Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel

Destination of pilgrimages, subject of psalms, and a tormented battlefield, Jerusalem has been the scene of crucial events in the history of Western civilisation. The city contains some of the most sacred sites in the entire world. Today it is a fascinating kaleidoscope of cultures where daily life streams next to millennia-old landmarks. Visitors can find a rich music and dining scene, atmospheric cafes, crowded markets, and a number of cultural events. Jerusalem's spiritual aura and ancient, intricate beauty will be difficult to forget.

Population:

857,700

Currency:

New Israel Shekel (NIS), 1 shekel = 100 agurot (singular form: agura)

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 100
Emergency Medical Services: 101
Fire and Rescue: 102

Opening Hours:

Most shops open Sunday to Thursday 9am-7pm.
Jewish-owned stores are closed on Friday afternoon and Saturday to celebrate Shabbat. Some re-open on Saturday after 8:30pm. The Muslim day of rest is Friday, while Christians do not work on Sunday.

Newspapers:

Haaretz - national newspaper published in both Hebrew and English; the English version is sold together with the International New York Times: www.haaretz.com
The Jerusalem Post - national newspaper in English and French: www.jpost.com

Kol Ha'ir - local newspaper in Hebrew: www.kolhair.co.il
B'Sheva - national newspaper in Hebrew: www.besheva.co.il
Kul al-Arab - national newspaper in Arabic: www.alarab.com

The City

Whether one tries to grasp its history, contemplate its spirituality, or understand its different cultures, experiencing Jerusalem is a fascinating undertaking.
The Old City is Jerusalem's most touristic sight, with an array of religious and historical buildings. However, the newer districts, which started spreading in the 1860s, should not be missed - start with the quarters of Mishkenot Sha'ananim and Nahalat Shiva. For fashion, novelties, and nightlife, head to the Downtown triangle, between Jaffa Road, King George Street and Ben Yehuda Street, but explore further: you will find a bustling cultural scene and lively entertainment throughout the city. A wild, dusty natural landscape surrounds the urban area.

The history of Jerusalem is restless, and runs through thousands of years. The Canaanite population settled in the area 6,000+ years ago, near the Gihon Spring. After biblical king David conquered the city, his successor Solomon built a legendary Temple: the shrine was the most sacred place for Jewish people, who developed a strong and tormented bound with the land. Jerusalem then became part of the Roman empire. The Temple was definitively destroyed in 70 AD during a dramatic repression by the emperor Titus.
The site of Jesus Christ's death and alleged resurrection, Jerusalem saw the birth of a new religion; it was also the site of an important spiritual journey for Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
The country was shaken by the Crusades during the Middle Ages, and important orders such as the Templar Knights were founded there. It became part of Christian, Arab, then Ottoman Kingdoms. Since the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1947, a tortuous conflict between the state and the previous inhabitants has divided its people.

Old City

One of the most ancient parts of Jerusalem, the Old City, teems with Jewish, Christian and Muslim believers, and it's a must-see for everyone.
It was built in the 2nd century AD by the roman emperor Hadrian, who called it Aelia Capitolina. The emperor intended it to be a pagan city, with a forum and a temple to Jupiter. However, its shape changed continuously throughout the years, while religious shrines where established inside. In 1538, the Ottomans built a wall around it.

Listed below is a selection of the unmissable sights within the Old City limits, and a short guide to the four quarters it is divided into, which are all worth exploring. At local markets you will find a wide range of typical objects and exciting rarities - check the Shopping section for our suggestions.
Come early in the morning to avoid, or at least precede, the perennial crowds of tourists. Opening times for Temple Mount sights are very specific, so it's better to arrive on time. A popular place to enter is the Jaffa Gate, on the eastern part of the Walls, made from imposing hewn stones.

Do & See

With spiritual milestones and millennia-old landmarks around every corner, Jerusalem is a labyrinth of things to do for sightseeing enthusiasts – exciting, but easily overwhelming. Below is a selection museums, places of worship, archaeological sites, and excursion ideas.

Dining

Jerusalem has been a melting pot of cultures for millennia, which is reflected in its cuisine that boasts an exciting variety of specialities – your culinary experience here will be one to remember.
In the city, local, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes mix with Jewish tradition brought back from around the world: Israeli Jewish Fusion Cuisine has been a thing since the 1970s.
"Mizrahi", Middle-Eastern Jewish cuisine, is similar to the Arab one, focusing on rice, roasted meat, salads and stuffed vegetables. Along with the obvious falafel, hummus, pita and couscous, try Middle-Eastern dishes like mujaddara (a typical Israeli rice dish), shakshuka (poached eggs, fried onion and peppers), local variations of shawarma (the Arab name of kebab), and spicy sauces (skhug, amba and pilpelchuma).
When Ashkenazi Jews came back from central Europe, they brought schnitzel, Russian salad and cholent, a beef stew for Shabbat; Sephardi jews from the Balkans introduced yogurt and Turkish dishes. Most distinctively, Jews prepare food according to the religious rules of the Kosher tradition.
Jerusalem is also an ideal spot for vegans and vegetarians: many traditional dishes are plant-based, and 13% of Israelis were vegetarian or vegan in 2015 according to a poll by Globe. With such a variety of options, you just can't go wrong.