trip to jerusalem

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Jerusalem Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Jerusalem. We've got 494 adventures going to Jerusalem, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 50 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Jerusalem tour packages with 2,396 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Jewish Tour, 3 Days

Informative on the tour we enjoyed the guides. They were knowledgeable of the sites we visited and would recommend the company.

Jerusalem, Masada & Dead Sea, 3 Days

We went on a day tour to Masada and Dead Sea Erez was our excellent tour guide. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the sites. We were three and we had a great time

Heritage of the Holy Land

I cannot recommend this tour because there are other companies that offer wifi service on their buses and they use headphones to hear theur guide. We could barely hear or understand our gude at times. The accomodations we've been in on this tour is dreadful. The first one was the best of the 3 we stayed in. The last 2 both looked depressing and dirty. Especially the last one, Jerusalem Gate hotel. The mattress was disgusting with large stains, I only noticed because the sheet they placed on it wasn't a fitted sheet and would come off everytime I moved. I wouldn't rate these hotels as 3 or 4 stars.

Discover Israel

Excellent tour guides, transportation services, and hotel accommodations. We were able to visit several historical and significant sites, with enough time in the afternoon to roam around and explore the area. Highly recommended!

• Coach / Bus

Heritage & Holy Land - 8 days

Dear Folks, The tour was terrific and all I antiipated it would be - experiencing Israel in every way, shape and form everywhere we went! However, at my age the amount of walking was beyond my comfort zone after a several days. I was worn out after 4 days, and totally exhausted after the 6th day, after I'd rested my sore toe in the hotel the previous day! I'm in good shape for my age, however that much walking on unlevel terraine was w-a-y beyond my comfort zone and I'll sign up for that level of intensity again. The tour guides were great and professional. If I were to do another tour, I'll visit half to one/third the number of places we went, relax more, and spend more time at each place. Your foils online that answered all my questions were superb, kind and helpful. That's all, may God bless you all richly!

3 Day Christian Holy Land Israel Tour

Petra and Wadi Rum 3-Day Tour from Jerusalem

Fantastic tour! Nad, the guide on the Jordan side was brilliant! So friendly and open to any questions you may have. The bedouin camp was very authentic and I would recommend this accommodation to anyone visiting Jordan.

Petra and Madaba 2-Day Tour from Jerusalem

The tour was great and Abdallah was wonderful. We may suggest to improve the food and accommodation. I would recommend the trip.

The best of Israel in 4 days

It was my dream to see Israel. And thanks to you it came true. The itinerary is well-thought-out. The guide knows the answer to almost all questions you can think of. Don’t think it is possible to visit more interesting places in 4 days. Hope next time to see a lot more, but pretty sure that will do it with you.

Biblical Israel

Everything was very good. Just as advertised

Holyland Trip of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & Dead Sea - 5 Days

Our tour guide Ron was extremely knowledgeable and able to provide information from ancient times to present. Hotels were great and tour was even better that expected.

Heritage & Holy Land 5 star - 8 days

3 Day Highlights of Israel Package Tour

Classic Israel 4 days

The tour is fantastic! It covers all important places, our tour guide Suky forgive me if I misspelled the name is simply excellent! I highly recommend this tour.

Holy Land Discovery - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

The Catholic component was not as evident as I expected.

What people love about Jerusalem Tours

Mark was great tour leader!

Tours starting from Jerusalem

• for 7 Days (41)
• for 10 Days (24)
• for 3 Days (16)
• for 3 Weeks (9)
• to Asia (82)
• to Israel (65)
• to Jordan (7)
• Israel Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

International Versions

• Deutsch: Jerusalem Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Jérusalem
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Jerusalén
• Nederlands: Jeruzalem Rondreizen

Destroyed and rebuilt over thousands of years, Jerusalem's spiritual magnetism endures. With interlacing histories, clashing cultures and constant reinvention, the city is an intense, multisensory experience.

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Four magnificent arches, their lintels richly decorated with Crusader crosses, herald the entrance to one of Christianity's most sacred sites. The church…

Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif

There are few patches of ground as holy – or as disputed – as this one. Known to Muslims as Al Haram Ash Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as Har…

Western Wall

The air is electric at Judaism's holiest prayer site, where worshippers recite scriptures, lay their hands on 2000-year-old stone and utter impassioned…

Israel Museum

More than 5000 years of cultural treasures are assembled around the vast Israel Museum's indoor and outdoor galleries. Highlights are the titanic statues…

City of David

East Jerusalem

As teeming with controversy as it is with ancient history, the City of David is one of Jerusalem's most active archaeological sites. The oldest part of…

Israel's official memorial to the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis is powerful, poignant and a masterpiece of design. The museum's name…

Dome of the Rock

The jewel in the crown of Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif is the gold-plated Dome of the Rock, the enduring symbol of the city and one of the most…

Mahane Yehuda Market

All of Jerusalem meets in Mahane Yehuda, from first-time visitors to residents filling their trolleys with fruit and veg. Market tables are laden with…

Latest stories from Jerusalem

Dec 13, 2018 • 4 min read

Lonely Planet Local Miriam Berger is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem. She’s spent time in the city at different points throughout her life and…

Dec 8, 2018 • 7 min read

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Visit Jerusalem

Travel to Jerusalem to view religious sites that have existed for millennia and experience modern uniquely Middle Eastern customs and events. The city has charming neighborhoods, shopping, arts and entertainment in addition to famous historic and religious locations.

The first stops in Jerusalem are usually in the Old City, with its numerous structures of religious significance. Head to Temple Mount, one of the world’s holiest places for Muslims, to find the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Dome of the Rock is a holy shrine for both Islamic and Judaic faiths. Nearby, see the Western Wall, which draws millions of pilgrims of Jewish and other faiths for profound prayer. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has important meaning for Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

After viewing the holy sites, wander through the bazaars and see beautiful tapestries, jewelry and other gift items. Just beyond the Old City, Jerusalem’s modern development becomes evident, with shopping centers and cultural sites. Mamilla Mall offers upscale shopping in a modern open-air complex incorporating historic buildings in its architecture. The City Center’s famous shopping spots include the Machane Yehuda Market and Yafo Street.

Jerusalem’s southern neighborhoods are particularly popular with families. Visit the Biblical Zoo, Gazelle Valley Park, Teddy Stadium for athletic events and Jerusalem Pais Arena for sports and music concerts. On the western side, hike in the Jerusalem Hills. Stop at the Museum District to tour the Israel Museum, Bible Lands Museum and Science Museum.

Dine on varied fare at Jerusalem’s restaurants, including kosher, seafood, Middle Eastern, Italian, Latin American and many other cuisines. Nightlife choices might surprise you. Mingle with locals and international visitors enjoying live music, bars, dance clubs and even escape room adventures.

Fly to Ben Gurion Airport, about a 45-minute drive northwest of Jerusalem. While you can get around on your own easily in the Old City, consider guided tours to get a full appreciation of the region’s historic and cultural significance.

Where to stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem City Centre

Unique features of Jerusalem City Centre include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Ben Yehuda Street or Zion Square while you're exploring the area.

Walled and divided into four distinct quarters, the Old City houses key religious sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Explore its unique atmosphere, attractions, and diverse shops and restaurants.

If you're spending some time in Mamilla, Zion Square and Ben Yehuda Street are top sights worth seeing.

While visiting Rehavia, you might make a stop by sights like Jerusalem Great Synagogue and Ben Yehuda Street.

Emek Refaim

If you're spending some time in Emek Refaim, Hansen House - Design, Media and Technology Center and Museum of Natural History Jerusalem are top sights worth seeing.

Check out the restaurants, historic sites, and gardens while spending some time in Baka. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like The First Station or Montefiore Windmill.

• Jerusalem Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Jerusalem

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Check Jerusalem hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• Al-Aqsa Mosque

Part of the sacred Temple Mount site, this lead-domed structure is a fully functioning mosque. It is among the holiest sites in the Islamic world.

• Western Wall

This 2,000-year-old structure is one of the world’s holiest sites, where hundreds of praying worshippers make for a stirring sight.

• Machane Yehuda Market

Get a taste of Jerusalem’s everyday life at this bustling market, home to little stores and stalls by day and restaurants and bars by night.

You can learn about the history of Jerusalem with a trip to Jaffa Gate. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This famous church stands at the site where, according to Christian belief, Jesus was killed, buried and later raised from the dead.

• Israel Museum

Browse the exhibits at this large museum, which hosts valuable art collections as well as precious historical artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Things to do

Travel from jerusalem to bethlehem and dead sea - daily group west bank tour, travel to bethlehem half day guided tour from jerusalem & telaviv, travel to bethlehem, jericho & jordan river - group guided tour from jerusalem, reviews of jerusalem, 5/5 - excellent.

Very clean, safe and pleasant evironment

Such a holy special place - not to be missed. . . .

Awesome expedience

If anyone have time and money must see Jerusalem. Its a one kind of place. Peoples are super friendly.

Very little to do during the Sabbath

Loved the city! So many historical sites to see.

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Jerusalem

8 lit places to celebrate hanukkah around the world.

• Cities near Jerusalem

Mateh Yehuda

Other places like jerusalem.

• Places of interest
• Mamilla Mall
• Mount of Olives
• Ben Yehuda Street
• Dome of the Rock
• Damascus Gate
• City of David
• Temple Mount
• Garden Tomb
• Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
• Holyland Model of Jerusalem
• Jerusalem Great Synagogue
• King David's Tomb
• Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Via Dolorosa
• Jerusalem International YMCA
• Zion Square
• Western Wall Tunnel
• Golden Gate
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Church of All Nations
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mount Scopus
• International Convention Centre
• Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Israel , Misunderstood Destinations

Travel to Jerusalem Guide – What it Means to Visit the Holy Land

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

You don’t have to be a religious pilgrim to travel to Jerusalem. Here is where to feel its magnetism in the holy old and the new.

