the walking tour jerusalem

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour

Our self-guided walking tour in the old city of jerusalem will take you to narrow picturesque alleys, famous sites, and interesting, lesser-known historical landmarks., main landmarks on the ths tour, christian quarter:.

• Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
• Armenian Ceramic Center
• Monastery of Saint Saviour
• Ethiopian Patriarchate
• El-Khanqa Street
• Church of the Redeemer (Viewpoint)

JEWISH QUARTER:

• Hurba Synagogue
• Wohl Archaeological Museum
• The Burnt House
• Western Wall

WALKING TOUR MAP

Starting from Jaffa Gate of the Old City, we’ll step back into time and walk through the different Quarters of the Old City. Taking in the indescribable energy that every corner presents, we’ll visit the sites most holy to all three religions.

Price from: 140 NIS

Details & Booking

The tour is not circular. It starts at the Jaffa Gate and ends at the Dung Gate near the Western Wall. Both locations are well served by public transportation , and it is the recommended way to make the tour.

If you prefer to arrive by car , you can park at the nearby Mamila Parking. At the end of the tour Return by bus, or walk back about 10-15 minutes.

The old city of Jerusalem is roughly a square of 1 Kilometer by 1 Kilometer surrounded by the city walls. It is hard to imagine it today, but Until around 1850, this area was the entire city of Jerusalem. Only in the 2nd half of the 19th-century residents started to move gradually outside the city walls .

The Ottomans built the current walls and most of the buildings that exist today during the 16th century. However, these “modern” structures are built above ancient foundations. The streets we walk in today are about 2-4 meters above the Roman city and about 4-8 meters above the first-temple period city. The Old City is divide into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish Quarters. This division evolved gradually, and the current designations that are common nowadays were introduced only in the 19th century.

Armenian Quarter : The Quarter is surrounded by its own walls and forms a private enclosed area of the Armenian Monastery. It is the smallest Quarter, with a population of about 3,000.

Muslim Quarter : It is the largest one with a population of about 30,000. It is mostly an impoverished and densely populated residential neighborhood with less historic buildings and tourist attractions. However, part of the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) passes through it, and the Western Wall Tunnel (Highly recommended visit) passes under it.

Jewish Quarter: Its origin is from the same period as the rest of the old city. However, in 1948, when the Jordanians occupied the eastern part of Jerusalem, they demolished and burned down most of the house and 58 synagogues , including the 700-year-old Hurva synagogue that was destroyed and desecrated. The Quarter stayed in this state for 19 years, until the IDF liberated Jerusalem in 1967. Shortly afterward, Israel started to restore the Jewish Quarter. Because most of the buildings are new (After 1967), the area looks “White” compared to the other parts of the old city. The restoration project presented a rare opportunity for archeological excavations. Thanks to that, today, we can visit parts of ancient Jerusalem under the current modern streets.

Our tour focuses on the Christain and Jewish Quarters . In the Christain quarter, we will visit famous landmarks. However, in between, we will walk in small streets, visit hidden courtyards, unique shops, and fantastic viewpoints of the old city. In the Jewish Quarter, we will explore the 2,000 years old remains of ancient Jerusalem, hidden underneath the modern streets.

OLD CITY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Christian quarter section map.

On this guided day tour of Judea and Samaria we will take you to three of the highlights of the region – Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah. With thorough information provided by a local guide.

Price from: 400 NIS

Latin Patriarchate: Admission: Free. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 08:00-14:00 Location: St. Peter street . Direction: Just after you enter the city through Jaffa gate, Turn left to the Latin Patriarchate Street and walk until the intersection with St. Peter Street.

The center of the Catholic Church is located in the Vatican state in Rome. The Pope’s representative in Jerusalem is known as the “ Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem “, and his job is to safeguard the interests of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. The first appointment of a Latin patriarch in the Land of Israel was in 1099 AD. But when the Crusaders were expelled from the land, the Latin Patriarchate also ceased to exist. In the mid-19th century, the Catholic Church noticed the weakness of the Ottomans and renewed its representation in Jerusalem after more than 550 years. Giuseppe Valerga was the first Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in modern times. He wanted to show the wealth and splendor of the Catholic Church also in Jerusalem. The result is a large cathedral paved with marble, decorated with dozens of sculptures and filled with countless paintings. In 1872, Vallerga inaugurated the Cathedral, which is still one of the most impressive in Israel.

Armenian pottery started to develop in the 11th century. However, Armenian ceramics reached unprecedented levels of finesse and originality during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when many Armenian families operated workshops in Turkey, and contributed to decorating palaces and mansions. Armenian traditional ceramic artists arrived at Jerusalem in 1919 to help replace the centuries-old glazed tiles decorating the Dome of the Rock. The task was never completed, but the tradition rooted in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is now the only place in the world where traditional Armenian pottery is still preserved. The Sandrouni workshop is one of the finest spots to explore and buy original Armenian handmade pottery. (Watch out for the many imitations on display in the market streets!)

Saint Saviors Convent: Admission: Free. Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 08:00-17:00 Location: St Francis street . Direction: Exit the ceramic shop and Walk down on Ahim Street about 100 meters and turn left to St. Francis street. After a few meters, you will see the entrance to the convent on your left.

Saint Savoirs is the headquarter of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land ( Custodia Terræ Sanctæ ). Saint Francis founded the order in 1209. Its mission is to guard “the grace of the Holy Places” of the Holy Land and the rest of the Middle East, as well as pilgrims visiting them, on behalf of the Catholic Church. Their presence in Jerusalem is traced back to 1217. The original building built in 1559 with the aid of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent . However, the current Church and Convent were constructed in 1885 with funding provided by the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph during his visit to Jerusalem in 1869. The compound houses today also a Catholic school, printing press, and an organ workshop. In 2017 Pope Francis renewed the mandate to “Preserve the Holy Places of Christianity in the Holy Land” in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of Franciscan presence. In addition to the historical importance, the impressive Basilica hall (30 X 12 meters), is well worth a visit.

The building we are about to visit is from 1890. It was built to serve as the administrative center of the community. At the heart of the complex is a small church decorated in a traditional Ethiopian style. The church floor is carpeted, and its ceiling is full of colorful illustrations featuring characters and stories from the New Testament. You can have a look at an ancient 400-year-old book with texts from the Old and a New Testament. The book is written in the Geez language (Ethiopian holy language). After the tour of the small church, go up to the roof of the building for a fantastic panorama of the old city.

• Residential Courtyard: Look for house number 44 on your left and enter through the small door into an internal courtyard. It is a fine example of a residential compound. In the center of the yard, there is a water well and the surrounding houses feature door lintels painted in bright blue color. Wander around and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.
•   Elia Photo Service: Continue a few minutes further on El Khanqa street until house number 12, and you will see on your right an entrance to a small photo shop filled with historical B&W photos and unique nostalgic atmosphere.

The interior of the Church of the holy sepulcher and its surrounding is one of the most crowded tourist spots in Jerusalem (We do not cover it on this tour since it is very well covered elsewhere). The main reason to visit the Church of the Redeemer is the fantastic panorama of the old city from the top of its 40 meters tower. It is the best view of the old city since you are high above the street right in the middle of the old city (All other high locations are around the old city and not inside!).

The Church was built between 1893 and 1898. Its cornerstone was laid by the Prussian prince Frederick III as part of his visit to the Middle East to participate in the opening of the Suez Canal. The land was given as a gift to the Prussian heir by the Ottoman Sultan. The church was inaugurated in  1898, during the visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II, his son, and Empress Augusta Victoria. On one of the walls of the prayer hall hangs a sign in the German language that tells of the dedication and establishment of the house. There are also archeological excavations and a museum in the church. You can find all the details on the excellent official website .

The Muristan is a complex of streets and shops that cover a square area spanning between the holy sepulcher and David Street (The main street of the old city leading to Jaffa gate). The market in the form as we know it today was established in 1903 by the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. At the center of the market, there is an ornamental water fountain , which was built to mark 25 years of the rule of the Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid. The name “Muristan” comes from the Persian word for a hospital  (Bim?rest?n).  It originates from the fact that during the crusader period, a complex of a Church and hospital was operating here. However, the history of the area starts as early as the days of Christ. You can learn more about it at the Museum in the Church of the Redeemer . Ramble through the streets and the shops and make your way towards David street and the Jewish Quarter where the tour continues.

JEWISH QUARTER SECTION MAP

The Cardo was the “Main Street” of Jerusalem during the Roman period. Nowadays, it is an underground street under the new houses of the Jewish Quarter. The Northern half of the street (Where we enter), was turned into a modern shopping street with fancy boutique shops. The Southern half is a restoration of the Roman street. As we walk, we can peek through peers in the pavement down to remnants from ancient Jerusalem (700 BCE), while above us are the modern, residential houses.

