Sitting amidst the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is an ancient city. It is one of the world’s oldest cities and is home to three major religions- Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The city is considered holy to the said Abrahamic religions. Sure, this place is a treat for all the history buffs out there, but there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye.
Jerusalem is best known for balancing its rich and fascinating past with an uplifting and inspirational present. From exploring cultural and historical attractions to experiencing the nightlife of this vibrant city, there’s so much for travelers to experience here. There’s so much more to Jerusalem than just old-fashioned sightseeing, you can experience just about any emotion in this historical, fascinating, religious, photogenic, and far from a boring city.
Ahead, we have rounded up a list of some of the best things you can do in Jerusalem or consider them as ways to make the most of your visit to this holy city.
Leave a note in the cracks of the Western Wall
The Western Wall Plaza in the Old City is one of the most popular attractions in Jerusalem. This site remains crowded pretty much all the time, visitors of all faiths come here to pray, meditate, or simply admire the wondrous site. Some people also write a wish or prayer on a piece of paper and leave it inside the cracked wall. The Western Wall is the remnants of the Jewish temple that was built centuries ago; it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The wall today is considered the most religious and holiest site in the world for Jews.
Visit the heart of Jerusalem- Mahane Yehuda Market
The Mahane Yehuda Market, also known as the Shuk, is one of the most exciting places you can visit in Jerusalem. Whether you’re visiting this market in the morning or at night, you will always find yourself occupied with things that are offered here. While the day time is perfect to sample or buy pastries, teas, bread, vegetables, spices, meats, and more, the nighttime is perfect to indulge in some fun and drama. By night, the outdoor market is fully converted into a full-fledged bar crawl. You can have a really great time here by just listening to the loud music, dancing to the beats, or enjoying drinks.
Visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary
Jerusalem is home to a plethora of pilgrimage sites of different religions, and as far as Christianity’s sacred pilgrimage sites are concerned, most of them are very conveniently clustered together. Situated at the foot of Mount Olives, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary is one of the most important sites for Christians in the world. The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is sheltered inside a church; it is dimly lit with candles. Several visitors from around the world visit this holy site to just pray and worship.
Explore the wildlife at the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens
The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, also known as the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, is one of the most impressive zoos to visit in the city. The zoo attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors every year; it shelters some of the rarest and extinct animals, species from around the world. Moreover, the zoo emphasizes animals that are mentioned in the Bible. Apart from providing shelter to animals, the zoo also works towards preserving nature in the whole of Israel.
Test your haggling skills in the Old City
There’s no denying the fact that the shops in the Old City are much pricier and touristy than any other shopping district in Jerusalem, but strutting around and exploring different shops selling an array of items is a one-of-a-kind experience. The narrow streets are brimming with shops selling some really interesting and amusing items like trinkets, jewelry, scarves, clothes, artifacts, etc. You can test your bargaining skills here as everything tends to be a bit pricey here.
