11 Best Things To Do In Jerusalem: Unravel The Holy City

The Bible puts so much spotlight upon Jerusalem, a city in Israel. After all, Jerusalem is an important Biblical place, being mentioned hundreds of times in the book, more than any place. In the Holy Scriptures, Jerusalem is God’s chosen city, where His people lived. According to the Bible, God led valued figures like Abraham, David, and all of Israel to Jerusalem. Today, though the Biblical events have passed, the city is what many travelers journey to so they can revisit the Biblical times. Interestingly, many of the sites in the Bible still stand strong in Jerusalem nowadays. There are several things to do in Jerusalem. 

Located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also regarded as a holy city not just for Christianity, but also for the Judaism and Islam religions. From journeying to the Old City to seeing the metropolis to which the city has transformed to today, things to do in Jerusalem are vast.

11 Best Things To Do In Jerusalem

Jerusalem belongs to Israel, dubbed as “the Holy Land,” and is also the country’s capital. In this guide, you will find out the best things to do in Jerusalem.

1. Journey To Jerusalem’s Holy Sites At The Old City

Sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews, Jerusalem’s Old City is among the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the world. It is also among the most magical places (and controversial, too) in the Middle East. If there’s a place on the planet that’s “living history, the Old City would lead the list. Thus, visiting this site should be one of the first things to do in Jerusalem.

So, chances are, if you are traveling around Jerusalem, you will spend much of your time here. The city’s most sought-after attractions – including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount – are all here. 

King David (yes, the same person who defeated the giant Goliath) built this walled Old City. Today, it comprises four distinct sections: the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. Each quarter is unique, but all are dotted with religious sites, shops, and eateries. 

Beyond these, if you want, you may also head to the Old City’s winding alleyways and ancient stone plazas to find hidden treasures. 

2. See The Western Wall, A Remnant Of King Herod’s Renovation Of The Second Temple

Part of the things to do in Jerusalem while you are at the Old City is visiting the Western Wall. Also known as the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, this is a very important site for believers of the Jewish faith. 

Located in the heart of the Old City, the Western Wall is a remnant of King Herod’s renovation of the Second Temple, dating back to the first century BC. Herod was a king of the Herodian Kingdom of Judea, and is known in history for his colossal building projects throughout Judea, the Western Wall being one of them. 

Here, pilgrims, even non-Jewish ones, visit each year to pray, writing their prayers and wishes on small pieces of paper before slipping them between the cracks in the stone for God to answer. 

But there is more to the Western Wall than just this Prayer Plaza. You can visit its underground sections for a one-of-a-kind archeological journey by taking a guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. This is certainly one of the things to do in Jerusalem that you shouldn’t dare miss.

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3. Venture To The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre, Believed To Be Located Directly Above Jesus’ Tomb

Another site within Jerusalem’s Old City is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This landmark is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites throughout the world. In 326 AD, Emperor Constantine is accounted to have originally built the church as a Byzantine place of worship. Since its conception, this church has been destroyed two times – first by the Persians in 614 AD and then by the Egyptians 1009. Today, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a product of the Crusaders from the 1100s. 

But actually, besides those things, the main attraction here at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the tomb of Jesus. It is because this site is believed to have been built directly above Jesus Christ’s tomb. Giving you goosebumps? For sure. This is another of the things to do in Jerusalem that you should not miss.

4. Find Peace At The Temple Mount

Jerusalem is not only an important place for Christians, but also for Jews and Muslims, and one of the sites that prove that is the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount is also a disputed site. Known amongst Jews as Har HaBayit (Temple Mount) and among Muslims as Al Haram Ash Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary), this plaza filled with cypress located in the Old City’s southeastern corner is home of two of the most sacred buildings in Islamic faith, the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque. At the same time, Jews also revere this place as the site of the First and Second Temples, first built by Solomon, the wise king in the Bible. 

The Temple Mount is a place where you can find peaceful solace. Its flat and paved area is fringed with beautiful Mamluk buildings with the Dome of the Rock situated at the center. Walking around this historic site lets you escape from the noise and congestion of the surroundings. There are so many things to do in Jerusalem while you’re here. Aside from being a space for praying and a place to relax, did you know that children also play football here?

5. Then, Bring Yourself To Dome Of The Rock, The Jewel In Temple Mount’s Crown 

Of course, are we going to forget about the gold-plated Dome of the Rock? Regarded as the jewel in the crown of Temple Mount, it has become an enduring symbol of Jerusalem and also one of the most photographed structures on Earth. 

As the name implies, the dome covers a slab of stone sacred to both believers of Muslim and Jewish faiths. But there is more to this site than it meets the eye. According to Jewish tradition, it was here where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, when God instructed him to do so. Meanwhile, for Islamic tradition, this was where Prophet Muhammand ascended to heaven. 

If you are looking for lots of things to do in Jerusalem here, you may discover that activities here can be quite limited. This is because only Muslims can enter the temple. But, as long as they are dressed appropriately, everybody can see the temple from the outside or walk around the plaza.

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6. Visit A Place From The Time Of David 

You know David from the Bible, a young and unassuming boy who would later become the second ruler of the united kingdom of ancient Israel and Judah. David also founded the Judaean dynasty, uniting all the tribes of Israel under a single monarch. One of the places where this king left his mark in present-day Jerusalem is the City of David. 

