Jerusalem travel guide

Israel

Beyond the Old City Walls

Jerusalem is a city where ancient history meets modern creativity. Beyond the iconic Old City walls lies a vibrant culinary scene, thriving art districts, and diverse neighborhoods.

Why Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city where ancient history meets modern creativity. Beyond the iconic Old City walls lies a vibrant culinary scene, thriving art districts, and diverse neighborhoods.

• Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures.
• Getting around: The Jerusalem Light Rail connects major areas. Walking is best for neighborhoods.
• Language: Hebrew, Arabic, English
• Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
• Timezone: IST (UTC+2)

Neighbourhoods in Jerusalem

• Mahane Yehuda The heart of modern Jerusalem life.
• German Colony Tree-lined streets with boutique shops.
• Downtown Triangle The modern core of the city, with an exciting range of bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
• Machane Yehuda Market One of the city's liveliest areas, a produce market by day that turns into a dense bar and restaurant scene by night.
• Ein Karem A picturesque village on the city's edge, with cobblestone streets, galleries, boutique restaurants, and a relaxed artistic vibe.

Things to do in Jerusalem

• Mahane Yehuda After Dark Experience the market transformation after sunset.
• Ein Karem Art Walk Wander ancient village streets visiting artist studios.
• City of David Tour Walk through ancient water tunnels.
• Old City of Jerusalem A walled old city divided into Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian quarters, holding sites sacred to three major religions.
• Yellow Submarine Jerusalem's premier live music venue in the Talpiot industrial area, hosting performances across every genre.
• Khan Theatre Jerusalem's leading repertory theatre, housed in a converted Ottoman-era caravansary near the Old City.
• Machane Yehuda Market Jerusalem's most famous market, known locally as 'the Shuk', selling produce, spices, and prepared foods.

Where to eat in Jerusalem

• Machneyuda The restaurant that put Jerusalem on the culinary map.
• HaShipudiya Family-run institution serving legendary kebabs.
• Azura Humble market eatery famous for slow-cooked dishes.
• The Eucalyptus A kosher restaurant in a beautiful stone building, serving traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist.
• Black Iron Known for some of the best steaks in Jerusalem, close to the market.
• Rooftop A chic rooftop restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views over the Old City.
• Machane Yehuda Market stalls Produce and prepared-food stalls by day, transitioning into a lively food and drink scene by evening.

Where to drink in Jerusalem

• Bardak Hidden speakeasy with inventive cocktails.
• Birman Sophisticated wine bar with Israeli wines.
• Mamilla Hotel rooftop lounge A rooftop lounge serving craft cocktails and quality Israeli wines with views of the Old City walls.
• Beer Bazaar, Mahane Yehuda A craft beer bar inside the market with a menu of more than 100 locally produced beers, especially strong on IPAs.

Hidden gems in Jerusalem

• Ticho House A historic 1920s mansion turned art museum and café, with lovely gardens and excellent contemporary Israeli art exhibitions in peaceful rooms.
• Biblical Zoo A beautifully designed zoo focusing on animals mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, from leopards and wolves to snakes and eagles. Conservation work is exceptional.
• Ein Karem village A cobblestone village on the city's edge with galleries and boutique restaurants, quieter and more artistic than the main tourist circuit.

Local tips for Jerusalem

• Shabbat Awareness Most businesses close Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.
• Dress Modestly Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
• Market Timing Visit Mahane Yehuda Thursday or Friday morning.
• Dress for Holy Sites Covered shoulders and knees are required at the Western Wall, the Holy Sepulchre and the Haram al-Sharif. Carry a scarf.
• Shabbat Shutdown From Friday afternoon to Saturday night buses stop and most West Jerusalem businesses close. Plan food and transport in advance.

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