Welcome to Jerusalem, a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique blend of three religious cultures. As someone who has had the privilege of exploring this incredible city, I'm excited to share my top 15 must-see locations in Jerusalem with you.

From ancient holy sites to modern cultural landmarks, this list covers the very best that Jerusalem has to offer. Please note that this list focuses solely on the city of Jerusalem itself, and does not include surrounding areas.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or on tour with a group of friends, these sites are sure to leave a lasting impression on you. So, without further ado, let's dive into my top 15 must-see locations in Jerusalem.

1. Reflect at The Western Wall

The Western Wall is is a must-see destination in Jerusalem. Seriously, you can't go to Jerusalem without going to the Western Wall. Located on the western side of the Temple Mount, the Western Wall is also referred to by other names. Some people call it the “Wailing Wall” because of the “wailing” that sometimes comes when Jewish people are deep in prayer at the wall. The Jewish people call it the kotel, which is the Hebrew word for “wall.” There’s no need to elaborate and call this “the wall of the temple” because every Jew knows that there’s only one "wall" so significant that it’s just called THE wall, and that’s the wall of the temple. To read more about the significance of the wall, read this post. 

Visitors of any religion or background are welcome to approach the Wall, as long as they are respectful of the customs and traditions surrounding the site. Before you go, be sure to check out our link for tips on proper behavior when visiting.

The Western Wall is not just a place of worship; it is also a historical site that has seen centuries of conflict and change. It has stood for over 2,000 years and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the destruction and rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the struggles of the Jewish people.

2. Explore Ancient Jerusalem in the Western Wall Tunnels

While at the Western Wall, visitors should certainly take the time to tour the nearby Western Wall Tunnel, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and engineering marvels of ancient Jerusalem. 

On the tour, visitors are guided through the underground passageways that run alongside the Western Wall. This stone-arched tunnel network was built during the era of the Second Temple (516 BC to 70 AD) and demonstrates the incredible engineering and construction skills of the ancient builders. 

You'll walk along subterranean spaces on actual streets from the Second Temple era. Along the way, you'll see ancient waterways, including an aqueduct that ends at the Strouthion Pool, mikvehs (special baths used for purification), and a quarry that was used to excavate the stones for the temple foundation. 

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately. Since it's underground, it can feel a little chilly, so a light sweater (even in summer) is recommended. 

Want a sneak peek of what you'll experience on the tour? Check out this video from the Western Wall Tunnels YouTube page. 

3. Stroll the Grounds of the Temple Mount

The Temple Mount absolutely needs to be included on any visit to Jerusalem. It is, after all, the most contested site in the city (and the world, for that matter). That's because three religions claim it for their own holy site: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

To read more about the Temple Mount, check out these two blog posts: 

The Western Wall (Kotel): A Symbol of Jewish History, Spirituality, and Culture

The Temple Mount: A Sacred Site of Religious and Political Significance

Here are a few things that any visitor to the Temple Mount needs to know. 

• Plan ahead. The Temple Mount is only open for limited hours for non-Muslims. Recommended: Put this site into your itinerary first and then work everything else around it. 
• All visitors must be dressed modestly, refer to the rules for other sacred sites in Jerusalem for guidance.  
• No weapons of any kind are allowed. 
• Visitors may not bring any Jewish sacred objects. 
• Jews are prohibited from praying on the Temple Mount (This is why they pray at the kotel, or Western Wall of the Temple Mount. That is the closest they can get to praying at their former temple site.) 
• Visitors may be required to show their passports. 
• There are 12 gates that lead to the Temple Mount. Muslims may enter through 11 of the gates. Non-Muslims may only enter through Magharibah (Moroccan) Gate, which is accessed from the wooden walkway in the Western Wall Plaza. 

Check out this video for a more information on the history of the Temple Mount and the age-old sources of contention over this site.  

4. Explore the Wonders of Jerusalem's Old City

 

The Old City of Jerusalem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to many visitors, it is one of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world. The walled city is divided into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Muslim Quarter. Each area has its own unique atmosphere and rich history. 

To enter the Old City, you must walk through one of the city gates, just like people have been doing for millennia. See #15 in this list for more specifics on the gates. The streets inside the Old City are designed in a labyrinth, with narrow stone passageways that meander in a serpentine fashion. You can either just let yourself get lost and explore. Or, if you have a specific place in mind, then use your smartphone's navigation system as your guide. Alternatively, you can also hire a guide if you want a very specific tour of the Old City. I did a combination of the first and second option (exploring and using GPS) on my first visit to Jerusalem.