The desire to travel to Jerusalem may not appear to be the usual city of choice for a traveller with no religious calling, yet it is a city whose cultural rejuvenation is attracting those wanting to look beyond its theological persona. The city is cryptic yet captivating, firmly cementing itself as a contemporary space whilst retaining the ancient, spiritual hold that it’s mostly known for.

Israel-Gaza war: Traveling here is not possible now, but staying informed is a choice, including the live news feeds from various sources, including BBC, CNN and AlJazeera.  

Why Travel to Jerusalem?

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While everyone knows about Jerusalem in some form, you can’t really understand its meaning as the spiritual centre of the world until you stand within it, transfixed and transported in time, before landing with a bump to the vivacity of its modern-day culture.

Like most travellers going to Jerusalem, the Old City’s history and architecture were top of mind, and when there, it was a place with such magnetism that I often found myself heading back over and over with no aim except to lose myself within it. Yet, my nights spent dining in the old market, wandering amongst the local neighbourhoods and frequenting the entertainment area of the New City soon confirmed that you must look outside of the old Jerusalem to experience the city in its entirety.

 A single visit doesn’t warrant enough time to grasp its beauty and mystery completely.

Travel to Jerusalem – The Holy Land Old and New City Capital of Israel

Before You Go to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is often in the media spotlight, especially when tensions flare between Israel and Palestine, which has for centuries been a distinctly controversial subject and for which there is no easy resolution. With various fractions, options, tensions, groups, call to arms, forms of Apartheid and the continuing illegal building of settlements, this region remains one of the most divisive in the world. 

However, day-to-day life continues, and Jerusalem tourism thrives as many seek out the sites and stories of one of the most historic cities on earth. While I do not support the actions of the Israeli government and the brutal overstep of military power, I do not believe in boycotting local businesses and people who remain independent of these decisions. Aside from the extremist factions, many ordinary people want peace. 

Generally, it is safe to visit Jerusalem, and you will see there are extra security measures in place in the centre of the city, and more so around the Old City of Jerusalem, where people of different faiths live together, despite it remaining a contested area in light of internal politics.

As is the region of East Jerusalem, viewed by Palestinians as the capital of Palestine and often at the heart of the Jerusalem skirmishing you hear about in the news. 

Like anywhere, exercise caution and be aware of any political changes where it would be wise to stay away from demonstrations and be informed of any changes to travel, such as road and airport closures. 

For example, when President Trump’s announced recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017, the British Foreign Office (FCO) advised against all travel to the Old City of Jerusalem over a three-day period due to the call for mass protests across the West Bank and including East Jerusalem. 

Overall, I never once felt unsafe in Jerusalem, and I travelled from one end of Israel to the other, leaving and entering the city many times over. Jerusalem safety tips mostly come down to being prepared for any changes and opening your mind to a way of travelling that may way change your preconceived notions.

• Local people are welcoming and always willing to help.
• Be sensitive to your environment when and if you talk about politics. It’s difficult to understand and easy to offend.  
• Armed members of the Israel Defense Forces in Jerusalem city are predominantly young people on National Service, and while it can feel intimidating at first glance, you will soon see it is a normal part of everyday life here. 
• Use Google Translate or the Morfix Hebrew translation app if you need further help, or even just to practice a few Hebrew phrases. In Hebrew, “Thank you” is “Toda” and it goes a long way.

Things to Do in Jerusalem in the New City

The New City of Jerusalem (West Jerusalem) is easily navigable, with plenty of small suburbs to wander and a city centre full of life. My base was the bustling traveller hub of the Abraham Hostel , located right in the heart of town next to the Davidka Square stop of the Jerusalem Light Rail (tram). It meant staying in the city’s modern side while being within easy walking distance to the Old City for the perfect sightseeing combination. 

What to see in Jerusalem depends on your interests, whether visiting historic sites or indulging in the culinary food scene. So, while the catalogue of activities in new Jerusalem includes a bar crawl, cooking class and Friday night Shabbat dinner that is showcasing a vibrant side for travellers and locals alike, I put together this list of local spots and neighbourhoods for those wanting to uncover more of daily life in the city’s modern fringes. 

West Jerusalem – The New City

When I first arrived, my bus driver insisted on telling me about the Maheneh Yehuda Market on  Agripas Street with great enthusiasm, and locals never lie about great food. By day, the atmosphere is electric as you wander through stalls of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh loaves of bread, nuts, pastries, meats, and so much more.

You swerve to dodge the trays, the carts and the locals whose hands are full of bags teeming with local produce. Your head turns at the sound of every market vendor call, the banter of a hasty transaction, and the lure of fresh juice bars and snack shops before you emerge into the light and calm of the residential streets surrounding it, your purse a few shekels lighter. It’s no wonder it is one of the main attractions in Jerusalem and a beautiful window into local living. 

At night, the market is a hip hangout. Vendor stalls are turned into seating areas, chairs and tables are laid out, and restaurants, pop-up shops and bars come into full force. This might well be a place you spend a lot of time in.

One of the best things to see in Jerusalem is the Mahaneh Yehuda Market

Mahaneh Yehuda Secular Jewish Neighbourhood

While there is nothing much to see in Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda neighbourhood, you can see houses built in Jerusalem stone and have some downtime in quiet spaces. Even when I was caught out by a local who asked me that busted tourist line: “Are you lost? Where do you want to go?” I liked it. It meant there was more chance of engaging in conversation.

Mea She-arim Orthodox Jewish Neighbourhood 

Adjacent to Mahaneh Yehuda, the Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea She-arim is one of the oldest Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem city. This is where the majority of the Hasidic community lives, whose very traditional ultra-orthodox Jewish values are closed and seen as an ultra-religious culture. A microcosm of Jerusalem, this neighbourhood has a different atmosphere. 

Full of narrow alleyways, quiet streets, and religious institutional buildings, it’s here where you will see the 18th-century dress code that was customary in Eastern Europe but which remains to this day. You will see the bearded men dressed in their black coats and hats, standing on the street doing nothing much except chatting to each other since the majority do not work, instead days are spent in prayer reading the Torah. You will rarely see the women, and if you do, you will see them dressed in their conservative wigs, headscarves, black skirts and dresses, pushing strollers and doing their daily shop.

It is also where you can find the largest Synagogue in Jerusalem, although you cannot enter. 

In reality, the Orthodox Jewish community does not really want you hanging around. Signs in the neighbourhood dictate not to come here in big groups, as well as outlining how you should dress and behave conservatively. An Israeli friend told me that I might be spat at, pushed and have things thrown at me, although this never happened. I did get stared at an awful lot and felt uncomfortable on my own, which is why I decided to leave.

Sign in Jerusalem’s Mea She-arim Orthodox Jewish Neighbourhood

Nahla’ot Neighbourhood

The Nahla’ot neighbourhood is the other side of Mahaneh Yehuda Market, and using the main road of Agrippas as my marker to find my way out, I ventured into the narrow and winding streets here that make up this really pretty neighbourhood of neat buildings, stone archways, gated courtyards and tiny stairwells. 

Jaffa Road runs through the New City, connecting everything. Part picturesque and arty, it is great to stroll down and cut off into the shopping and dining areas hidden behind it. In the evening, the streets around Zion Square sound with the buzz of bars and local hangouts, where you can sip on local Goldstar beer, and people-watch for hours.

Visit Jaffa Road in Jerusalem city

What to Do in Jerusalem in the Old City

Of all the places to visit in Jerusalem, the Old City is at its core. Seen as holding the history of the world, it has been fought over and conquered by various groups of people for thousands of years and is as admired as it is contested for being the holy centre to all three monotheistic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Despite its complexities, this one-square-kilometre walled area bestows an air of ancient lure, and the labyrinth layout is just how you always imagined.

Jerusalem Old City walls

A walled city of stone structures, flanked in the sun’s golden hues, make up a maze of pathways that cut this ancient stronghold into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish quarters, and knowledge of the complex and delicate history is not always necessary to appreciate the architecture, ancient relics and charged atmospheres here.

Whether you watch the Jews praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall or singing in the cause of a celebration, silently observe Christians in prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while standing amidst the clang of the church bells, or look on as Muslims make their way to the Mosque as the call to prayer reverberates around you, you don’t have to be spiritual to be moved and taken in by the religious spectacles that blend in this small space, whilst simmering in division beneath the surface.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City

A disputed holy site, where once sat a Jewish temple thousands of years ago and is now a mosque, Temple Mount is an unmissable part of your exploration of the Old City.

Only open for a small window each day for non-muslims (at the gate to the right as you face the Western Wall between the hours of 07:30 – 10:00 and 12:30 – 13:30 in the winter and 07:30 – 11:00 + 13:30 – 14:30 in the summer) hundreds venture up here to view what has become an infamous symbol of Jerusalem – the gold dome which covers the slab of rock sacred to both the Jewish faith as the foundation stone of the world and the Muslim faith as the point where Mohammed ascended to heaven to join Allah.

Visiting Temple Mount

Jerusalem’s Old City is mesmerising as you meander through it and breathtaking when you see it from afar.

The view from the Mount of Olives is labelled as the most spectacular. The Austrian Hospice in the Muslim Quarter has one of the best rooftop lookouts, and the Armon Hanatziv Promenade close to the German Colony is more of a local spot, best viewed at sunset as the magical sounds of church bells or calls to prayer scatter across the land.

Jerusalem Tours

No trip to Jerusalem is complete without finding ways to really understand it and know where to find its historical and cultural highlights. A great introduction to the Old City, for both the history and general navigation, is the free walking tour from Sandemans . Those with stamina can take a full-day Jerusalem tour with a local , from the old city to the new town, the mount to the hidden corners. 

I have one rule for Jerusalem’s Old City when you head back on your own: to not really plan a route. Getting lost is a good thing, and trying too hard to work your way around the labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden alleys, and bustling bazaars will frustrate you. You will always eventually come back onto one of the main streets leading to the main gates or one of the religious sites or stumble upon a direction sign.

