The Best Indoor Attractions in Jerusalem
Jerusalem can be a magical place to visit during the late fall and winter. But it is also one of the coldest places in Israel, as it sits quite high in the mountains between the plains of the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. And while rain is seen as a blessing in the holy land, rainy days can make outdoor site-seeing a bit challenging. That is why all visitors should include at least some indoor attractions in Jerusalem during winter in the city.
Active Indoor Adventures
In addition to classic sites like the Israel Museum and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, there are also plenty of less well-known indoor attractions in Jerusalem, including for those who want an active adventure. One of the best experiences is indoor ice skating at Jerusalem’s First Station, an antique railway station now serving as a dining, shopping and entertainment venue. “Jerusalem on Ice” is open to visitors through the end of December.
Jerusalem also offers a few options for indoor rock climbing. The Bloc in the center of town is popular with well-established climbers as well as beginners. Another popular option for climbers of all levels is iClimb, at Teddy Stadium on the southwestern edge of the city.
Creative Indoor Attractions in Jerusalem
For those who like art and crafts, or want to make something to remember their visit to Jerusalem, the city offers several studios open to the public. A glassblowing studio in the city, staffed by graduates of from Jeruslaem’s renowned Bezalel Academy of Art and Design is one of many activities available at the House of Quality, an arts and culture center in a historic stone building. The House of Quality, near First Station, offers other workshops in jewelry making, Judaica, ceramics and metal arts.
Other ceramics studios also offer workshops for visitors. Hadara’s Ceramic Studio located on Emek Refaim in the German Colony, offers a variety of objects that visitors can make from wet clay, then paint before they are fired in a kiln. In the Old City, near Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem Pottery, a ceramics business started by the Armenian Karakashian family more than a century ago, and still run by the family, offers visitors a chance to paint their own tiles, plates or bowls in the unique colorful style associated with the pottery tradition.
Annual Winter soup festival at The Inbal
Hot drinks and warm soup are also great ways to spend a winter afternoon or evening. In addition to the city’s many cafes, one of the most popular indoor attractions in Jerusalem for dining every fall and winter is the Inbal Hotel Soup Festival. Running from November through February, the soup festival is open to the public, and features a choice of several different flavors of soup, from classics like French Onion and Minestrone to creamy cauliflower and African peanut. In addition to warm soups, there are also a variety of freshly-baked breads made in the hotel’s taboon oven, as well as toppings like croutons, cheese and seeds. Dips like pesto and sundried tomato accompany the breads and pastries. Guests can also add a glass of wine or a dessert in addition to the already included unlimited soups and breads.
In addition to offering delicious food, the soup festival creates a cozy winter environment in an elegant atmosphere. For locals and visitors alike, it is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Jerusalem. The Inbal soup festival runs Sunday through Thursday, from noon until 10 p.m., and reservations are required.
