Famous Landmarks in Jerusalem. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing

Iconic Landmarks

Jerusalem's core attractions captivate visitors globally with profound historical and religious significance.

These sites collectively portray the layered history and enduring spirit of the city.

Visitor Information at a Glance

Western Wall: Open 24/7, no entry fee. Separate prayer areas for men and women.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Open daily (hours differ varying with the season), no entry fee.
Dome of the Rock / Al-Aqsa Mosque: Limited access hours for non-Muslims (generally morning and early afternoon, Sunday-Thursday).
Tower of David Citadel Museum: Entrance fee required, check official website for current opening hours.

Must-Visit Historical Sites

Sites of Faith & History

Western Wall (Kotel): Judaism's holiest site, a remnant of the Second Temple, a powerful place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Revered by Christians as the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Dome of the Rock & Al-Aqsa Mosque: This elevated plaza is sacred for Islam (Haram al-Sharif) and Judaism (Temple Mount).
Via Dolorosa: The "Way of Suffering," the traditional route Jesus walked, carrying the cross, to his crucifixion.
Mount of Olives: Located east of the Old City, offering sweeping vistas and significant Christian pilgrimage sites.
Tower of David Citadel Museum: Ancient citadel and museum near Jaffa Gate, chronicling Jerusalem's 4,000-year history.

Visitor Guidance for Holy Sites

Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, a poignant memorial and museum to victims.
Access Restrictions: Access to the Dome of the Rock compound for non-Muslims is limited to specific hours, buildings restricted to Muslims.
Modest Dress: Strict dress codes at holy sites (shoulders, knees, and often elbows covered for both men and women; head covering for female travelers travelers).
Photography Etiquette: Generally permitted on compounds, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.

Consider booking guided tours through GetYourGuide for in-depth insights and streamlined visits.

Essential Visitor Guidance

Western Wall: Open 24/7, no entry fee. Visit early during the morning for a more peaceful ambiance and fewer crowds.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Open daily (hours differ depending on the season), no entry fee. Arrive early or late afternoon to experience with fewer people.
Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount: Limited access hours for non-Muslims. Conservative attire is strictly enforced. Avoid sensitive political times when possible.
Photography: Generally permitted in plazas and on compounds, but avoid photographing residents in prayer without consent and be respectful.

Optimal Views & Photography

Early Morning Visits:
Generally the least crowded time for most major religious sites, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Mount of Olives:
Optimal periods for photography are sunrise or sunset, as the golden light illuminates the Old City.
Tower of David Citadel:
Climb the ramparts for excellent panoramic views of the Old City from a different perspective.
Austrian Hospice:
A rooftop cafe in the Old City's Christian Quarter offers a wonderful, unobstructed panoramic view (small entry fee).
Promenade Views:
Explore the Promenade of the Three Faiths or Haas Promenade for unique viewpoints overlooking the city.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Jerusalem's museums provide deep dives into history, art, and science, with world-class collections plus purpose-built exhibits.

Museum Highlights

Israel Museum
Israel's premier cultural institution, housing the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls), extensive archaeology, and fine art.
Yad Vashem
The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, a powerful and complete tribute to Holocaust victims, preserving tales and artifacts.
Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
Located in East Jerusalem, this gallery has a significant collection of archaeological artifacts discovered in the region.

Museum of Islamic Art
Features a beautiful collection of Islamic art, textiles, jewelry, and antique clocks and watches.
Bible Lands Museum
Explores the cultures mentioned in the Bible through artifacts from ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
Bloomfield Science Museum
An interactive science museum, notably engaging for families plus children seeking educational fun.

Art Galleries & Spaces

Discover little art galleries in German Colony/Mamilla and the Artists' Colony (Hutzot Hayotzer) near Jaffa Gate.

Cultural Centers & Venues

Jerusalem Theater for theater and dance, Khan Theatre for Hebrew productions, and Confederation House for ethnic music.

Special Exhibits & Programs

Always check individual museum websites for current temporary exhibitions, programming, lectures, and activities for families.

Historical Sites

Beyond the major landmarks, Jerusalem abounds with archaeological and historical places that reveal its layered past.

Digging into History

City of David
The ancient core of Jerusalem, just south of the Old City walls, with ongoing excavations, Hezekiah's Tunnel, and the Pool of Siloam.
Davidson Center (Southern Wall Excavations)
An archaeological park at the foot of the Temple Mount, demonstrating Herodian-era streets, ritual baths, and original steps to the Temple.
Burnt House (Katros House)
A preserved Roman-era home in the Hebrew Quarter, offering a moving glimpse into Jerusalem's destruction in 70 CE.

Cardo
The reconstructed Roman-Byzantine main avenue in the Hebrew Quarter, featuring ancient columns plus up-to-date shops.
Garden Tomb
An alternative Protestant site for Jesus' burial and resurrection, offering a peaceful garden setting.
Dormition Abbey
A beautiful Benedictine abbey on Mount Zion, traditionally marking the place where Mary fell into eternal sleep.

Jewish Quarter Synagogues

Explore several historic synagogues, each with its own story and spiritual significance.

St. Anne's Church

A Crusader-era church in the Muslim Quarter, known for its exceptional acoustics and tranquil vibe.

Muslim Holy Sites

Beyond the Haram al-Sharif, many mosques and shrines in East Jerusalem hold significance.

Historic Districts & Architecture

Explore Jerusalem's diverse historical districts, each with unique architectural styles and cultural ambiance.