The following experiences and cultural Jerusalem trips can be  booked via the Abraham tours website or at the travel desk inside the Abraham hostel:

• Culinary experience tasting local foods on a Mahane Yehuda Market tour.
• Take a Mount of Olives tour, see the major churches, the Mosque of Ascension,Mary’s Tomb and visit the world’s oldest Jewish cemetery.
• Join the only tour which explores Jerusalem’s nightlife on a Jerusalem pub crawl .
• Meet members of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and better understand their culture.
• Journey back in time by 4,000 years and enter the secret underground tunnel system on a City of David Tour .
• The street-art tour in Jerusalem tells stories about the tensions between secular and religious Jews, Muslims and Christians and more.
• Consider a sunrise biking tour around all of Jerusalem’s 8 gates and see the city from angles other transport can’t get you to.

A visit to Jerusalem is often taken as a day trip from Tel Aviv, but if you find yourself based in Jerusalem for longer, there are plenty of experiences to explore the wider city and neighbouring areas of Israel. The following are some of the best Abraham tour day trips from Jerusalem, which can be booked here .  

Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem

• READ MORE:   The Natural Wonders of Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea  – Adventure in Southern Israel

See both perspectives and narratives of the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Hebron Dual Narrative Tour

• READ MORE:  Visit Hebron in the West Bank– The Divided City of Palestine

Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, including Mount Tabor, the Jordan River and Capernaum 

• READ MORE: Nazareth, Israel – Revival Beyond Biblical Reference
• Best of the West Bank that takes you to Bethlehem, the ancient city of Jerich and the modern city of Ramallah

Looking to visit Jerusalem as part of a small group? For many, independent travel to Israel can be daunting, so I recommend the G Adventures Israel tour, which covers the country’s highlights in an 8-day trip that starts in Tel Aviv and ends in Jerusalem. That means being in the traveller hubs of the big cities on either side of your visit while enjoying everything in between, including Haifa, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee in the north and Masada, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem, with like-minded travellers. 

You can view the itinerary for this adventure, look at G Adventures reviews from previous passengers and find all the details on how to book on the Israel trip page .

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Budget accommodation in Israel is widespread, most notably via a Hostel network with around 40 quality-assured independent hostels across the country, many of those in Jerusalem.

I’ve known and worked with Abraham Hostels for many years and highly recommend them. The Abraham Jerusalem hostel has 40 dorm rooms and 40 private rooms, a beautiful large common room with lounge space, a huge guest kitchen, a bar and other facilities such as great internet and laundry. 

Not only that, but it is a hub where people from the city come in to enjoy the events on offer such as Live Music, Quiz Night and a Pub Crawl, Shabbat Dinner, weekly travel lectures, language lessons and the extensive daily tour offering of Abraham Tours throughout Israel, Jordan and Egypt.

Book your stay at Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem here . 

There is no airport in Jerusalem, and instead, travellers to Israel will enter via Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. From here, you can transfer to Jerusalem in around one hour. 

• For transfers from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem, the 485 shuttle bus takes you from the airport to various stops in Jerusalem city centre, including the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. These buses run every day except on Shabbat (Saturday).
• Many accommodations may have shuttle options that arrange drop-off and pick-up at accommodations in the city, which can be one of the most cost-effective options for getting between the airport and the city.
• If staying at Abraham Hostel, a shuttle service is available as part of your booking for a small extra cost. 
• The Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories guidebook is a great resource to plan your trip.
• For further information on where to go in Jerusalem and other highlights, check out the dedicated online Tourist Israel guide – which I partnered with during my time in the city to help produce this Jerusalem travel guide.
• A recommended book on the history of Israel and the modern-day conflict is A Line in the Sand , which details the struggles between Europe, Britain and France for power in the Middle East and what events led to the modern-day conflict and division. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

22 June 2021 at 2:53 pm

This is a beautiful article besides the fact it mentions apartheid. Israel is by no means an apartheid state. Arabic is an official language, Israeli Arabs have the same rights as the Jewish Israelis and they also have representation in the Israeli Parliament. The health system in Israel is full with Arabic doctors, our universities are full with Israeli Arabs who can get higher education with huge discounts and in some cases even for free using a full scholarship funded by the governmet. Israeli Arabs can set foot wherever they want all across the country with no restrictions. Funnily, Jewish Israelis cannot set foot in some parts of the country as it is unsafe for Jews to be there. Correct me if I’m wrong, but an apartheid state looks nothing like this. I suggest to think hard before you wrtie such things, without knowing all the facts. I invite you not just to have a short tour or two here – try to really live here and then tell me if Israel is an apartheid state. Peace, love and truth.

22 June 2021 at 3:55 pm

As I mentioned, it is the human rights groups who have highlighted the situation as a form of/version of Apartheid giving the forms of discrimination, separation and occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Like many of the other fragments of thought, it will always ignite discussion. I am in no position to give a definitive answer. I am highlighting all the means of discussion, controversy, and loaded opinion that make understanding this not at all easy, especially when doing prior background reading before a visit.

Your comment here is welcomed as we all try and understand each others’ viewpoints. In the same way that we all want to see peace.

28 February 2019 at 8:00 am

Hi Becki, I ‘m really curious and interested in this country. With so much culture and history to learn. Is it advisable to travel solo or much better with a tour group?

28 February 2019 at 10:23 am

It’s a personal choice about how you want to visit Israel. Some feel better in the company of a group because of pre-conceptions; because of crossing check-points; or because they simply don’t feel comfortable moving around the country on their own, and don’t know where to start with the organisation. My recommendation for a group tour would be the G Adventures Israel Explorer which is an 8-day trip that covers the highlights: https://goo.gl/vvyXLF I work with them, travel with them and can vouch for the cultural insights garnered from having a local with you all the way.

I travelled around Israel solo, using Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth and the Negev desert as bases and taking adventure and culture day trips from those. There’s even a hostel in the desert! There are options all over as it has a good traveller network set up. The Israel bus system also connects to key towns and cities nationwide, although the full-day trips get you to a lot of little corners and places you couldn’t get to easily on your own. Plus, you are in a small group scenario to go explore. It’s a win-win either way you choose 🙂

5 May 2014 at 11:36 am

I think there’s possibly more stories from Jerusalem than any other place in the world. If only walls could talk, eh?

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Jerusalem   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Jerusalem

Jerusalem is suspended between many different crosshairs. First and foremost, it serves as the Holy City for the three primary western religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The narrow streets and alleyways that make up the labyrinth-like Old City reverberate with the sounds of spirituality. Whispered Hebrew prayers uttered by tefillin -clad Jews at the Western Wall mingle with the hauntingly beautiful Muslim call-to-prayer sounding from Temple Mount . The voices from the Jewish and Muslim quarters are then accompanied by melodic bells sounding from the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre . For many visitors, the rumor of a constant Almighty presence suddenly becomes very real; even the most adamant non-believer will find it hard to deny that there's something ethereal about Jerusalem.

While the image of ancient Jerusalem—a city still ruled by King David and his followers—is what most travelers expect, you'll find instead a destination in flux. Beyond the historic walls of the Old City lies a buzzing metropolis where traditional lifestyles collide with cosmopolitan developments. West Jerusalem is littered with trendy restaurants and bars, while East Jerusalem resonates with the cries of market vendors. The city's diverse offerings have transformed Jerusalem from a pilgrimage spot to a well-rounded vacation destination. So whatever your reason for visiting, you can be sure that this is a city you’ll never forget.

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Best of Jerusalem

Best hotels in jerusalem.

• in American Colony Hotel The Leading Hotels of the World
• in The David Citadel Hotel
• in Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem

Best Things to Do in Jerusalem

• # 1 in Old City
• # 2 in Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
• # 3 in Israel Museum

Popular Tours

Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

(747 reviews)

from $ 111.00

Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem

(442 reviews)

from $ 108.00

Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

(270 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Jerusalem Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Jerusalem are April through May and October through November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin. However, make sure to cross-check your travel dates with major Jewish celebrations such as the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Passover. A strong surge of visitor traffic drives hotel prices up during these holidays. Summer is Jerusalem's peak tourism season, despite sweltering daytime temps. Winters boast good deals on hotels, but the weather remains fickle: One day can be sunny and fairly warm, while the next can be rainy and chilly.

Weather in Jerusalem

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• You're safe in tourist areas In Jerusalem, differing ideological views regularly spur heated religious and political debates, which have occasionally led to violent outbursts in the past. But aggressive instances are rare and do not take place in tourist areas.
• Be respectful This city is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, meaning you should be considerate of traditions and conform to the more conservative dress code. Save your shorts and tank tops for Tel Aviv .
• Stock up for the weekend Many of Jerusalem's businesses and restaurants (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) close for the Sabbath. Make sure to buy all food or other need-to-have items by Friday afternoon.

How to Save Money in Jerusalem

• Avoid major holidays Jerusalem's prices skyrocket during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover (March or April), Sukkot (September or October), and the High Holy Days ( fall). You'll find better deals if you avoid these holidays.
• Don't stay in West Jerusalem Hotels in West Jerusalem are more modern and more expensive. You'll find better rates within the Old City , but be prepared for possible nighttime curfews. East Jerusalem also has affordable lodging, but try to stay close to Damascus or Herod's Gate for convenience's sake.
• Rely on street eats Jerusalem has its fair share of swanky restaurants, but you can save some shekels by relying on food carts and markets for a good meal. Vendors throughout the city sell everything from bagels to falafel at a reasonable price, while the Mahane Yehuda market in West Jerusalem is a go-to spot for fresh produce.

Culture & Customs

Jerusalem acts as the Holy City by the three major Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This mingling of spirituality has led to a mélange of culture. For example, you’ll hear a multi-lingual soundtrack on a stroll through the Old City ; Hebrew and Arabic are the dominant languages, but you'll also catch whispers of Yiddish and other languages. Many Israelis, especially those working in the food and hospitality industries, also speak English.

