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Things to Do in Jerusalem

Things to Do in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Israel Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

While Jerusalem is a dense urban center, opportunities for outdoor adventure exist both within the city and in its immediate surroundings.

Hiking & Trekking

Jerusalem Walls Promenade

This walking path allows you to stroll along and, in some sections, on top of the Old City walls, with unique perspectives of the city and its quarters. Difficulty: Easy to moderate, including several stairs.

Nachal Refaim Trail

Located in the Jerusalem hills, this green trail provides a pleasant escape into nature with a range of terrain. Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most fitness levels.

Jerusalem Forest

This large forest regarding the city's western edge includes a range of walking, running, and cycling paths. Difficulty: Simple to medium, with options for different lengths.

Adventure & Water Sports

  • Dead Sea: Experience floating in the super-saline waters and applying mineral-rich mud (day trip from Jerusalem).
  • Mediterranean Coast: Beaches near Tel Aviv or Herzliya offer swimming and paddleboarding opportunities (day trip).
  • Red Sea: Enjoy excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in Eilat (requires a longer trip).
  • Adventure Sports: Jerusalem Zip Line (Superman) on Mount Zion offers an exhilarating ride with the city views.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

  • Jerusalem Forest features dedicated mountain biking trails for various skill levels.
  • Promenades and parks offer cycling paths suitable for leisurely rides.
  • Dedicated bicycle lanes within the city are limited.
  • Cycling on main roads can be challenging.

Wildlife Encounters

  • The Biblical Zoo (Tisch Family Zoological Gardens) focuses on animals mentioned in the Bible.
  • It features endangered species, set in a pleasant, spacious environment.
  • A family-friendly attraction for observing local and exotic wildlife.
  • Instructional programs available for learning.

Geological Landscape

  • Prominent geological characteristics such as the Dead Sea or the Ramon Crater are not within Jerusalem itself.
  • These features of nature wonders are accessible as short day trips from the city.
  • Jerusalem's topography, with its distinctive hills and valleys, is its main natural geological characteristic.
  • Offers unique views and historical context for its formation.

Outdoor Safety Advice

Always check weather conditions, carry plenty of h2o, wear appropriate gear, and inform someone of your route when hiking, especially in desert areas. Stay on marked paths.

Cultural Immersion

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Participate in hands-on classes focusing on Israeli, West Asian, or specific Jewish culinary traditions.
  • Art & Handicraft Classes: Find workplaces to shop in the Old City (e.g., calligraphy, Armenian ceramics) or the charming small town of Ein Kerem (art, jewelry making).
  • Music & Dance: Attend performances or look for introductory classes at cultural centers or community centers.
  • Language Learning: Intensive Hebrew language schools (Ulpanim) offer courses. Opportunities exist for conversational Arabic.

Cultural Performances & Community

Sound & Light Show

A magnificent evening spectacle projected onto the Tower of David citadel walls, narrating Jerusalem's history. Book tickets on GetYourGuide.

Theater & Concerts

Attend performances at the Jerusalem Theater, Khan Theatre, or Confederation House for diverse productions.

Community-Based Tours

Seek out tours in the Old City or East Jerusalem led by residents from different communities for diverse perspectives.

Religious Services & Ceremonies

Visitors may attend Sabbath services at synagogues or participate in Christmas/Easter ceremonies and Ramadan/Eid celebrations, always showing respect for local customs.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Jerusalem Light Festival (summer), Jerusalem Film Festival (summer), Israel Festival (spring/early summer), and Hutzot Hayotzer (International Arts and Crafts Fair) occur all year long.

Sufi Whirling Dervish

Occasionally, you might find Sufi whirling dervish performances, specifically in East Jerusalem, offering an unique spiritual spectacle.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find moments of calm amidst your explorations with Jerusalem's wellness offerings.

Spas & Natural Therapy

  • Luxury Hotel Spas: Many luxury hotels in Jerusalem feature high-end spas offering different kinds of treatments, massages, and relaxation facilities (e.g., Mamilla Hotel, Waldorf Astoria).
  • Independent Spas: Explore various independent spas located throughout the metropolis for diverse offerings and specialized services.
  • Dead Sea Therapies: The Dead Sea (a quick car ride away) is world-renowned for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters and mud, an unique natural spa experience.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Some local studios in Jerusalem offer yoga and guided meditation sessions. More extensive retreats are typically found in calmer, rural areas of Israel.

Traditional Healing & Recreation

Traditional Healing

Availability of traditional healing practices varies, often found through private practitioners or specialized centers. Research specific alternatives if interested.

