There is nowhere on Earth quite like Jerusalem, and there is no shortage of things to do in Jerusalem to fill a day, a week, or a lifetime of return visits. In a single square kilometer you can walk where three of the world's great religions began, touch 3,000-year-old stone, eat some of the best food in the Middle East, and stand on a rooftop watching the whole golden city light up at sunset. Our team guides travelers through Jerusalem constantly, so this guide lays out the best things to do in Jerusalem, how to plan your time, and the honest tips that make the difference between a rushed visit and an unforgettable one.
The Old City: the heart of things to do in Jerusalem
Everything begins in the Old City, a walled square kilometer divided into four quarters: Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian. It is the single richest concentration of history anywhere, and it is where most of the essential things to do in Jerusalem are found. Give it at least a full day, ideally two.
Start early before the crowds and the heat. Enter through the Jaffa Gate or the Damascus Gate, lose yourself in the covered markets, and let the layers of history unfold street by street. A licensed guide transforms this from a confusing maze into a clear, moving story, which is why a guided tour is the smartest way to experience the Old City.
The Western Wall and the Temple Mount
The Western Wall (the Kotel) is the holiest prayer site in Judaism, the last remaining section of the retaining wall of the Second Temple. Watching worshippers pray and slipping a written note into the cracks is one of the most moving things to do in Jerusalem, regardless of your faith.
Above it sits the Temple Mount, home to the golden Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the most recognizable skylines on the planet. Non-Muslim visiting hours are limited and change often, so this is exactly the kind of timing a guide handles for you. For background, the Old City and its walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
For Christian visitors, retracing the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion, is among the most meaningful things to do in Jerusalem. The route winds through the Old City and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the traditional sites of the crucifixion and the empty tomb, and shared by six Christian denominations. The atmosphere inside is unlike anywhere else. Our Christian Jerusalem tour follows this route in chronological order with a guide who specializes in biblical history.
Beyond the walls: more things to do in Jerusalem
The Old City is the centerpiece, but some of the best things to do in Jerusalem sit just outside the walls:
- Yad Vashem. Israel's profound Holocaust memorial and museum. Sobering, essential, and beautifully designed. Allow at least two to three hours.
- Mount of Olives. The classic panoramic viewpoint over the Old City, with the ancient Jewish cemetery on its slopes and key Christian sites at its foot.
- The City of David. The original core of ancient Jerusalem, where you can wade through Hezekiah's 2,700-year-old water tunnel. One of the most hands-on things to do in Jerusalem. See our City of David tour.
- Mahane Yehuda Market. The buzzing food market by day, a lively bar and restaurant scene by night. The best place to eat in the city.
- The Israel Museum. Home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and a vast model of Second Temple-era Jerusalem.
Eat your way through Jerusalem
Food is one of the great underrated things to do in Jerusalem. Start at Mahane Yehuda Market for fresh produce, rugelach, halva, and some of the best hummus and falafel in the country. In the Old City, follow the smell of fresh sesame bread (kaak) and za'atar. For a sit-down meal, the New City has everything from traditional Levantine cooking to a surprisingly strong modern restaurant scene. Come hungry.
How long do you need, and the best way to visit
One day lets you cover the Old City highlights. Two to three days lets you add Yad Vashem, the City of David, the markets, and the museums at a human pace. Whatever your timeframe, a guided day tour is the most efficient way to see the essential things to do in Jerusalem without getting lost or missing the context that makes each site matter.
If you are based in Tel Aviv, a full-day guided trip solves transport and timing in one move. If you are short on time, a half-day tour hits the Old City core.
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Best time of year to visit Jerusalem
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal: warm days, cool evenings, and comfortable walking weather. Summer is hot and busy, so start early and carry water. Winter is cool and can be rainy, with the occasional snowfall that transforms the city, and far fewer crowds. Jerusalem rewards a visit in any season.
Practical tips for your visit
- Dress modestly. Covered shoulders and knees are required at most religious sites, for everyone.
- Wear real walking shoes. The Old City is all uneven stone, steps, and slopes.
- Mind Shabbat. From Friday afternoon to Saturday evening much of the New City closes, while the Old City markets keep their own rhythms.
- Start early. The best light, the smallest crowds, and the coolest temperatures are all in the morning.
- Carry some cash. Markets and small vendors prefer it.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Jerusalem
What are the top things to do in Jerusalem?
The essentials are the Old City and its four quarters, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa, Yad Vashem, the Mount of Olives, the City of David, and the Mahane Yehuda food market.
How many days do you need in Jerusalem?
One day covers the Old City highlights. Two to three days lets you add Yad Vashem, the City of David, museums, and the markets without rushing.
Can you visit Jerusalem on a day trip from Tel Aviv?
Yes, easily. Jerusalem is under an hour from Tel Aviv, and a guided full-day tour covers the Old City highlights and major sites with transport and context included.
Is Jerusalem walkable?
The Old City is entirely walkable and best explored on foot, though it is hilly and paved in uneven stone. Sites outside the walls are spread out, so transport or a tour helps connect them.
What should I wear in Jerusalem?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at religious sites, for both men and women. Add comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sun protection.
Is Jerusalem safe for tourists?
Jerusalem is visited by millions of tourists every year and the main sites are well established and monitored. Traveling with a licensed guide adds local knowledge and smooth logistics.
What is the best area to stay in Jerusalem?
Near the Old City or in the city center gives you easy access to the main things to do in Jerusalem. The German Colony is a quieter, charming alternative with good restaurants.
Do I need a guide for Jerusalem?
You can explore independently, but Jerusalem's history is dense and its geography confusing. A licensed guide turns a maze of sites into a clear, meaningful story, and handles timing at sites with restricted hours.
Plan the rest of your trip
Jerusalem pairs naturally with the Dead Sea and Masada, Bethlehem, or a wider tour of Israel. Read our Dead Sea and Masada day trip guide, browse all our Israel tours, or head back to the travel guide hub. Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 or email sales@booking-tours.com and a real person from our Eilat office will answer.