Tourist Attractions in Jerusalem

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Jerusalem

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Jerusalem

Jerusalem is without exaggeration one of the most significant cities of our planet. It is at the crossroads of civilisations, cultures and religions. Jerusalem holds the memories of the great kings of the ancient kingdom of Israel, the rulers of the Roman and Byzantine empires and the caliphs of the mighty Arab states. Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, the founders of the future world religions, once roamed the streets of the Old City.

A huge number of pilgrims as well as secular tourists visit Jerusalem every year to touch the Wailing Wall, pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and walk the way of Christ to Golgotha. The historic heart of Jerusalem, the Old City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here the traditions of Byzantine, Arab and Jewish architecture are intertwined in a bizarre mosaic. Of equal interest are the new districts of the city, which began to take shape much later. A special place among them is Mea Shearim, where orthodox Jews still prefer to settle.

* The list does not include the districts of the city, which can be seen in different sources as separate sights: the Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives, the Jewish Quarter and others.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

 4.7/5

24264 reviews

According to the texts of Holy Scripture, the temple complex stands on the very spot where Jesus was martyred, buried and resurrected. The first basilica appeared here in the III-IV centuries. The magnificent building in Romanesque style was erected by Europeans in the middle of XII century after the success of the first Crusades. Today the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is an architectural complex that includes Golgotha, several cathedrals, churches, monasteries, an underground cathedral and aisles belonging to different branches of the Christian Church.

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Western Wall

 4.7/5

9465 reviews

Part of the ancient 6th century BC wall, 485 metres long (only 60 metres are on the surface), which survived the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in the 1st century. The site is one of the major Jewish holy places. Jews all over the world consider it their duty to make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall, touch it with their hand, write a wish on a piece of paper and leave it in one of the crevices. Not only Jews are allowed to visit the Wall – any tourist can do the same.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Western Wall Excavations

 4.5/5

707 reviews

An underground passage that runs along the entire preserved part of the Wailing Wall. The tunnels were discovered during the 19th century excavations. Today this attraction is located on the territory of the Muslim quarter. As a result of archaeological research, experts found in the dungeons a lot of ancient artefacts belonging to different historical periods. The passage was opened to the public in the 1990s.

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Yad Vashem

 4.8/5

15381 reviews

The 1953 memorial complex commemorates the events of the Holocaust. It commemorates the many victims who fell as a result of the persecution of the Jewish people during World War II. The complex includes several sites – the Hall of Remembrance, the Holocaust History Museum, the Partisan Panorama, the Column of Heroism, the Children’s Memorial, individual monuments and squares. The International Institute for Holocaust Studies operates on the grounds of Yad Vashem.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Via Dolorosa Street

 4.7/5

177 reviews

The Via Dolorosa is believed to be the route Jesus took to the place of crucifixion. The street marks 9 of the 14 supposed stops on Jesus’ death march to Golgotha. It is also home to several churches and a monastery. The name of the street translates as “mournful path”. The total length of the route is 500 metres. It takes about an hour to walk along it, subject to delays at each stop.

Jewish Cemetery

 4.7/5

46 reviews

The oldest Jewish necropolis in the world, where there are graves and burial niches with the remains of the Old Testament prophets Malachi, Zechariah and Haggai. The first burials date back to the 10th century B.C. The cemetery is considered holy. For many centuries it was considered a great honour to be buried within its boundaries. According to Jewish belief, at the end of time the Messiah will ascend the Mount of Olives and raise the dead.

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The Garden Tomb Jerusalem

 4.8/5

6017 reviews

A Jewish cave burial site that is honoured by some followers of the Protestant Church as the true tomb and place of Christ’s resurrection (the so-called Protestant Golgotha). However, research and a number of facts show that the ancient necropolis dates back to the IX-VII centuries B.C. The tomb is located in the Sheikh Jarah neighbourhood near the Dominican monastery of St. Etienne.

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Tomb of the Virgin

 4.7/5

500 reviews

One of the Christian shrines of Jerusalem. According to Scripture, Jesus’ mother Mary was buried in the tomb. The tomb is located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley, mentioned many times in the Bible. All Christian churches have access to the shrine, but it belongs to the Jerusalem Orthodox Church. In the 4th century, with the help of Helen the Equal Apostle, the first temple was built over the tomb.