Many Jerusalem residents still fervently following guidelines listed in their bible. You will witness some of these customs during your visit. For example, Jews and Muslims do not eat pork; therefore, if you get a craving for ham and cheese, you'll be out of luck. Many restaurants throughout Jerusalem, particularly in Jewish neighborhoods, maintain a kosher menu, meaning they observe strict religious rules about food consumption and preparation. But chances are that you won't give this a second thought as you thumb through a menu. Also, many businesses (especially in the Old City) close during the weekend to honor the various sabbaths. Jewish establishments close their doors on Friday afternoon and don't open again until Saturday night or Sunday morning. Many Christian businesses are closed on Sundays. All of these businesses—no matter their affiliation—accept Shekels (ILS), Israel's official currency.

You'll also encounter a variety of clothing styles, from the heavy black attire and wide-brimmed hats worn of Haredi Jews to the lighter, more casual tunics sported of Arab merchants. Keep in mind you should dress more conservatively in Jerusalem. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, especially if you plan to visit the city's religious sites. Note that the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Me'a She'arim (just northwest of the Old City) requires extremely conservative attire, such as long sleeves, ankle-length skirts, and covered heads, as well as very modest behavior.

In the decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contention over the city’s ownership has resulted in violent outbursts, most notably riots. That said, visitors should not feel threatened, as these incidents usually do not take place in tourist areas. You will likely come across a large number of Israeli soldiers, but don't let that alarm you: Many of these soldiers are tourists, just like you. You may also encounter armed guards performing security screenings at the Old City gates at night.

Getting Around Jerusalem

The best ways to get around Jerusalem are on foot or by taxi. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of one another inside or just beyond the Old City walls. When you're looking to expand your stomping grounds, taxis are extremely convenient (albeit a little pricey). The transportation company, Egged, provides public bus service within the city and many points around the country. Egged also services Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), about 38 miles northwest of Jerusalem on the outskirts of Tel Aviv . However, the bus system isn't intuitive for foreign visitors. Travelers usually will have better luck with the new light rail system, which opened in 2011.

Entry & Exit Requirements

The Israeli government does not require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your arrival, but many airlines do. You will also need to show a return or onward ticket and sufficient proof of funds to enter the country. Expect heightened security screenings at the airport; the Israeli government has been known to deny travelers entry based on background checks. The government will also deny entry to anyone looking to travel to the West Bank or Gaza. You can learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website .

This stunning domed shrine resides on Temple Mount .

Explore More of Jerusalem

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Top Jerusalem hotels deals

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The David Citadel Jerusalem

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Popular places to visit, al-aqsa mosque.

You can find out about the history of Jerusalem with a trip to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Western Wall

Learn about the local history of Jerusalem when you take a trip to Western Wall. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Machane Yehuda Market

During your trip to Jerusalem, you can enjoy retail therapy at Machane Yehuda Market. You can seek out the local tours in this culturally rich area.

Jerusalem Vacations

Jerusalem is sacred to more than half of the world's population. It is the place where religion, culture, and the arts merge into a metropolis that is a feast for both the spirit and the human senses. Whether you are interested in history, religion, food, or just immersing yourself in the culture, a Jerusalem vacation will become a jewel in your travel crown.

Major Attractions

No trip to Jerusalem is complete without a visit to the holy sites – The Temple Mount (including the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque), Western Wall, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, among many others. Outside of the holy sites, the Old City offers several quarters, including the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter, each offering their own cultural markets, restaurants, and shops. But it's the open-air Mahane Yehuda Market – "the Shuk" -- that is truly a sight to behold. At this bustling market in the city center you can buy produce, spices, pastries, breads, scarves, and many other items while mingling with a local crowd. While there, try some kanafeh, a sweet cheese pastry, or shawarma, which are shavings of meat that have been roasted on a spit, served on a plate or as a sandwich.

Festivals and Events

Jerusalem is a special place to visit for several religious holidays, depending on your preference. But the entire city seems to participate in Purim, a Jewish holiday that spawns parties and carnivals around the city. Often compared to Halloween and Mardi Gras, Purim takes place in early March. For a non-religious event, check out the increasingly popular International Film Festival in July. Located at Jerusalem Cinémathèque, the festival features films from around the world.

Travelocity offers a diverse selection of Jerusalem vacation packages with the best hotels in Jerusalem . And with savings up to $537 by booking your flight and hotel together as a Jerusalem vacation package, you can afford an extra kebab at the Shuk.

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

The fantastic thing about travel is that you don't always need to search for brand new experiences — they're right there in front of you! So unpack your suitcase, take a breath and get ready to make some amazing new memories.

You'll never be at a loss for things to do in Jerusalem. If you're having problems deciding on what to do, here are our top picks:

• Dead Sea & Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem
• Bethlehem & Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem
• Jewish Heritage Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem
• Jerusalem Half-Day Tour
• Jerusalem Old & New Cities Full-Day Tour
• Jerusalem City Pass

Frequently asked questions

Where to stay in jerusalem: best areas for travelers.

• Jerusalem City Centre : If you're an arty type, you'll feel right at home here. Check in to the Jerusalem Tower Hotel , the Christmas Hotel or the Shani Hotel . That way, you'll be within close reach of stimulating attractions like Wolfson Museum and Beit Avi Chai.
• Nachlaot : If you love sightseeing, this is the place for you. Fantastic attractions such as Machane Yehuda Market, Ades Synagogue and Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue are waiting for you! Add to that reputable places like the J Tower Residence , the My Jerusalem View and the Agripas Boutique Hotel — what else do you need?
• Mamilla : With so many places to lay your head in this area, your most challenging decision will be picking one. Make a start by looking up the Prima Royale , the Dan Panorama Jerusalem and The Inbal Jerusalem . Once you're settled in, don't miss popular sights such as L.A. Meyer Institute for Islamic Art.
• Rehavia : Drop your bags off at the Jerusalem Castle Hotel , the Little House in Rehavia or the Prima Kings Hotel . Then, get ready to cultivate your artistic side! This neighborhood is known for its arty attractions. Roam around Wolfson Museum and Beit Avi Chai to get you started.
• Emek Refaim : If you're searching for things to keep you busy here, get the ball rolling at Museum of Natural History Jerusalem. It's one of this area's leading attractions. Want to get to know the area a little better? The Villa Ba'moshava , The Colony Hotel and the Orient Hotel Jerusalem make great bases.
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Best Things to Do in Jerusalem (Local Travel Tips)

Updated on November 6th, 2023

Looking for how to visit Jerusalem for the first time? Check out this travel guide for our best non-religious things to do in Jerusalem, for any culture-savvy traveler.

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Posted in Israel

Table of contents

• Abraham Hostel Jerusalem
• Tmol Shilshom
• Aricha Sabich
• Marzipan Bakery and Pastry
• Dwiny Pita Bar
• Cafe Yehoshua
• Sushi Rehavia
• Jerusalem Steakhouse
• Pasta Basta
• The Coffee Mill
• Freddy Lemon
• Gatsby Cocktail Room
• Biratenu - Jerusalem Beer Center
• Rooftop” (rooftop bar in Jerusalem)
• Beer Bazaar
• Mahane Yehuda Market
• Ben Yehuda Street
• Temple Mount
• Dome of the Rock
• Wilson’s Arch
• Jewish Quarter (Rova Yehudi)
• Western Wall
• Mount Herzl (Har Herzl)
• Arab Quarter
• Armenian Quarter
• Hebrew Music Museum
• Jerusalem public bus
• Taxis in Jerusalem
• Jerusalem Central Bus Station
• Jerusalem light rail
• Tel Aviv-Jerusalem speed train
• Take a day trip tour to the Dead Sea

As per a Travel Advisory update posted by the US Department of State on October 14, 2023, Israel has been marked a Level 3 Country: “Reconsider travel” due to the ongoing armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism from “Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization.” Please visit the travel.state.gov page for Israel to learn more and stay informed.

Jerusalem is a magical city for so many reasons. It’s historic, it’s full of culture, it’s surprising to most, and what we like about it from our most recent visit is that Jerusalem has lots of personalities.

At the mention of “Jerusalem,” you may think of the Western Wall, lots of religions in one spot and a city from your history book, but maybe that’s because you haven’t seen the murals of the Mahane Yehuda Shuk during its nightlife hours, the hidden speakeasies that only locals know and the best spots for hummus.

No trip to Israel is complete without a few days or even a week, spent in Jerusalem, after you see sights in Tel Aviv and Haifa, and nature at Masada and the Dead Sea.

If you came to our Jerusalem to learn about famous spots from the Bible, politics or history, that’s great, and you’re sure to have an excellent time. Conversely, if you plan to visit Jerusalem to see what’s under the dusty artifacts and stone walls, come with us, as we show you local tips and the best things to see for the fun-loving traveler.

Did you know that Jerusalem, and Israel as a country, is one of the best countries for gluten-free travel ? You’ll see why.

What to know before visiting Jerusalem (for non-religious trips)

Most people think of Jerusalem and think of a highly-religious city full of places of worship, dusty layers of history and maybe some conflict.

Okay, ready? Brush all of that aside and wipe your slate clean. Jerusalem is a vibrant city with a fascinating mix of cultures and people, and cool surprises around every bend.

For example, the city’s central market turns into the center of nightlife after dark, and it’s where you’ll find poetry slams, beer bars, late-night eats, colorful murals and music. Say what!

Is Jerusalem safe to visit?

Yes, totally. We didn’t experience any crime while traveling in Jerusalem. Israel presents low crime rates for tourists and locals are friendly.

The biggest threat you’d face is potentially getting ripped off in a taxi or in a market. As goes for traveling anywhere away from home, watch your bag, especially in markets and in the Jerusalem Old City (it can be crowded in the narrow alleys) and watch your pockets.

There are on and off periods of tension in Israel overall between various parties, but as a tourist, if you stick to popular attractions and the things in this guide/other blogs, you will likely not get into any type of trouble.

What’s a good packing list for traveling to Israel?

We recommend several packing lists for you to go by, and in addition, we’ll make a few recommendations below.

