3 Days Jerusalem – In Depth Itinerary – Full Guide 2025

walk to the church of nativity bethlehem

What should you do if you only have 3 days in Jerusalem in 2025? Is it possible to see all of the main attractions if you only have 3 days in Jerusalem? If so, what things should you see? And how should you pace yourself? 

A 3 day tour in Jerusalem is likely to cost you thousands of pounds. And this doesn’t even include flights and additional expenses on your trip. Sadly, many people would love to visit Jerusalem, but the cost is just too high. So we decided to design a step-by-step itinerary to show you how to plan your own independent Jerusalem trip on a budget. 

If you are like us, visiting Jerusalem is a once in a lifetime experience. So it’s more important than ever to make sure you see all of the most significant and important attractions in Jerusalem. Yet, Jerusalem is also very expensive – so you may only have a few days to do this. 

In itinerary we’re going to take you through an awesome independent step-by-step trip through Jerusalem. Showing you what to see, how to get there, how much it will cost and much more. We genuinely want you to have an AMAZING trip in Jerusalem. We loved exploring Jerusalem and hope we can inspire and equip you too. To help make your planning as efficient and simple as possible we really have aimed to include EVERYTHING you need to know in this guide. No need to bounce between articles or spend ages trying to pull everything together. Welcome to our tried-and-tested EPIC 3 day Jerusalem itinerary. 

Looking for more inspo? Don’t miss these Amazing things to do in Jerusalem

Planning your trip? Find out about the Fastest & Cheapest way to travel from the Airport to Jerusalem Old City

3 days in Jerusalem summary 

Here is a brief summary of our 3 days in Jerusalem itinerary please keep reading for a full and in-depth step by step guide for each of these days:

Day 1 – Explore the Garden tomb and the Old City 

Day 2 – Visit Bethlehem, Gethsemane and the mount of Olives

Day 3 – Hezekiyah’s water tunnel, The Tower of David and Teddy Park 

Should you explore Jerusalem independently or book a tour? 

Jerusalem old city markets

Should you explore Jerusalem independently, or should you book a tour? This is a personal question, and the answer will depend on your budget, your preferences, and your desire for convenience.

1 Pre-booked tours 

Booking a tour does have some real advantages. You can relax and let your tour guide show you where to go and what to see. You can also glean knowledge and expertise from your tour guide and ask questions. Booking a tour is also a great way to connect with new people and make friends. If you book a tour, you have the advantage of the local experience and expertise of a guide who can sometimes find hidden gems and arrange special experiences, such as out-of-hours visits to amazing attractions.

However, it’s important to note that Israel tours are very expensive, and not everyone can budget for a pre-booked tour. Furthermore, a disadvantage of taking a tour is that you need to go at the pace of your group. So, if you’re enjoying a particular attraction, you may need to leave before you feel ready. It is not possible to put emphasis on the experiences that you personally enjoy because you are part of a group, so it can be quite challenging going at the pace of others.

TOP TIP

Get the BEST of both: A great way to save money is get yourself there and then use KLOOK to book some epic tours in Jerusalem. This is cheaper than pre-booking a longer trip to Jerusalem but allows some degree of freedom and flexibility. Win win.

2 Independent and on a budget

We prefer to do things independently and on a budget. If you take an independent trip following an itinerary like this one, you can literally save thousands of pounds! Saving more enabling you to travel further and experience more. Exploring a place independently means that you can go at your own pace and prioritize the activities and experiences that interest you the most. If you get to a place and need to slow down, rest, or spend more time enjoying it, you can. Going independently is also more of an adventure. There is a chance that things can go wrong. But we love the sense of adventure this creates.

Pre-booked tourIndependent & on a budget
Local expert guide
Ask questions & learn
Make new friends
Expensive
Not flexible
Need to go at the pace of your group
Can seem scary
Need to plan yourself
Much cheaper than a tour
Can prioritize and choose your own pace
Feels more intrepid and exhilarating 


Who is this itinerary for?

