Organizers of the Cinematheque Jerusalem Film Festival are now busy reviewing submissions from around the world for the annual festival, which is scheduled for July. Since 1974, the Jerusalem Film Center, also known as the Cinematheque, has organized the Jerusalem Film Festival each year. The film center and the festival were first established and organized […]
Every spring, 500 million migrating birds fly over Israel as they make their way back to the northern hemisphere after spending the summer in the warmer, southern part of the globe. This is due to Israel’s geographic location as a land bridge connecting Africa, Asia and Europe. This phenomenon makes Israel one of the best […]
Many people dream of spending the Passover Festival in Jerusalem. And indeed, the city sees thousands of visitors during this time, from abroad and from within Israel. This should not come as a surprise, as in addition to the holiday itself, there are special and unique activities all over the city. Creative and Traditional Passover […]
The Sataf Nature Trail is one of the highlights of the forest and hills on the outskirts of Jerusalem. But it is not just one trail. Several different routes wind through pine forests, rocky hills, hidden caves, ancient ruins and lush springs in this area beyond Ein Kerem, on the western edge of Jerusalem. Any […]
It has become clear in recent years that Israel is much more than Jerusalem walls and gates; history and culture. Israel is also home to a growing and innovative economy, especially in the realm of high-tech. It is known as the “Start-Up Nation,” for its high number of tech startups, and its advances in semiconductors, […]
Visitors come to Jerusaleml from all over the world for many reasons; high among them are history, culture and religion. But in addition to all of the amazing historical and religious sites, and cultural experiences, many are surprised to learn that there are so many nice parks in Jerusalem. From the expansive Gan Sacher and […]
For a food festival, Jerusalem is one of the best cities. Especially in the Machane Yehuda Market, or “shuk,” as it’s called in Hebrew, every day is like a food festival. Traditional and modern ingredients and ideas come together for exciting and innovative food experiences. One treat that has been gaining popularity is the “kurtosh,” […]
The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens is always a great place for a date. Filled with colorful flowers, meandering paths and flowing waterfalls, a visit here is always beautiful and relaxing. But going during the annual Winter Lights Festival is especially magical. From mid-December through the end of January, the garden is filled with various light displays […]
The Bible promises a rebuilt Jerusalem. The truth is the city has been redefined and rebuilt many times over the centuries. And today, it is undergoing another building and construction boom. Since the Mamilla Jerusalem Shopping Mall, one of the first large modern urban renewal projects that have been changing the landscape of the city, […]
Hanukkah lasts eight whole days and nights, and is especially exciting and memorable in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is amazing all year around, but some of the most beautiful places in Jerusalem are even more amazing during Hanukkah. The city is filled with festive and fancy sufganiyot, or doughnuts, along with Hanukkah candles everywhere you turn, as […]
Jerusalem has become famous around the world for its food traditions and lively dining scene. In addition to dozens of new restaurants, including many around the bustling Machane Yehuda central outdoor market area, the city is home to multiple food festivals each year. No matter when tourists visit the city, there is a good chance […]
We believe that the Inbal has long been the best place to stay in Jerusalem. But in recent years, it has gotten even better. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most exciting developments has been the culinary festivals that the hotel hosts each year. These events draw both hotel guests and […]
There are eight gates in the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. But often, it seems like there are more; that’s because many of them have multiple names. The Flower Gate Jerusalem is no exception to this phenomenon. The Flower Gate, located at the northeast corner of the walls surrounding the old city is indeed decorated […]
The Bible refers several times to Jerusalem’s water gate. The water gate Jerusalem is the place where the prophet Ezra read the Torah teachings to crowds, and it is one of the many gateways to the Temple complex listed as being rebuilt when the Isralites returned from their exile in Babylon. Scholars say the water […]
Jerusalem is filled with famous places, from the Western Wall to the Via Delarosa to the Machane Yehuda market. One of the best to experience these famous places in Jerusalem is on a date night out in the city. Famous Places in Jerusalem that transform at night While most tourists visit the Western Wall during […]
