Ramparts Walk Jerusalem: Exploring The Old City from Above 

The Ramparts Walk Jerusalem allows visitors to stroll around the top of the city’s ancient walls, peering down onto everyday life, seeing famous landmarks from a new perspective and looking out at the expansive views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. The ramparts walk is one of the most unique attractions in Jerusalem, and helps round out a day in the Old City.

Introduction to the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem

Jerusalem is surrounded by thick stone walls, dating from the 16th century. Today one can only enter the old city through one of the gates in the walls, or through the opening for the road that is cut in the wall next to the Jaffa Gate. 

The walls were built with walkways on top of them used by the military and defense forces to protect the city in its ancient days; today the tops of these walls are still walkable, and are open to visitors. 

The old city walls walk has two separate, non-connected routes, both beginning near the Jaffa Gate. One starts near the Tower of David Museum and includes the southern side of the Old City walls, and passes over the Armenian Quarter and the Zion Gate and finishes near the Western Wall. The other route begins on the other side of the Jaffa Gate, and leads around the edges of the Christian and Muslim quarters, including going over the tops of the New Gate, Damascus Gate and the Lions Gate. This route is longer than the southern route.

Both walks are included in an entry ticket, which is available for purchase next to the Tourist Information Office just inside the Jaffa Gate, and near the entrances for both of the Jerusalem ramparts walk routes.

Visitors should be aware that the pathways atop the walls are rocky and uneven or slippery in places, but there are handrails and several places to stop and sit down for a rest while taking in the views. 

The Southern Jerusalem Ramparts Walk

This route is under a mile long, and can be completed in about 30 minutes, although it is recommended to take it slower to have more time to look at the views and sites. Among the most interesting sites are Armenian churches, the Zion Gate, and the horse stables of the Israeli police. There are also sweeping views looking out toward downtown Jerusalem and the hills and desert that eventually lead to the Dead Sea. Upon completing the walk, and descending from the walls, visitors will be near the Western Wall and Jewish Quarter. This is a one-way route that can only be entered near the Jaffa Gate, although there are multiple exit points.

The Northern Jerusalem Ramparts Walk 

This route stretches out nearly two miles along the tops of the walls that surround the edges of the Chiristian and Muslim quarters, and takes at least an hour and a half. There are panoramic views of church spires and mosque minarets, as well as opportunities to observe daily life on the streets and in the markets and courtyards of the Old City. This side of the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem features views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock and many other religious landmarks. This route ends in the Muslim Quarter, where visitors can explore the markets near Damascus Gate, the Via Dolorosa or many other sites. This route allows visitors to walk in either direction, and can be started near the Jaffa Gate or at the opposite end, near the Lion’s Gate. There are also a few other entry and exit points along the way.

Walking the Old City Walls Through The Past and Present

Taking the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem offers visitors not just interesting and beautiful views, but gives a sense of the size and layout of the Old City, as well as the topography around it. Jerusalem has had defensive city walls for nearly four thousand years, since it was a Canaanite city. As the city grew and changed, so did its walls. By the Second Temple Period, it was surrounded by several layers of walls, most of which were later destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The walls that surround the city today date from the 16th century, when the Turkish Ottoman empire controlled the city.

Walking atop these walls allows people to see the different layers of the city, as well as its modern diversity.  Here are some tips to make your route along the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem as enjoyable as possible:

• Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days, and try to complete the walk early in the morning or during the special evening hours during July and August.
• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
• Budget at least three hours if you want to do both routes.
• Take it slow and enjoy watching life unfold in the city below.
• Don’t forget to look outside the Old City, toward modern Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives and the other hills and landscapes surrounding the city.

The walls are meant to be a journey; a different and unique way to experience Jerusalem. To make your visit more unique, you can explore the walls after dark on some summer evenings with later opening hours. The Ramparts Walk also sometimes offers special activities, like augmented reality tours; these events are often posted on the Ramparts Walk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramparts_walk_jerusalem.

FAQs

What is the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem?

The Ramparts Walk Jerusalem consists of two different dedicated trails atop the Old City walls, offering views from above. 

Where is the Ramparts Walk Jerusalem?

The entrances to both of the ramparts walk routes are near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Tickets can be bought in the Ramparts Walk ticket office next to the tourist information center on the left hand side of the street just after entering Jaffa Gate.

When is the Ramparts Walk Open?

It is generally open daily and in the summer on some evenings. It is best to check the hours here, or to email: tourism@pami.co.il.

How Much Does the Ramparts Walk Cost? 

Updated ticket prices can be found here; there are discounts for students, children, senior citizens and others.

Do You Need to Reserve a Ticket in Advance?

No, you don’t need a reservation. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office next to the tourist information center just inside the Jaffa Gate, or online at https://www.pami.co.il/en/. Tickets are valid for one day.