18 Amazing Things to Do in Jerusalem – Full Guide 2025

If you’re looking for amazing things to do in Jerusalem, look no further. In this guide, we will share the best essential things to do in Jerusalem in 2025.

We absolutely love exploring Jerusalem. However, it can be hard to find clear, concise information about what to do, including details like opening times and prices. So, we’ve done the hard work for you. We have explored Jerusalem extensively to pull together the very best things to do and give you up-to-date, fresh, relevant information to help you plan your trip.

Each of the activities that we recommend in this guide offers something unique and special. We don’t recommend tick-box tourism in Jerusalem. Different places will mean different things to different people. So, we recommend using this guide to inspire you and work out what you really want to do when you visit Jerusalem. Jerusalem is genuinely a very special and unique location packed with history, culture, adventure, and plenty of amazing activities. Hopefully, this article will help inform your planning and inspire you to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Before we dive into the full guide in-depth, we are also going to share some general information to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Jerusalem.

ALSO don’t miss our in-depth step-by-step 3 day Jerusalem itinerary

Map of the best things to do in Jerusalem

Summary of the BEST things to do in Jerusalem

1. Hezekiya’s tunnel 
2. The Garden Tomb 
3. Visit the church of the Holy Sepulchre
4. See the Western Wall 
5. Eat falafel
6. Visit Teddy Park 
7. Take an Old City Walking Tour
8. Explore the Garden of Gethsemane
9. Visit the tomb of the Virgin Mary 
10. See Church of the Nativity 
11. Explore the Tower of David
12. Walk the Via Dolorosa
13. Explore the Israel Aquarium 
14. Try a local Meal 
15. Muristan Market
16. Watch a sunset from the mount of Olives
17. Take a trip to the Dead Sea
18. Visit the River Jordan

TOP TIPS for Exploring Jerusalem

If you are planning to explore Jerusalem, preparation is key. We recommend taking a small day pack with a water bottle and also consider sun protection, especially if you are traveling in the summer months from June to August.

When you are exploring Jerusalem, you will find many local people want to start a conversation with you. They are very friendly, but in many cases, they are just trying to sell something. Don’t feel like you need to stop just because someone tries to start a conversation with you, and don’t feel like you need to buy something. If you stop every time someone starts a conversation with you, you won’t get anywhere.

If you only have a limited amount of time in Jerusalem, we recommend being selective with what you plan to see and do. Exploring Jerusalem is exhilarating, but it is also hot, intense, and exhausting, so we recommend that you plan some time to relax and rest, especially during the hotter times of the day. Make sure that you pace yourself. If you try to pack too much into your day, you may find that you don’t enjoy the experience as much as you would if you slowed down a little bit.

We highly recommend that you use offline maps or buy a local sim card with some local data to help you navigate around Jerusalem. The old city is very beautiful, and there are some English signs around the city. However, it can be pretty tricky to navigate at times. If you have some offline maps and enable GPS location on your phone, this can seriously help with navigation.

Safety Tips for Exploring Jerusalem

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. 

We also want to share a few safety tips for exploring Jerusalem. Firstly, it’s important to recognize that any travel experience comes with inherent risks. It is important to research the risks and make careful and informed decisions before you plan your travel. Keep an eye on reliable sources of local travel information. We find that the information on the FCO website is very accurate and helpful.

The old city of Jerusalem is a relatively safe area to explore. The old city is protected by armed police who patrol the city on a regular basis. We found the armed police officers to be friendly, approachable, and professional. One of the main risks when you are exploring the Jerusalem old city is petty theft and pickpockets. This is particularly true if you are visiting crowded tourist destinations. Some people make the mistake of assuming that because Jerusalem is a religiously significant city, it will also be safe from crime. Sadly, this is not the case.

Over many years of traveling, we found one of the best ways to keep valuables safe and secure is to have a small day bag, and inside, we use a dry sack that holds our valuable items. If possible, don’t take any more valuables out than you need. It is generally safe to leave valuables in your hotel room in Jerusalem. We can really keep cameras and a purse or wallet in our dry sack. We will then have a small amount of cash in hand. Having a deliberately small amount of cash mitigates the risk if it is stolen. Over the years, we have never had any problems using this technique to secure our valuables.

How Do You Get Around in Jerusalem?

If you are exploring the old city in Jerusalem, the only way to get around is by walking. The old city is a few kilometers across, and it is likely to take around 15 or 20 minutes to walk the length of the old city. No cars, buses, or taxis are allowed inside the Jerusalem old city, and many of the roads would be too small anyway. You do get the occasional local on a motorbike, so do remain vigilant as you’re walking around the streets of the old city. 

