Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, set on the Mount of Remembrance in western Jerusalem, and entry to its main museum and memorial sites is free. At the time of writing, you need to register online in advance for a timed entry slot, and children under 10 are not admitted to the main Holocaust History Museum. Plan on at least three hours, arrive early, and leave room in your day to process what you have seen.
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Our guides have taken travelers to Jerusalem since 2008. We still get the same questions every week: Do I need tickets? Can I bring my kids? How long should I stay? This guide answers all of them, plus a few things most guides skip, like what the name actually means and how to search for a family member in the names database.
Yad Vashem at a glance
| Главное | Подробности |
|---|---|
| Где находится | Mount of Remembrance (Har HaZikaron), next to Mount Herzl in western Jerusalem |
| Сколько времени нужно | About 3 hours for the main museum, 4 to 5 hours to see the wider campus |
| Лучшее время | Weekday mornings, close to opening time |
| Как добраться | Jerusalem Light Rail to the Mount Herzl stop, then a short walk, or a taxi or private tour |
| Сколько стоит | Free entry at the time of writing. Guided tours and audio guides from the museum cost extra. Check the official site. |
| Дети | Under 10 not admitted to the Holocaust History Museum at the time of writing |
| Совет при бронировании | Register online for a timed slot before you arrive, especially in high season |
What does Yad Vashem mean?
The name comes from the Hebrew Bible, from Isaiah 56:5: 'I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name that shall not be cut off.' In Hebrew, that phrase is yad vashem. So the Yad Vashem meaning is 'a memorial and a name.'
What does Yad Vashem literally mean, word by word? Yad literally means 'hand,' but in biblical Hebrew it also means a monument or memorial. Va means 'and.' Shem means 'name.' The literal reading is 'a hand and a name,' and the intended sense is a lasting memorial that keeps names alive.
That idea of names runs through the whole site. The goal is not only to remember six million Jews as a number, but to recover each person's name and story.
Yad Vashem pronunciation
Say it yahd vah-SHEM. The stress falls on the last syllable, as it does in most Hebrew words. Locals sometimes run it together so it sounds like 'yad-va-SHEM.' Nobody at the entrance will mind if you say it differently, but now you know.
What is the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum?
Yad Vashem was set up by a law of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in 1953. It is the country's national center for Holocaust remembrance, research, documentation and education. It is not a single building. It is a hillside campus of museums, memorials, gardens, an archive and a library.
The heart of the visit is the Holocaust History Museum, which opened in 2005. Designed by the architect Moshe Safdie, it is a long, triangular concrete prism that cuts through the hill. You walk a zigzag path through galleries on either side, and the building slowly opens up toward light and a view of the Jerusalem hills at the end.
For a short, neutral overview of the site's history, see the Yad Vashem entry on Wikipedia. For current visiting rules, always check the official Yad Vashem website.
What to see at the Yad Vashem museum
Most first-time visitors spend nearly all their time in the main museum. That is fine, but try to save energy for at least two of the outdoor memorials. They are quieter and give you space to reflect.
Holocaust History Museum
The galleries follow the story in order. They begin with Jewish life in Europe before the war, then move through the rise of Nazism, the ghettos, the camps, resistance, and liberation. Personal items, letters, film and survivor testimony make the history personal. Go slowly. You do not need to read every panel.
Hall of Names
Near the end of the museum, you enter a tall, cone-shaped room lined with folders of Pages of Testimony. These are forms filled in by relatives and friends to record the people who were murdered. Above you, a ring of photos looks down. Many visitors tell us this is the moment that stays with them most.
Children's Memorial
This memorial is carved into an underground cavern and honors the roughly 1.5 million Jewish children killed in the Holocaust. Inside, a few candles are reflected by mirrors into what looks like endless points of light, while a recorded voice reads children's names, ages and countries. It is dark and very moving. Take a moment outside before you go in.
Hall of Remembrance
A low, heavy building with an eternal flame. The names of Nazi camps and killing sites are set in the floor. Official ceremonies, including those for visiting heads of state, take place here.
Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations
Trees and plaques along the paths honor non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews. You will find names from dozens of countries. This is a good place to end your visit, because it shows that individual choices mattered.
Valley of the Communities
A maze of rock walls carved with the names of more than 5,000 Jewish communities that were destroyed or badly damaged. If your family has roots in Europe, you may find your ancestors' town here. Allow extra time, as it is easy to lose track of time in the valley.
