Jerusalem is a city in Israel with much to offer. Among the attractions that visitors can expect are the Old City, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Old City is a must-see, and it’s definitely worth spending a day in it. If you’re planning a visit to the city, you should consider a few things first.
Old City
The Old City of Jerusalem is an amazing place to visit. This is a tiny city in comparison to modern-day Jerusalem, but it is still quite the spectacle.
Aside from being the holy city of Judaism, the Old City is home to a number of religious communities. There are also many mosques, rabbis, nuns, and priests who live here.
The most important landmark in the Old City is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is built on the stone where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial. On the inside of the church, there are two halls, a tomb, and a staircase.
Getting lost in the Old City is a fun experience. There are plenty of small alleyways to explore. You can also get a free walking tour of the city.
As with any city, the Old City has its share of restaurants. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a place to eat that does not serve a kosher meal. Some popular dishes include Hummos and Kibbe.
To see the true splendor of the city, consider taking a sunset stroll along the Armon Hanatziv Promenade. This promenade is close to the German Colony and is one of the best vantage points for the twilight skyline.
The Old City of Jerusalem is not only home to a variety of religions but is also full of archeological sites. If you are interested in history and archeology, this is a must-see.
Another reputable landmark is the Dome of the Rock. It is on the site of the ancient Jewish temples and is a beautiful structure.
However, to truly appreciate the Old City of Jerusalem, you must understand the history and culture of the region. For this reason, the British Foreign Office advised against visiting East Jerusalem and the West Bank in December 2017.
Temple Mount
If you plan on visiting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, you should be aware of what to expect. The place is a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There have been attacks on Jews on the Mount, and a few years ago, Muslims attempted to rig the site as a base for attacks against Israelis.
The Mount is a very large space. It has a number of structures, including the Dome of the Rock, which has an octagonal tiled roof. It also has a number of fountains and Islamic religious schools. Interestingly enough, the Temple Mount also houses the al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
There are a variety of security measures in place to protect the Mount. For instance, a camera and bag scanner are used to check visitors. This is in addition to armed guards at every gate. During times of rioting, the Mount may be closed for a day or two.
When you visit the Temple Mount, you will want to dress appropriately. Women should wear modest clothing, and men should also wear long pants and a shawl. You should also be aware that you will need a passport for entry.
The Temple Mount is also home to the al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third holiest Islamic site. In the past, Jews were denied access to this holy site. However, Jewish people regained control of the area after the destruction of the Second Temple.
The Western Wall, on the other hand, is open to non-Muslims only for a few hours each day. Non-Jewish tour groups can roam the Mount outdoors with guides.
Other items you can expect to see when you visit the Mount are a number of fountains and great works of art. Some of the structures you will want to see are the Dome of the Rock, the al-Aqsa Mosque, and Solomon’s stables.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Located in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a pilgrimage destination for Christians around the world. It’s the location of the tomb of Jesus, which Christians believe was the site of the most important event in human history. If you’re planning to visit the church, here are some things to keep in mind.
The church is open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM from October through March. You can only get in if you wait in line for about an hour, so arrive early.
There are several chapels inside the church. These include the Greek-Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Roman Catholic, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Catholic-Franciscan. Each of these chapels has a different style of mosaics. One chapel, the Catholic-Franciscan, has modern mosaics that depict scenes from the Binding of Isaac.
Another area to explore in the church is the Aedicule. This is a small chapel that houses the tomb of Jesus. Inside this room is a relic of the Angel’s Stone. Some belief this to be part of a large stone that sealed Jesus’s tomb.
Inside the church, you can also find the Tenth Station of the Cross. This station is found in the Chapel of the Franks.
You’ll want to make sure to wear modest attire when visiting the church. In the past, monks have asked people to remove their hats. They also ask you not to laugh.
The best way to explore the church is with a guided tour. The tour will explain all of the noteworthy points.
Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be an overwhelming experience. While there’s no question that it’s a must-see, it can also be quite busy. To avoid crowds, arrive in the early morning or late afternoon.
Shabbat
If you are traveling to Israel, you may find it confusing to know what to expect during Shabbat. The good news is that a lot of things in Israel remain open during the holiday. Some of the most interesting Shabbat activities include guided tours.
It’s also a good idea to dress appropriately. Women should wear a skirt or long-sleeved shirt. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
While many attractions and museums in Israel are closed on the holiday, some are open. For example, the Tower of David Museum uses color shows to illustrate the story of Jerusalem.
While there is no public transportation on holiday, some taxis are available. Sherut taxis, or 10-seater group taxis, are a popular option. They will stop passengers when they want to leave and are a cheaper alternative to a cab.
If you have time, you might consider taking a day trip from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea or to Bethlehem. These are both destinations that are very popular with Israelis. There are also several archaeological sites you can visit in the area.
In addition to the Old City, you can also take guided tours to the city’s Jewish Quarter. This is where you’ll see some of the most interesting sights in Jerusalem. You’ll have a chance to take in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can also go biking or hiking on the empty roads of Israel. But don’t forget to watch out for street closures in some religious areas.
Despite all the restrictions, traveling on Shabbat is a fun way to get to know the culture of Israel. However, you should plan your itinerary ahead of time to avoid a schedule disruption.
Tel Aviv vs. Jerusalem
If you are planning a trip to Israel, you are likely to wonder whether it is more beneficial to visit Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. While both cities have their merits, they are not the same.
Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan and culturally rich city, while Jerusalem is more religious. Both are home to world-class hotels, museums, and dining. However, many travelers choose to make excursions to nearby destinations, such as Haifa, Caesarea, and the Sea of Galilee.
Jerusalem’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of a major religious pilgrimage. Several of the top attractions are close together, making it easy to get around. For example, there is a traditional market, a world-class art gallery, and a national park.
Jerusalem is a religiously diverse city, with residents of a variety of religious and political affiliations. It is also an attractive place for shopping. The Carmel Market is a popular place to shop for fresh produce and Israeli-flavoured foods.
There are several options for transport to and from the Ben Gurion International Airport. You can take a taxi, use public transportation, or hire a private transfer. Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to keep your belongings secure. Despite the fact that both cities are safe, do not go alone at night.
Bus and train are the two main ways to travel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Buses run on direct lines and are convenient. Depending on your departure and arrival times, the ride can be as short as 32 minutes or as long as 34 minutes.
Private transfers are available that pick you up and drop you off at the central bus station. This option is ideal for tourists who want a hassle-free way to travel.