If you are exploring attractions outside of the Jerusalem Old City, there are several ways to get around depending on your budget. The cheapest way to travel around Jerusalem is to use the local bus system. The local bus network is extensive, and the bus services are pretty regular. This is also a very affordable way to travel with a standard fare of 5.5NIS per person. Alternatively, you can get around using taxis. However, this is more expensive, and you may need to negotiate to get a fair price. Expect to pay around 20 – 30 NIS for short local journeys in a taxi. Make sure your taxi driver is clear where you want to go. 

If you don’t like the idea of negotiating with a local taxi driver or being ripped off, another way to get a taxi in Jerusalem is to use the Gett taxi app. If you wish to use the app to get taxis, you will need to buy a local sim card with mobile data, download the app, and use your local number to register an account. Once you are set up with your Gett account, you can order taxis through the app and generally need to pay the metered taxi price.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Jerusalem?

We personally visited Jerusalem in late August and really enjoyed our experience. The weather was pretty hot, and we did need to use sunscreen and an umbrella for shelter. However, we were still able to explore Jerusalem, and we did genuinely have an amazing time. Our main recommendation if you’re traveling in the summer months is to keep drinking plenty of water. Not only is it hot, but the climate is also very dry, and you can get dehydrated easily.

The best time of year to visit Jerusalem depends on exactly what you are looking for. Summer months of July and August are actually very quiet in Jerusalem. In these months, the weather is very hot and dry, and most days have clear blue skies. In July and August, the temperature typically reaches the high 30s or even 40° Celsius. The peak season to visit Jerusalem is in the months of September to November. During these months, the weather is beautiful and relatively cool. However, because this is the peak season, Jerusalem can be very busy with tourists. 

From December – February the temperature is lower and there are occasional rain storms too. These months are quieter except for the Christmas holidays. 

1 Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Don’t miss our Full visitors guide to Hezekiah’s Tunnel

If you get the opportunity, we highly recommend taking a visit to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This is located in the City of David National Park, to the south of the Jerusalem Old City. This tunnel was carved over 2,700 years ago during the reign of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s Tunnel is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem. It stands as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the region, shedding light on the water management practices of the time.

We recommend allowing a few hours for this activity. Hezekiah’s Tunnel is an ancient water source with a fascinating history. The water supply has been used to sustain Jerusalem during times of siege. This is an excellent activity if you are interested in the fascinating history of Jerusalem. It is also a great activity if you are up for a unique adventure. You can actually walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. It is a narrow and sometimes low tunnel cut in the rock. As you walk through the tunnel, you need to wade through water, which is generally around ankle deep.

The tunnel itself is around 533 meters, and it can take around 20 – 30 minutes to walk through the tunnel, depending on how busy it is. Some sections of the tunnel are pretty low, so we don’t recommend this activity for anyone with back problems. If you want to experience this unique attraction but you are not keen to get wet, there is an alternative dry route called the Canaanite tunnel.

Details in brief:

• Adult: 28NIS (around £6 or $8)
• Child (5 – 18 years old): 14NIS (around £3 or $4)
• Under 5 years old FREE
• Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
• Friday 8 am – 2 pm
• Saturday CLOSED

Purchase a small hand torch when you buy your tickets (6NIS). There is no lighting in the tunnel, so it is necessary to use your own torch. We highly recommend packing a change of clothes and a towel, use a small day bag.

2 The Garden Tomb

Don’t miss our full visitors guide to the Garden Tomb

If you’re looking for peaceful, tranquil, and relaxing things to do in Jerusalem, we highly recommend taking a visit to the Garden Tomb, which is located a short walk from the Damascus Gate on the north wall of the Jerusalem Old City. The Garden Tomb is the preferred Protestant site for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The Garden Tomb has a beautiful and well-kept garden with seating areas and spaces for personal prayer and reflection. It is possible to see a cliff face, which is thought to be the site called Golgotha, which translates to the place of the skull. 

You can also visit the tomb itself, which is cut into a rock wall, and it is possible to step inside the tomb. The Garden Tomb has a lovely and peaceful atmosphere, and you can spend as long or as little time as you want here. We recommend visiting nice and early in the morning when it is cooler and calmer. Be aware that some tour groups do arrive quite early, so don’t expect to have the place totally to yourself. The Garden Tomb is also accessible to wheelchair users and prams.