Jerusalem, filled with ancient history and modern culture, is an amazing city for anyone to visit. But it can be especially magical and meaningful for families. We have put together this list of the top 10 places to visit in Jerusalem—some famous and some lesser known–and what makes them great destinations for families. Some of […]
Jerusalem has long had a creative spirit, and is home to the country’s most renowned art school, the Bezalel Academy of Art of Design, now part of Hebrew University. Even the Biblical tradition highlights the role of design, with much text dedicated to describing how the Isralites should build their tabernacle, temple and altar. In fact, […]
In recent years, Jerusalem has seen an influx of high-tech companies. In fact, the industry has come to define certain areas of the city. This is especially true for Har Hotzfim, home to Intel and Mobileye and dozens of others; and the JVP Quarter near Baka and The First Station complex, home to OurCrowd and […]
While summer is a magical time to explore Jerusalem, there is no question it is hot. One of the best ways to relax and refresh during a day of sightseeing is to enjoy a cold drink or treat, and Jerusalem is full of unique places for this kind of summer pick-me-up. Situated along the bicycle and […]
Tucked away behind stone walls in the city’s German Colony neighborhood sits the Jerusalem Nature Museum. Located in a 19th century villa, this place is much more than a museum. It is a great destination for families to spend a morning or afternoon experiencing nature, history and food. The stone building, surrounded by gardens, is known […]
When spring comes to Jerusalem, one of the best places to see the wildflowers bloom, especially the purple crocuses and red poppies, is in Emek HaMatzleva, at the south end of Gan Sacher. A walk here along the paved or unpaved paths that wind among the almond and olive trees is one of the best […]
On a mountain top overlooking Jerusalem’s Old City and the desert beyond, piles of ancient rubble await discovery. This is the Temple Mount Sifting Project, where ordinary people like you and me can look carefully through buckets of what look like rocks and sand, hoping to find archaeological artifacts, or at least confirm that none […]
Tel Aviv may be Israel’s capital of hi-tech, but Jerusalem has been evolving as an important center of the start-up nation in recent years. Thanks to the vision and dedication of a number of committed entrepreneurs, the Holy City is now bursting with entrepreneurialism and excitement. Jerusalem has been making strong efforts to brand itself as […]
The courtyard gardens of homes; the rooftops of churches and winding alleyways. These are some of the scenes only possible from the Ramparts Walk along the tops of Jerusalem’s Old City walls. With two routes, one beginning near Jaffa Gate and one starting from the Tower of David, this walk is one of the most […]
Jerusalem’s Givat Shaul neighborhood, near the main entrance to the city, is famous for the location of Angels Bakery, industrial workshops and plenty of yeshivas. This is also the area where Gordon Gallery, a cornerstone of Tel Aviv’s modern art scene since 1966, chose to open its Jerusalem branch recently. Located on the top floor […]
When tour guide Yael Goodman leads a group of runners over the bridge by Jerusalem’s Cinematheque, they often stop to gaze out at the scenery and catch their breath. Goodman then usually briefly talks about how this area was once the border between Jordanian-controlled East Jerusalem and Israeli-controlled West Jerusalem before the 1967 Six Day […]
On a chilly Jerusalem winter day, one of the best and coziest ways to experience the city is to enjoy a hot drink in a cafe. While there is no shortage of cafes in the city, the best places offer scenic views, comfortable seats, unique stories and rich warm drinks. Here are four different places, […]
In 1892 a large delegation of both Jews and Arabs, as well as forgienr dignitaries, gathered at Jeruslaem’s newly-built railroad station to welcome the first train from Jaffa, which was the main port city and link to the rest of the world. Among the people greeting the train was Eliezer Ben Yehuda, the father of […]
Just outside Jerusalem, in the Judean desert, sits an unexpected but spectacular new site: DCity. The D is for “Design;” and specializing in home decor and furnishings, the sprawling shopping and entertainment complex includes life-like replicas of the streets, buildings and canals of Venice. With a free shuttle from Jerusaelm’s centrally-located Binyanei Hauma convention […]
Jerusalem boasts dozens of city parks. Recently, many of them have gotten makeovers, especially to their playground areas, making a morning or afternoon at a local park a great option for families with young children. One of the most anticipated parks to undergo renovation recently was Gan Sacher, nestled below the Knesset and within […]