• Best travel accessories
• Which shoes to pack, for women
• Minimalist packing tips
• Best accessories for long flights

For Israel additionally, we recommend a few things…

• Bathing suit! For swimming in the Dead Sea.
• A travel lock , for using at a rental locker (maybe at the Dead Sea)
• A scarf or shawl, for women, to use when visiting religious sites where shoulders must be covered (synagogues, Dome of the Rock, mosques, churches, memorial sites)
• One pair of travel pants for men and travel pants for women , as shorts are also not allowed at major religious sites, memorials and some national monuments
• If you are Jewish and own your own kippah (skullcap), we also suggest bringing it so that you do not have to borrow or buy one when visiting the Western Wall and other sites of worship
• Women may also benefit from packing one skirt or maxi dress for the same reasons above

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?

You probably don’t need a visa to travel to Israel.

Passport holders of 99 major countries do not require travel visas to enter Israel, so if you are reading this and you’re not from Indonesia, Malaysia or a list of Middle-Eastern countries, you do not need a confirmation of a visa.

Should I worry about things being closed on the Sabbath (Shabbat) in Jerusalem?

Shabbat, which is Hebrew for the Sabbath, or day of rest, takes place every Friday evening at sundown until Saturday also at sundown. Shabbat is a peaceful time for Jewish Israelis who observe this day of rest, and so many businesses will be closed.

You’ll notice that Tel Aviv overall observes less of the Shabbat tradition of closing stores, but in Jerusalem it’s a different story. Things like trains will not run, the average business will be closed for the day on Saturday and will close Friday afternoon and many people will attend religious services.

Don’t be scared! As a traveler in Israel on Shabbat, you’ll have heaps to do.

A local tip is that the “monit sherut” (small buss) from the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv runs to Jerusalem, on a somewhat limited schedule. So, ask your hotel or hostel in Tel Aviv about it, and you can make your way to Jerusalem even while other forms of transit are on their day off.

Download Moovit, as it’s a really helpful travel app and it’ll really help you with transportation specifically in Israel.

General first-time travel tips for Jerusalem

Here are a few helpful things to know about Jerusalem, to prepare you for your visit:

“Do”s and “Don’t”s in Israel

• Try all the amazing food: falafel, shawarma (with toppings), shakshuka, sabich, Turkish coffee, arak, local craft beer
• Go exploring: in the Old City, around Nachlaot, in the Mahane Yehuda Market (Shuk)
• Take a tour, in order to learn more in-depth about where you are. You can book some tours or day outings with hostels like Abraham Hostel or with operators like Tourist Israel.
• Be respectful: of various religions, ethnicities, customs, cultures and languages. Israel has a very diverse array of people, and everyone has a story. Try not to judge, and instead, choose to learn.
• Do not go unprepared to holy sites like the Western Wall, famous synagogues or mosques, the Temple Mount (see below for our guide) or national monuments and cemeteries. Most will have a modest dress code.
• Do not get frustrated when someone does not speak any English. Israeli people speak a multitude of languages, from Russian to French to Arabic to Hebrew, and learning English has come as a second thought, for some.
• Do not expect everything to be open on Friday nights and Saturdays, and do be patient about it. It’s incredible to see a country that comes to ‘full stop’ for one day a week, so appreciate it!
• Do not leave Israel without learning a few helpful phrases like ‘todah rabah’ (thank you), ‘shalom’ (hi/peace) and, ‘ayfo ha sherutim?’ (where’s the bathroom?).

Old City tourist pricing

Avoid getting your falafel and hummus inside the old city (especially the Jewish Quarter). It’s overpriced and not as good as it’ll be in the more local areas (try the market).

Jerusalem signage and languages

Signs in Jerusalem are usually in three languages: Hebrew, English and Arabic. You’ll also find taxi drivers who speak Russian, shop-owners who speak French, restaurant servers who speak Amharic (from Ethiopia) and expats who speak Spanish. There’s a bit of everyone here.

Learn some Hebrew with our travel language-learning tips !

Taking a Jerusalem city tour can be helpful

Taking a tour around Jerusalem can be helpful, as it’s really easy to get lost — much more so than in the city of Tel Aviv. The streets wind around a lot because the city is so hilly. The bright side of this is that there are lots of viewpoints to see!

Try the Jerusalem public bus system

Jerusalem’s buses run very regularly during the week (aside from Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day) and are a great way to get from neighborhood to neighborhood. Rides are rarely long and they’re pretty affordable. Our tip is to always have change, in Shekels.

Where to stay in Jerusalem, for backpackers

Abraham hostel jerusalem.

Abraham Hostel Jerusalem is a great downtown hostel for travelers of all types, especially backpackers! Given that Israel is so (relatively) expensive for many travelers, with the exchange rate to the USD and other currencies, you may be looking into budget accommodation during your trip.

There’s an Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv as well, and we equally enjoyed our stay there (it was awesome). Abraham Hostels really have the traveler experience down to a science.

Starting with the common area, there’s a bar, where you can grab happy hour and get to meet other travelers. The demographic here is pretty wide, from college students to travelers in groups in the 50-60 age range from Europe. Seriously, no one stands out here and everyone is welcome.

The hostel has a variety of different rooms, ranging from dorms to privates! The dorm rooms are great for those looking to try solo travel and are a nice way to be social.

In the morning, there’s a big spread of Israeli breakfast, included, so you definitely won’t go hungry and can start your day off with the delicious fresh foods that are part of the Israeli diet — vegetables, fruits and more. We love Israeli breakfasts for staying healthy during travel .

What we like most about Abraham Hostels both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is that they offer so many events, every day of the week. Literally every day, there is something going on, whether you’re looking for an open mic night, a performance from a local band, a hummus-making class or a city tour you can join. They also offer Abraham Tours to other parts of Israel, like Eilat, Haifa and Bethlehem.

Did you know that staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to save money during a trip? See why!

Where to eat in Jerusalem (local spots)

Tmol shilshom.

Tmol Shilshom is a great place for starting your Jerusalem journey, as it’s a popular place for young people and cultured travelers who want to eat fresh Mediterranean food in a beautiful old alley of a quiet neighborhood. It’s a bookstore-cafe in an old garden, where you can combine food with culture. Have some Israeli wine and try the shakshuka or salmon fillet. End with cheesecake.

Aricha Sabich

Hailed as some of the best sabich, and some of the best food, in all of Jerusalem, Aricha Sabich will not leave you disappointed. Not sure what sabich is? Add this to your vocabulary fast, as sabich is an Iraqi and now Israeli breakfast dish that you can eat any time of day. It consists of eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini sauce and salads, all crammed into fresh pita bread.

Marzipan Bakery and Pastry

Marzipan Bakery is a popular spot for rugelach cookies (drool!), donuts, decorated cakes and chocolate pastries. You might go twice.

Dwiny Pita Bar

This little pita bar is only two minutes away from the Mahane Yehuda Market (the Shuk) and it’ll be great for anyone looking for some of the best vegetarian options, along with creative pita fillings that amount to some “gorgeous vegetarian food” and a hip crowd.

Cafe Yehoshua

Cafe Yehoshua, located at Azza St 17, is highly-rated for healthy breakfast options and a nice Mediterranean cuisine menu. Bonus: grilled cheese sandwiches.

Sushi Rehavia

With four locations in Jerusalem, this is a great option if you want some high-quality kosher sushi. It’s well-known throughout town, and while it’s more than what you’d pay to fill up your stomach than having a falafel pita, for example, it’s delicious.

Jerusalem Steakhouse

Not to be confused with an actual steakhouse (it’s not), nor the Brooklyn joint of exactly the same name (ha), this fast casual restaurant is located at 101 Agripas and is good for a ‘real authentic loud Israel experience.’ It’s not too expensive, and it is super crazy delicious for shawarma and falafel.

Cafe Rimon is a local chain with four locations in Jerusalem and is popular for “dairy” and fish. It’s vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, and also has an assortment of gluten-free options. If you go with a group, you can order family-style.

Pasta Basta

Located in Mahane Yehuda Market, AKA “The Shuk,” Pasta Basta is not only fun to say, but has delicious pasta and is relatively inexpensive, considering the cost of many other things in Israel. Travelers say it is worth the wait (there may be one), but a good deal and highly recommended.

If you’re down on Emek Refaim, the main thoroughfare of the “German Colony” neighborhood, Bagel Cafe is your stop for an “American-style bagel” and a coffee. Takeaway is fine here, if not expected and there’s also a catering menu in case you need food for … a ton of people. Kosher.

Located at David Remez St 4, Station 9 is one of Jerusalem’s best Asian fusion restaurants for when you want to get fancy and treat yourself. The eclectic menu mixes flavors from China, Vietnam and more, all under kosher supervision.

Where to grab coffee, Israel-style

Israelis love coffee, and if you’re like us, hunting down cafes wherever you go (and how to take photos of it), you’ll want to know where locals get their coffee in Jerusalem.

Aroma is a coffee shop and cafe now found in many places in Israel, in addition to places like NYC and LA. The first one opened up in Jerusalem in 2006, and now it’s synonymous with starting your morning.

In addition to having your coffee, you can get fresh and healthy items like sandwiches, beads, pastries, vegan breakfast, gluten-free staples like shakshuka, a complete Israeli breakfast and more. Needless to say, you’ll probably go to Aroma a whole bunch during your stay in Israel.

The Coffee Mill

The Coffee Mill is a hidden gem of a cafe, owned by two Americans who created its unique atmosphere. They have coffee from all over the world, and there’s breakfast, lunch and dinner as well.

Cafe Nadi, at Hillel St 39, is one of the most well-known spots for morning coffee and breakfast in Jerusalem. It’s cozy and charming, known for excellent fresh food and outdoor seating.

Coolest local trendy bars in Jerusalem

We know what you’re thinking: cool bars? In Jerusalem? Yes, it’s true. Jerusalem has its own bar and night scene, and it’s exactly where you wouldn’t expect it to be.

