Considered the holiest city in the world due to its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem packs an extraordinary density of history into a compact area. Divided into Jewish-majority West Jerusalem, Palestinian-majority East Jerusalem, and the walled Old City with its four historic quarters, it’s a destination where archaeological relics, spiritual landmarks, and vibrant modern culture all sit side by side.
The Old City and the Western Wall
Inside the Old City’s walls are many of Jerusalem’s most important and popular sites, including Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Western Wall is considered the holiest site in the world for Jewish people — structurally the retaining wall for Temple Mount, built 2,000 years ago. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and Jews were later able to return to the city, they had lost the exact location of the original Temple, so they began praying at this exposed outer wall, which became a place of pilgrimage and now serves as an open-air synagogue.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Located within the Christian Quarter of the Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre covers what Christians believe is the site of the most important events in Christian history — the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It sits just a few steps from the Muristan and remains a major pilgrimage destination.
Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross)
The Via Dolorosa is an ancient path in the Old City where it’s believed Jesus carried the cross to his crucifixion. Also known as the Stations of the Cross, it’s a pilgrimage route that’s been followed since as far back as the fourth century.
Mount of Olives
Located east of the Old City, separating it from the Judean Desert, the Mount of Olives is one of the most prominent sites in the Jerusalem area, mentioned frequently in religious scripture as the location of numerous significant events. Since the 3rd millennium B.C., it has served as one of the main burial grounds for the Jewish people, with roughly 150,000 graves dating back as far as the 15th century.
Tower of David Museum
Located in the restored ancient Citadel of Jerusalem at the entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Museum tells the story of the city through history, taking visitors on a journey through its many eras. It’s also considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset, and in the evenings, a light show projected onto the citadel walls brings the biblical story of King David to life.
Yad Vashem (Holocaust History Museum)
A decade in the making, Yad Vashem combines expert curation and state-of-the-art exhibits to bring Holocaust remembrance into the present. Both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, it presents the story of the Holocaust from a distinctly Jewish perspective, emphasizing individual victims’ experiences through original artifacts, survivor testimonies, and personal possessions.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Widely considered the best market to visit in the city, Mahane Yehuda Market is a culinary adventure in itself, offering candy, pastries, spices, tea, olives, and much more — a genuine feast for the senses, and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to sample authentic Jerusalem street food.
Walking the Old City Ramparts
For a different vantage point on the city, walking atop the ancient walls that encompass the Old City offers unique views over both the historic and modern parts of Jerusalem, including a look down on Damascus Gate — a route that involves some steep stone steps but is often a hit with kids.
Jerusalem’s Underground
For history buffs wanting to go beneath the surface, a tour through the tunnels and chambers below the city’s streets offers a walk back into a Jerusalem that’s been ransacked and rebuilt numerous times throughout history.
The Israel Museum and Biblical Zoo
For a break from religious sites, these attractions offer a different side of the city. The Israel Museum offers an off-the-beaten-track cultural stop, while the Biblical Zoo is a favorite outdoor activity, home to 170 species of animals, including many indigenous to Israel, with a particular focus on species mentioned in the Bible.
Mamilla Avenue
Since its refurbishment, Mamilla Avenue has become one of the best-known and best-loved shopping destinations in Jerusalem, easily reached by public transportation near Jaffa Gate and the Old City, with lively shops and cafés lining the boulevard.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Timing your trip well makes a real difference given Jerusalem’s climate extremes. At an elevation of more than 2,500 feet, the city has surprisingly frigid winters and famously sweltering summers, so spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring on foot.
Join The Discussion
Jerusalem’s layered religious, historical, and cultural significance means that no two visitors tend to walk away with quite the same experience — what feels like the most powerful stop often depends entirely on personal background and interest. Have you visited Jerusalem, and did the Old City’s holy sites leave the deepest impression, or was it something less expected, like Mahane Yehuda Market or the underground tunnels? For those planning a trip, what’s drawing you most — the religious history, the archaeology, or the modern city itself?