Hurba Synagogue: Admission: 20 NIS. Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-13:00. Location: HaYehudim Street #89 . Direction: Go up from the Cardo street, turn left, and after a few meters, you will be in front of the Synagogue.

The Hurba synagogue was built in 1864 and served as the most important Ashkenazy synagogue in the land of Israel. It became a center for religious and national revival for jews in the land of Israel. Around the synagogue, some of the most important institutions of the Ashkenazi community in Jerusalem were concentrated: Yeshiva, Court, Charity institutions and religious schools. In 1948, when the Jordanian army conquered the Jewish Quarter they demolished it with explosives. Only in 2010 (after 62 years), the synagogue was restored and reopened. The design was based on testimonials and old pictures. Most of the eastern wall is the original wall from 1864. It was not painted and therefore, creates a sharp contrast to the modern white walls. Besides visiting the impressive synagogue hall, there are interesting archeological findings from the second-temple period and Byzantine period in the basement floor. Round up the visit with an excellent 360° panorama from the balcony that encircles the dome.

You descend again from the street level, down to 2,000 years old history. The excavations that took place here after 1967 revealed a magnificent residential quarter from the second-temple period. The findings include mosaic floors, water wells, Mikveh , and warehouses.

The “burnt house” is a second-temple period residential building that was also discovered during the excavations in the Jewish Quarter. Unlike the Wohl Museum, this house was found in ruins and with fire signs. The tiny museum presents the fascinating findings discovered in the excavations. However. the remains are disappointing compared with the display in the Whol Museum. The main attraction is an Audio-Visual show. The movie describes life in Jerusalem during the months preceding the destruction of the second temple.

• Put a note with your wishes between the stones of the Western Wall.
• Visit the Western Wall tunnels.
• Visit the Temple Mount.
• Visit the City of David.

Written by Erez Speiser

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Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem’s Old City (with Map)

The Old City of Jerusalem is an amazing site and amazingly small when you consider all the significant sites it contains. It is around one square kilometer. I had a chance to visit Jerusalem for the first time recently when I attended the TBEX conference there. While I was there I took a walking tour from Sandeman . This is what I learned on that tour and on my own explorations.

The Ancient Walled City

The jaffa gate, the tower of david, the armenian quarter, the roman cardo, the jewish quarter, the temple mount, david street, christian quarter, church of the holy sepulcher, guided tours, map self-guided walking tour of jerusalem’s old city.

Jerusalem has been conquered by a great number of civilizations over the centuries including the Babylonians, the Romans, the Arabs,   the Crusaders, the Turks, and the British. When you look at the old walled city today you are looking at the walls built later in the cities history, completed in 1541 by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent. You can get a good view of the city by walking these walls.

For centuries after these walls were built, they defined the extent of the city of Jerusalem as people were afraid to live outside of the protection of the walls. The new city did not really get started until 1860 and at first, people had to be paid to live outside the safety of the walls.

Most tourists will enter the city on the west side through the Jaffa Gate. Just inside the Jaffa gate to the left is one of the entry places where you can start a walk along the walls.

If you have questions the tourism information center is also just inside that entrance. Pick up a free map, because you will need it. If you don’t have a data service download a good offline map like those from maps.me on your smartphone before you leave your hotel or hostel .

When I was visiting the city, they were doing a series of free concerts in the evenings and had stages both inside and outside of the Jaffa Gate.

Just to the left of the Jaffa gate, you will see the tower of David, which has nothing to do with King David. Early pilgrims visiting the city read in their bibles that David built a tower and assumed that this must be it, but David’s city is outside the old walls to the south and down the hill from the old city. You can now visit the archaeological site where they are uncovering this city just outside the Dung Gate. You can also visit David’s tomb just outside of the Zion Gate.

This tower was first built by Herod the Great who also rebuilt the temple just before the time of Christ. Look at this tower closely and you will see signs of 3 different eras. The base of the tower was built by Herod, the moat around it by the crusaders and the top of the tower by the Mamluks who re-conquered the city from the crusaders.

Inside of the tower is an excellent museum, that I highly recommend, that explains the history of this complicated city.

Come back to the Tower of David at night to see the light show that is displayed on the battlements for a more colorful artistic version of the history of the city.