To set the scene, picture a big Israeli-style market, lined with vendors selling pomegranates, vegetables, spices, teas and nuts every day (except Shabbat), mixed in with eateries and other market stalls. Now picture the time dinner time rolls around, and the vendors start packing up and leaving.

And the market turns into Jerusalem’s best bar scene.

Now you see why everyone talks about the reinvented “shuk” scene going on at night in Jerusalem, most days of the week. It’s here that you can have craft beer, a cocktail, delicious food and see a Hebrew poetry slam, all while admiring the hand-painted wall murals of famous faces colored across closed stall grates. Don’t forget your camera!

Freddy Lemon

One of the coolest bars in the Mahane Yehuda Shuk, Freddy Lemon is the spot where you’ll see indie musicians take the stage. Happy hour is til 9:30 pm and there’s outdoor (patio) seating. It’s open til 5 am.

Yudale is a tapas bar with a cool and energetic atmosphere. It’s also a two-minute walk from the Shuk, with great drinks, so you can go in the beginning or at the end of your evening out in Jeru.

HaTaklit is a divey bar with some outdoor seating on a quiet uphill street. Happy hour lasts for five hours, staff is friendly and helpful and there’s a performance space. HaTaklit means “the record” (the music kind), and you’ll see why our next listing is its neighbor.

Video Pub, or simply, “Video,” is the official gay bar of Jerusalem. It’s quirky and casual and welcomes everyone. Video is open til 3 am.

Gatsby Cocktail Room

Gatsby Cocktail Room is where you may want to get a bit more dressed up, as opposed to shuffling in from your day in your regular walking shoes and hoodie or tank top. One of Jerusalem’s best speakeasies, it does not disappoint. The menu is grand, with photos and descriptions, all in art deco style and flavor. Note: it’s not cheap, but a special experience like this comes with a special price tag.

Located at Dorot Rishonim St 8, Birma is a laid-back piano bar where you can appreciate some jazz. There’s Middle-Eastern bar food (delicious) and a lovely array of drinks.

Biratenu - Jerusalem Beer Center

Visiting Biratenu is a unique thing to do when you visit Jerusalem. Based in Hillel St 6, you can see hundreds of Israeli craft beers here and speak with the owner, who is very passionate about his work. Beer-lovers, beware! You might want to stay a while here.

Rooftop” (rooftop bar in Jerusalem)

It’s rare to find a rooftop bar in Jerusalem, but if you visit Rooftop, at Shlomo ha-Melekh St 11, it’s a great way to appreciate the city a bit from above, especially when it is warm out.

Beer Bazaar

Beer Bazaar will be your craft beer spot in Israel if you want to “finally get something other than Goldstar or Maccabi beer,” according to our friend Allie. Located in the Mahane Yehuda Market, you’ll see heaps of beers lining the walls and you can speak with knowledgeable and expert beer store staff.

Historic and interesting places to see in Jerusalem

We’re not experts in Jerusalem’s history by any means, but we do appreciate all the unique things you can see that exist nowhere else in the world. For example, where can you see the mix of cultures that takes place in the Old City, in such close proximity?

Mahane Yehuda Market

This is one of our favorite Israeli markets. Debatably the most famous in Israel, you’ll see why, once you get semi-lost among the vendors and travelers from every corner of the Earth who come here to shop and see what’s up.

Once a historic neighborhood, Nachlaot has turned kind of hipster. Lose the map, as it’s not worth bringing one — Nachlaot’s white stone alleys will charm you and you’ll wind up walking in circles no matter what you do.

The neighborhood has rather short buildings, which adds to its charm. Among them, you’ll see galleries, flowers peeking out of gardens, courtyards and centuries-old synagogues with fading signs.

Cameras are welcome!

Ben Yehuda Street

Ben Yehuda Street is a major street and more or less a Jerusalem landmark when it comes to saying, Meet me at Ben Yehuda. This street is closed off for pedestrians, and it’s here that you’ll find stores that cater to tourists, but you may see street performers, groups of off-duty Israeli soldiers and travelers stopping at cafes. This is also where things happen on fun holidays like Purim and Simchat Torah.

Temple Mount

The Temple Mount is a hill in the Jerusalem Old City that is sacred to several religions. It is now part of the “Muslim part,” so it’s where you will find the Dome of the Rock and famous mosques.

Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is one of the most holy places in the Muslim religion and it’s a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. We went there to see the architecture. It truly is beautiful. The catch is that it is a tough place in terms of being a tourist — well, not for everyone, but there are a bunch of rules to go by in order to prepare for your visit.

See our complete Dome of the Rock visit guide .

One more thing: Non-Muslims can’t go into the Dome of the Rock itself. So, you have to walk around and quietly appreciate your surroundings without going into any of the buildings.

Wilson’s Arch

If you’re really into history and architecture, check out Wilson’s Arch, which was named for the explorer who ‘found’ (re-found) it in the 1800s. It’s near the Western Wall.

Jewish Quarter (Rova Yehudi)

The Jewish Quarter is one of the four ‘quarters’ (they’re not exactly all the same size) in Jerusalem’s Old City. Again, without touching too much on religion, this is the Jewish cultural section where you’ll find the Western Wall at its border, lots of shops, market stalls, religious (okay, we touched on religion) sites and even people who call this neighborhood home.

It’s totally safe, so there’s no need to worry about safety. If you love feeling like an explorer, you’ll enjoy the stone alleys, old stairwells, accessible rooftops (keep wandering!) and underground labyrinths.

Western Wall

This wall (it’s massive) is one of the most holy places in the Jewish religion and it is called “The Kotel” (Ha Kotel) in Hebrew. Note: to visit — well, to get close to it — women must cover their shoulders and be wearing a skirt or bottoms that fall below the knee, and men must wear the traditional skullcap called a ‘kippah.’

If you’d like to engage in going up close to it, note that most visitors take their visit very seriously, even by backing away from it without turning their back to the wall, and will stick a note of prayer or hope into the cracks of the massive white stones.

Note, again, that to get your note in, you’ll have to cram it in among the thousands (millions?) of notes that have been left there since the beginning of time (or so it seems). A lot of them fall to the ground. To be respectful, avoid touching any note that is not your own.

Yad Vashem is The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. It is an incredible and moving testament to the Jews who perished in the Holocaust and also the Gentiles who helped save them and risked their lives doing so.

It is customary to act very respectful here, as the topics are very heavy. The museum is incredibly well-done and it is worth a visit for everyone who goes there.

We recommend avoiding taking photos. It is also customary to not talk much while visiting in order to maintain respect and remembrance.

Mount Herzl (Har Herzl)

Rather than being an actual mountain, Mount Herzl (Har Herzl in Hebrew) is actually the Mount Herzl National Cemetery. It’s here that major Israeli figures are buried, like Yitzhak Rabin and Golda Meir.

The Herzl Museum, which is also on-site, has a movie about the life of Theodore Herzl, the founder of modern Zionims. Also here is the cemetery with the final resting places of fallen soldiers throughout Israel’s various wars.

Please maintain utmost respect when visiting.

If you want to find Mount Herzl, the address is, fittingly, “Mount Herzl, Jerusalem.”

Arab Quarter

The Arab, or Muslim Quarter, is one of the quadrants of Jerusalem’s Old City within the old city walls. The main point of entry is Damascus Gate, which is a landmark on any map.

The main market is the cotton market, and it is in the style of a shuk, where you can buy all the things you need (rather than souvenirs).

Armenian Quarter

The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City is the smallest ‘quarter’ (again, they’re not perfect quarters). Between one and two thousands Armenians live in this region.

You can enter through Zion Gate and Jaffa Gate, so look for those gates on your map. Things to do in the Armenian quarter include having coffee, visit Armenian ceramic and pottery shops and trying Armenian food at the Armenian restaurants. There are a few religious sites as well (remember, we’re not experts on religion during this article, so we’re not going to mention much more detail because we don’t feel qualified to do so!).

Hebrew Music Museum

Visitors say this Jerusalem museum is a real gem, and that’s because in addition to musical instruments, the museum helps depict the periods of time that shaped music in Israel and how music is intertwined with culture.

There are interactive exhibits all around, and it’s recommended to take a guided tour in order to not miss anything crucial. This is a great museum for music lovers, music fans, musicians or anyone who wants to learn something completely new while discovering Israel.

If you’re into unique and off-the-beaten-track museums, you’ll want to say you’ve been to the Jerusalem Tax Museum.

This museum exists to show people the importance of tax collection! We could use a few pointers about that every year!

Even more than exhibiting tax in Israel, the museum demonstrates how tax is collected all over the world. Worth a visit, if you’re a CPA, accounting or finance student, or if you want to learn a ton of new things!

Transit options in Jerusalem (how to get around Jerusalem)

Most of Jerusalem is walkable, as it’s not a big city, compared with other major cities in the world. While Jerusalem is not actually big, it’s very hilly and therefore, lots of streets wind around hills. There’s no real city grid, and lots of streets turn into others and are windy. There are a few transit options to help you out.

Jerusalem public bus

For getting around on a day to day, taking the public bus is very helpful. You’ll see people lining up to get on buses, especially at rush hour in the morning and later in the day. Within our week in Jerusalem, we got pretty familiar with the buses that stopped at our hostel and the other places we went. We rarely took taxis!

Taxis in Jerusalem

You can take taxis in Jerusalem, but note that the drivers sometimes don’t speak English (most will speak Hebrew, Russian or maybe Arabic a bit). Also, you will probably wind up paying a lot for a taxi as a non-Hebrew speaker. This can get frustrating. We advise taking a taxi if you can’t figure out the bus or light rail route to get to your destination.

Jerusalem Central Bus Station

As Israel is a compact country, the best way to get around is by bus, if you’re not renting a car. We got around between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and back again, via public bus. Buses to lots of major cities leave very often, and you’ll rarely have to wait.

Around the bus station, everyone is pretty helpful, especially if you’re going somewhere major (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva, Eilat).