Inside the Old City, you'll find many of Jerusalem's top sites including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, which is located on the Temple Mount. Once again, use your smartphone to pinpoint the exact location of these sites. 

The Old City is a shopper's and diner's paradise. You'll be tempted by anything from handmade pottery and jewelry to leather sandals and beaded sarongs. Dining options range from fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice to falafel pitas with hummus. Yummy to both! You'll find that the shopkeepers are pretty persistent and behave very much like they would in any other Middle Eastern souk. So, if you're not interested in buying, just keep walking and they'll eventually stop calling out to you! Another tip: Haggling is 100 percent the norm in the Old City. Prepare to dicker back and forth on the price until you come to a point that is agreeable to both you and the merchant. If you cannot come to a consensus, just move on. There will seriously be dozens more merchants along your way that will be selling the exact same things!

 

5. Discover the Holiest Site in Christianity - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most sacred and revered sites for Christians all over the world. It is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and is believed to be the site where Jesus Christ was crucified. 

The church is an example of Byzantine style architecture with its large central dome, intricate religious mosaics, and ornate carvings. The church has various chapels and tombs located inside. One of the most important spots is the Stone of Unction. This is believed to be the place where Jesus's body was anointed after the crucifixion. 

 

7. Feel Peace and Serenity at the Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb is the site where some Christians believe that Jesus's tomb was located. This is where he was buried after his crucifixion, and from where he rose again three days later after his Resurrection. Of course, there's no way to know for sure if this is the precise location. However this is the exact type of tomb that was used during the time that Jesus lived. And, this tomb fits the description of where Jesus was said to have been entombed—it has a round stone to cover the door. As a result, Christian pilgrims from all over the world flock to this site in order to feel the peace and hope that comes with Christ's Resurrection.

The landscaped garden is beautiful any time of the year. At least, it was in the winter! I visited in January and it was lush and green with colorful flowers in bloom. The tomb is a tiny spot at the edge of the garden carved into a rock with a round stone nearby that would have sealed off the opening. If you go during peak visiting hours, you may have to wait in a long line to go inside the tomb. I luckily visited when it wasn't too crowded—on a Friday afternoon just before the start of the Jewish Shabbat—so I didn't have to wait too long. 

Top picture spots: in front of the tomb and by the round stone. If I remember correctly, they ask you not to take photos inside the tomb itself. 

As is the case with any religious site, proper conduct is required. Check out this link for more information.

8. Visit One of the Oldest Cemeteries in the World: The Mount of Olives 

The Mount of Olives is a significant landmark in Jerusalem. It is located just east of the Old City, directly above the Garden of Gethsemane. To get there, just plug in "Mount of Olives" into your smartphone and start walking. I walked to the place where I took this photo after I left the Western Wall Plaza on my very first afternoon in Jerusalem. It was a fairly easy walk. However, it was January and not too hot. So, if you travel here when the temperatures are unbearable, you may need to take transportation instead. I also recommend bringing water with you. I did not bring mine and definitely regretted it.

The Mount of Olives, in case you didn't realize, is a cemetery. People have been buried here for thousands of years, making it the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world. There are more than 150,000 graves here. Some of the oldest graves hail back to the time of King David. It's believed that such important Biblical figures as Malachi and Zechariah are buried at the Mount of Olives. Note: King David is not believed to have been buried here, but rather in the City of David. 

While visiting the cemetery, you'll notice little rocks placed on the graves. This is a Jewish tradition that shows the spirit of the person that someone came to visit, and their memory lives on. This video explains more about this tradition. 

The Mount of Olives is also the site of the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, read more about that below. 

In addition to these sites, the Mount of Olives also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Old City and its surroundings. Anytime of the day is beautiful, but in the evenings, you'll be treated to beautiful sunsets. Just remember, hanging out in a cemetery after-dark isn't smart if you're a solo traveler. So, be sure to go as a group if you plan to go for the sunset. 

In addition, be noted that cabbies hang out at various spots along the cemetery and might be unscrupulous in their fares. Be forewarned before you get in one!

9. Discover the Tranquility and Religious Significance of the Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives and is not only well-known for its garden but also for the Church of the Nations that is found at this site.

The Garden of Gethsemane is one of the most sacred spots in Christianity. It's in this garden, under the olive trees, that it's believed that Jesus prayed and took on the sins of all mankind. According to the New Testament, as he prayed, "great drops of blood" fell to the ground (Luke 22:44). After this Atonement had been  made, he was then betrayed in this garden by one of his own apostles (Judas Iscariot) and was arrested by the Roman guards. 