If you turn to the right from the Jaffa Gate and come around the Tower of David you can enter the Armenian quarter through the narrow Armenian Patriarchate St. The Armenians were the first country in the world to accept Christianity as a state religion and the Armenian quarter is one of the oldest areas in the Old City. It is also the least populated and the least open to visitors.

Follow this street down to St James St (and we are using the term street here very generously). Where these two meet is the Cathedral of St James which has the highest concentration of Saints named James buried here of any place in the world. According to Armenian tradition, the head of St James, son of Zebedee, (brother of John) and the body of St James the Just (brother of Jesus) are both buried in this church. St James the son of Zebedee was the first of the apostles to be martyred and the only one (besides Judas) whose death is mentioned in the bible. This church is opened very limited hours for tourists, only during services.

Take St James street until you reach Ararat St and turn left. This street is named after the mountain which was historically in Armenia (and now is just outside their boundaries in Turkey) where the ark of Noah came to rest after the flood. The mountain is sacred to Armenians. If you see a prelate walking down the street wearing a black pointed hat, that would be an Armenian Christian priest and the shape of the hat is to remind you of the mountain of Ararat. Continue down this street until you get to the church of St Mark.

Armenian tradition has it that the church of St Mark was built on the site of the upper room where Jesus and his disciples ate the last supper.   Like she many thing sin Israel, there are often more than one site associated with any particular biblical event. Other traditions place the site of the upper room just outside the Zion Gate near the tomb of David.

After the church make a quick right on Or HaHayim St. Take a right on Habad St, the first left and the first left again to get onto Ha Yehudim St. This is where your map is going to be very helpful.

In the Jewish quarter, you can find where archeologists have uncovered the Roman Cardo, or the marketplace from the Roman era. You will have to climb down some steps as the street level of the city today is about one story taller than it was then. Here you will see an artist’s rendition of a Roman market (with one modern small boy added). You will also find the original paving stones where Jesus and others from that time walked while shopping.

The Jewish quarter has some of the newest construction in the city as much of it was destroyed in the 6 Day War.

For religious Jews, the most sacred spot in the world is the Temple Mount. Not only is this where Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac (spoiler, it was a test, God stopped him) but they also believe that the stone where God stood to create the world now sits under the Dome of the Rock. For the very religious, even if they were allowed to climb to the top of the Temple Mount, they should not because they might accidentally come into contact with the Holiest of Holies which is where the presents of God dwelled in the temple.

The Western Wall is a place where the stones of the Second Temple are exposed and is, therefore, a sacred site for religious jews. Men pray on the left and women on the right. You can approach the Western Wall but use discretion as this is a very sacred site. You will have to pass through a security checkpoint to reach the Western Wall.

On Mondays and Thursdays, you will see many young boys celebrating their bar mitzvah. Look for the many Torahs near the wall itself.

Or look for the jubilant parades of boys, parents, friends, relatives, and musicians coming in from the Dung Gate to the right of the Western Wall.

The most photographed building in Jerusalem is probably the Dome of the Rock which has a gilded dome. This building sits on the stop where the Jewish temple was built (and rebuilt). Muslims believe that Mohammad traveled one night from Mecca to the “furthest mosque” or the “most extreme mosque” upon a magical flying beast.

This mosque is believed to be the Al-Aqsa Mosque which is the more nondescript large building on the Temple Mount, next to the Dome of the Rock. This mosque is held by most Muslims to be the 3 rd most holy site after Mecca and Medina.

The koran states that Mohammad ascended into heaven from the spot where the Dome of the Rock sits. He then negotiated with God for how often Muslims would need to pray during the day. He haggled God down from 50 times a day down to the current 5 times a day, after some prompting from Moses. Haggling skills still come in handy in Jerusalem.

Only Muslims are allowed to enter either the Dome of the Rock or the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Non-muslims can visit the outside of the buildings but not during times of prayer. One of the best times to come is early in the morning after morning prayer.

At the Western Wall, you will see a wooden ramp that climbs to the Temple Mount. Exit the secure area of the Western Wall towards the Dung Gate and then queue up to reenter another security check to climb up the ramp. The ramp is also a great place to take pictures of the Western Wall without disturbing those who are praying there.

Religious displays for non-Muslims are forbidden on the Temple Mount. Bringing Jewish prayer books, Talit, or Tefilin is forbidden. If you are Jewish, there is a decent chance you will be turned away. Wearing a Kippah will significantly decrease your chances of gaining admission.