In Jerusalem, the bus station is a pretty popular place, and people on the light rail or on the street will be hopefully pretty helpful in getting you there. The light rail (details below) has a stop at the bus station. Leave some time when taking the light rail in case there’s any sort of delay.

A good thing to know is that buses to Tel Aviv run every 15-20 minutes.

Be aware of Shabbat (Friday night into Saturday) service for all transportation options. Things tend to stop and get slower a few hours before Shabbat begins (it depends on the time of year). Ask your hotel or hostel staff for the most up-to-date details on when Shabbat starts and how it will affect transport options in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem light rail

Jerusalem has a fairly new system that’s reminiscent of a small above-ground metro, and it is called Harakevet Hakala. It mostly connects the main thoroughfares of the city (which is not huge) and can take you from the Central Bus Station to places like the square outside Abraham Hostel Jerusalem.

Tel Aviv-Jerusalem speed train

The “Tel Aviv–Jerusalem railway,” also referred to as the “high-speed railway to Jerusalem,” is Israel’s newest hi-tech transport option.

During our last trip to Israel, this speed train was not even finished yet, but everyone was very excited about its completion.

With this rail line now done, you can reach the Tel Aviv International Airport (Ben Gurion Airport) in around 25 minutes from Jerusalem city. That’s incredible!

Tickets are around 10 USD and you can pay for them at a machine with cash or credit. The trains are like European-style railway trains.

Taking the high-speed rail is a great new way to have a mass transit option in getting from the airport to Jerusalem and avoiding (sorry, taxi drivers) the high prices that taxis usually cost in getting anywhere from city to city.

Day trip ideas out of Jerusalem

Israel is a relatively compact country (many say it’s the size of the US state of New Jersey), so taking a day trip is never a huge schlep, so to speak.

Many tour operators like Tourist Israel can help you take all sorts of day trips to Masada, Ein Gedi, Caesarea and the Dead Sea. Check out how we took a Tourist Israel trip to the Dead Sea, as follows.

Take a day trip tour to the Dead Sea

Dan and I both took trips to the Dead Sea when we went on Birthright Israel trips in our late teens-early twenties (separately) and were excited to go back. Due to the heaviest rains in years during our most recent trip to Israel, we went to a different part of the Dead Sea than previous times.

This was interesting because it was not as we had remembered, and it was good for us to see another “Dead Sea region.” Our trip with Tourist Israel took an alternate route because the Dead Sea resorts near Ein Gedi, the most famous and most beautiful Dead Sea location, was closed due to mudslides the day we went.

Instead, we had an interesting time visiting Qasr el Yahud, or, the spot where Jesus was baptized. We probably would not have made our way here otherwise, so it was a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience for us to see a famous Christian site in Israel, whereas we typically visit Jewish ones.

Leaving Jerusalem and going through the desert is a quintessential Israeli experience that everyone should have. Hopefully your tour will stop at a monument to Sea Level, as it all goes downhill from there… so to speak (ha).

At the Dead Sea itself, you have to prepare to get very salty. The water in the Dead Sea is like nothing you’ve ever floated in — it’s basically hard to sink!

Bathing in water in such a high concentration of salt will leave your skin smooth and can be pretty therapeutic. Be sure to rub the mineral-rich mud all over yourself, and of course, all over your friends.

One thing to remember is to be careful of if you have any open cuts (even a paper cut), because the high salt content of the Dead Sea water can magnify the stinging feeling.

Ready to explore more of Israel? Explore Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea with us!

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Jerusalem tours

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What travelers say about their tours to Jerusalem

Travel tips for jerusalem trips.

Jerusalem is one of the trending travel destinations for 2023 , and Jerusalem travel packages are the best way to explore the Holy City’s ancient history. Steeped in thousands of years of tradition, Jerusalem surprises and delights visitors with its contemporary culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Here are three of the best spots to see when you visit Jerusalem.

• Western Wall.  Jerusalem tours aren’t complete without a visit to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. This site in Old Jerusalem is divided into two parts: one for men and one for women. You’ll find many people (locals and tourists) at the site, praying at the wall or just sitting nearby and taking it in. Even if you don’t practice Judaism, you can still appreciate this site and take a moment for prayer or reflection.
• Dome of the Rock.  There’s no better vantage point for spectacular views of the Old City than the gold-plated Dome of the Rock atop the Mount of Olives. It’s the highlight for many travelers on Jerusalem trips. The dome is built over a sacred stone marking where the Prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven and where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. Only Muslims can enter the temple, but everyone can enjoy the exterior views. Have your camera ready: This is one of the most photographed sites in the world.
• King David’s Tomb.  Situated on Mount Zion, just outside Jerusalem’s Old City Walls, King David’s Tomb is a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The tomb stands on the first floor of a building that served as a mosque for hundreds of years. On the second floor is the Upper Room that hosted the Last Supper. King David’s Tomb is one of the most popular sites to visit on tours to Jerusalem.

Check out our top five things to do in Israel →

April, May, October, and November . You’ll find the weather milder and the crowds thinner during these shoulder seasons. Flights and hotel accommodations cost less during these months, too. Unless you’re coming to participate in the celebrations, you might want to avoid Jewish holidays, such as Passover. In addition to more crowded conditions, some religious sites will be closed for services, and public transportation doesn’t run. Our tours to Jerusalem will get you there during these less hectic months.

December-March. This is the low season to visit Jerusalem, and you can expect the weather to be unpredictable. The wet season is in full swing by December (don’t forget your raincoat), and even snow occasionally falls. The upside is fewer tourists, lower travel costs, and the country’s delicious citrus fruits at their peak. If you’re looking for group trips to Jerusalem during the low season, check out our Israel Adventure: Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea & Jerusalem tour .

Jerusalem’s food scene, while predominantly kosher (restaurants serve either meat or dairy, but not both), appeals to all tastes. The melting pot of cultures, including Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, that make up Jerusalem provide an international mix of cuisines. You’ll want to try some of these local favorites when visiting Jerusalem.

• Falafel. Israel’s most popular fast food, falafel, can be found in kiosks and stalls throughout Jerusalem. Falafel balls consist of chickpeas, blended with herbs and spices, and deep-fried to a crisp consistency. Though they can be served in a bowl, you’ll want yours in a pita if you’re on the go.
• Shakshuka. One of the most popular dishes in Jerusalem, this hearty Mediterranean dish is usually served for breakfast or brunch. Poached eggs top a base of tomato and pepper sauce, flavored with chili flakes and cumin. A warm piece of pita makes a delicious dipping tool.
• Hummus. You may be accustomed to eating hummus as a condiment, but it’s eaten as a main course in Israel. Order hummus when visiting Jerusalem and you’ll understand why. In the Holy City, you’ll find an endless variety of this mixture of mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and garlic. This is a dipping dish best enjoyed with pita bread.
• Israeli breakfast plate. To start your day with a full stomach, look no further than this famous dish served in every café. Delicious and healthy, Israeli breakfasts typically include a salad, omelet, breads, and plates of olives, cheeses, and fish. A glass of orange juice and a cappuccino helps wash it all down.

Group tours to Jerusalem are always exhilarating, but having the right stuff in your suitcase makes every trip better. Israel experiences high temperatures, so a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light layers will help protect you from the sun. If you’re traveling between October and April, bring a warmer layer for when temperatures dip in the evenings.

Even when it’s hot out, it’s best to respect the more conservative customs during travel to Jerusalem by covering your shoulders and knees. We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Please note that temperatures will dip with changes in elevation throughout your tour. If you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on trips to Jerusalem, you may want to pack a dressier outfit. And get ready to explore all the city has to offer on Jerusalem tour packages by packing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers.

Toss a small bottle of hand sanitizer and tissues in your day bag for Jerusalem tours, just in case; you’ll be happy you have them if you come upon a public restroom where other facilities aren’t available.

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THE 10 BEST Jerusalem Tours & Excursions

Jerusalem tours.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

2. 7-Night Israel Highlights and Bibleland Tour

3. Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Jerusalem

4. Israel Museum Must See High-Lights

5. Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

6. Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem

7. 3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem

8. Old and New Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv

9. Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Tel Aviv

10. Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum 3 Days Tour from Jerusalem

11. Tour to Bethlehem, Jordan River, Dead Sea Mini Group. Up to 6 pax

12. Jerusalem Guided Tour from Tel Aviv

13. Jerusalem Half-Day Tour from Tel Aviv: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall

14. Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall

15. Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv

16. Old Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

17. The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content

18. Jerusalem Boutique Tour from Tel Aviv

19. Private Professional Photoshoot in Jerusalem

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21. JERUSALEM private tour with ELAD VAZANA - Life in Israel & Palestine Then & Now

22. Travel to Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem & TelAviv

23. Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket

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Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

Find cheap flights to Jerusalem from $225

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to jerusalem departing on 10/2. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to jerusalem.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking jerusalem flights, how long is the flight to jerusalem, what is the cheapest flight to tel aviv.

If traveling to Tel Aviv, the cheapest city to fly from in the last 3 days was New York , with flights as low as $225 one-way and $564 round-trip. Flights from Los Angeles are the most searched and start at $842 for a return trip.

How to fly to Jerusalem?

You cannot fly directly to Jerusalem. KAYAK recommends you fly to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Intl (TLV) (24.92 miles from Jerusalem). From there you can rent a car or get a taxi.

What airports are near Jerusalem?

The closest airport is Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Intl (TLV) (24.92 mi). Another nearby airport is Amman Queen Alia Intl (AMM) (45.67 mi). KAYAK recommends you fly to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Intl.

How far is Tel Aviv from central Tel Aviv?

There are 8 miles between Tel Aviv city center and Tel Aviv.

What is the name of Tel Aviv’s airport?

There is only 1 airport in Tel Aviv, called Tel Aviv (TLV). It can also be referred to as Ben Gurion, Ben Gurion Intl, or Tel Aviv Ben Gurion.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Jerusalem?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Jerusalem.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Jerusalem?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Jerusalem is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Jerusalem?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Jerusalem with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Jerusalem?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Jerusalem up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Jerusalem

• There is no major airport in Jerusalem. It is instead served by Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Intl Airport.
• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Jerusalem flight deals.