When you visit the Garden of Gethsemane, the closest you can get to the 2,000+ year old olive trees is from the other side of a wrought-iron fence. The day I visited, the gardener of the Garden of Gethsemane spoke with me and shared some of the significance of his job as the gardener (his father and grandfather were also caretakers at this garden).  It was a very memorable experience. 

As was mentioned, the garden is also home to the Church of All Nations. This church is also known as the Basilica of the Agony. It houses the rock where it's believed that Jesus's hand rested as he prayed in the garden. Spend some time appreciating the church's impressive architecture and beautiful mosaics. They're stunning. 

The Garden of Gethsemane is an easy walk from the Western Wall and is a stop along the way towards the top of the Mount of Olives.  

10. Explore Israeli Art, Culture, and History at the Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is a world-renowned institution that houses an extensive collection of art, archaeology, and Jewish culture. The exhibits span from ancient times to the contemporary era and provide a fascinating journey through Israeli history and culture.

Here's a sampling of their most impressive artifacts and artwork: 

• The Dead Sea Scrolls (the oldest Biblical manuscript in the world) 
• The Great Isaiah Scroll
• Ketef Hinnom Amulets (Date to the First Temple Period)
• Trumpeting Inscription from the Temple Mount 

Check out this video that details more information about the museum.  

11. Surround Yourself with the Vibrant Flavors and Culture of Jerusalem at Machane Yehuda Market

On my first trip to Jerusalem, I actually stayed at a great AirBnb just steps away from the Machane Yehuda Market. Also known as the shuk, this market is a must-visit destination when visiting the city of Jerusalem. 

The marketplace is outdoors, with a glass-skylight roof. Each row of stalls varies in its offerings. You have fruit and vegetable merchants right alongside permanent restaurants and gelato shops. After I left the train station (upon my arrival into Jerusalem), I walked right through this market on my way to my apartment. It was exactly what I pictured a food market in the Middle East to be like! I ate my first falafel pita (with hummus of course) here in the Machane Yehuda Market. And I returned here many times per day during my five-day stay in the city. I highly recommend coming here on a visit to Jerusalem. 

The market truly comes to life in the evenings when the bars and restaurants open up, offering an array of dining and nightlife options. Keep in mind, that the market is closed for the Jewish Shabbat, so as of sundown on Friday night until sundown on Saturday, the place will be all boarded up. 

12. Remember and Honor those we lost in the Holocaust at Yad Vashem

 

Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The name "Yad Vashem" means "a place and a name." It is located on the western slop of Mount Herzl and is both a museum and research institution. 

The museum houses historical artifacts, photographs, documents, and personal items from people who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. These all stand as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period of history and how many millions of lives that were lost in such a horrific way. One of the most moving exhibits in Yad Vashem is the Hall of Names. This is a circular chamber that contains the names of Holocaust victims. There are no  headstones or graves for all the people who were murdered during the Holocaust, so this serves as a way to remember them. The walls are lined with books of testimony—written by survivors and family members of the victims— which serve as a testament to the lives that were lost. An important part of the museum is the Righteous Among Nations which honors all those who stepped in and helped, risking their own lives to do so.  

Yad Vashem is a tough visit, but a necessary one when visiting Jerusalem. Be sure to plan on at least a half a day or a full day to get the full experience. 

13. Discover the Roots of Jerusalem at the City of David

The Tower of David Museum is housed in the ancient Tower of David citadel, right next to Jaffa Gate. 

One of the highlights of the museum is the Night Spectacular. This show uses videography, sound, and lighting to bring Jerusalem's long history to life. The museum also has a variety of exhibitions that covers thousands of years of Jerusalem's history from the ancient Canaanite period to the modern State of Israel. Guided tours are also available. 

15. Encounter the Fascinating History of Jerusalem's City Gates

The Old City of Jerusalem is fortified by high walls. The only way through these walls—both in the past and today—is to go through the gates. There were a total of eight gates that led into the city, and all but one (the Golden Gate) still allow entrance into the Old City.

Here are the names of the gates: 

• Jaffa Gate
• New Gate
• Damascus Gate
• Herod's Gate
• Lions' Gate
• Golden Gate
• Zion or David's Gate
• Dung Gate

This map is from Wikipedia and shows the location of the gates. 

 

To learn more specifics about each of these gate, check out this informative article. 

The Gates of Jerusalem

Wrap Up

My first trip to Jerusalem was a five-day trip and I was easily able to see all these sites and more, and I wasn't moving at a breakneck speed either. Jerusalem is a very easy city to navigate and most of it is walkable. Jerusalem has turned out to be one of my most favorite cities in the world and one that I dream of returning to over and over again. 

Happy travels in the Holy City!