The city of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city and one of the holiest and most influential cities in the world is an incredible site to visit, with millions of tourists and pilgrims who flock here every year for its incredible sites. Here, you’ll find the ultimate Jerusalem city guide, with the best places to visit in the city, and the best accommodation options in Jerusalem.
Best areas to visit in the city of Jerusalem
The old city of Jerusalem
With a history of 7,000 years, the old city of Jerusalem is the most famous and popular area of the entire city. Here, you’ll see all of the world-renowned landmarks, like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount, and so much more. For the best ways to experience the old city, we’d highly recommend walking around the old streets and taking a tour right on the Jerusalem Wall.
Jerusalem city center
Centered around Jaffa Street, the Jerusalem city center is a great area to wander around, with numerous cool cafes, great restaurants, and a nice atmosphere. While walking on Jaffa Street, you will see several of the modern city’s most popular spots, including the bustling Machane Yehuda Market, Davidka Square, and Zion Square. A walk in the city center towards the east will lead you to Jaffa Gate and the old city. It is also highly recommended to wander around the small streets and alleys here and discover hidden gems in the bustling center of Jerusalem.
Ein Karem
Ein Karem Neighborhood, which used to be a separate town just west of Jerusalem, is a great city getaway, with beautiful nature, a peaceful atmosphere, and impressive views of the Judean Mountains. Most of all, Ein Karem is famous for its tremendous importance to Christianity, as it is believed to be the birthplace of John The Baptist.
Best off-the-beaten-path places in Jerusalem
Schindler Promenade
The short Schindler Promenade is located between Mount Zion and Mitchell Park and overlooks a huge area of the city. The promenade, which was previously inaccessible, has been recently developed and become a beautiful and comfortable route, which shows a great mix of the modern and old parts of Jerusalem, making it one of the most beautiful routes in the city.
The First Station of the City of Jerusalem
In the heart of Jerusalem, on the border between the old and the modern Jerusalem, is the first station complex. This is where the old train station of Jerusalem, the first one in the Land of Israel, has previously operated. Today, the place has become a shopping and entertainment complex, suitable for all ages. In the renovated station complex, you can walk among the old railroad tracks that remain here to this day and enjoy the beauty of the ancient buildings that have been impressively preserved here. In the complex, there is a big variety of restaurants and cafes, unique shopping stalls, and attractions for children.
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
The experience of visiting the Jerusalem botanical gardens is likened to an international trip, passing through various exotic places around the globe. The garden is planned and mapped according to geographical regions of the world, as The walk between the different areas of the garden will introduce you to a selection of special species of plants, including, among others, beautiful spring blossoms from the African savannas, mighty sequoia trees from Northern America, spices and medicinal plants from Eastern Asia, and of course, a very impressive collection of unique middle-eastern plants. In addition, here you can visit the tropical greenhouse, which accurately simulates the experience of visiting a magical and colorful tropical jungle.
Armon Hanatziv Boardwalk
From Armon Hanatziv Promenade, you can witness a particularly impressive view, considered to be one of the best in the country. From here, you’ll see the Old City of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Judean Desert, and the Gilead Mountains all at the same time.
The boardwalk is suitable for all ages, is wheelchair-accessible, and is a great visit for those who want to see one of the best-uncrowded viewpoints of Jerusalem,
Best hotels in Jerusalem
Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem
The prestigious Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem is located in the heart of Jerusalem, next to Gan Ha’atzmaut and only a short walk from the Old City and the Western Wall. The hotel offers a particularly quiet and quality experience in the heart of the city of Jerusalem. The gourmet restaurants in the hotel, a spacious and luxurious swimming pool, a spectacular view from the hotel windows and a calm and luxurious atmosphere will all make your vacation especially experiential and enjoyable.
Alegra Boutique Hotel Jerusalem
Allegra Boutique Hotel Jerusalem is a special boutique hotel that combines a dynamic design of past and present. The location of the hotel in one of the most desirable areas in Jerusalem, in the heart of the picturesque Ein Karem neighborhood, a short driving distance from the Old City, the Knesset building, and the National Museum, allows hotel guests to experience Jerusalem in a unique way.
In addition to the hotel’s exceptional design, wonderful meals prepared, and friendly, personal, and luxurious service, the hotel’s building is in fact one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, as it is located inside an ancient unique building, giving you the special old Ein Karem atmosphere. It is also surrounded by a fragrant orchard with luxurious seating areas, a wading pool, a wet sauna, small waterfalls, and a wellness center.
Mamilla Hotel
The prestigious and elegant Mamilla hotel, with 194 luxurious rooms and suites, is located in the heart of Jerusalem’s cultural center. The hotel was designed by the world-renowned Italian designer and architect, Piero Lissoni, with an impressive modern design, which combines music, lighting, and innovative interior design, creating a unique and exclusive atmosphere.
Guests can choose from a variety of entertainment options and culinary hospitality styles at the hotel, including a rooftop restaurant overlooking the spectacular old city, a luxurious lobby, a special wine and tasting bar, a fashionable bar, a cigar room, and more.