You will exit the Temple Mount from a different gate than you enter, coming out near David street which is a central narrow market street that heads back towards the Jaffa Gate. Take your time bargaining your way along the street if you so desire as the climb back up the hill towards the Christian Quarter.

Follow signs from David street to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. There will be more shops and restaurants along the way and unless you are there very early in the morning, larger groups of pilgrims should be expected.

One of the top churches in Jerusalem to see is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is two different holy sites for Christians combined into one. Although it is hard to picture, just up the steps on your right when you enter the church is the rock of Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. You will see pilgrims queue up to touch the spot where the cross stood which is now under an altar. All of this was not just outside of a church but outside of the city walls in the 1 st century.

Just in front of you as you enter the church is the stone where tradition has it that the body of Jesus was prepared for burial.

To the left from the entrance of the church is a tabernacle or building beneath the left of the church’s two domes. Inside this structure is what is left of the cave where, according to tradition, Jesus was buried. It is hard to picture this as a cave these days. The church opens at dawn and the easiest time to see this area without waiting in long lines is to do it early. I was fortunate to enter the church the first time during a service when the building was filled with chanting, singing, and organ music from a worship service.

The church is in surprising disrepair, although a recent renovation did remove centuries of soot from candles. But still, the floor is in need of repair in many places. The church is shared by 5 different denominations of Christians and all must agree to any changes which means in practice that the church is held in a state of status quo.

Just to the right and outside of the entrance there are steps that go up to a chapel of the Ethiopian church, which is worth a quick visit.

Also, continue on up to a courtyard where I found this group of priests.

If you are afraid you will get lost… and you probably will or you want a great tour guide there are a number of good guided tours of the Old City.

From the church, you can either make your way back to the Jaffa Gate or you can continue on into the Christian quarter and Muslim quarter to trace the route of the Via Dolorosa. This is the route that Jesus took to the cross, so it starts near the Lion gate and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Whatever your faith or lack thereof, Jerusalem is a fascinating place that everyone should visit at least once.

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by Chris Christensen

+Chris Christensen | @chris2x | facebook

13 Responses to “Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem’s Old City (with Map)”

Hi Chris, its a learning experience for me reading this article of yours.. Captivated by the images. Thanks

Peter T Sadow

If you are going to post a free walking tour, why not include a path on the map? That would be useful. A google map image of the locations is not useful. You are just being used to advertise a paid walking tour, not a free one.

Sorry, let me see if I can add the path on the map

Sarita Noronha

What time does the walking tour start on Friday?

I don’t know.

it is a pity that you have not visited David’s tower laser show in Jerusalem. Also there is a great park The first station. it’s worth it to come back

piya chakravarty

Show a path that can be used easily by visitors who are mobility challenged instead of having to walk long distances which take you nowhere or to sites you don’t want to visit

Thanks for this great guide! Very helpful!

Chris Christensen

You are most welcome April

You mention much of the Jewish Quarter being destroyed during the Six-Day War. Was not the bulk of the damage at the end of the War of Independnce when Jordan blew up, pillaged, etc. the Jewsih buildings, including the Hurva Synagogue?

I do not know Mike.

Thanks for the great info. Followed your path today and it was great.

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Jerusalem walking tours – The essential guide

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Tour guide | Tzur Tours

Jerusalem walking tours

When coming to Israel for a tour, we highly recommended staying at least two nights in Jerusalem. While staying in Jerusalem, it is a must to take some Jerusalem walking tours . The reason is that many of the famous sites of Jerusalem are in one area – the old city / the city center. Tzur Tours offers private Jerusalem walking tours starting from $370 per day per group

it is still a significant distance to cover by foot, but it won’t make sense to get out from the car or bus every site. Therefore in Jerusalem, you mostly walk, especially in the old city as all this area is jammed by heavy traffic.

Jerusalem is an incredible city. You can easily tour Jerusalem for three days. There is so much to see there, thousands of years of history, culture, and religions all bound in one place. And of course, the food won’t let you down as well.

Jerusalem guided walking tours

here is a list of the top recommended attractions for Jerusalem guided walking tours in the new city of Jerusalem that usually require transport.

Israel museum

One of the best museums globally, especially with its enormous archeological collection, including significant biblical findings, including the famous Dead sea scrolls, visiting the Israel Museum is a must.

