Such an interesting place, even for the non religious person. It's a busy place, buzzing with people, it's great wandering around the quarters within the Old City. Buses and the tram, easy to use, you must be in possession of the RAV card that you can buy at the airport... The free City tour with Sandemans that meet at Jaffa Gate was a great 3 hours well spent. The prices in most restaurants aren't on the menu, make sure to ask before you order, so there's no surprises when the bill arrives. Expensive place on the whole.

Great mix of Great religions. I was most interested in the walls of the Old City. Quite impressive. As many churches as you could shake a stick at, and then some. If religion is your thing, then Jerusalem is probably the place for you. The small streets in the old city are chock full of sellers of all kinds of trinkets, clothing, antiques, religious souvenirs - and food - lots of it. Cars still drive through the Old-City, through the tight gates. So, be careful. The place was chock-a-block with people, when I was there. Almost every big site will be jammers with tour buses. Take a quiet walk in The Garden Tomb. You know, it might be the real burial site for the Jesus guy. Not the other place. With all the crowds, and no peace. Loved the Shuk Machne Yehuda (market). Easily accessible by tram. Just wander around, and eat wherever you see lots of people eating. You can't go wrong.

If you are headed to Jerusalem stay in the Old City (thus you are right in the middle of it all and don't have to worry about getting to and from it everyday). I recommend an apartment called GLOWS. Old Jerusalem is the perfect combination on various influences and cultures (the 4 quarters allow you to immerse yourself into Arabic, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian culture). Old Jerusalem is always busy and there is so much to see (whether historic places, religious places, new food experiences, or the busting markets vs. the quiet CARDO). I recommend staying for at least 4 days, so you have time to explore it all without being rushed. - You can visit the Western Wall and Temple Mount - take part in a free guided tour (starting close to the Tourist Office at the Jaffa Gate) - take part in the Friday procession along the Via Dolorosa (starting at the Lion Gate at 3 PM I believe) - walk around the various quarters admiring the architecture, historic places, grab traditional snacks, and so much more. - You can walk through the Dung Gate to the City of David (amazing archaeological park featuring below the ground tunnels filled with water - bring a flashlight, water shoes, and pants no longer than to the knee), all the way to the Garden Gethsemane Church and up the Mount of Olives. - You can take a bus from the Bus Station next to the Damascus Gate to Bethlehem in the West Bank (bring your passport and visa slip) and enjoy a day in Bethlehem, Palestine - You can hike up the Tower of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for priceless views of the Old city (Bird's eye perspective). - Grab a traditional Austrian cake at the Austrian Hospice (expensive but worth it) - Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ..... and so much more!!!!!! Like I said, I would recommend staying for a minimum of 4 days :-)

The position was good, close to the old town. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Lovely large room, very clean and luxurious. Good variety of food at breakfast, even provided with a packed breakfast when we had to leave early. Everything was perfect.

Noisy, confusing and chaotic. So much history. A city for the adventurous. Very expensive though. People are a mix of friendly, rude and disinterested just like anywhere. Boarding the tram during rush hour is interesting ... leave your English manners behind or you will be left behind ... it seems you don’t wait for people to get off before boarding. I recommended getting a RazKav travel card from the bus station (ask at the information kiosk and they will point you in the right direction). You will see lots of young people (men and women) in uniform as Israelis are obliged to do national service (over 2 years). Guns are a common site, both automatic rifles and hand guns, carried by both militia, security personnel and civilians!

A truly amazing place to spend a few days. One of the few places I've been that I would consider living... We stayed in the Arab quarter near the Damascus Gate just outside the old city. The sense of history is tangible, but the sense of expectation for the future is even moreso. It was amazing to be in a place where cultures really do collide in a celebration of diversity and tradition - literally. The major Christian tourist attractions for pilgrims from all over the world are crowded - all day, from very early... Best to walk around the old city in the early evening when most of the tour busses have departed... Then too you can experience the market traders finishing their day and the families spilling out onto the tiny streets... Outside of the old city walls, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives is a must visit. The relatively modern Church of All Nations provides a place for reflection or prayer. There are some great places to eat and it was easy enough as a vegan to eat well. Falafel were amazing. Taking a hire car down to the Dead Sea for a float on the water was incredible and definitely a highlight. I would receommend Israel to anyone. Amazing We walked pretty much everywhere - but local buses were easy to use and very cheap. We took a local bus to Bethlehem, but really, it wasn't a highlight - it was the only place we got hassled as tourists our entire time in Israel. If you've "got to go there" to check it off - don't plan on staying long (unless you're planning on joining the very long queue to go down in the crypt in the church of the nativity).