Jerusalem Old City

البلدة القديمة في القدس

Home to Christianity's holiest sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Dome of the Rock, spanning centuries of history within ancient stone walls. The Old City is essential for understanding the religious and cultural heart of the region.

Things to do

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre — Visit Christianity's holiest site, believed to contain the tomb of Jesus Christ, featuring ornate chapels and stone markers within its ancient walls.
• Western Wall — Prayer at Judaism's most sacred site, a retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple where visitors of all faiths can approach and touch the ancient stones.
• Dome of the Rock — Admire Islam's third holiest shrine with its striking golden dome, housing the rock believed to be where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
• Via Dolorosa Procession — Walk the path Jesus is believed to have taken to his crucifixion, marked by 14 stations of the cross with chapels and devotional art.
• Al-Aqsa Mosque — Explore one of Islam's oldest mosques with its black-and-white striped interior dome and sweeping views from the Temple Mount.
• Wander the Souks — Navigate the labyrinthine bazaars selling spices, textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs, experiencing the sensory atmosphere of traditional Arab commerce.
• Armenian Quarter — Discover the lesser-known quarter with Armenian Orthodox Cathedral of St. James, quiet courtyards, and traditional Armenian ceramics.

Food to try

• Hummus — Creamy chickpea puree blended with tahini and lemon, often topped with olive oil and served with warm pita bread as a breakfast staple.
• Falafel — Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas and spices, typically stuffed into pita with tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce for an inexpensive street meal.
• Mansaf — Lamb cooked in a rich yogurt sauce with pine nuts and served over rice, representing Palestinian heritage cuisine at family restaurants.
• Za'atar Bread — Flatbread topped with the Middle Eastern herb-and-sesame blend za'atar and olive oil, baked fresh in traditional ovens throughout the Old City.
• Kanafeh — Sweet shredded pastry soaked in syrup with melted cheese, served warm and gooey, found in dedicated bakeries especially in the Muslim Quarter.
• Mixed Mezze — An assortment of small dishes including baba ganoush, tabbouleh, olives, and cheese, shared family-style at local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Prayer Times — Avoid entering mosques during the five daily prayer times and dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees when visiting any religious site.
• Learn Basic Arabic Phrases — Speaking a few Arabic greetings like 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) shows respect and often results in warmer interactions with locals.
• Photography Sensitivity — Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in prayer areas and the souks, and never photograph during religious ceremonies.
• Bargaining in Souks — Haggling over prices is expected and part of the cultural experience; start at half the asking price and negotiate respectfully without rushing.