Other spaces
The campus also has a Museum of Holocaust Art, an exhibitions pavilion with changing shows, a synagogue, and the Cattle Car Memorial, a real railway car on tracks that end over a cliff. Check the official site to see which exhibitions are open on your date.
How to visit Yad Vashem Jerusalem: booking, hours and getting there
Free entry and timed booking
Entry to Yad Vashem is free at the time of writing. However, the museum asks visitors to register online for a specific date and time before arriving. Spots can fill up during busy periods, such as spring, autumn holidays and the summer. Book as soon as your Jerusalem day is fixed.
Opening days
At the time of writing, Yad Vashem is closed on Saturdays (Shabbat) and on Jewish holidays, and it closes earlier on Fridays and holiday eves. Hours can change, especially around national memorial days. Check the official Yad Vashem visitor information for your exact date before you plan around it.
Getting there
The Jerusalem Light Rail runs to the Mount Herzl stop. From there, follow the signs on foot to the Yad Vashem entrance. It is a short walk, mostly along a road with some slope. Taxis and ride apps also drop off at the entrance, and there is parking for cars and tour buses.
If you are coming from Tel Aviv for the day, the train or bus to Jerusalem plus the light rail works well. A private car or a guided tour saves time if you want to combine Yad Vashem with other sites.
Security and bags
Expect a security check at the entrance, like at most public sites in Israel. Pack light. Large bags and luggage are a problem, so leave suitcases at your hotel.
How long to spend and the best time to go
For the Holocaust History Museum alone, most adults need two and a half to three hours. If you also want to walk to the Children's Memorial, the Hall of Remembrance, the Valley of the Communities and the gardens, plan for four to five hours. Wear comfortable shoes, as the campus is on a hill and paths go up and down.
Go early on a weekday. Mornings are calmer, and you avoid the midday heat on the outdoor paths in summer. Large school and army groups visit often, so if a big group arrives in a gallery, simply skip ahead and come back.
One local tip: do not schedule Yad Vashem right before a big night out or a long drive. Many of our guests tell us they wanted a quiet afternoon afterward. A walk in the gardens, a simple lunch, or a gentle stroll in the city works better than a packed itinerary.
Rules, children policy and Yad Vashem photos
Children under 10
At the time of writing, children under 10 are not admitted to the Holocaust History Museum, because some of the content is graphic and upsetting. Older children and teens can visit, and many families find it a powerful learning day. Talk with your kids beforehand about what they will see.
If you travel with younger children, one adult can visit the museum while the other stays with the kids in the outdoor areas. Check the latest policy on the official site, as rules can change.
Дресс-код
There is no strict religious dress code like at the Western Wall. Still, this is a memorial. Dress neatly and respectfully. Avoid beachwear, and keep conversations and phone calls quiet.
Yad Vashem photos
Photography is not allowed inside the Holocaust History Museum at the time of writing. You can usually take photos outdoors, including the outside of the museum building, the view from its far end, and the memorial gardens. Always follow posted signs, and be thoughtful. Selfies at the Children's Memorial or the Hall of Remembrance feel out of place to many visitors.
The Yad Vashem Names Database search and the Yad Vashem Book
One of the most meaningful things you can do, before or after your visit, is search the Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names. It is free and online on the Yad Vashem website. It holds millions of names gathered from Pages of Testimony, archives and lists.
To use the Yad Vashem Names Database search, type a family name and, if you know them, a first name, town or country. Try different spellings, since names were often written in several languages. If you find a relative, you may see a Page of Testimony with details like birth date, parents and the place they were killed. If a family member is missing, you can submit a new Page of Testimony yourself.
When people search for the Yad Vashem Book, they usually mean the Book of Names. This is a huge printed book created by Yad Vashem that lists the names of Jewish victims identified so far. It has been displayed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and at international events. Yad Vashem also publishes many books of history, testimony and research, which you can find in its online shop and library.
Планируем поездку на 2027 год
If you are planning Yad Vashem 2027 into a longer trip, book your timed slot once your flights and hotel are set. Remember the Saturday and holiday closures, and look up the Jewish holiday calendar for your dates. Free entry, the timed booking system and the children policy are all current at the time of writing, and any of them can change, so check the official site again a week before you go.
On safety: as of November 2026, the situation in the region can change quickly. Before you travel, read your own government's advisory, such as the рекомендации Госдепартамента США по поездкам, and follow local guidance during your trip. For general visitor information, the Israel Ministry of Tourism site is a useful official source.