They are currently building a system of ramps leading to the tomb itself. There are also excellent facilities at the Garden, including public toilets, a water fountain, so you can top your bottle up, and a gift shop packed with beautiful creative gifts.

Details in brief

• It is free to visit the Garden Tomb, and they have information leaflets available in a wide range of languages. You can make donations to support the project or consider buying a gift or two in their gift shop.
• Open from 8.30 am – 5 pm.
• August closed Sunday and Mondays.
• Other months only closed Sunday.

3 Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Check out our full guide to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

One of our top picks for things to do in Jerusalem is to take a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is one of the most impressive and significant Christian churches in the world. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the other possible site for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, and this is the preferred site for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Whether or not you are interested in the Christian history of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a fascinating and impressive place to visit. If possible, we recommend arriving early in the morning. They tend to have Mass services around 7 am to 8 am. In the morning, the church is relatively calm and quiet, and it gets more busy and intense throughout the day. 

In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, it is possible to visit the rock in which it is thought that the cross was placed. You can also visit the Tomb if you are willing to queue up for a little while. It is possible to walk inside the tomb where you’ll find a small chapel, and you are able to see the stone that rests across the tomb. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher has a very different aesthetic and ambiance from the Garden Tomb. This church is grand, impressive, and it can actually be quite busy and intense at times. In contrast, the Garden Tomb is quiet, peaceful, and has an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

4 See the Western Wall

Don’t miss our FULL visitors guide for the Western Wall

You haven’t visited Jerusalem if you haven’t visited the Western Wall. This may sound a little bit extreme, but the Western Wall is one of those must-see attractions in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is undoubtedly one of the most significant and important locations for Jewish people, and it sits right at the heart of the Jerusalem Old City. The atmosphere at the Western Wall is genuinely very unique. There is an intense energy and yet a sense of calm and peace at this location. The Western Wall also has a fascinating history dating back to around 19 years BC. 

The Western Wall is the only remaining part of the Second Temple period, and it is thought that this section of the wall was built by Herod the Great. Everyone is welcome to visit the Western Wall, and you can even go all the way up to the wall if you enter one of the dedicated male or female sections. If you visit the male section of the Western Wall, you will need to wear a yarmulke to show respect. You can borrow these as you enter the Western Wall and return them on the way back out. It is free of charge to visit the Western Wall, and you can visit at any time of the day or night. We visited both in the day and at night, and at night it was busier and fascinating, and this is also a cooler time to visit.

5 Eat Falafel

If you are exploring the Jerusalem Old City, it won’t be long before you run into a Falafel vendor selling Falafel sandwiches on the street side. Although Jerusalem is a relatively expensive city to explore, Falafel remains one of those cheap, filling, delicious go-to foods. And since Falafel originates from this part of the world, we highly recommend making sure that you try a Falafel sandwich at least once.

The classic way of serving Falafel in Jerusalem is to serve it in a sliced Pita with salad, sauces, and they often stuff a few chips inside for good measure. We really enjoyed trying Falafel in Jerusalem. You can buy a Falafel sandwich in The Old City for around 12NIS (roughly £2.50 or $3). We highly recommend Hidmi Falafel Jerusalem, which is located close to the Damascus Gate in the Old City.

6 Visit Teddy Park

One of the lesser-known things to do in Jerusalem is a visit to Teddy Park, which is located just outside the Old City, close to the Jaffa gate. Teddy Park is a beautiful and fairly large park with green spaces and some historic monuments. One of the best things about this park is a water fountain area. This is a great spot if you are exploring Jerusalem with kids. The fountain area is very popular for kids to play and cool off. Despite this being a pretty busy and fun area, we found it easy to supervise our own children here. There are grass slopes overlooking the fountains, making supervision pretty easy. The water fountains run for 30 minutes every 30 minutes.

7 Take an Old City Walking Tour

Don’t miss our epic Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour

If you are looking for things to do in Jerusalem, then we highly recommend taking a walking tour to learn more about the rich and fascinating history of the old city. If you like to explore independently, we have thrown together an article on an independent walking tour. This is ideal for anyone on a budget or anyone who wants to explore at their own pace. Alternatively, if you want to learn from a local expert, then we highly recommend booking a Jerusalem tour. The advantage of going on a pre-booked tour is that you can ask questions, and you don’t need to worry about getting lost or worry about navigation. 

Either way, we highly recommend taking a walking tour of the old city. It is also worth mentioning here that the old city is relatively shaded throughout the day. The tall buildings and narrow streets provide shelter from the intense sun. However, it is also worth being aware that some areas of the old city can be quite intense with large tourist crowds and locals trying to sell everything under the sun. Always take care of your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.