The City of David is among the most active archeological sites in Jerusalem. Also the oldest part of the city, the City of David was a settlement during the Canaanite period, and David is said to have captured the city and brought the Ark of the Covenant 3,000 years ago. 

Excavations in this place happened in the 1850s and are still ongoing until today. It is also controversial as it has become a topic of disputes between Israel and Palestine since some consider it belonging to Palestinian lands.

Minus the disputes, there are several things to do in Jerusalem while you are here. Among the sections to visit here are the Royal Quarter, Warren’s Shaft, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, and Shiloach Pool. Also, during Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, the place holds dramatic shows wherein the amphitheater features massive lights highlighting the Royal Quarter’s ruins. 

7. Take A Refreshing Trip To The Dead Sea

You know of some products like skincare treatments that contain elements from the Dead Sea. Now that you’re here to discover the things to do in Jerusalem, you can finally see the Dead Sea in person. 

While the famous Dead Sea is technically not within Jerusalem, it only takes a short drive to reach it from the city. Altogether, it offers a relaxing change of pace and atmosphere from your historic tours in Jerusalem. 

Known for its extremely salty waters, the Dead Sea is where a tourist can literally stay afloat all day long. Swimming here can be otherworldly and unforgettable, and don’t forget to take good pictures! If you are looking for something fun, this is among the must-try things to do in Jerusalem.

8. Do A Side Trip To Bethlehem, The Birthplace Of Jesus Christ

If you’re here enjoying the things to do in Jerusalem and have more time, you can take a side trip to Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Messiah. It only takes a few minutes to drive from Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Plus, there are tours being offered to this area and more you can avail. 

One of such tours will let you witness the West Bank, and explore its history and culture. See Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born and where he was baptized in the Jordan River. You will also visit the Ramallah town and see the tomb of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The tour also includes a visit to Jericho, the world’s oldest city.

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9. Reflect Upon The Tragedies Of The Holocaust Victims At Yad Vashem 

Biblical history tours around Jerusalem can get pretty overwhelming, and if you feel you need to take a breather, there are other things to do in Jerusalem that’s more modern, such as visiting Yad Vashem.

Yad Vashem is a museum praised globally for its honest, stark, and respectful commemoration of the Holocaust victims. Israel has been the home of so many Jews, so it is just right that there are places like Yad Vashem to honor them, even in their darkest moments. 

There are various subsections in this museum. There’s the Holocaust History Museum that brings context to the tragedy, and the Museum of Holocaust Art that takes you on an interpretive journey understanding the trauma of the victims. Meanwhile, there’s also the Hall of Names and the Children’s Memorial that reveal the scope of this genocide while enshrining the memories of those people the world lost forever. This is one of the must-try things to do in Jerusalem. 

10. Go Shopping In This Historic Marketplace

When it’s time for shopping, you’ll also find amazing places to shop here, such as the Mahane Yehuda Market, a historic marketplace. With hundreds of stands around this marketplace, activities here are some of the liveliest things to do in Jerusalem. 

You can interact and bargain with vendors who specialize in garments, textiles, and delicacies like fruits, meats, spices, and liquors. Afterward, you are sure to walk away with both the experience and the treasures. 

11. Climb The Mount Of Olives, Where Jesus Left His Last Footprint On Earth

Another significant place in the Bible located in present-day Jerusalem is the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is featured in the Holy Scriptures several times. For one, in the books of Matthew and Mark, it has been said that Jesus entered Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives at the beginning of the last week of his life. 

This is also where Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. On its western slopes, Jesus also prayed before he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Finally, after the Resurrection, Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives.

Once covered in olives, this picturesque mountain overlooks Jerusalem’s Old City. There are also various things to do in Jerusalem while you’re here. On your way to the top, you can visit the Dome of the Ascension where Jesus left his last footprint on Earth. Because of this significance, this hill has become the burial ground for important Biblical figures, whose tombs lead up today to astounding views amidst the hill’s remaining olive trees from the past. 

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Best Things To Do In Jerusalem: Travel Tips That You Need To Know

More so if it is your first time traveling to Jerusalem in Israel, things can get really confusing. Even for the frequent visitors of this place, they still get lost at some points of the trip. So to alleviate any problems that may arise during your visit, and so you can enjoy discovering the various sites this Biblical place offers to you and the best things to do in Jerusalem, it is important that you know the essential travel tips before you go. 

• Do try all the amazing food, like falafel, shawarma, sabich, and more.
• Do explore. You can walk around on your own, or avail of guided tours.
• Be respectful of the city’s religions, ethnicities, cultures, customs, and languages. Since Israel has a very diverse range of people, everyone has a story to tell. 
• Don’t go unprepared when visiting holy sites like the Western Wall and Temple Mount. Most will require a proper dress code. 
• Don’t expect everything to be open on Friday nights and Saturdays. 

Find Yourself Back In Biblical Times

Though the city has been destroyed and rebuilt over literally spans of millennia, Jerusalem’s spiritual influence endures. With clashing cultures, interlacing histories, and continuous reinvention, Jerusalem is a treat for your senses. Here, you can find yourself back in Biblical times. There are a lot of things to do in Jerusalem.

Few places in the world do it perfectly as how the blending of ancient with modern is done in Jerusalem. Its incredible importance to various religions of the world is just part of its status as a vibrant capital and cultural center that the world respects.