Most travelers pair Yad Vashem with a day in the Old City. Our guide to что посмотреть в Иерусалиме will help you build the rest of your days, and our Old City Jerusalem visitor guide covers the quarters, gates and main holy sites.
Yad Vashem tour options: guided visit or on your own?
You can visit Yad Vashem on your own and still have a full experience. Signs are in English, and the route through the museum is clear. Yad Vashem also offers its own guided tours and audio guides for a fee. Prices and availability change, so check the official site.
A guided Yad Vashem tour adds context. A good guide explains what you are looking at, shares personal stories, and helps you pace yourself. This is useful if you have limited time or are visiting with teens.
Our scheduled Jerusalem day tours focus on the Old City and the Mount of Olives. Routes can change, so check each tour page or message us to confirm what is on the day's itinerary. Many guests do one of the tours below on one day and visit Yad Vashem on another, or ask us to arrange a private day that includes it.
Jerusalem tours that pair well with Yad Vashem
| Экскурсия | Who it suits | Длительность | Цена |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem Half Day Tour of the Old City | Travelers who want the Old City highlights in a morning and Yad Vashem on their own in the afternoon or another day | 5 часов | from $50 per adult |
| Экскурсия по Старому городу Иерусалима с поздним стартом | People staying in Jerusalem who prefer a relaxed 10 AM start, with Mount Scopus, the Western Wall and the Holy Sepulchre | Целый день | from $70 per adult |
| Jerusalem Highlights Tour with hotel pickup | First-time visitors from Tel Aviv or Herzliya who want the key sites without planning transport | Целый день | from $75 per adult |
| Jerusalem Full Day Tour with a licensed guide | Travelers who want more time on the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and the Via Dolorosa | Целый день | from $75 per adult |
| Jerusalem and Dead Sea Tour | Visitors short on days who want the Old City and a float in the Dead Sea | 12 часов | from $106 per adult |
If you want to see more of the city around your Yad Vashem day, our guides to the Mount of Olives и Tower of David museum are good next reads. For a gentle lunch afterward, our Israeli food guide lists dishes worth trying in Jerusalem.
Tours that include Yad Vashem
Актуальные цены и даты, трансфер от отеля на большинстве туров и местная команда в Эйлате, которая отвечает в WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about Yad Vashem
Is Yad Vashem free to visit?
Yes. At the time of writing, entry to Yad Vashem and its main memorials is free. Guided tours and audio guides offered by the museum cost extra. Check the official website for current details.
Do I need to book Yad Vashem in advance?
Yes. The museum asks visitors to register online for a timed entry slot before they arrive. Booking early is wise in busy seasons. Bring your confirmation on your phone.
How long does it take to see Yad Vashem?
Plan about three hours for the Holocaust History Museum. Add one to two hours if you want to see the outdoor memorials, the Children's Memorial and the Valley of the Communities. Rushing it rarely works well.
Can children visit the Yad Vashem museum?
At the time of writing, children under 10 are not admitted to the Holocaust History Museum. Older children and teens can visit with an adult. Prepare them beforehand, as some content is difficult.
Is Yad Vashem open on Saturday?
No. At the time of writing, Yad Vashem is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, and it closes early on Fridays. Opening hours can change, so check the official site for your date.
Can you visit Yad Vashem from Tel Aviv?
Yes, easily as a day trip. Take the train or bus to Jerusalem, then the light rail to the Mount Herzl stop and walk to the entrance. You can also book a Jerusalem tour with pickup and visit Yad Vashem on a separate day.
Is there a dress code at Yad Vashem?
There is no formal religious dress code. Dress neatly and respectfully, as you would at any memorial. Comfortable shoes help, since the campus is on a hill.
Is Yad Vashem worth it?
For most travelers, yes. It is one of the most important places in Israel to understand the Holocaust and modern Jewish history. It is emotionally heavy, so plan a calm rest of the day.
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Yad Vashem is a visit you will remember long after your trip. Give it a quiet morning, book your timed slot early, and build the rest of your Jerusalem days around it. If you would like a guide to help with the Old City on another day, our Jerusalem Full Day Tour with hotel pickup is the best match for most guests.
Not sure how to fit it all together? Message our team on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. Our day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. You can also browse all our Jerusalem tours and guides или полный путеводитель Booking-Tours for Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
Cover photo: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons