Considering traveling to Jerusalem and don’t know where to start? Learn all about this holy city and what to expect with our handy guide to touring in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is home to the holiest sites in the world and is significant to three major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), but it can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor. Catch up on our must-know tips before you come to visit.
Why Visit Jerusalem?
Israel Day Tours have a lot to offer, and Jerusalem is top of the list and a popular tourist destination worldwide for good reason. With incredible natural beauty, history spanning back thousands of years, deep religious significance, and world-class culture, Jerusalem has so much to offer.
Natural Beauty
On top of all the beautiful parks and spots to enjoy the outdoors, Jerusalem is also built well. Many buildings in Jerusalem are constructed from a pale local limestone called Jerusalem stone, which creates a cohesive look for the city.
History
To this day, you can experience remnants of many religions and cultures throughout Jerusalem. One of the primary examples of this is the Western Wall, which is thousands of years old and is an ancient historical site.
Because of its strict building regulations, there are no skyscrapers, which preserves its ancient sense of history.
Religious Significance
For thousands of years, Jerusalem has served as the crossroads of the three major monotheistic religions – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. With sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall, Jerusalem is a city steeped in religious wisdom and tradition.
Culture
Jerusalem is home to some of the most precious collections of art in the country, as well as the Israel Museum. And its cultural diversity alone is unique; you can cross from a Russian Compound to an Ultra-Orthodox Neighborhood in the blink of an eye.
When to Visit Jerusalem
April and May are the best months to visit Jerusalem. Spring is the ideal season for tours in Jerusalem because the weather is pleasant and fewer tourists come to visit. October through November are also mild months when crowds are thin. Many people think that because Israel is a desert, the weather must be hot all year round. This is definitely not the case – during the winter months, temperatures can reach surprising lows.
Before you visit, we recommend you check your calendar to make sure your visit does not coincide with major Jewish holidays. You don’t want to come all this way only to find that the site you most wanted to see is closed!
How to Get Around Jerusalem
Traveling around Jerusalem is surprisingly easy. The famous Jerusalem Light Rail begins at Mt. Herzl and ends in the Pisgat Ze’ev Neighborhood. You can easily reach the Shuk (marketplace) and the Central Bus Station along the way – and get close to the Old City, too. If you prefer the bus, there are plenty of lines available to take you where you need to go. Just check Google Maps and get going! In the Old City, you do have to walk. A guided tour is obviously more comprehensive and informative. Many people enjoy the personal experience of private tours in Israel, this gives them the freedom to choose exactly what’s important to them and where they want to spend their time.
Top Sites in Jerusalem
Attractions such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the City of David are just the beginning of what there is to see and experience. There is so much to explore, including the Armenian Quarter, the Mount of Olives, plenty of world-class museums, and the moving Yad Vashem.
How to Dress in Jerusalem
Modest dress is required at many major tourist sights in Jerusalem. You often need to make sure your shoulders are covered and avoid wearing shorts. When you reach the Western Wall, you may be handed a hat if you are a man. This is to respect the modesty standards of the holy sites in the area.
Safety in Jerusalem
People are often nervous about traveling to Jerusalem for the first time – after all, Israel is portrayed as being a dangerous place to visit. But statistically speaking, you are actually much safer in Israel than in most Western countries, including in the USA. Jerusalem is a safe city, made all the safer by the security measures that have been put in place to protect it. From security guards to metal detectors and armed soldiers, you don’t need to worry when you reach the Holy City. You are in good hands.
Now that you know what there is to know about Jerusalem, what are you waiting for? Learn about our tours in Jerusalem and join us as we explore the Holy City.
