Jerusalem is well known for its ancient history and religious importance, but these days a trip to the city is just as enjoyable for its buzzing nightlife, diverse food and world-class museums.
Read on for our guide on what to do over a week’s stay in the city.
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Saturday
Shabbat is the day of rest in Judaism, running from shortly before sundown on Friday to shortly after sundown on Saturday.
In Jerusalem, most Jewish restaurants, shops and businesses close, but some Christian and Muslim businesses do remain open. Take the opportunity to stroll through the Old City and enjoy sights that include Via Dolorosa – the path Jesus is said to have taken to his crucifixion at the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Another must-see is the Western (Wailing) Wall, the only remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a sacred place of prayer to Jews.
Next up, do some shopping in the Old City’s Arab Souq and eat at Abu Shukri, a family-owned cafe famous for its hummus.
After lunch, visit The First Station – set in a renovated train station, it’s an outdoor events, food and entertainment hub that stays open seven days a week. Have dinner at Mediterranean-style restaurant Adom before dancing the night away at nearby nightclub Justice.
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Sunday
The start of the working week for most Israelis, use Sunday to escape on a trip to the beach. You can either rent a car for the day, catch a bus or book on to a tour to visit the Dead Sea.
There’s also time to fit in a hike at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and visit Masada – an unreal looking ancient fortress in the Judean Desert.
On your return, watch a movie at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, which also holds the annual Jerusalem Film Festival, taking place this year from July 25 to August 4.
Monday
Spend the morning at Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center), a 45-acre poignant memorial and museum that powerfully tells the story of the genocide through personal stories and victims’ possessions.
Then head to late 19th century Mahane Yehuda market for lunch at Latin American street food joint Pepito’s, before browsing the 250-plus stalls.
Keep some space for your dinner at one of the city’s finest falafel places Shalom Falafel – a 10-minute walk from the market – followed by cocktails at Gatsby, a 1920s-speakeasy-style lounge downtown.
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Tuesday
Having explored Jerusalem a little, take a day trip to Tel Aviv, known for its Bauhaus-style buildings, 24-hour party scene and golden sandy beaches. Getting there is quick and cheap on public transport, with the bus taking an hour.
On your return from Tel Aviv, catch live music at the Yellow Submarine, a non-profit venue promoting Israeli musical talent and Jewish-Arab coexistence.
It’s worth noting that travelling around Jerusalem itself on public transport is incredibly easy if you buy a seven-day Jerusalem City Pass, £30, which includes a return transfer from Ben Gurion Airport and unlimited public transportation within the city.
Wednesday
Head back to the Old City to explore places that close over Shabbat, including Temple Mount and the Western Wall Tunnels, which contain artefacts and ancient trenches dating back to the Second Temple period.
Then visit the nearby garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives, from where the Bible says Jesus ascended to heaven.
Pick up a bite to eat on the go as you walk back towards the Old City. Spend the afternoon browsing at the Tower of David Museum, which tells the story of Jerusalem, and walking around the ancient citadel.
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That evening, go for a meal at The Eucalyptus in the Artist Quarter, a kosher restaurant that creates modern dishes based on biblical cuisine, before heading back to the Tower of David for its spectacular open-air night-time show.
Thursday
Visit the Museum for Islamic Art, which houses a collection of jewellery, pottery and other objects that represent Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th centuries.
In the afternoon, go for a hike in the Judean Hills if you’re feeling active – the views from 1,000ft are well worth it – or visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting.
Thursday night is Jerusalem’s Friday night, so make the most of it with a meal at Machneyuda – a modern Israeli hotspot where all ingredients come from nearby Mahane Yehuda market.
Afterwards, grab a nightcap at the market itself, which is generally considered to be the coolest spot for bars.
If your love trying new food and drink on holiday, the best time to visit is during the annual Jerusalem Open Restaurants Festival, which takes place on November 19-23 this year.
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Friday
You can’t leave Jerusalem without spending a morning at the Israel Museum, which features the world’s largest collection of biblical and Holy Land archaeology.
Enjoy a low-key afternoon watching residents stocking up on food and preparing for Shabbat, and, that evening, take part in a traditional Friday night Shabbat meal with locals. There are several websites that can arrange visits.
Jerusalem: getting there and where to stay
British Airways, EL AL Airlines, Wizz Air and EasyJet all fly to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is about a 45-minute drive from Ben Gurion International Airport.
Most of the city is easily accessible using public transport except during the Shabbat, so where you stay is more about what you are looking for in your accommodation.
Jerusalem’s features a wide range of sleeping options, from upscale hotels in the city centre, to boutique properties and hostels in the downtown triangle close to the nightlife, to the Old City’s family-run guesthouses.
