 BCE by King Hezekiah to protect Jerusalem's water supply from Assyrian siege. You wade through knee-deep water in the narrow, torch-lit tunnel. The newer dry Canaanite Tunnel is an alternative. Other finds include the Pool of Siloam, royal seals (bullae), and a Roman-era stepped street.

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₪30-52 ($8-14) depending on route

Tip: Wear water shoes and shorts for Hezekiah's Tunnel (you will get wet to the knees). Bring a flashlight. Book tickets online in advance — it sells out. The dry tunnel alternative is less dramatic but still interesting.

13
National Sites

Mount Herzl

Israel's national cemetery and memorial to Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism. Herzl's tomb sits at the summit. The site also includes graves of Israeli leaders (Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Golda Meir, and others), the military cemetery honoring fallen soldiers, and the Herzl Museum, which uses innovative theatrical presentations to tell Herzl's story. Located adjacent to Yad Vashem, the two sites are often visited together. The annual Independence Day ceremony is held here.

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Free (Herzl Museum ₪25/$7)

Tip: Visit Mount Herzl first, then walk along the connecting path to Yad Vashem. The Herzl Museum requires timed entry — book online. Combined visits work well as a half-day.

14
Sacred Sites

Garden Tomb

An alternative site for Jesus's crucifixion and burial, identified by British General Charles Gordon in 1883. While the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is accepted by most historians and denominations, this peaceful garden north of Damascus Gate offers a contemplative alternative with a rock-cut tomb and a skull-shaped cliff face (possibly the "place of the skull" / Golgotha). The Protestant-run site is beautifully maintained with a tranquil garden, making it a welcome contrast to the intensity of the Old City. Free guided tours are offered in multiple languages.

⏱ 30-45 minutes 💰 Free (donations welcome)

Tip: Free 30-minute guided tours run regularly in English. The garden setting makes this a peaceful break from the Old City crowds. Open Mon-Sat, closed Sundays.

15
Museums

Tower of David Museum

Housed in the medieval citadel near Jaffa Gate, this museum traces the 4,000-year history of Jerusalem through archaeological finds and immersive displays. The citadel itself — with Herodian, Crusader, Mamluk, and Ottoman layers — is as fascinating as the exhibits. The rooftop offers stunning 360-degree views of both the Old City and modern Jerusalem. The evening sound-and-light show ("The Night Spectacular") projects the story of Jerusalem onto the citadel walls — one of the city's most popular tourist experiences.

⏱ 1.5-2 hours (museum) + 45 min (night show) 💰 ₪40 ($11) museum, ₪55 ($15) night show

Tip: The night show (₪55, advance booking required) is absolutely worth it. For the museum visit, allow 1.5-2 hours. The citadel rooftop is the best sunset viewpoint in the Old City.

Book a Guided Tour

Skip the logistics — these guided tours cover Jerusalem's top attractions with expert local guides.

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Expert local guide through all four quarters: Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of Holy Sepulchre, and Muslim Quarter souk. 3 hours, small groups.

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Mahane Yehuda Food Tour

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Taste Jerusalem's famous market: kubbeh, halva, rugelach, fresh juices, local cheeses, and more. 10+ tastings with a foodie guide.

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