8 Explore the Garden of Gethsemane

Don’t miss our visitors guide to the Garden of Gethsemane

On a personal level, one of our favorite things to do in Jerusalem was exploring the beautiful Garden of Gethsemane, which is located at the base of the Mount of Olives. The Garden of Gethsemane is significant because it is a site that Jesus prayed before he was arrested, and it is also the site where Jesus was betrayed with a kiss and arrested by the Roman soldiers. Although the preserved section of the Garden of Gethsemane is pretty small, around 30 m by 30 m, this is a particularly peaceful and lovely place. 

The garden is made up of beautiful ancient olive trees and really allows you to see and experience what the garden would have looked like in Jesus’s time. If you are just coming to grab a photo and have a look, you don’t really need to leave long to see the garden. However, many people come here to slow down and take some time to reflect. The Garden of Gethsemane is also right next to the Church of All Nations. We do recommend popping your head round at the door and having a look at this beautiful church as well.

Details in brief:

• It is free to visit the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Summer (April – September): 8 am – 6 pm.
• Winter (October – March): 8 am – 5 pm.

9 Visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary

Just next to the Garden of Gethsemane, you can also find the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. This is a particularly popular attraction for Catholics visiting Jerusalem. We were very fascinated by the poetic significance of finding Mary’s tomb next to the site of Jesus’s betrayal and arrest. The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is marked by a relatively small and humble yet very beautiful chapel. If you are visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, we also recommend stopping by the Tomb of the Virgin Mary.

10 See Church of the Nativity

Don’t miss our in depth guide to the church of the Nativity

If you have a bit more time in Jerusalem, we highly recommend taking a trip to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, which is thought to be the authentic birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is a beautiful grand church with stunning artwork and plenty of beautiful history to explore. It also has a small grotto where you can visit the birthplace of Jesus and see the stone manger in which Jesus was laid. This is a very popular attraction, so don’t expect to have the birthplace of Christ all to yourself. In fact, you are likely to need to queue for at least half an hour to visit the birthplace of Jesus. It is possible to visit the Church of the Nativity independently and on a budget. 

You can take a bus from the Jerusalem Old City all the way to Bethlehem and then take a 20-minute walk to the Church of the Nativity. If you do this journey, it is very important that you bring your passport because there is a security checkpoint on the return journey back to Jerusalem, and the security officials will want to check your passport. Due to the complexity of this journey, we have put together a detailed step-by-step guide on how to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and back again. Visiting the Church of the Nativity was genuinely one of our highlights of our trip to Jerusalem. Whether you are interested in the Christian history of Bethlehem or you are just looking for a unique experience and an opportunity to connect with the local Palestinian culture, a visit to Bethlehem is well worth the time.

11 Explore the Tower of David

If you’re looking for iconic things to do in Jerusalem, make sure you drop by the Tower of David, which is situated at the Jaffa Gate on the west side of the Jerusalem Old City. This is a lovely way to spend a few hours if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the old city. It costs 50NIS (around £10 or $12) for an adult ticket to explore the Tower of David. You can get very beautiful views of the Tower of David from the streets around this area. The Tower of David is also surrounded by plenty of small shops, market restaurants, and street food.

12 Walk the Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa (Latin for “Sorrowful Way”) is thought to be the route that Jesus walked to reach the point of Golgotha where he was crucified. Along the 600m route, you can see 14 different stations, which represent different events that occurred on Jesus’s walk. The Via Dolorosa officially starts close to the Church of Condemnation at the Umariya Elementary School. This is close to the Lion’s Gate on the east side of the old city. Each of the different stations along the walk has an information sign so that you can learn more about the history and significance of each point of this route. The route leads all the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

13 Explore the Israel Aquarium

If you need to take a rest from walking around the hot streets of Jerusalem, then we highly recommend a visit to the Israel Aquarium. You can see a wide range of sea creatures at the Israel Aquarium, including sharks, tropical fish, coral reefs, octopus, and they even have a butterfly house. This is a great way to connect with ocean life and learn more about the importance of conserving and protecting our oceans.

Israel Aquarium details

• Sunday – Thursday 9 am – 6 pm.
• Friday and Holiday eve 9 am – 4 pm.
• Sat and Holiday 9 am – 5 pm.
• Adult tickets cost 62NIS (around £12 or $15).
• Children’s tickets (3 – 18 years old) cost 51NIS (around £10 or $12).

