Jerusalem offers so much to discover – from breathtaking museums and experiences to lesser-known activities and surprises. Here’s everything you should know before making the trip.
Explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel for an exciting underground walk that leads you through an archaeological treasure trove. Kids love this off-beat activity as it allows them to climb caves and dig for artifacts!
Machane Yehuda Market
Machane Yehuda Market (or “Shuk”, as it’s known in Hebrew) is a vast marketplace featuring more than 250 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and culinary specialties, sweets, and souvenirs to fresh flowers and fresh bread. Nestled between Aggripas Street and Jaffa Street lies this bustling marketplace. Shoppers and locals alike jostle to find the best prices or grab groceries on the go; all this chaos keeps shoppers and locals moving briskly through narrow alleyways that make up this market!
The market is famous for its fresh produce that’s both affordable and delicious, featuring vibrantly colored fruits and veggies as well as spices both dried and fresh to tantalize your palate. In addition, to produce, there is also a large variety of meat, fish, breads, pastries, and pastries on sale, along with popular Middle Eastern cuisine such as falafel, hummus, kebabs, etc.
Food aside, the market offers numerous shops and stands that sell everything from religious artifacts and postcards to silk scarves and decorative plates. Additionally, you’ll find jewelry and clothing stores. However, on Thursday and Friday mornings when locals and tourists alike head into town in preparation for Shabbat services, the market can become quite busy.
Though you could easily navigate the market on foot, taking a guided tour is an ideal way to save time and effort while getting an insider perspective from an expert guide who knows all the best spots for shopping and eating – not to mention the history or legends behind every location!
After you’ve had enough haggling and bargaining has whetted your appetite, head into one of the market restaurants or juice bars to refuel. Choose between international flavors from Georgia or Yemen or classic Middle Eastern fare; there’s sure to be something delicious waiting for you here! Just don’t forget to leave some room for dessert such as kanafeh or baklava… you won’t regret it!
The Old City
The Old City is one of Jerusalem’s premier attractions and makes an excellent way to spend a full day touring religious sites of any religion imaginable. There’s much to see – from Western Wall Tunnels and Hurva Synagogue, all the way through to the Church of Holy Sepulchre – no matter your faith! Additionally, this city serves as an authentic experience of Israeli life where you’ll meet an array of characters; religious couples out on dates; off-duty soldiers carrying guns casually over their shoulders out of obligation as well as secular families pushing strollers – this place offers everything!
Temple Mount, revered sacred ground by both Muslims and Jews alike, is perhaps its most iconic landmark. Here you’ll find al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock among other important landmarks.
Temple Mount can be explored independently, but an in-depth guided experience offers more opportunity for discovery. A guide can offer more insights into its complex history and religious significance as well as discuss any current debate over ownership of the area.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre is another must-see attraction, revered by Christians as the place where Jesus was crucified and later rose from death. Tour guides lead tours here but you’re welcome to explore it on your own as well. Don’t miss visiting this landmark attraction in Jerusalem!
The Jewish Quarter of the Old City is an engaging area to discover, with plenty to keep you busy and entertain you. Head down to Rehov HaYehudim and its side streets for an excellent chance at seeing some stunning synagogues as well as writing prayers into its stones!
Jewish Quarter is home to many incredible museums and galleries that will appeal to art enthusiasts, with the Israel Museum being at its core one of the most revered galleries worldwide. Discover a whole other side of Old City when visiting this incredible institution!
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter or Old City in Jerusalem is an iconic destination. Home to religious sites of pilgrimage and historic significance, as well as modern Jerusalem’s bustling heart. Explore its winding alleyways, discover your new favorite hummus shop, and witness this vibrant mix of old traditions with vibrant metropolitan living!
Start your day at Machane Yehuda Market, which is famed for its food, spices, and other souvenirs. This market is ideal for sampling various culinary offerings like fresh dates and za’atar spice as well as falafel, knishes, baklava, and much more!
Jaffa Street offers an ideal view of Jerusalem life: religious couples out on dates, off-duty soldiers with guns casually slung over their shoulders, secular families out for strolls, and religious families out with friends or children on an outing – you’ll even spot street performers! Enjoy checking out Jerusalem’s iconic clock tower or witnessing street performances here!
Consider visiting the nearby Church of the Visitation and Mary’s Spring – both are believed to have been places where Mary visited John the Baptist’s family in biblical times, and both make excellent afternoon destinations.
Mount of Olives, an iconic mountain ridge that has served as a burial ground for many Hebrew kings and notable figures throughout history, should also not be missed as a must-see attraction in Jerusalem. From here you can take in breathtaking views of Old City and Temple Mount as well as other iconic Jerusalem attractions like the Dome of the Rock and Hurva Synagogue – not forgetting some great photo ops!
If you want to gain more insight into Jewish history and culture, visit the Israel Museum. Not only is this world-class institution architecturally impressive; but its iconic artifacts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and Shrine of the Book also reside here.
Mahane Yehuda Market at night offers plenty of lighthearted fun. As soon as the sun goes down, this bustling marketplace becomes an electrifying party scene, providing an excellent way to experience another side of Jerusalem.