Top 5 airlines flying to Jerusalem

Boarding was good, was able to get on early and get settled in . Loved the glass of wine before take off. Once in the air the service was amazing, from the snacks, drinks and the food was good. The flight attendants were very good and attentive. Love flying with Delta..

Seats in first class on the E175 recline too far back. I was in 2A, and the man in 1A fully reclined almost the entire flight. It took 6-7 inches of space away from me and made it very difficult to work on my laptop.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Delta did an awful job w logistics at DTW. Missed connection. We were there an hour early. SUCKED

Inflight entertainment stopped working as we taxi to runway and never worked again until landing and taxi to gate. Grrrr

El al is the best choice for flights to Israel.

The crew was great, the seats were comfortable, food was a sandwich , but very tasty and the ElAl new on board through WIFI was good. Thank you EL AL for improving

Amazing airport security, and the time of war. Keeping up the excellent service in adverse time

Best responsive crew ever Miri has been amazing to take care of my special unfortunate needs with efficiency and kindness Her and El Al team are 👍👍👏 And all the young persons in the El Al team were top notch and with everybody Great experience , no hesitation to book a El Al flight and the Dreamliner is really a dream of comfort and modernity

the airplane was new and nice. the crew and the food was so so

It’s the last time I would use this airline

The crew, the flight boarding perfect. It was a nn EL AL plane, but it was OK but inside it was a zoo.

Passengers would not take their assigned seats. Discussed with the crew, which led to 30 minutes delay before take off. During the flight many people were standing in the aisle, chatting to each other, shouting through the airplane. It was such an unpleasant flight!

The pre flight service was incompetent unknowledgeable regarding COVID 19 Canadian laws . As well the level of communication was very poor while the language used by ElAl personnel was inadequate and offensive. All in all was a bad experience for all the members of my family and therefore I will do whatever it takes to make public my bad experience on all media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, official El Al website and other.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

0ur assigned seats were given to other individuals when we boarded the plane. We were given new boarding passes with new seats all the way at the back of the plane. The reason given to us was that there were issues with the seats. We found out that there were no issues, and someone else's were seated on those.

This was a Lufthansa flight. Disappointing main meal. Very rough over Canada and arrival at FRA. IFE was almost unusable.

It got me where I needed it to; not much more. It had no competition so that was why I chose it.

I liked everything about the flight. The service was excellent!

The customer service was excellent! Check-in, baggage check-in, boarding, the flight went very smooth.

The flight was delayed instead of leaving at 11 it left at 12.20

United WiFi is consistently unusable (it can take 10 mins to load a single web page). If you need Wifi to do work, be prepared to lose half a day of productivity.

We waited to takeoff for about 1 hour delay for a 20 min flight.

Good dinner and nice plane.Smootz flight. Breakfast had no sweet option. Seats hardly reclined.

Positive: Entertainment via phone on the short was great and my first time. Good food and wine and head phones for free. Negative: Seat hardly reclined on the long flight. Breakfast was an egg with a bun. No egg choices and rather have something sweet like bun/jam and Youghurt.

Awful. I got stuck next to a person carrying a dog and behind someone with a dog. People need to board these dogs downstairs. The cabin is crowded enough with your pets

Was as expected. Good leg room on planes - much appreciated.

after boarding on phx to sjd, crew discovered that one of the megaphones was either out of date or not working. It took 90 minutes to get a replacement and do the "paperwork." That is really unacceptable. Why wasn't the megaphone problem discovered before boarding? Is it part of normal maintenance check? who is responsible for checking. How can paperwork take that long? Fortunately, SJD was final destination for most travelers so very few if any passengers had to miss connections.

We sat on the plane for 1 hour because the airline was short handed could not be unloading.

We sat on runway for an 1 hour because they were short handed at key west airport was not fun

Awful customer service on the phone. No phone number on the website to call a real person. Website says changes are no charge but this is a lie. I had a cheaper ticket through Kayak therefore Finnair wouldn’t change it unless I would pay the entire fare again. I begged but their agents at the airport were rude and the online chat person cut off the call with no help. Super disappointed. Wont fly this airline again and will tell everyone I meet how bad it is. Crew on the flight was nice but otherwise huge disappointment.

Fight crew was not very attentive and the bastions were gross!

Late boarding to clean plane from previous flight; initial boarding announcement not loud enough; fantastic cabin attendant front of plane

Generally good but we were delayed almost two hours from the original time of purchase. The pilot claimed an internal issue then an external equipment issue that needed to be adddressed. He made up a lot of the time.

Re-checking our bags, the workers were not able to help us with boarding passes for the flight, told us to wait, then ignored us while they helped many other passengers. Until I got rude, they would have left us standing there, and even then they were very curt and dismissive in telling us where to get boarding passes printed. We made it to the gate just as they were starting to board passengers. It was just rude customer service.

Delayed abs delayed Gate crew giving poor info - we are definitely leaving at —- Ultimately to cancel flight after 4+ hours of delays Just cancel it earlier

Book Cheap Jerusalem Plane Tickets

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From Utah to Israel: What Benjamin Netanyahu said to Rep. Celeste Maloy while she was in Jerusalem

“it’s an honor to be here to show support and solidarity to our israeli allies and to learn firsthand about some of the things they’re going through,” maloy said..

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Celeste Maloy smiles as she gives an interview, on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. Rep. Maloy, as part of a GOP envoy, traveled to Israel over the weekend to meet with political and diplomatic leaders.

Utah’s Rep. Celeste Maloy was one of 15 Republican members of Congress to visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem last week during a trip with a conservative, pro-Israel lobby group.

In a video posted to social media by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee , Maloy said the delegation talked about the role Congress could play in addressing “some of the things that happened on [Oct. 7, 2023.]”

“It’s an honor to be here to show support and solidarity to our Israeli allies and to learn firsthand about some of the things they’re going through,” she added.

Netanyahu told the Republican delegation that “victory is within reach,” that Israel needed more foreign aid and that a two-state solution was not an option.

“Our battle is your battle. Our victory is your victory,” he said. “And if we don’t have a victory, this will have enormous implications for American security, for our common future. So we must win.”

He also said there is “an attempt to force, ram down our throats a Palestinian state.”

“We just had a vote in the Knesset: 99 to 9,” he said, referring to the lawmaking body’s February vote that opposed the formation of a Palestinian state .

A @HouseGOP delegation is in Israel this week with the American Israel Education Foundation. @RepMaloyUtah shared this message from Jerusalem, after visiting communities in southern Israel that were decimated on October 7. 🇺🇸🇮🇱🎗️ #StandWithIsrael https://t.co/hpC4yCX7e5 pic.twitter.com/CkaBaFiFEd — AIPAC (@AIPAC) April 5, 2024

More than 33,00 Palestinians have died during the Israel-Hamas war, according to The Associated Press . And six months into the conflict, Netanyahu is also planning to invade Rafah, where an estimated 1.4 million Palestinians live. At least 1,200 Israelis died in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and around 250 hostages were taken then.

AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbyist group, has urged Congress to boost military aid to Israel, according to reporting by OpenSecrets . The American Israel Public Affairs Committee also has a financial lobbying arm that donates to American politicians.

In the first three quarters of 2023, OpenSecrets reported AIPAC spent $2.2 million on federal lobbying efforts. Its disclosure form lists defense, budgeting and foreign aid as part of its lobbying goals.

AIPAC plans to spend $100 million this year to lobby against candidates they have decided “insufficiently” support Israel, according to Politico . The Intercept reports that AIPAC-funded trips to Israel come from funding from large donors like the American Israel Education Fund.

Maloy, according to her Federal Election Commission filings from last year, received at least $5,000 directly from AIPAC during her special congressional election campaign . FEC filings from the first quarter of 2024 are not yet available.

It is unclear who paid for Maloy and the other congressional Republicans to travel to Israel over the weekend. When asked about the trip on Friday and Monday, a spokesperson for Maloy said the congresswoman was unable to answer questions from The Salt Lake Tribune, citing Maloy’s busy travel schedule.

The spokesperson did say Maloy visited with many people, including Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and United Nations Ambassador to Israel Jack Lews.

Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

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If you missed today’s total solar eclipse just wait … until 2044

You might have to travel a bit – and wait a few years – but there will be another eclipse as long as the sun, moon and Earth are in orbit

• Millions across US, Mexico and Canada witness rare total solar eclipse
• Total solar eclipse over Mexico, US and Canada – in pictures

Maybe it was cloudy when you tried to view the eclipse , or you live outside the path of totality. Perhaps you enjoyed the spectacle so much that you just can’t wait for the next one.

Either way, there are more opportunities coming to witness the celestial spectacle of a solar eclipse, even if you’ll have to wait 20 years for the next one with totality to touch any part of the mainland US.

An annular eclipse , when the moon crosses the center of the sun but is so far from Earth that it does not completely block it, will take place on 2 October this year in Uruguay and Argentina, with a partial eclipse visible in several South American countries.

Europe, including the UK, gets a turn on 29 March next year , when a partial solar eclipse will pass over. Some cities in Scotland will experience more than 40% obscuration of the sun.

And the next total eclipse anywhere is 12 August 2026 , covering large areas of the northern hemisphere, although totality will be limited to Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal. The UK will see a partial eclipse of more than 90%.

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In the mainland US, the next total solar eclipse is on 22 August 2044 in North and South Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada. After that, it’s less than a year until the next coast-to-coast total eclipse in the US, on 12 August 2045 , spanning California to Florida.

“After people see a total solar eclipse, the first question they ask is when the next one is,” said John Gianforte, professor of space science at the University of New Hampshire, and the director of its observatory.

“Eclipses are quite frequent, not all of them are total but some of them are, and some of them aren’t all that far away. People who’ve seen one understand why people get emotional and make a big deal about traveling to watch a total solar eclipse.”

Nasa has a list of upcoming solar and lunar eclipses here .

• Solar eclipses

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