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Dome of the Rock

 4.7/5

4616 reviews

The temple was erected in 687-691, a few decades after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered one of the first monuments of Islamic architecture. At that time there was no concept of a mosque, the building was built as a house for pilgrims. During the period of Crusader domination over Jerusalem, Masjid Qubbat al-Sakhra (the Arabic name of the temple) was turned into a church, but in 1187 it was again in the hands of Muslims.

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Al-Aqsa Mosque

 4.8/5

18288 reviews

An early 8th century temple that is considered the third holiest shrine in Islam after the two mosques in Mecca and Medina. After the building was destroyed in an earthquake in 1033, Caliph Ali al-Zihir built another temple, which still stands today. The facade, walls and minarets of the mosque are made of limestone, the interior space is decorated with marble mosaics. The building can accommodate up to 5,000 people at a time.

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St. Anne's Church, Jerusalem

 4.7/5

1289 reviews

The basilica was built on the site of the dwelling where Jesus’ mother Mary was born. The church is located on the territory of the old neighbourhoods, which are now occupied by the Muslim district. The Church of St Anne was built during the Crusader domination in the middle of the XII century. In 1192, after their departure from Jerusalem, the structure was converted into a madrasa. In this capacity the basilica existed until the middle of the XIX century. In 1856 it was given to the Christian community.

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Church of All Nations

 4.3/5

104 reviews

Franciscan church within the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest. The church was built in 1924 according to the project of architect A. Barluzzi. The money for the construction was allocated by representatives of the Catholic Church from 12 countries, thanks to which the church received the name “Church of All Nations”. The modern building was erected on the foundations of the XII century, left from the era of the Crusader Knights.

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Mount of Olives Ascension Monastery

 4.9/5

35 reviews

Benedictine monastery on Mount Zion, established in the early 20th century on the site where John the Theologian’s house was supposedly located. The monastery was built to replace the 12th century temple, which was destroyed by Muslims after the victory over the Crusaders. Even earlier in the period of V-IX centuries there was an early Christian basilica of St Zion. The architecture of the main monastery church combines elements of Arabic and Byzantine styles.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Room of the Last Supper

 5/5

3 reviews

The room on the top floor of a town house on Mount Zion where the meal of Christ and his disciples, known as the Last Supper, took place. This room is generally regarded as the first Christian church. During the era of the Crusader Knights, the entire building was converted into a church, which was decorated with marble columns and domes. Some elements of the decoration belong to an even later era. On the ground floor of the Gornitsa building is the tomb of King David.

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Saint Peter in Gallicantu

 4.6/5

1563 reviews

A Catholic church of the first half of the 20th century, built on the supposed site of Apostle Peter’s abdication. According to beliefs dating back to the Middle Ages, this is where Peter mourned for his unworthy deed. The church was built in the Neo-Byzantine manner according to the project of architect E. Bube. It was preceded by three churches, the last of which fell into disrepair and was destroyed at the end of the 13th century.

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Pater Noster church

 4.7/5

753 reviews

The temple is located on the slope of the Mount of Olives in the place where Christ said the Lord’s Prayer before the apostles. In fact, this is an unsupported assumption. It is not known whether Jesus recited this particular prayer to his disciples, as different sources contain contradictory information. The architectural complex, which includes the Carmelite monastery, was built in the XIX-XX centuries on the site of a basilica of the V century and a later church of the XII century.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Church of Mary Magdalene

 4.7/5

628 reviews

Russian Orthodox church in the Gethsemane Valley. It was built in the 19th century with donations from the Russian imperial family in honour of Maria Alexandrovna, the wife of Alexander II. The church is the temple of the women’s monastery. The relics of St Barbara and St Elizabeth and the miracle-working icon of Hodegetria are kept here. The building is built of Jerusalem stone in the architectural style characteristic of the Moscow school.

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Tower of David

 4.6/5

7767 reviews

An ancient fortress located at the entrance to the Old Town. The fortification dates back to the 2nd century B.C. It was built for defence purposes. Over the centuries, the structure was alternately rebuilt by Muslims and Christians. It is believed that in earlier centuries the citadel was the site of King David’s palace. Today, the tower houses a museum dedicated to the history of Jerusalem.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Damascus Gate

 4.7/5

7513 reviews

An ancient gate in the north-western part of the city, behind which the Arab quarter of Sheikh Jarah spreads. In past eras, the road to Damascus started from here. The first gate was erected in the VI century BC. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in the II century they were rebuilt. In the 10th century a third structure appeared, which was expanded and rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries.

