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If you are planning an independent trip to Visit the Mount of Olives in 2025, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan your own independent adventure to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Visiting the Mount of Olives was a very memorable and significant moment for us, and we are very excited to share our experience, information, and top tips to help you plan your own trip. If you are exploring Jerusalem for a few days, we highly recommend that you do include a visit to the Mount of Olives. It is relatively easy to get to the top of the Mount of Olives, but there are a few things that you need to know before you go.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to plan your visit to the Mount of Olives, including how you can get there by walking, public transport, or taxi, what to expect when you get up the Mount of Olives, the best time to visit the Mount of Olives, and what things you can see and do on the Mount of Olives. If you are visiting the Mount of Olives, we really hope that you have an amazing time, and this guide is helpful to you.
Where is the Mount of Olives Located?
The Mount of Olives is located around 1 km to the east of the Jerusalem Old City. The Mount of Olives is so close to the Jerusalem Old City that it is possible to walk to the peak of the Mount of Olives from the Old City in around 20 – 30 minutes.
Is it worth visiting the Mount of Olives?
Before we get into specific details about visiting the Mount of Olives, we just wanted to share our own experience. Is it worth visiting the Mount of Olives? In our opinion, yes, it is definitely worth visiting the Mount of Olives. We had a very beautiful and meaningful moment watching the sunset over the Jerusalem Old City. Don’t miss Joe’s terrace Restaurant located right at the peak of the mount of Olives. It is a little pricey but has amazing views over Jerusalem. This is a great place to get a bite to eat and watch the sunset.
However, a visit to the Mount of Olives may not be as significant and profound to everyone. It is worth recognizing that the Mount of Olives is a residential suburb of Jerusalem. Even at the peak of the Mount of Olives, there is a relatively normal town feel with people’s homes, shops, cars, and buses. So, it is important to keep your expectations in check. Don’t expect this to be a supremely tranquil and serene experience. The Mount of Olives really is just part of Jerusalem.
Even if you are not interested in the spiritual, cultural, and religious history of the Mount of Olives, it may well be worth a visit as a high point overlooking the Jerusalem Old City. You can head up the Mount of Olives just for the view. We particularly recommend visiting the Mount of Olives in the evening at sunset time because you can see the sunset over the Jerusalem Old City.
So, in our opinion, it is worth visiting the Mount of Olives. However, we do recommend that you keep your expectations in check. This is a beautiful viewpoint, and some people will find it very significant to connect with the religious and spiritual history of this beautiful hill.
What is the best way to get up the Mount of Olives?
The best way to get up the Mount of Olives depends on your own specific needs and goals.
1 Walk up the Mount of Olives
It is possible to walk up the Mount of Olives from the Jerusalem Old City, and the walk only takes around 20 to 30 minutes. We have shown the shortest walking route on the map near the top of this article.
In order to walk to the peak of the Mount of Olives, you need to exit the Jerusalem Old City through the Lions Gate on the east side and walk down the road to the Garden of Gethsemane. Although this is a relatively large and busy road, there are good pavements all the way along.
When you reach the Garden of Gethsemane, there is a small alleyway leading up the hill to the peak of the Mount of Olives. This is a relatively steep path, and it’s around 600 m in length. We have marked this route on a map to help you walk up the Mount of Olives. The advantage of walking is that you save money, appreciate the beautiful scenery, and, of course, get some exercise as well. We also love the independence of walking; no need to find bus stops or negotiate with taxi drivers.
TOP TIP: If you are visiting the Mount of Olives to see the sunset, we recommend visiting Gethsemane. The Garden of Gethsemane will be closed after sunset when you return from the Mount of Olives, so if it is important to you to see this, then make sure you stop on your way up the hill.
2 Take a bus up the Mount of Olives
A convenient and affordable way to get up the Mount of Olives is to take a local bus. The local bus system in Jerusalem is very efficient and reliable, and buses are fairly regular. It only costs 5.5 NIS to take a local bus journey around Jerusalem. The local buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and you can normally grab a seat. The bus journey up the Mount of Olives takes around 20 minutes from the Jerusalem Old City.
To get a bus up the Mount of Olives, head to the northeast corner of the Jerusalem Old City. From here, you can take bus number 275 or 255 up Mount of Olives. 255 is less direct and follows a route around the east (back) of the Mount of Olives. Bus 275 is more direct; it runs along Olives Road. Both buses go all the way to the peak of the Mount of Olives. You can get back to the Jerusalem Old City using the same bus services. Alternatively, if you have taken a bus up the Mount of Olives, you could walk back down to the Old City past the Garden of Gethsemane.
3 Use a local taxi
Another way to get to the top of the Mount of Olives from Jerusalem Old City is to take a local taxi. You can find plenty of taxi drivers waiting around the Old City, especially by the old city gates. In our experience, if you speak to a driver who is already waiting, they are likely to charge a higher price than someone who is driving past. In order to get a fair taxi price to the top of the Mount of Olives, you will need to be willing to negotiate with a driver.
It may cost you 30NIS – 40NIS to take a taxi from the Old City to the top of the Mount of Olives (this is roughly £6 – £8 or $8 – $10). However, if you bargain well, you may be able to get a taxi for 20NIS – 25NIS (£4 – £5 or $5 – $6). If you don’t like the idea of bargaining with a local taxi driver, you can also use the Gett taxi app to order a local taxi. This should allow you to get a taxi for a fair local price. In order to do this, you will need a local SIM card and some mobile data on your phone.
