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Jerusalem Travel Resources

Jerusalem Travel Resources

Jerusalem Israel Travel Guide

Essential Travel Apps

Navigation & Transport

  • Moovit:

    Public transport routes and real-time schedules.

  • Google Maps / Waze:

    Walking, driving, and general navigation.

  • Gett / Yango:

    Order licensed taxis and ride-hailing.

  • Google Translate:

    Quick translations, offline language packs.

  • WhatsApp:

    Messaging and calls; a lot of local people use it.

Dining & Information

  • HappyCow:

    Find vegetarian and vegan dining options.

  • GoJerusalem.com (web app):

    Official tourism info on attractions, dining.

  • Israel Ministry of Tourism (web app):

    General travel info, entry requirements.

  • Official Museum Apps:

    For Yad Vashem, the Israel Museum, etc.

  • Booking Platforms:

    Accommodation search and reservations (e.g., Airbnb).

Planning Websites

GoJerusalem.com

A legitimate tourism site with thorough details on attractions, events, dining.

Israel Ministry of Tourism

Offers general travel information, entry requirements, and destination guides.

Israel Antiquities Authority

Find information on archaeological sites and recent discoveries.

Social Media & Digital Content

Follow for Updates

  • Official Tourism Boards: GoJerusalem & Israel Ministry of The travel industry.
  • Local News Outlets: English-language Israeli news sources.
  • Travel Influencers/Bloggers: Personal recommendations and tips.
  • Podcasts: 'Unpacked' covers Israeli current affairs, history.

Engage & Learn

  • History Podcasts: Holy Land history, ancient Jerusalem context.
  • Travel Vlogs: Visual guides and personal experiences on YouTube.
  • Online Communities: TripAdvisor, Lp for forums.
  • Language Learning: Duolingo, Pimsleur for Hebrew or Arabic.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Lp Israel & Palestinian Territories
  • Rough Guide to Israel & the Palestinian Territories
  • Fodor's Israel
  • Quality city map of Jerusalem

Books About the Destination

  • 'Jerusalem: The Biography' by Simon Sebag Montefiore
  • 'O Jerusalem!' by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
  • Works by Amos Oz, David Grossman, Etgar Keret
  • Explore contemporary perspectives

Local Publications

  • The Jerusalem Post (English-language daily)
  • Time Out Jerusalem (event listings, if available)
  • Local magazines for arts and culture
  • Free tourist handouts

Emergency & Medical Information

Immediate Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 100
  • Magen David Adom (Ambulance): 101
  • Emergency Fire services: 102
  • Visitor Police: (02) 539-1254 (near Jaffa Gate)

Hospitals & Clinics

  • Hadassah Infirmary (Ein Kerem & Mount Scopus)
  • Shaare Zedek Medical Center
  • Augusta Victoria Hospital (East Jerusalem)
  • Seek emergency care immediately if needed

Lost Documents & Embassy

  • Report loss/theft to local police; obtain report
  • Contact your embassy/consulate for travel documents
  • Most embassies in Tel Aviv; some consulates in Jerusalem
  • Know your country's local representation

Local Insights for Safety

Common Tourist Pitfalls

  • Improper dress for religious sites. Dress modestly.
  • Ignoring Shabbat closures. Plan ahead for transport.
  • Dehydration in heat. Drink plenty of water, wear hats.

Cultural Awareness

  • Shabbat observance converts the city. Respect the day.
  • Israelis present direct communication. Not rude intent.
  • Haggling is customary in Old City souks. Smile.

Solo & Family Travel

Solo Traveler Safety

  • Jerusalem has safe conditions. Use standard city precautions.
  • Hostels arrange social functions for meeting others.
  • Join guided tours to connect having novel people.

Family-Friendly Travel

  • Biblical Zoo, Bloomfield Science Museum engage children.
  • Plan rest times, playground stops to avoid over-scheduling.
  • Baby carriers present practicality for Old City cobblestones.

Essential Research & Planning

Before Your Journey

  1. Check passport validity (6 months beyond departure).
  2. Research visa requirements and start application if needed.
  3. Book international flights for peak seasons.
  4. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
  5. Speak with a travel medicine specialist for vaccinations.

Approaching Your Trip

  1. Book remaining accommodation and popular tours.
  2. Plan a detailed day-by-day itinerary.
  3. Arrange international mobile plan or local SIM/eSIM.
  4. Inform bank/your credit card providers about your travel dates.
  5. Reconfirm all bookings one week prior.

What to Do Upon Arrival

Airport Procedures

Clear immigration and customs, collect your entrance permit slip. Gather luggage.

Local Essentials

Obtain local currency from an ATM. Purchase a local SIM card/eSIM for connectivity.

Journey to Accommodation

Confirm your transfer from the airport: train, sherut, taxi, or private service.

Natural Disaster Protocols

In case of a natural disaster (e.g., earthquake), follow instructions from local emergency services. For earthquakes, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Further Reading & Exploration

Cultural Immersion

Documentaries & Films

  • Historical Documentaries:

    On Jerusalem, the Holy Land.

  • 'Waltz with Bashir':

    For Israeli history and memory.

  • Explore Films:

    Covering regional complexities.

Music & Art

  • Traditional Israeli Folk Music:

    Explore diverse genres, Mizrahi music.

  • Palestinian Folk Music:

    Listen to traditional Palestinian music.

  • Local Art:

    Visit galleries for contemporary Israeli and Palestinian art.

Engage Beyond Your Trip

Online Communities

TripAdvisor forums connect you with other travelers for advice.

Travel Forums

Lonely Planet Thorn Tree offers a base for questions and connections.

Language Resources

Duolingo or Pimsleur for basic Hebrew or Arabic acquisition.

Deep Dive & Local Learning

Advanced Language

  • Consider local Ulpan (Hebrew language school) programs.
  • Enroll for a longer, immersive stay.
  • Be educated by native speakers for faster progress.
  • Access cultural niceties through language.

Community Engagement

  • Explore local chances to do volunteer work.
  • Attend community events and lectures.
  • Connect with local organizations.
  • Further your understanding of daily life.

Future Exploration

Post-Trip Reflection

  • Review travel journals and photos.
  • Share experiences with fellow travelers.
  • Consider writing a blog or article.
  • Maintain connections made while you are traveling.

Continuous Learning

  • Continue reading history and cultural books.
  • Follow academic developments in archaeology.
  • Stay informed about regional current events.
  • Plan your next visit with new insights.

Deepen Your Connection

Utilize these sources to expand your knowledge and engagement with Jerusalem beyond your initial visit.