Israel has long been known as the Start-Up Nation, but most of its tech industry has been centered in Tel Aviv. In recent years, that has been changing, with more startups and tech companies locating in Jerusalem. At the heart of Jerusalem’s transformation into an important high tech city is Margalit Startup City, just a short […]
In recent years, the word has spread about Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market turning into a center of nightlife, with a unique collection of bars and pubs. Even long after the last produce stalls have closed, the market is filled with people out for food, drink or dancing. One of the best ways to truly experience […]
With large glass windows looking out onto Derech Bethlehem, shelves filled with colorful tea cups and an aroma of fresh-baked scones, the KumKum Teahouse emits coziness. “This is the kind of place people in Jerusalem have been waiting for,” says Elisheva Levy, the manager and pastry chef at KumKum, which opened this past summer. It was nearly […]
There are dozens of natural springs in the hills and forests surrounding Jerusalem. In fact this system of streams, pools and underground water sources has helped sustain settlement here for more than 3,000 years, providing a source of life for people, crops and animals. Now, many of these springs provide the perfect place for hiking, […]
In a small art studio in downtown Jerusalem, a table is covered with freshly-painted ceramic coffee mugs, mezuzot, and tiles. Paint brushes dipped in pale green, pink and purple paint are also scattered on the table. “That’s the messy table, things still in progress,” said Shifra Pendrak, founder of JClay Pottery Studio, where anyone can paint […]
Summer is here and it’s a wonderful opportunity to take your family on an unforgettable vacation at the magical Jerusalem Inbal Hotel. Beyond the spectacular view, the Inbal Hotel is a 5-star hotel with all the luxurious pampering you can think of. Staying at the hotel will give you the chance to enjoy various fun […]
Summer vacation is on! when was the last time you took some alone time with your loved ones? a vacation just for you two? managing a family schedule can be quite challenging and on top of that squeezing in a romantic getaway can sound sometimes like a faraway fantasy. the perfect time will never come […]
Beginning on the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul, many Jewish communities wake up before sunrise to recite selichot, prayers asking for the atonement of sins. They continue this ritual for 40 days, through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. “It is a really intense and special atmosphere on the streets at this time of year,” […]
“This place is like the Garden of Eden, a real treasure,” said Tal Perry, who lives in Givat Mordechai, just a few minutes’ walk from the park, and was one of the local residents who worked for more than a decade to create this place. The park is open daily and features walking paths, shaded […]
But during this month that focuses on repentance, leading up to the high holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, it is not just the glory of King David that is talked about, but also his sins. This is just one stop on the so-called Selichot Tours offered by Yalla Basta, a local family-owned interactive […]
When Ruth Wexler started working as a nurse at Jerusalem’s Hansen Hospital in 1983, it was still a place that many people feared. Just a short walk from the Inbal Hotel, this complex behind stone walls was where people were treated for leprosy. By the time Wexler started working here, leprosy was treated with antibiotics […]
He was always with his camera said Kahvedjian’s grandson, also named Elia, who now runs the shop that his grandfather started in 1930. First located on Jaffa Road, where the elder Elia bought the existing Hanania Brothers photo service shop, the shop moved to its current location in 1949. Now it is a sort of […]
I had no idea this was here, it was a huge surprise said Weisberger, who opened the Wine Temple here in 2017. The renovation work eventually exposed the original stone walls and vaulted ceilings of the cellar. Now this sprawling underground three-room complex is filled with tables, a bar and shelves of hundreds of different […]
In addition to telling the story of the life of David–the shepherd boy who became a Biblical King–the show also illuminates the citadel walls with hundreds of works of art made throughout history that have immortalized David. So viewers see Michelangelo’s famous carved marble David statue and Chagall’s bright painting of David with a harp, […]