Old City Quarters: Spend time exploring the distinct architectural styles and atmospheres of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian Quarters.
German Colony: Take in the distinctive Templer the building design of the 19th century, characterized by charming stone buildings.
Mea Shearim: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood with unique 19th-century architecture and a deeply traditional lifestyle. Visitors dress modestly and respectfully.

Natural Attractions

While mainly a historical city, Jerusalem also has beautiful parks and scenic viewpoints for relaxation and appreciation of its natural surroundings.

Parks & Gardens

Sacher Park (largest), Jerusalem Botanical Garden, Gan HaPa'amon (Liberty Bell Park), and Teddy Park offer serene escapes.

Scenic Viewpoints

Mount of Olives, Haas Promenade, and Taybe Promenade have gorgeous panoramic views of the Old City and the Judean Desert.

Wildlife & Geological Features

Biblical Zoo (Tisch Family Zoological Gardens) focuses on biblical animals. The city's hills and valleys are its primary geological characteristic.

Additional Outdoor Highlights

Memorials & Monuments

Yad Vashem (Holocaust Remembrance Center), Mount Herzl (National Cemetery), and Ammunition Hill (Six-Day War memorial).

Book Memorial Tours

Industrial & Military Heritage

Ammunition Hill provides insight into modern military history. The First Station represents Jerusalem's historic railway industrial heritage.

Explore Heritage Sites

Beaches & Waterways

Jerusalem is an inland city. Nearest coastlines are on the Mediterranean coast (e.g., Tel Aviv) or Red Sea (Eilat), accessible by day trip.

Find Coastal Stays

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture sunrise or dusk from the Mount of Olives and the atmospheric Old City alleys and accessible rooftops for memorable shots.

Book Photo Tours

The Old Yishuv Court Museum

Depicts Jewish life in the Old City prior to 1948, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

Planning Your Sightseeing with GetYourGuide

Streamline your exploration of Jerusalem's rich history by booking tours through GetYourGuide.

Benefits of Booking Tours

Time Efficiency: Maximize your period with pre-planned itineraries and skip-the-line access at popular attractions.
Expert Guides: Gain deep historical background and cultural setting from knowledgeable local guides.
Convenient Logistics: Transit and entry tickets are often arranged, providing a hassle-free experience.

Mount Herzl & Ammunition Hill

Discover these significant memorial sites that honor Israel's history and fallen soldiers.

Mount Herzl: Israel's national cemetery and memorial site, where national leaders and fallen soldiers are buried, including the Herzl Museum.
Ammunition Hill (Givat HaTahmoshet): A former Jordanian military post, now a national memorial and museum commemorating the fierce battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.
These sites offer poignant reminders of sacrifice and the founding of the modern state.
Visitor centers provide educational exhibits and tours, suitable for all ages.

Insider Viewpoint Tip

For a less crowded and truly local experience, consider visiting Ein Kerem village on the western side outskirts of Jerusalem.

This picturesque village offers charming churches, art galleries, and cafes, a peaceful getaway from the city bustle.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Jerusalem holds many lesser-known treasures that offer unique insights and experiences.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover unique perspectives away from the main tourist flows.

Machane Yehuda Market After Dark

Witness the bazaar's transformation from a bustling daytime food market into a lively nightlife district with bars and restaurants.
Enjoy local music, craft beers, and a social atmosphere after the stalls at the market close.
A chance to see a different, more contemporary side of Jerusalem's local life.

Unique Sites & Photo Opportunities

Explore lesser-visited locations for distinctive views and intimate historical glimpses.

The Austrian Hospice

A historic hospice in the Old City offering a charming cafe and a spectacular, often overlooked, rooftop view of the Old City for a small fee.
One of the best, unobstructed panoramic views, especially good for photography at sunset.
A serene escape from the bustling streets of the Old City.

Local Village Escape

Discover the charming village of Ein Kerem on Jerusalem's western outskirts.

Ein Kerem Village

Known for its picturesque churches, including the Church of the Visitation.
Visit local art galleries and charming cafes.
Offers a peaceful getaway and a different pace from the city bustle.

AN excellent half-day trip to experience a quieter, artistic side of Jerusalem.

Neighborhood Exploration

Wander the historic courtyards of the Nachlaot Neighborhood.

Nachlaot Neighborhood

Discover hidden synagogues and soak in the authentic local atmosphere.
A bohemian vibe, with historic courtyards and a lively nightlife scene after market closes.

Find an authentic local experience and a food scene.

Old City Walks

Walk along the less-traveled sections of the Old City walls.

Old City Ramparts Walk

Offers unique perspectives of the city and its quarters from above.
Provides unique photo opportunities without the crowds of street level.
Sections of the walls are open for walking, giving a historical perspective.

A different way to absorb the history and grandeur of Jerusalem.

General Hidden Gems Information

Photography Insights

Capture sunrise/dusk from the Mount of Olives and the atmospheric Old City alleys and rooftops.

Insider Advice

Engage with locals, wander off main streets, and allow for serendipitous discoveries in Jerusalem's less-explored corners.

Beyond the Guidebook

Jerusalem's true charm often lies in its quiet corners and unexpected encounters, making every exploration an unique find.

Maximize Your Discoveries

Embrace curiosity and comfortable walking shoes to explore Jerusalem's endless different periods of history and culture, ensuring no hidden gem remains undiscovered.

Famous Landmarks in Jerusalem