The backpacking family Israel

This 3 days in Jerusalem itinerary is for anyone who wants to explore Jerusalem independently and on a budget. Especially if you only have limited time and yet are keen to see all of the main attractions in and around Jerusalem. This itinerary has a strong focus on history, culture, food, and sites of religious and spiritual significance. If you are visiting Jerusalem, these are probably the main types of experiences you are hoping for.

We have designed this itinerary for anyone who is adventurous enough to explore Israel independently. We have tried to design this itinerary to act as a step-by-step guide, showing you where to go, when to go there, and how to get there.

If you only have 3 days in Jerusalem we will show you what to do and how to do it.

If you only have 3 days in Jerusalem is it possible to see the best bits?

Flower bed at the garden tomb

If you only have 3 days in Jerusalem, it is possible to see all of the main and most significant attractions in and around the Jerusalem Old City. However, it is important to recognize that your pace may need to be pretty high. If you only have 3 days in Jerusalem, you need to be prepared to do quite a bit of walking. You will also need to be prepared to get some early starts. Some of these days run quite late as well.

So, although it is possible to see all of the best bits in only 3 days, you will need to have some energy and be prepared to have a relatively high pace. It is also important to recognize that you can’t see everything in three days. There will be some activities, experiences, and attractions that you will need to skip. We have designed this itinerary to make sure that you see the most significant and prominent attractions in and around Jerusalem. However, if there are specific sites that you are interested in, you may wish to adapt the itinerary to include these as well or plan a longer trip.

If possible we don’t recommend spending any less than 3 days in Jerusalem.

DAY 1 – Explore the Garden Tomb and the Old City

Summary of Day 1 

If you have 3 days in Jerusalem, we recommend starting by getting your bearings and exploring the Jerusalem Old City. This will allow you to acclimatize and go at your own pace. By remaining in the Jerusalem Old City, you can also return to your accommodation if you find that you need to rest. This is also a good opportunity to visit some of the most significant and important attractions on the first day. If possible, we do recommend getting an early start before the day gets too hot. You may want to go back to your accommodation during the hottest hours of the day to take rest and then continue exploring in the afternoon and evening.

Explore the Garden Tomb (1 hour) 

garden tomb entrance Jerusalem

The first day of our itinerary starts with a visit to the Garden Tomb. This is situated to the north of the Jerusalem Old City, a short walk from the Damascus gate. The Garden Tomb opens at 8:30 in the morning, and at this time, it is very peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. It is free to visit the Garden Tomb. Just arrive and explore at your own pace. It is also important to be aware that some tour groups do arrive at the Garden Tomb at 8:30am. So don’t expect to have the place to yourself. The Garden Tomb is significant because it is one of the two probable sites for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The other is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Golgotha skull cliff garden tomb

When you arrive at the Garden Tomb, there are welcoming volunteers who can answer questions and provide information leaflets (available in a range of languages). At the Garden Tomb, there are areas for quiet prayer and reflection. You can also see the Golgotha cliff and visit the site of the Tomb itself. There are access ramps leading to the tomb. If you wish, you’re welcome to step inside and have a look. The Garden Tomb is accessible and welcoming to families. It has excellent facilities, including toilets, a water dispenser, and a gift shop. Whether you are interested in the history and spiritual significance of this place, it is still a fascinating and beautiful attraction. We highly recommend a visit.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (1 hour)

The arch at the entrance to the church of the sepulchre

After exploring the Garden Tomb, we recommend taking a walk around the Jerusalem Old City before it gets too hot or busy. We recommend heading over to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is the other probable site for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is also free to enter. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a very impressive and beautiful building with stunning artwork and architecture. Here are the main things we recommend seeing in this beautiful church.

The entrance and stone of unction

As you enter the church, you will see a large slab of stone called the Stone of Unction. It is believed that Jesus’s body was laid on the stone after he died and was cleaned and anointed before burial. As you enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on your right, you will see a small set of steps leading up to a small Chapel, which marks the location of the cross. You can see sections of the original cliff exposed, and you can also place your hand in the hole where the cross was thought to have stood. 

Golgotha chapel

If you follow the corridor around the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, you can also visit the Tomb of Jesus. You need to queue to enter the Edicule. Inside, you can visit a small altar where there is a stone that covers the cave, which is thought to be the Tomb of Jesus.

The edicule building

Many people light a candle and say a prayer here. It is important to be aware that this is a pretty busy and intense experience, and you’re not likely to have long at the Tomb. Church staff will usher you in and out of the Edicule to keep the queue moving.

After visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, you may wish to return to your accommodation to rest or find some lunch around the Old City.

Muristan Market (45 minutes)

Muristan Market Jerusalem old city

Close to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, you can find a beautiful market with stalls selling spices, street food, clothing, and gifts. There are also some more expensive and upmarket restaurants in this area too.

The Western Wall (30 minutes)

Western wall male area

If you’re exploring the Jerusalem Old City, we highly recommend visiting the Western Wall. The Western Wall is the only remaining part of the Temple from the Second Temple period. It is thought to date back to around 19 BC, and it was built by Herod the Great. This is one of the most prestigious and significant sites in the world for Jewish people, and throughout the day and night, many Jewish people visit this site to pray and recite scriptures.

Western wall jerusalem with a baby

It is free of charge to visit the Western Wall, and anyone is welcome, including entering the prayer areas to get close to the wall itself. We visited the Western Wall both by day and night and found it more busy and fascinating at night. We found the Jewish people to be very welcoming, and we had no problems entering the prayer areas, even with our children. Many people write prayers on small slips of paper and slot them into cracks in the Western Wall. There are separate male and female areas.

Via Dolorosa (45 minutes)

Via Dolorosa

Depending on your available time and energy levels, you may wish to walk the route of the Via Dolorosa, which translates to the “Walk of Sorrow.” This walk is around 600 meters in length. It is significant because it is thought to be the route that Jesus walked from the prison (close to the Church of Condemnation near Lion’s Gate) to the site of his crucifixion at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Along the route of the Via Dolorosa, you can also see different stations, which symbolize different events that occurred during Jesus’s walk with the cross. Many people do this walk as a pilgrimage or out of historical interest.

In the evening, you could spend some more time exploring the Jerusalem Old City, enjoy some local food, or head back to your accommodation to get some rest.

DAY 2 – Visit Bethlehem, Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives

Summary of Day 2

The second day of this itinerary involves a visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, thought to be the birthplace of Jesus. Afterward, we recommend taking a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane and then heading up the Mount of Olives to enjoy the sunset over the Jerusalem Old City. This is a slightly longer day and a little bit more challenging than the first day. If you get a reasonably early start, it is definitely possible to fit everything into this day. Because the visit to Bethlehem involves crossing between Israel and Palestine, we do recommend that you read this information carefully.

It is possible to visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem independently and on a budget using only local transport with a short walk. Make sure to bring your passport and any other relevant documents on this journey. When you return from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, there is a security checkpoint, and the security personnel will want to check your passport.

Take a bus from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (1 hour)

231 bus from Jerusalem to Bethlehem

Remember to pack your passports and dress modestly. You need to keep your knees and shoulders covered in the Church of the Nativity. This applies to both men and women. We recommend getting an early start if you are planning to visit Bethlehem (aim for 8 am). To take a bus from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, go to the HaNevi’im Terminal near the Damascus Gate. Find Stand C and take Bus 231, which goes all the way to Bethlehem Town (5.5NIS or £1 or $1.20). When you arrive in Bethlehem, you will be dropped off on Hebron Road (near the junction of Al Makfufin street). There is a 20-minute walk to reach the Church of the Nativity. This is a very beautiful walk that takes you through a small Street Market in Bethlehem.

For more information check out this step-by-step guide: Traveling from Jerusalem to Bethlehem

Explore Bethlehem (2 – 3 hours)

Bethlehem Backpacking family Manger

We really enjoyed exploring Bethlehem, and we would highly recommend taking a few hours to enjoy this town. The main attraction in Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity. At the Church of the Nativity, you can visit the birth site of Jesus and see the iconic manger in which he was laid.

original floor excavation church of nativity
The church of the Nativity

This is a very beautiful and historic church with stunning decorations and artwork. You can see areas where the original church floor has been excavated to visit the Grotto in which Jesus was born. You will need to queue up, and the queues can be quite long and intense.

Alter at the church of the nativity grotto

The Grotto itself is likely to be quite crowded, and you may not have long in the grotto. However, it is still a fascinating and significant experience. If you are unable to join the long queue (for example, you have young kids or limited time), then we recommend speaking to some of the local tour guides outside the Church of the Nativity. The tour guides will be willing to take a family or small group for around 100NIS – 150NIS (£20 – £30 or $25 – $36). In our opinion, this is a very good use of money if you’re traveling with young children. In Bethlehem, you can also see the Milk Grotto, explore Nativity square, and see some beautiful local markets.

Take a bus back to Jerusalem (around 1 hour)

bus back to jerusalem

After you have explored Bethlehem, you will need to return to Jerusalem by local bus. To take a bus back to Jerusalem, you need to walk back to the same location that you were dropped off. Hebron Road near the junction of Al Makfufin street. If there is no bus at this location, you will just need to wait. Bus 231 returns all the way back to Jerusalem. On the bus journey back to Jerusalem, there is a stop at a security checkpoint. You will be asked to get off the bus, and security staff will want to see your passport. This is a short stop that only takes around 5 or 10 minutes. After this, you will be allowed to jump back on the same bus and continue your journey back to the Jerusalem Old City.

But we really enjoyed exploring Bethlehem, but it was a pretty tiring trip. When you get back to Jerusalem, we recommend heading back to your accommodation to get some rest or finding a nice cafe or restaurant where you can relax, have a drink, and get some food.

Explore the Garden of Gethsemane (30 minutes)

Gethsemane today

A little later in the afternoon, we recommend taking a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane. This is located at the base of the Mount of Olives. If you wish to see the sunset from the peak of the Mount of Olives, we recommend aiming to arrive at Gethsemane by around 4 pm (or a couple of hours before sunset).

You can walk to the Garden of Gethsemane from the Jerusalem Old City.The walk only takes around 10 or 15 minutes. Exit the Jerusalem Old City through the Lions Gate until you reach the main road. Take a right and follow the road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, you can see the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, and you can also visit the Garden of Gethsemane. The Garden of Gethsemane is a small preserved section of garden with some ancient olive trees and a very beautiful church. 

Church of all nations Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is significant because it is the location where Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a kiss and arrested by the Roman soldiers. The Garden of Gethsemane is a very beautiful and peaceful location. You can also see the Church of All Nations, which is located at the Garden of Gethsemane. This is a relatively small attraction that you can see in around 5 or 10 minutes. However, some people like to come here to slow down and reflect, and they wish to take a little longer. It is free to enter the Garden of Gethsemane. Although you cannot walk through the garden itself, there is a path leading all the way around the garden section, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ambiance of the garden.

Opening hours at the Garden of Gethsemane: Summer (April – September): 8 am – 6 pm and Winter (October – March): 8 am – 5 pm

Visit the Mount of Olives (1 – 2 hours)

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the Mount of Olives

Mount of olives sunset

After exploring the Garden of Gethsemane, we recommend heading up the Mount of Olives to watch the sunset over the Jerusalem Old City. There are a few different ways to get up the Mount of Olives from the Garden of Gethsemane. You can walk around 600m up a small path that leads up the Mount of Olives. This walk is likely to take around 15 minutes, and it is a very beautiful walk if you have the energy.

Alternatively, you could get a taxi to the peak of the Mount of Olives from the Garden of Gethsemane. The taxi journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to the peak of the Mount of Olives is likely to cost around 25NIS – 35NIS (£5 – £7 or $6 – $9). You can either speak to a local taxi driver and negotiate for a fair price, or you can use the Gett taxi app to book taxis in Jerusalem.

Basilica Gethsemane mount of olives

There are several places to enjoy the sunset at the peak of the Mount of Olives. Personally, we chose to go to the Chapel of the Ascension. This is the highest point of the Mount of Olives, and there is a nice place to sit and watch the sunset. Alternatively, you can go to the Holocaust Memorial Area, where you can get an impressive view over the Old City and also see the memorial and tomb of the prophets.

We really enjoyed seeing the sunset from the Mount of Olives. This is a very beautiful way to see Jerusalem from a different angle and also visit another significant attraction in Jerusalem.

DAY 3 – Hezekiyah’s Water Tunnel, The Tower of David, and Teddy Park

Summary of Day 3

The last of your 3 days in Jerusalem is more relaxed day than day two. There are fewer activities and a little more time for rest. If this is your last day in Jerusalem, we recommend taking it a bit slower. Get some rest and allowing time to either return to places you really enjoyed. Alternatively see any places you have not yet visited. This day starts with a visit to the fascinating and unique Hezekiah’s Cave, situated in the City of David National Park to the south of the Jerusalem Old City. We then recommend visiting the Tower of David and Teddy Park, located close to the Jaffa Gate on the west side of the Old City.

Hezekiyah’s Water Tunnel (2 hours)

City of David national park view

Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel is one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Jerusalem. It is also one of our TOP PICK activities in Jerusalem for kids. It is situated in the City of David National Park. This tunnel was carved over 2,700 years ago during the reign of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem. The tunnel is long, cut through the rock (533m in length), and it is possible to walk through it. The water is generally around ankle deep. However, there are a couple of deeper sections at the entrance and exit of the tunnel.

Warren's shaft hezekiyah's tunnel

The tunnel is not lit, so it is highly recommended that you have a torch. If you’re not traveling with a small torch, you can buy them at the ticket office for 6NIS. We strongly recommend bringing a small day bag with a change of dry clothes and appropriate footwear. Sandals or light trainers are ideal. Just remember that your shoes and shorts are likely to get wet. Wading through the water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel is a fun and very unique experience.

hezekiah's tunnel with kids

The walk itself takes around 30 minutes, and it can be slower if there are many people walking through the tunnel. When you reach the end of the tunnel, there is an area of water where kids like to play, and you exit the City of David National Park at the bottom of the hill. From here, you can either take a shuttle bus back up to the visitor center (7NIS) or take a local bus back up to the Jerusalem Old City (bus 286 runs back up the hill past the visitor’s center).

Opening Hours at Hezekiyah’s Water Tunnel: Sunday – Thursday: 8 am – 5 pm, Friday: 8 am – 2 pm and Saturday: CLOSED

Ticket Prices: Adult: 28NIS (around £6 or $8) Children (5 – 18 years old): 14NIS (around £3 or $4) and Under 5 years old: FREE

The Tower of David (1 – 2 hours)

Tower of David

After exploring Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel, we recommend heading to the Jaffa Gate to visit the Tower of David. The Jaffa Gate is one of the most prominent and busy gates of the Jerusalem Old City. In the area, you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as local street markets. The Tower of David is situated at the Jaffa Gate, and you can explore it for 50NIS (around £10 or $12). It is likely to take around an hour to explore the Tower of David, and this is an awesome place to learn more about the history and heritage of Jerusalem.