Pools & Recreation

Public swimming pools and hotel swimming the pools are available in Jerusalem, offering a refreshing break, especially during summer months.

No Coastal Access

Jerusalem is a landlocked city and does not have beaches, major lakes, or significant waterways. Nearest shores are a day trip away.

Entertainment & Nightlife Overview

Live Music Venues

Machane Yehuda Market area (especially on Thursday nights), Yellow Submarine (jazz, rock), and Gagarin (area bands/DJs) host live performances.

Theater & Performances

Jerusalem Theater hosts theatrical productions and classical concerts. Khan Theatre focuses on contemporary Hebrew theater. Confederation House has ethnic music.

Nightclubs & Bars

While The White city is Israel's nightlife capital, Jerusalem's scene has evolved. Limited traditional nightclubs, but growing numbers of bars around Machane Yehuda Market and city center offer dancing and DJ sets, especially on weekends.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Jerusalem is an experience blending customs from the past with modern commerce, from artisan crafts to high-end boutiques.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Old City Souks: A labyrinth of stalls selling spices, textiles, pottery, religious items, jewelry, and souvenirs. Haggling is common.
  • Machane Yehuda Market: mostly a food market by day, it moreover offers unique food-related souvenirs plus a peek at local life.
  • Artisan Workshops: Look for Armenian ceramics, calligraphy art, and local jewelry in the Hebrew Quarter and Creative individuals' Colony (Hutzot Hayotzer).
  • Ein Kerem Village: Known for its local art galleries and craft shops, featuring ceramics, paintings, and jewelry.

Modern & Luxury Shopping

Mamilla Avenue

This upscale pedestrian mall, connecting the city center to Jaffa Gate, features international brands, area boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.

City Center Boutiques

Explore the primary roads for more current fashion and specialty stores, offering a diverse shopping experience.

Shopping Variety

Jerusalem blends ancient traditional markets with modern high-end retail, catering to every single shopper's taste.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Olive Wood Carvings (religious figures, adornments).
  • Armenian Pottery (hand-painted ceramics).
  • Religious Items (Menorahs, mezuzahs, crosses, rosaries).
  • Spices and Herbs (za'atar, sumac from marketplaces).
  • Dead Sea Products (salts, mud, skincare).

Ethical Shopping Guide

  • Support Local Artisans: Purchase directly from artists and craftspeople where available.
  • Product Origin: Inquire about the origin of products, especially in politically sensitive areas.
  • Refrain From Harmful activities: Do not get items made from endangered species or exploitative practices.
  • Bargaining: Common and expected in the Old City souks.

Shipping & Customs

  • International Shipping: Many larger shops and art exhibition spaces offer services for purchases.
  • Customs Regulations: Be aware of your home country's regulations for imported goods (religious artifacts, food items).
  • VAT Refund: Tourists can claim a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on purchases over a certain amount (currently around ~$100 USD).
  • "Tax Free" Forms: Ask for these in order toms at the time of purchase from participating stores and complete the refund procedure at the airport.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Live Music Venues
  • Machane Yehuda Market area, Yellow Submarine, and Gagarin for various performances.
  • Explore pubs and cafes throughout the city center for occasional live acts.
  • Thursday nights are notably lively with many venues hosting bands and DJs.
Theater, Nightclubs & Bars
  • Jerusalem Theater and Khan Theatre host a wide range of theatrical productions.
  • Nightclubs are limited, but bars around Machane Yehuda and the urban area center offer dancing and DJ sets.
  • Ben Yehuda Street and Rehavia feature popular pubs and more high-end, relaxed bars.

Late-Night Entertainment Tip

Many restaurants in Machane Yehuda Market stay open late, offering food and drinks. A selection of bars and cafes all over the city also stay open into the night for evening enjoyment.

Your Jerusalem Activity Planner

Adventure & Culture

  • Hike the Jerusalem Walls Promenade for unique city views.
  • Take a Machane Yehuda food tour via GetYourGuide.
  • Explore Old City souks for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
  • Visit the Biblical Zoo for a family-friendly wildlife experience.

Leisure & Finds

  • Relax at a luxury hotel spa or visit the nearby Dead Sea for natural therapy.
  • Discover local art galleries and cafes in picturesque Ein Kerem Village.
  • Shop for upscale items at Mamilla Avenue or unique finds at local markets.
  • Experience the lively after-dark activities and bars of the Machane Yehuda Market after dark.