Visit Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a wonderful city to visit any time of year. We are American and were a bit hesitant to visit during the current state of affairs. We are glad we kept our plans. Due to low tourism we were able to see the old city and many other historical sites with out the burden of crowds. We experienced one alarm while we were there and neighbors kindly walked us to a local bomb shelter. The Jewish people are resilient, no matter the situation you see tons of families with children out and about and the parks are full of activity. They are living life as usual and you would never know there is conflict going on. The city feels very safe, we ate late at restaurants and walked late in the night thru the neighborhoods back to our apartment and always felt safe. Getting around is easy, we walked mostly but when needed taxi service (Gett app is preferred) was our preference, but they have a good bus system. Rail that runs near the old city is currently out of service but due back up soon.

jenni United States

Get a RavKav card. DO NOT travel on Saturdays. Even if Google says there is transportation- there isn't. Taxi's cost 5x the amount of bus fare. Food is expensive (about 1.5 times that in the states at least). You will walk 5 miles a day. You will climb a lot of stairs- about 350 steps/day. There are very few elevators. The city has some free WIFI, but it's spotty. Shop the Cardo in the old city- it's cheaper than "new" Jerusalem even just outside the gate unless you want fresh produce. The tap water is drinkable without any issues and has good taste. Vendors EXPECT haggling. It's the culture. If they hit you at 600 Shekels, respond with 100. You will end up around 250-300 if you stick to your guns. They deliberately overcharge for the haggle. Local businesses are typically closed on Friday at sunset until Saturday until sunset- at least in the Jewish Quarter. Everyone will try to be your tour guide. I've never had a problem, but I have managed to do well without one. If you're going to buy antiquities, do it near the Via Dolorosa. I personally recommend Baidun's. "No" is not part of business language there. Say "maybe tomorrow" or "if God's willing". They will say anything to get you in their shops. And, don't try to not look American- you will anyway. It's not dangerous at all there- it was very peaceful and people were generally kind. Just know the merchants are VERY persistent. Christian Quarter/Armenian are a bit cleaner than the others. Islamic Quarter is less clean than others. I didn't notice flies or mosquitos in July. There's free public water fountains almost everywhere. No need to keep buying water- take your own bottle to save a lot of money.

Jerusalem is a vibrant city, filled with people of every religion, and country. History abounds here, wherever you go... There are tears and sorrow mixed with hope and optimism. Go, and explore for yourselves!

dassah United States

Visited the Rock, Wailing Wall/Western Wall, Via Dolorosa its full of interesting religious history. My fav food is eating huge shawarma cost 37 Shekel where you can cut in two and share with your partner. You can find that outside the Damascus Gate near the bus station. Via Dolorosa station of the cross is i find it difficult the exact location you need to check the wall, I find it not marked properly.

maria_makiling United Arab Emirates

The Old City of Jerusalem was breathtaking - I could feel the 'peace, joy and happiness' as I stepped out of my hotel and walked around. It was Biblical history coming alive. As a Christian I now claim this City as my spiritual home. The New Imperial Hotel is one of the best places to stay if you are not familiar with the city because the city is on the doorstep of this hotel. The staff were very supportive and helpful; I trusted them to book me a taxi (at a reasonable price) for a safe journey back to the airport. The City is very affluent having amazing restaurants serving great food and shops.

Suqie United Kingdom

Not fair; I've lived in Jerusalem and have been going back and forth since 1970, leading groups (adults and youth, Jews and non-Jews) at least 25 times. There's no city - none - that compare with the history and culture and significance. And in 2025, the food and culture and amenities are 21st century level.

Jerry United States