Teddy Park (1 hour) 

Water play fountains teddy park Jerusalem

After exploring the Tower of David, we recommend taking a walk around Teddy Park, which is located outside of the Jaffa Gate on the other side of the main road. This is a beautiful green park with grass lawns, trees, and several monuments. There is also a water fountain area where kids can play. This is a lovely place to cool off. The water fountains run for 30 minutes every 30 minutes. We particularly recommend this spot if you’re traveling to Jerusalem with kids. Even if you are not traveling with kids, it is still a nice place to relax and cool down.

Rest and Visit Any Final Attractions

Exploring Hezekiah’s Tunnel and visiting Teddy Park is likely to take a few hours, and you will probably be finished by lunchtime. We recommend finding some local food and taking a little more time exploring the Jerusalem Old City. The afternoon is a good opportunity to get some rest and also visit any attractions that you may have missed. Alternatively, you can return to anywhere that you found especially interesting. If you’re planning to travel somewhere else, we also recommend taking a little time to plan your trip and make sure you have any tickets that you need.

Some Important Things to Know Before You Visit Jerusalem

We’re here to address some common questions about exploring Jerusalem and share some important things to know before you spend 3 days in Jerusalem.

Is it Safe to Visit Jerusalem Independently?

IMPORTANT UPDATE (OCTOBER 2023): We are very sad to learn of the problems in Israel. The FCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They also advise against all travel in Gaza and the South and in the border regions with Lebanon and Syria in the North. Remember if you travel against FCO advice you will not be covered by your travel insurance policy. If you are currently in these regions follow consulate advice and take care. Keep your eye on the FCO website for updates.

Jerusalem safety old city military police

It’s essential to acknowledge that any travel experience comes with inherent risks. Furthermore, Israel has a long history of instability and conflict. We always recommend that you research your travel carefully and make informed decisions before booking your trip. You can find reliable, accurate, and up-to-date travel safety information on the UK FCO website.

We’re not trying to scare you off. We really enjoyed traveling around Israel and felt safe throughout our trip. The Jerusalem Old City is a very popular tourist destination, and the area is secured by military police. We felt peaceful and safe throughout our trip in Jerusalem, even while traveling independently with three children.

It’s important to be aware that petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft, is a common problem. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security just because Jerusalem is called the Holy City. Theft and pickpocketing are quite common, especially in busy and crowded tourist areas in Jerusalem. We recommend that you do not bring more valuables than you need. As a long-term, full-time travel family, we tend to use a dry sack inside our day bag to secure valuables and prevent theft. This also keeps our valuables dry in a storm. You may wish to carry a small amount of cash that you can keep in your hand or in your pocket. If you only have enough to cover buses and snacks, it shouldn’t cause a big problem if you do lose it. Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Jerusalem?

garden tomb with kids Jerusalem

Jerusalem has a seasonal climate with extremely hot and dry summers, relatively cool and mild spring and autumn, and fairly cold winters with the possibility of rain. The summer months of June to August are hot, dry, and relatively quiet. Although these months coincide with the northern hemisphere summer holidays, the high temperatures mean that these are not the peak season. The peak season in Jerusalem is from September to November when the weather is relatively nice, and many group tours visit Jerusalem during these months.

If you visit Jerusalem between September and November, expect attractions to be more crowded, accommodations more likely to be booked up, and prices may be a little higher as well. Although things get quieter in December, there is a small peak around the Christmas holidays, and things are much quieter in January and February. Tourism begins to pick up in March to May. In our opinion, the spring months of March to May are a very nice time to visit Jerusalem because the weather is warm but not too hot, and tourism is not as intense as during the autumn months of September to November.

How Long Should You Spend in Jerusalem?

hezekiah's tunnel exit

We have designed this itinerary for anyone who has 3 days in Jerusalem. However, if you have longer in Jerusalem, you could follow the itinerary and slow down the pace a bit. If you have a little more time, plan some rest time. In our opinion, four or five days in Jerusalem is ideal. If you have even more time, such as a week or two, consider taking some day trips, such as visiting the Dead Sea, the Jordan River baptism site, or taking a day trip up to Lake Galilee and Nazareth. In our opinion 3 days in Jerusalem is the minimum amount of time you need to see the most important attractions.