4 Why not book a Mount of Olives tour?
The advantage of booking a mount of Olives Tour is that you can just follow your guide and learn from a local specialist as you go. No bartering for taxis or fumbling for buses. Just learn & enjoy…
When is the best time to visit the Mount of Olives?
We really enjoyed visiting the Mount of Olives in the evening at sunset time. In fact, this is a bit of “a thing to do” in Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives overlooks the Jerusalem Old City, and behind the Jerusalem Old City, you can see the Jerusalem New City. The Mount of Olives is a great viewpoint to see Jerusalem from above and watch the sunset. We chose to watch the sunset right at the peak of the Mount of Olives next to the Chapel of Ascension; alternatively, you could head to the Holocaust Memorial area and get a beautiful sunset view from this area.
What is the religious and cultural significance of the Mount of Olives?
The Mount of Olives is a very significant location. The Mount of Olives is the location where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. It is also the route of Jesus’s triumphal entry, where he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey prior to his arrest and crucifixion. At the base of the Mount of Olives, you can also visit the Garden of Gethsemane, which is the site of Jesus’s arrest. The Mount of Olives is also the location of Jesus’s Ascension. This is where the disciples saw Jesus ascend to heaven after His crucifixion. The Mount of Olives is also a very holy site for Jewish people. There are Jewish cemeteries on the Mount of Olives. You can also visit the Holocaust Memorial on the Mount of Olives. Close to the Holocaust Memorial, you can visit the Tomb of the Prophets.
What is there to see and do on the Mount of Olives?
There are plenty of things to see and do on the Mount of Olives. Here is a brief guide to the best things to do here:
1 The Chapel of the Ascension
At the peak of the Mount of Olives, you can visit the Chapel of Ascension, which is a small chapel established to mark the location of Jesus’s ascension to heaven after his resurrection. The Chapel of Ascension is also at the highest point located at the peak of the Mount of Olives, and you can get a very good view over Jerusalem from this point.
2 The Garden of Gethsemane
At the base of the Mount of Olives, you can visit the Garden of Gethsemane. There is a small preserved area of the garden, which marks the location of Jesus’s betrayal and arrest. The garden is very beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil, and it also contains some extremely ancient olive trees. Although this is a relatively small and humble attraction, we really enjoyed visiting the Garden of Gethsemane. If you are planning to see the sunset at the top of the Mount of Olives, we recommend visiting Gethsemane before you ascend the Mount of Olives.
- Summer (April – September): 8 am – 6 pm
- Winter (October – March): 8 am – 5 pm
3 The Tomb of the Virgin Mary
Very close to the Garden of Gethsemane, you can also visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. This is a very beautiful and impressive monument, yet it has a sense of humility and simplicity. This is also located at the base of the Mount of Olives.
4 The Holocaust Memorial Park
A short walk from the peak of the Mount of Olives, you can visit the Holocaust Memorial Park, which overlooks the Jewish Cemetery. This is a somber and beautiful place to remember, reflect, and learn more about the Holocaust. Many people who visit the Holocaust Memorial Park find it overwhelming and deeply sad. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Important: The Holocaust Memorial Park on the Mount of Olives is not the same as the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Museum (which is located to the west of Jerusalem).
5 The Tomb of the Prophets
Situated close to the Holocaust Memorial Park, there are around 50 ancient tombs. These tombs are thought to be around 2,500 years old. These are the tombs of some of the Old Testament prophets, such as Haggai, Malachi, and Zechariah. Entry costs 10NIS (£2 or $2.50). They are open Sunday – Thursday 9 am – 3 pm (closed on Fridays and Saturdays).
Other things to do near the Mount of Olives
There are many other things to do near the Mount of Olives. If you head into the Jerusalem Old City, you can visit the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and just to the north of the Jerusalem Old City, you can visit the Garden Tomb. If you are interested in a unique adventure, then check out the City of David National Park to the south of the Jerusalem Old City. At the City of David National Park, you can walk through Hezekiah’s water tunnel. There are also plenty of bustling markets and street food to try in the Jerusalem Old City. If you are interested in taking an adventure further afield, then why not take a bus to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity, which is the birthplace of Jesus.
Is it safe to visit the Mount of Olives 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.
Any travel experience has inherent risks, and we always recommend that you research and assess the risks and make an informed decision. We highly recommend that you keep your eye on reliable sources of safe travel information, such as the FCO website.
We really enjoyed visiting the Mount of Olives and did not have any problems. What’s more, we felt safe throughout our trip. We traveled up the Mount of Olives using a local bus and walked back down through the Mount of Olives to the Jerusalem Old City. The whole experience felt safe and peaceful. The peak of the Mount of Olives is a relatively busy suburb. Despite the significance of this area, it does have a relatively normal town feel. The pathway leading up (and down) the Mount of Olives is small and quiet. If you are using this route at night, we recommend going with someone.
However, we do always recommend taking precautions when you are exploring a city. Avoid taking any more valuables with you than is necessary and try to keep your main valuables secure in a day bag. Avoid walking through quiet areas on your own at night. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings.