Mahne Yuda Market

Many would say that the Machne Yuda Market is the beating heart of Jerusalem. With hundreds of vendors and colorful stands with fruit, spices, pastries, and pretty much everything (kosher) you would like to eat. And many cool and tasty restaurants, Pubs, and coffee shops around.

Shagal windows

Inside the Hadahasa Ein Karem hospital hiding a fabulous artwork of the famous artist Mark Shagal, 12 stained glass windows representing the 12 sons of Jacob.

Yad Vashem.

The famous Holocaust museum commemorates the 6 Million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis. Yas Vashem museum is brilliantly designed, taking the visitor on a journey through the memory of a world that once was and gone.

Ein Karem is a lovely neighborhood of Jerusalem that once was a small village. Today it preserves its charming nature with old houses and alleys great place for a coffee or lunch break. And, of course, an important site for Christianity, the hometown of John the baptist.

Ben Yehuda St

In the city center of Jerusalem, all the way to Zion square, and the allies around it, including Nahalat shiva, you will find lovely streets with a lively atmosphere. Coffee shops, restaurants, street food, and more; it is a great place to take a stroll.

Mea Shearim

Mea Shearim This is the heart of the Hasidic (Ultra-orthodox) residential area in Jerusalem.

For a visitor from the outside, a new parallel world will be revealed.

Note, a strict dress code is required, better to go with a tour guide.

The Knesset

The Israeli Parliament is open for visitors and offers a free tour in the Parliament of the only democracy in the middle east.

Jerusalem old city walking tour

Ramparts walk

Take a hike on the ancient walls of Jerusalem and enjoy spectacular views of Jerusalem and the old city

Beautiful remnants of one of Jerusalem Romans streets with moving and colorful galleries

Hurba synagog

A very impressive synagog that was ruined twice tells the Jewish quarter’s story in the last 300 years. Plus a fantastic view of the old city rooftops.

Church of the holy sepulcher

The holiest site for most of the Christians around the world. Where according to the tradition, Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Some protestants groups suggest that The Garden Tomb is the site of the crucifixion.

The garden tomb

An alternative site that is identified by protestant groups as the crucifixion site, in any case, the place preserves well the Garden atmosphere mentioned in the new testament.

The western wall

The holy remnant of the Jewish Temple that has been destroyed by the Romans 2000 years ago, and today it is the most sacred site and a symbol for the Jewish people. It is active 24/7 for prayers and ceremonies.

Kidron valley

The ancient Jewish cemetery outside of the old city walls is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, with tombs that dated to the times of King Salomon 2900 years ago) you will find there impressive monuments and graves with a fascinating story behind it

City of David

The ancient core of Jerusalem that been established by king David over 3000 years ago. The site includes fascinating archeological findings with underground tunnels and streets (over a mile !) that will take you back in time.

You will find two exciting sites out of the old city walls: the tomb of King David and the last supper-room.

The western wall (Kotel) tunnels:

The visitors can see the temple’s impressive remains buried underground on a special guided tour of the Kotel tunnels.

Davidson Center

Davidson Center is a fascinating archeological garden that allows the visitors to explore the 2000 years old- well preserved – Jerusalem streets, temple walls, gates, Just like the pilgrims did 2000 years ago.

The second temple’s enormous plaza was built 2000 years ago by King Herod to accommodate pilgrims’ millions. Today it’s the site of the El Aktza mosque, the 3rd holiest site to the Muslims. The mosque and the impressive golden doom were built by the Muslims Halif’s in the 7th and 8th century to mark where Muhamad prayed and ascended to heaven and back. Note there are specific opening times during the day that the plaza is open for non-Muslims

Bethesda is a site with a long tradition and many archeological findings that commemorate the miracle of healing the disabled man at Bethesda’s pools. Don’t miss the best-preserved 12-century crusader church on the site.

The famous gardens where according to the tradition, Judas betrayed Jesus and, next to the gardens standing the imposing church of agony.

The Via Delarosa

The famous 14 stations of the cross go across the old city with some interesting stops. Next to the 1st station, don’t miss the Roman street and Antonia fortress remnants under the Convent of the Sisters of Zion.

Mt of Olives

The Best viewpoint of the city where every tourist should stop and enjoy this magical view of Jerusalem.

Tower of David

The Mighty 2000 years old fort guarded Jerusalem’s entrance against any enemy has changed hands between the different conquers along with history. Today it is a fine museum and an excellent vantage point over the old city excellent strat point for Jerusalem walking tours.