What Are Prices Like in Jerusalem?

local market Jerusalem

Here are some prices for things in Jerusalem to give you a feel for the cost of your trip:

  • Dorm beds in budget hostels start around £15 or $20 per night.
  • Private rooms start around £25 or $30 per night.
  • A nice A.C. private room is likely to cost around £80 – £100 per night ($100 – $120).
  • A luxury hotel is likely to cost £150 – £300 per night ($180 – $360).
  • Street food costs around 10 – 15NIS (£2 – £3 or $2.50 – $4).
  • Restaurants cost around 25NIS – 50NIS per dish (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12).
  • Local buses in Jerusalem cost 5.5NIS per person (£1 or $1.20).
  • Taxis in Jerusalem cost 15NIS – 50NIS for most journeys around town (£3 – £10 or $4 – $12).
  • Many attractions in Jerusalem are FREE. Some places cost 25NIS – 50NIS (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12).

How Much Does It Cost to Spend 3 Days in Jerusalem?

The exact cost of 3 days in Jerusalem depends on what you want to do and, more importantly, where you want to stay. One of the most significant costs of your Jerusalem trip will be accommodation. Accommodation in Israel is expensive, and where you choose to stay will have a big impact on your overall trip costs. In other words, if you can save money on your accommodation, you will be able to reduce your overall budget substantially. However, it is important to recognize that budget accommodation in Jerusalem is pretty basic and simple.

Budget rangeDescriptionRough price per person
Low budget Use local bus, eat street food & stay in a budget room£150 – £200
$180 – $250
Mid – budgetUse bus / taxi, eat restaurants & street food, stay in a mid-range room£300 – £600
$350 – $800
High budget Use taxis / tours, eat in restaurants, stay in a luxury hotel£1,000 – £1,500
$1,200 – $1,800

These are approximate prices to give you a rough idea of the cost of 3 days in Jerusalem. This is the cost of food, accommodation, transport and activities. These costs don’t include flights and visas. 

What Are the Best Places to Stay in Jerusalem?

If you are planning to follow this itinerary for 3 days in Jerusalem, we highly recommend finding a hotel or guest house in or around the Jerusalem Old City. Here are some of our top pick hotels in Jerusalem, listed in order of approximately increasing price. As you can see, there is a wide range of budgets. It is important to recognize that at the low budget end, the rooms are very basic, so if you are booking a cheap room in Jerusalem.

1 Palm Hostel

Budget triple palm hostel

£15 – £50

Great location, very basic, good range of rooms and accommodation to guests requests.

2 Capsules and Dormitory BH

CAPSULES BH 1

£20 – £50

Clean, stylish and trendy. Choose between dorm beds or capsules. Great value for money. Good location.

3 Victoria hotel

Victoria Hotel 2

£80 – £140

Comfortable, clean, well furnished and great facilities. Excellent location and breakfast included. They also have triple rooms available. 

4 Old City Boutique Hotel

Old City Boutique 2

£200 – £320

Clean, luxurious, light and stylish. Great location and great value for money.

5 The American Colony Hotel

The American Colony Hotel 4

£220 – £690

Beautiful colonial style hotel with colorful gardens & outdoor pool.

6 Theatron Jerusalem Hotel  

Theatron Jerusalem 3

£300 – £1,000

Stylish light contemporary hotel with lovely rooms and great service. 

7 King David Hotel Jerusalem

King David Hotel 1

£350 – £615

Large, grand and impressive hotel with excellent facilities. Great location near the Jaffa gate.

8 Mamilla Hotel

Mamilla Hotel 1

£375 – £1,160

Trendy and stylish contemporary hotel with clean spacious suites and excellent facilities. 

The Backpacking Family
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