Jerusalem began more than 5,000 years ago, on a hill near the Gihon Spring, just outside what is today the Old City. This long history, making it one of the oldest cities in the world, is what draws visitors to many attractions in Jerusalem, including archaeological sites, museums and holy places. And it is impressive […]
With Hanukkah and Christmas overlapping this year, it’s an extra special and light-filled holiday season in Jerusalem. Many of the best tours and attractions in Jerusalem for the holiday season have already started–and many will run beyond the holidays into the rest of the winter. Exploring Light Displays The Jerusalem Botanical Garden is currently […]
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, […]
Jerusalem is a city most well-known for its history, religious significance, and its culture, including its rich and diverse cuisine. But alongside all of this, it can also be a romantic city, a special place for couples to visit and explore—-whether they come from near or far. From visiting some of the famous sites at […]
One of the most iconic scenes of Jerusalem’s Old City is the circular tower atop a fortress at the Jaffa Gate. This ancient, sprawling complex is home to the Tower of David Museum Jerusalem, which blends the ancient and modern to tell the story of past and present Jerusalem and its significance to Jews, Christians […]
Summer is one of the best times for families to visit Jerusalem. While the city is amazing all year around, there are many special events in Jerusalem over the summer that really make the season stand out. From light shows to festivals to events at museums and other sites, there is no shortage of memorable […]
Summer is one of the best times for families to visit Jerusalem. While the city is amazing all year around, there are many special events in Jerusalem over the summer that really make the season stand out. From light shows to festivals to events at museums and other sites, there is no shortage of memorable […]
With long sunny days and pleasant evenings, summer can be a magical season in Jerusalem. Summers in Jerusalem, with visitors from abroad and many locals on vacation, are often filled with festivals, concerts and other special events. The Inbal Hotel’s new street food in Jerusalem festival seeks to capture the city’s summer spirit, while celebrating […]
Although many people visit Jerusalem for its history and spiritual environment, the city offers many venues and festivals featuring music. For couples looking for a special outing at night or in the afternoon, an event, festival or venue for music in Jerusalem is a great choice. Best bets for nightly music in Jerusalem Numerous bars […]
Jerusalem is home to a plethora of bookstores catering to the People of the Book. Steimatsky and Tzomet Sfarim are some of the most popular bookstore chains in Israel, with a wide selection of books and a familiar shopping experience. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and off-the-beaten-track, here are some of […]
Jerusalem during Passover is a special time in the city. There is a festive atmosphere and unique events and attractions along with holiday happenings at some of the city’s best known and most famous sites. When it comes to Passover events in Jerusalem for families, there is no shortage of things to do. Free Museums […]
One of the most creative winter events in Jerusalem is the Shaon Horef Cultural Festival, when several city streets come alive with music, art exhibits and other entertainment on Monday evenings. The free festival, started by the municipality about a decade ago, is taking place during February and March this year. Due to the war […]
Winter in Israel can be warm and sunny on some days, but cold and rainy on others. It is especially on these colder days that many families are looking for indoor attractions in Jerusalem. Exploring the Sea The Israel Museum, and particularly its current exhibit “Wonders of the Deep,” in the Ruth Youth Wing, is […]
Jerusalem has long been famous for the walls and gates around the Old City. Like many ancient cities, it has been surrounded by walls of some sort since its founding, more than 3,000 years ago. The city’s walls have been destroyed, rebuilt and changed over the years as the city survived wars and other changes, […]
Jerusalem is famous for its history, culture and as the birthplace of religions. The city can also be a romantic and meaningful place for couples to visit together. Here are some of the top attractions in Jerusalem for a date night or couples outing: The Western Wall at Night is one of the top attractions […]
Teddy Park Jerusalem has long been popular with families, but it is even more enjoyable in the summer, when fountains run hourly, accompanied by music. This allows children (and adults, too) to cool off in the hot weather. The fountains, accompanied by music ranging from Mtaisyahu’s popular hit “Jerusalem If I Forget You,” to classical […]
Each summer at the food truck festival, Jerusalem restaurants show off their best dishes. During July and August, dozens of restaurants participate in a food truck festival in the city’s Ben Hinnom Valley Park on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The park is just outside the city walls, near the Cinematheque theater. Even for those […]
Jerusalem is a magical city for any visitor, but for those exploring the city on their own there are several experiences not to be missed. Here are the best tourist attractions in Jerusalem to check out on your own: Join a Food Tour in the Shuk Available from many companies and guides during the day […]
One of the highlights of summer in Jerusalem is the Jerusalem Old City Light Festival, when streets, buildings, archaeological sites and other monuments are illuminated throughout the walled city. In addition to strings of lights and illuminated murals and designs on buildings, the week-long Jerusalem Old City Light Festival includes music and other artistic performances. The Jerusalem […]
Jerusalem has many parks and green spaces. Among the best and largest of these is Gan Sacher Park, which runs along Ben Zvi Boulevard near the Knesset, museum quarter and the neighborhoods of Nachlaot and Rehavia. While the park is nice all year around, the summer is an especially nice time for families to enjoy […]
Today Mamilla, which connects the Jaffa Gate to the center of Jerusalem’s new city, is a well-known outdoor shopping and dining area. The cobblestone Alrov Mamilla Boulevard is lined with upscale shops of both local and international brands. And the restaurants and cafes along the bustling street are some of the best places for a […]
Jerusalem’s ancient walls are one of its defining characteristics. Since its founding more than three thousand years ago, the city has been protected by walls. The walls that stand today date from the 16th century, and contain the 7 gates of Jerusalem, plus an additional 8th gate, called the Mercy Gate, that is no longer […]
Not only is Jerusalem a beautiful and interesting city, but the desert and mountains around the city are also worth exploring for their unique beauty and history. One of the best ways to explore the landscape outside of the city is to go for a hike or walk on one of the many trails, or […]
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 […]
