Guidebook for Jerusalem
Sightseeing
You can't miss the Old City! Boasting streets and buildings that go back hundreds of years, Jerusalem's Old City is holy to the three Abrahamic religions. Many of the world's most famous (and beautiful) religious and historical sites are here, and the winding stone alleyways will transport you back in time. The Old City hosts unforgettable open-air festivals throughout the year, especially in the spring.
316 locals recommend
Old City
You can't miss the Old City! Boasting streets and buildings that go back hundreds of years, Jerusalem's Old City is holy to the three Abrahamic religions. Many of the world's most famous (and beautiful) religious and historical sites are here, and the winding stone alleyways will transport you back in time. The Old City hosts unforgettable open-air festivals throughout the year, especially in the spring.
This Eastern Orthodox monastery may look like a majestic ruin, but it's still the home to a tight-knit community of monks. Built in the eleventh century, this hidden gem features a fascinating museum and absolutely stunning interior. After your tour, take a stroll around the romantic, overgrown grounds.
17 locals recommend
Monastery of the Cross
3 Sh'ota Rustaveli StreetThis Eastern Orthodox monastery may look like a majestic ruin, but it's still the home to a tight-knit community of monks. Built in the eleventh century, this hidden gem features a fascinating museum and absolutely stunning interior. After your tour, take a stroll around the romantic, overgrown grounds.
Arts & Culture
It's possible to spend multiple days at the Israel Museum, a genuine treasure of history and culture. The keystone exhibit surveys millennia of archeological discoveries, and rotating exhibits feature many of the world's oldest and most remarkable artifacts. The art wing displays a mix of old masters and contemporary Israeli art. Outside, the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display, and a sculpture garden overlooks a scenic view of the city. Kids love the interactive children's exhibits, complete with games, crafts, and multimedia experiences.
250 locals recommend
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
11 Derech RuppinIt's possible to spend multiple days at the Israel Museum, a genuine treasure of history and culture. The keystone exhibit surveys millennia of archeological discoveries, and rotating exhibits feature many of the world's oldest and most remarkable artifacts. The art wing displays a mix of old masters and contemporary Israeli art. Outside, the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display, and a sculpture garden overlooks a scenic view of the city. Kids love the interactive children's exhibits, complete with games, crafts, and multimedia experiences.
The museum offers a unique opportunity to encounter the world of Islamic art and discover Islamic pottery, jewelry, ceremonial objects and other cultural artifacts.
38 locals recommend
L. A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art
2 HaPalmach StThe museum offers a unique opportunity to encounter the world of Islamic art and discover Islamic pottery, jewelry, ceremonial objects and other cultural artifacts.
Featuring theatrical performances, live music, and art-house cinema, the Jerusalem Theater is the city’s cultural hub. After the show, take a stroll around the beautiful Jerusalem stone complex, illuminated by glowing fairy lights.
51 locals recommend
Jerusalem Theatre
20 David Marcus StFeaturing theatrical performances, live music, and art-house cinema, the Jerusalem Theater is the city’s cultural hub. After the show, take a stroll around the beautiful Jerusalem stone complex, illuminated by glowing fairy lights.
Food Scene
The whole city rejoiced when Bardak came on the scene -- finally, good pizza in Jerusalem! The delectable thin-crust pizzas are inspired by (and named after) Jerusalem’s many neighborhoods. Wash down your slice with a glass of local beer.
8 locals recommend
Bardak Pizza Bar
38 Keren HaYesod StThe whole city rejoiced when Bardak came on the scene -- finally, good pizza in Jerusalem! The delectable thin-crust pizzas are inspired by (and named after) Jerusalem’s many neighborhoods. Wash down your slice with a glass of local beer.
A hotspot for Jerusalem’s young hipsters, this unpretentious restaurant boasts delicious vegetarian fare and a lively atmosphere. Cultural events take place almost every night, and colorful painted piano is always available for customers to play. Don’t miss the super-cheesy lasagna or the fabulous tahini cookies.
17 locals recommend
Carousela
1 Binyamin mi-Tudela StA hotspot for Jerusalem’s young hipsters, this unpretentious restaurant boasts delicious vegetarian fare and a lively atmosphere. Cultural events take place almost every night, and colorful painted piano is always available for customers to play. Don’t miss the super-cheesy lasagna or the fabulous tahini cookies.
Hands down the best ice cream in Jerusalem, maybe the best ice cream in the world. Although the classic flavors are terrific, Mousseline also offers unusual and sophisticated flavors such as basil vanilla, saffron, or wasabi (better than it sounds). Our recommendation: Belgian chocolate for the kids and black sesame for the grownups.
11 locals recommend
Mousseline - Hanassi - Jerusalem
10 HaNasi StHands down the best ice cream in Jerusalem, maybe the best ice cream in the world. Although the classic flavors are terrific, Mousseline also offers unusual and sophisticated flavors such as basil vanilla, saffron, or wasabi (better than it sounds). Our recommendation: Belgian chocolate for the kids and black sesame for the grownups.
Nothing fancy here -- just super-delicious and unpretentious Middle Eastern fare from falafel to kubbeh soup. Try the hummus ful, the rich fava bean-topped dip that has made the restaurant famous.
9 locals recommend
From Gaza to Berlin
19 Azza StNothing fancy here -- just super-delicious and unpretentious Middle Eastern fare from falafel to kubbeh soup. Try the hummus ful, the rich fava bean-topped dip that has made the restaurant famous.
Drinks & Nightlife
With great cocktails and a huge selection of local wine, this cozy, casual bar is a favorite of Jerusalem's young intellectuals. Nurse your glass and people-watch.
34 locals recommend
Wine Bar
28 Azza StWith great cocktails and a huge selection of local wine, this cozy, casual bar is a favorite of Jerusalem's young intellectuals. Nurse your glass and people-watch.
Parks & Nature
The whole city comes out for a picnic in Gan Sacher, where circus performers practice their moves and local musicians host song circles outdoors. Don't miss the scenic walking trails, lined with historic ruins, olive trees, and wildflowers. Walk to the upper edge of the park to check out the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, a favorite for kids.
195 locals recommend
Sacher Park
1 שדרות בן צביThe whole city comes out for a picnic in Gan Sacher, where circus performers practice their moves and local musicians host song circles outdoors. Don't miss the scenic walking trails, lined with historic ruins, olive trees, and wildflowers. Walk to the upper edge of the park to check out the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, a favorite for kids.
Essentials
Shufersal Sheli Agron
1 Gershon Agron St