Before the state of Israel was established, the artist Anna Ticho lived with her husband, the eye doctor Avraham Albert Ticho in a stone home in the center of Jerusalem. Both left significant legacies, with Anna encapsulating the landscape of the Holy Land in her paintings and drawings, and Avraham Albert developing a treatment for […]
Located on Shlomo HaMelech Street, just up the hill from the Mamilla Mall and along the border that used to divide the city between Israel and Jordan from 1949 through 1967, Red and White welcomes visitors with wine, cheese, jazz music and conversation. The high ceilings, tall windows and candles on each table add to […]
Along the shop-lined cobblestone pedestrian Yoel Solomon Street in the city’s Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, one store stands out among the others because it has two names. The door reads Cadim, but the sign on the building says Altogether 8. While it can be confusing, the shop does indeed have two names because two different ceramic […]
Jerusalem’s Hebrew Music Museum is filled with instruments from across the historic Jewish diaspora, from Europe and Morocco to Central Asia. “The museum allows people to experience the whole Jewish diaspora, through musical experiences,” says Nechama Housmann, a tour guide at the museum, which opened in 2016 as part of the Kikar HaMusica complex in the Nahalat […]
This the Jerusalem Atelier, a cooking and dining space in Mahane Yehuda, where a group of visitors will soon arrive to participate in a culinary workshop, learning not just the traditions and recipes from the city’s diverse cuisine, but how to prepare dishes with the best ingredients from the surrounding market. In addition to culinary workshops, […]
This house is full of stories, she says. They are stories that she is eager to share with visitors. That’s why several years ago, she and about 15 other women founded Nifleot Ein Kerem, which organizes visits for both individuals and groups of tourists and business travelers to homes in Ein Kerem for meals, cooking lessons, […]
So many married and long-term couples have visited the cozy Tmol Shilshom cafe while they were dating that the cafe published a book about some of those who met their life-partners here. That book, Stories of Love, features ten couples, and is just a glimpse of the important role this place has played in the […]
Other hidden treasures include a walkway covered with arches of grape and rose and vines, streams and water fountains. There are also sculptures scattered throughout the park, including several bronze lions, donated to Jerusalem by Germany in the 1980s. Like almost every other place in Jerusalem, the park also contains a window into history and […]
There are always surprises, especially in the spring, says Kacal, an Israeli immigrant from Trinidad who has been bird watching since she was 8 years old, and is now the director of the bird observatory, operated by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and located in the middle of Jerusalem, between the […]
Offered most evenings, Smart Tour Israel’s evening Segway tours are especially popular with couples, families and other small groups. “It’s very romantic to see the city this way at night,” said Assaf Polivodor, a founding partner of Smart Tour Israel, which offers nighttime Segway tours along with daytime Segway tours, bike rentals and culinary tours. […]
The small shop is a good place to grab a coffee to go, sample a piece of chocolate or indulge in an ice cream cone while exploring Ein Kerem, a village-like neighborhood in the hills on the western edge of Jerusalem. But if one has more time, the larger Sweet Ein Kerem location offers a […]
It provides you with a different way to experience Jerusalem said Michael Weiss, co-founder of Jerusalem-based Bitemojo, which now offers eight different app-based food tours around Israel, and 14 others in cities around the world, including Budapest, New York and Lisbon You go off the beaten path and really understand a place. Other Jerusalem-based tours […]
This is just one example of the important and surprising spiritual, cultural and financial role that the color blue played in the ancient world. Examining the origins of the color blue, a new exhibit called Out of the Blue takes visitors on a journey through thousands of years and thousands of miles, from the blue […]
A several new activities based in and around the windmill make this location–with its sweeping views of the Old City and surrounding hills–one of the best places to visit, especially for couples looking for a fun day out or a romantic evening walk. Sommeliers from Jerusalem Wineries have now found a home inside the base […]
“It became the highlight of their trip,” Tarlow says. This tour guide and other clients began asking Tarlow to develop more scavenger hunts around Jerusalem. “It just overtook everything else and became my full-time job,” says Tarlow, who soon founded and runs Israel ScaVentures, a company offering 20 different guided scavenger hunts around Jerusalem and several […]
