Jerusalem is known as the holy land and is home to some of the world’s most sacred sights. Sights such as the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, Temple Mount, and David’s city. Irrespective of your religious beliefs, Jerusalem is an unforgettable destination. You are sure to remember your time here for years to come.
Mount of Olives
A trip to the Mount of Olives is an absolute must. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is one of the most visited sights in all of Jerusalem. It is believed to be the site where Jesus spent his final week and is the location of various Christian churches and places of worship. The Mount is also home to the Garden of Gethsemane and is located on the hill. The Mount is also the world’s oldest graveyard, which is still in use today and houses more than 70,000 graves. The Mount also offers some of the best views of Jerusalem’s skyline and is certainly not to be missed out on!
Western Wall
This site is regarded as the holiest place in the world for Jewish people. The western wall is otherwise known as ‘the wailing wall’, it is the last remnant of King Herod’s second temple. Many Jewish people flock to the site to pray and mourn the loss of this sacred temple. Visitors have been known to write notes to God and place them within the cracks and crevices of the temple’s walls. If you are visiting Israel then this is an absolute must-see to add to your list.
Temple Mount
This is another holy site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, as it is believed to be the site in which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice to please God. In accordance with the bible, there is a hill, located in the old city, that is also believed to be the site of the first temple built by King Solomon and where Prophet Mohammed ascended into heaven. Temple Mount attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year and is not to be missed!
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
It is said to have been built on the crucifixion and resurrection site of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The five stations of the cross can be found and enjoyed here. Many people flock to this church to see and experience what could well be a spiritual journey for those who undertake the journey here. This is one of Jerusalem’s top tourist attractions. The stone of Unction is marked here, to signify the very spot it is believed that Jesus’s body was prepared for burial, prior to the resurrection.
Dome of the Rock
This will be found in the center of Temple Mount and is arguably Jerusalem’s most iconic landmark. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, constructed in the 7th century. It is recognized today as a world heritage site, in line with UNESCO. Visitors can marvel at the spectacular sight of the golden dome and for Muslims, it is a stunning site to enter and pray. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the grounds of the Dome.
City of David
The city of David has been subject to ongoing excavations, some of which have been found to date back almost 4,000 years. There are many reasons you would want to visit Jerusalem and visiting the city of David is definitely one of them. One of the draws may be to visit the very site that is believed to be where the bible was written. You can even walk around the Shiloah Pool, believed to be where Jesus performed many miracles. There is even King Hezekiah’s tunnel if you’re brave enough to wade through the knee-high waters.
Tower of David
The tower is located in the Old City and offers a magnificent 360-degree view, once you get to the top. If you are brave enough to climb to the top of the Tower of David. The tower offers so much more, with its educational museum, you can immerse yourself into Jerusalem’s 3000 years of history and learn all there is to know about this landmark. That’s not all, there is a spectacular light show in the evenings which can be experienced and enjoyed by all. This is guaranteed to be a holiday highlight!
The Israel Museum
This museum has had a major refurbishment and is well worth visiting. If you have an interest in religious studies and beliefs then this is an excellent place to immerse yourself in learning more about Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The museum is home to some of the most popular artifacts, the dead sea scrolls and the Shrine of the book is located within the museum walls and attracts thousands each year. There are over 2000 years of history to experience here and that is not all, the spectacular Billy Rose Garden is a stunning sight to behold and certainly worth taking the trip!
Jerusalem Nightlife
When you think of Jerusalem, lots of things might come to mind, religion, history, and landmarks. Night clubs might not be one of them. Jerusalem has an incredible nightlife scene, with gorgeous restaurants, filled with Israeli cuisine and great places to dance the night away. Jerusalem has a plethora of exciting clubs from The Yellow Submarine that plays a variety of music genres from folk, rock, and jazz. There is also the Gatsby club, located in the center of Jerusalem that offers an equally exciting night, dancing the night away to the sounds of jazz music. This club has a speakeasy vibe to it and you may feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1920s.
Mahane Yehuda Market
This is Jerusalem’s oldest and biggest market. There is so much on offer here. From fresh produce, food, and drinks to designer clothing brands and luxury goods. You are sure to find something to mark your trip!
Hotel restaurants
Jerusalem has some stunning hotels on offer. The restaurants alone offer delicious cuisine and fine dining experiences. One of the best experiences can be found on the rooftop of the Mamilla hotel. You will find breathtaking views of the Old city and dine on food straight from the clay oven. Dishes are fresh and handcrafted there and then. You need not worry about eating processed foods, everything is fresh!