14 Try a Local Meal

If you are looking for fun cultural things to do in Jerusalem, then we highly recommend stopping for a local meal. When we travel, we normally grab the cheapest street food we can find for fuel along the way. However, from time to time, we love to connect with a culture by trying a more impressive local meal. We highly recommend that you take the time to do this in Jerusalem. There are plenty of restaurants around the old city. If you are sitting in a nice restaurant for a meal, expect to pay around 20NIS – 50NIS per dish (roughly £4 – £10 or $5 – $12). Here are some classic Israeli foods to try:

• Hummus: Chickpea dip.
• Shakshuka: Poached eggs in tomato sauce.
• Moussaka: Eggplant lasagna.
• Shashlik: BBQ meat on skewers.
• Schnitzel: Breaded meat cuts.
• Babaganoush: Creamy eggplant-based sauce.

15 Muristan Market

The Muristan Market (El Souq) is a beautiful and historic market selling a range of street food, gifts, clothing. We absolutely love visiting local markets wherever we are in the world. If you are interested in markets, then Jerusalem does not disappoint. On average, prices in this market are a little bit higher than other places around Jerusalem, and you do need to be willing to barter if you want to get a fair price.

Even if you are not buying something, this is a very beautiful walk, and if you follow the street through the market, you can get to the Tower of David. There are also some more upmarket restaurants in this area.

16 Watch a Sunset from the Mount of Olives

Don’t miss our visitors guide to the Mount of Olives

If you’re looking for beautiful and memorable things to do in Jerusalem, then we highly recommend taking a trip up the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is a beautiful hill situated to the east of the Jerusalem Old City. From the peak of the Mount of Olives, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Jerusalem Old City. This is also a beautiful place to come for sunset because you can see the sun setting over the Jerusalem Old City. The Mount of Olives is a great spot for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. You may wish to link your trip up the Mount of Olives with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives. 

From the Garden of Gethsemane, you can follow a footpath all the way up the Mount of Olives. This is a fairly steep uphill path, and the distance is around 600 m. Alternatively, if you do not wish to walk, you can also use a taxi or bus to reach the top of the Mount of Olives. Buses cost 5.5NIS per person (roughly £1 or $1.20). Bus 275 or 255 goes up Mount of Olives (255 follows a less direct route and 275 follows a more direct route). Alternatively, a taxi up the Mount of Olives is likely to cost around 20NIS – 30NIS (roughly £4 – £6 or $5 – $8).

17 Take a Trip to the Dead Sea

Visiting the Dead Sea was genuinely a very unique and fascinating experience. The high salt concentration in the Dead Sea water means that you are super buoyant in the water. It is genuinely a very unique and strange experience. No matter how hard you try, it is not possible to swim down into the water because the buoyancy is so high. Instead, you can just lie back and float on the surface without expending any energy at all. 

Many people bring books and newspapers just to experience the strange and novel sensation of floating so high on the surface of water that you don’t even get the paper wet. The Dead Sea itself is very warm, and if you splash any of the saltwater on your face, it is actually quite unpleasant. When you visit the Dead Sea, it is very important to be prepared. Make sure that you bring swimming clothes, a towel, and a change of clothes, and consider some protection. We recommend SPF 50 sunscreen. We only recommend visiting the Dead Sea at a resort so that you can take a shower after your dip. The Dead Sea is not in Jerusalem itself, but it is possible to take a day trip from Jerusalem to visit the Dead Sea.

18 Visit the River Jordan

Last but not least, if you have some time in your itinerary, it is possible to take a day trip to visit the River Jordan. The River Jordan marks the international border between Israel and Jordan, and you can visit the site where Jesus was baptized. Like many tourist attractions in Israel, this site can get quite busy, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. However, in our opinion, the crowds did not detract from the beauty and significance of this place. Many people travel to the baptism site of Jesus as a pilgrimage, and in some cases, people visit to get baptized themselves. 

It was fascinating to visit the baptism site of Jesus and see the wilderness in which John the Baptist preached and baptized people. We really enjoyed our visit to the River Jordan. This is also a great way to see a different part of Israel outside of the bustle of Jerusalem. If you are planning to visit the River Jordan from Jerusalem, we highly recommend that you book yourself onto a tour. Not only does this make transport simple and convenient, but you can also glean from the expertise and knowledge of a local guide. In our opinion, this is a very beautiful and significant thing to do in Israel. However, we would not count this among the essential must-do activities. Rather, this is something that we recommend if you have some free time in your schedule and you are interested in visiting Jesus’ baptism site.