Jerusalem Old City

העיר העתיקה של ירושלים

The ancient walled heart of Jerusalem containing sacred sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam including the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. It is the most historically significant and spiritually important destination in the region, drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors annually.

Things to do

• Western Wall Prayer — Visit the holiest site in Judaism where visitors can pray at the ancient retaining wall of the Second Temple, with separate prayer areas for men and women.
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre — Explore Christianity's most sacred church built over the traditional site of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, featuring multiple chapels and the Stone of Anointing.
• Dome of the Rock — View the stunning golden-domed Islamic shrine built over the Foundation Stone, one of Islam's holiest sites, accessible to Muslim visitors during prayer times.
• Via Dolorosa Procession — Walk the traditional route Jesus took to his crucifixion, stopping at 14 stations marked throughout the Old City, particularly moving on Fridays.
• Jewish Quarter Excavations — Tour archaeological remnants of the Second Temple period and Byzantine structures in the Jewish Quarter's underground tunnels and open-air museum.
• Armenian Quarter Ceramics — Browse the Armenian Quarter's narrow lanes filled with artisan workshops producing hand-painted ceramic tiles and pottery using traditional techniques.
• Mount of Olives Views — Ascend to the Mount of Olives just outside the Old City walls for panoramic views of the Temple Mount and entire Jerusalem landscape.

Food to try

• Hummus with Meat (Hummus bi Lahmeh) — Creamy chickpea puree topped with spiced ground lamb, pine nuts, and olive oil, served warm with pita bread at local hummusiyeh restaurants.
• Falafel — Golden-fried balls of ground chickpeas and herbs, sold from street vendors throughout the bazaar and best enjoyed fresh in pita with tahini sauce.
• Knafeh — A warm, gooey dessert of shredded phyllo pastry layered with white cheese, soaked in sugar syrup, and topped with pistachios.
• Shakshuka — Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with peppers, traditionally eaten for breakfast in family-run Arab cafes throughout the Old City.
• Za'atar Manakish — Flatbread brushed with olive oil and dusted with za'atar spice mix, commonly eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack from bakeries.
• Fresh Pomegranate Juice — Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from fruit stands in the markets, offering a refreshing drink during exploration of the winding streets.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly at Sacred Sites — Cover shoulders, knees, and wear closed-toe shoes, particularly when entering mosques, churches, and the Western Wall prayer areas.
• Respect Prayer Times — The Dome of the Rock and mosques close during five daily Islamic prayer times, and Christian churches have specific visiting hours around liturgical services.
• Photography Restrictions — Photography is prohibited in many religious spaces including the Western Wall's prayer sections, Church of the Holy Sepulchre's holiest areas, and inside the Dome of the Rock.
• Learn Basic Arabic and Hebrew Greetings — Locals appreciate visitors attempting 'Shalom' (Hebrew) and 'Salaam' (Arabic) to show respect for the diverse communities living in the Old City.