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The Knesset

 3.8/5

892 reviews

The Knesset is the Israeli parliament. The building for the meetings of this legislative body was erected in the 1960s. At that time, the state had no money to realise such a grandiose project. However, the Israelis were helped by the British politician and philanthropist E. Rothschild, who donated a large sum for the construction. As a result, a grandiose structure designed by architect I. Klarwein was built in the Givat Ram neighbourhood.

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Ben Yehuda Street

 4.7/5

115 reviews

One of Jerusalem’s walkways, named in honour of E. Ben-Yehuda, the creator of modern Hebrew. It is located in the modern part of the city. The street is lined with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and cosmetic shops selling products based on minerals from the Black Sea. Street musicians often entertain leisurely strolling tourists.

Mahaneh Yehudah Market

 4.6/5

64225 reviews

A bazaar in the Mahane Yehuda neighbourhood, often referred to by the simple word “Shuk” (Hebrew for “market”). This place is popular with tourists and residents of the city. In the past, goods were sold here at fairly low prices, but due to the large influx of foreigners, traders have reoriented to more expensive and exclusive products. Life “boils” at the market even at night, when bars with live music open.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

 4.7/5

15637 reviews

The main museum of the country, built with numerous private donations and funds received from the US government in the 1950s. The museum complex was designed by architects A. Mansfeld and D. Gad and built on the hill of Givat Ram. The museum collection consists of nearly 500,000 items relating to the historical and cultural heritage of the Jewish people. The earliest exhibits are over 9,000 years old.

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Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem

 4.4/5

2089 reviews

The museum collection is dedicated to the history of the countries and peoples mentioned in the Jewish sacred texts united in the multi-volume Tanakh (the analogue of the Christian Bible). The exposition consists of artefacts from ancient Egypt, Sumer, Assyria, Rome, Persia, Mesopotamia and other Middle Eastern states. The museum was established in 1992 on the basis of the private collection of E. Borovsky with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Jerusalem.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bloomfield Science Museum

 4.4/5

5517 reviews

A popular science centre established in 1992. on the initiative of Professor P. Hillman. The collection consists of interactive exhibits and prototypes that visitors can experiment with. Each section of the museum is dedicated to one branch of science. In the local conference room, films are shown from which you can learn a lot of useful information to broaden your horizons.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Museum of Islamic Art

 4.5/5

1807 reviews

The museum’s exposition in nine halls tells the story of Islamic civilisation from its beginnings to the end of the 19th century. Separate sections are devoted to art, architecture, religion, worldview, writing and various crafts. There is also a unique collection of antique chronometers collected from all over Europe. The exhibition opened in 1974.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum

 4.5/5

611 reviews

The collection was formerly known as the Archaeological Museum of Palestine, but was renamed in honour of J.D. Rockefeller Jr. who donated an impressive amount of money to establish the museum. Its collection covers a historical period of more than 2 million years. The museum building was designed by O. Harrison and constructed of white limestone in a mixed style of Western and Eastern architecture.

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Zedekiah's Cave

 4.5/5

1627 reviews

In the 10th century B.C., Zedekiah’s cave was used to quarry stone for the construction of the First Temple, so since ancient times the place has been known as King Solomon’s Quarry. The cave has a huge number of passages, halls and corridors. Its depth is only 100 metres with a rather impressive area of 9 thousand m². The cave was discovered in the middle of the XIX century and quickly acquired mysterious legends. Since then, it has been occupied by Freemasons and sectarians.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem

 4.6/5

17055 reviews

A themed zoo in the south-west of Jerusalem, containing animals mentioned in the Bible. It covers an area of 25 hectares and is located on two levels. The zoo’s information centre is built in the shape of Noah’s Ark. Thematic lectures and temporary exhibitions are constantly held here. In addition to the large number of fauna, the zoo boasts a considerable plant diversity.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Gethsemane

 4.8/5

14385 reviews

The garden is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives on an area of 1200 m². According to scripture, this is where Jesus spent his last night before his execution. There are ancient olive trees in the garden, which may well remember Christ himself, as they are over 2 thousand years old. Today, the Garden of Gethsemane is a well-maintained and picturesque landscaped square with lawns and walking paths.

Open time