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About Tzur Tours

Tzur Tours, a company with a family atmosphere, was founded by Eliyahu Tzur, based on his vast experience as a qualified tour guide. Our expertise is in Private tours and organized tours for small and medium-sized groups. Our aim is to connect you to this wonderful country, to maximize your experience, and this with good quality service and at competitive prices.

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The Israel Guide

Explore israel with heiko sieger, your private tour guide, jerusalem old city (walking tour).

We start at the Jaffa gate , the main entrance to the old city. Through the Armenian quarter we reach Mount Zion and the Tomb of David . According to Christian belief Jesus held his last supper in a room above the tomb.

We continue to the Jewish quarter and the Roman Cardo , then to the great wall of Hezekiah , the Hurva synagogue  (with optional visit) and other historic sites, until we reach the Western Wall .

From here we have several options:

• Visit of the Temple Mount (not on Friday, Saturday and Muslim or Jewish holidays – opening hours are restricted to 2 1/2 hours in the morning and 1 hour at around noon)
• Walk through the Western Wall tunnel (requires advance booking!)
• Walk through the Hagai street to the Muslim quarter and the Via Dolorosa (optional visit of the Chain Street with its Mamluk architecture)
• Walk through the Arab souq to David street and the Christian quarter
• Explore the City of David and Heze kiah tunnel .

Depending on your preferences, we can continue in the Jewish quarter with its many historic places, go to the Archaeological Garden at the southern Temple Mount wall, or continue to the Christian quarter , where we can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher , the Conrad Schick museum , and the David Citadel and museum.

Duration : Half day (shortened itinerary) or full day.

Dress code : Modest dress is required if you want to enter the holy sites. I’ll be happy to advise on that.

Important items:

• Sun hat or cap
• Sunscreen or sunblock with sufficient UV protection

Best time: All year round

Full day: $490* Half day (up to 5 hours): $390*

The above itinerary shows some of the many possible sites to visit. If you let me know your particular wishes and preferences, I’ll be happy to prepare an individual itinerary.

* All prices are full day or half day fees as indicated and cover guiding of up to 12 persons. Not included are entry fees (where required), meals, and any other personal expenses.

Additional information and booking

• Middle East
• Free And Budget Walking Tours...

Free and Budget Walking Tours of Jerusalem

There are countless historical landmarks in the holy city, and joining a walking tour can help you enjoy the beautiful sites without getting lost in Jerusalem’s maze of alleyways.

Walking through Jerusalem’s streets is like taking a trip back in time – behind every wall is a monument, through every archway a holy site, and lining every street an ancient building with a fascinating story to tell. The Old City alone, defined by its ornate structures and narrow pathways, showcases a past of conquests, empires and royalty. Without the help of a guide, however, visitors risk missing out on crucial historical aspects, many of which continue to inform the present and shape the complex socio-political realities of modern-day Israel. For those interested in learning about religious sites and archaeological remnants, or those who are looking to explore the city independently, free and budget walking tours can get you started on one unforgettable journey.

Visit Jerusalem’s main Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites

Take in the views of the most popular Old City landmarks , including Judaism’s holiest site, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam’s most important places and an architectural wonder. Sandemans New Europe’s free walking tours begin outside the Jaffa Gate daily at 11am, 2pm and 5pm and are available in English and Spanish. Also included in the tour is a stop at the restored Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, as well as views of the scenic Mount of Olives and the world-famous David’s Citadel. Sandemans’ free tours typically take two hours to complete and feature stops on many Old City rooftops. Remember to dress modestly and avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts or miniskirts when visiting religious sites. Tipping the guide is optional, though recommended.

For more on the tour: https://www.neweuropetours.eu/jerusalem-walking-tours/

Discover the four quarters of the Old City

Departing each day at 10.20am from Abraham Hostel, this free walking tour covers all four quarters of the Old City: Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Muslim. Among the many sites that the Abraham Hostel tour covers are major landmarks such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Jerusalem Citadel. The excursion lasts roughly three hours and is available to the general public, although it is popular among young travellers staying at the hostel, which lies in the Downtown Triangle. The hostel – Jerusalem’s largest – is the starting point of other moderately priced tours to the West Bank and throughout greater Israel. Tipping the volunteer guide at the end of the tour is customary.

Visit the Abraham Hostel site for more information about the tours on offer.

Audio tours of Jerusalem

For travellers looking to venture through the city on their own time, the Jerusalem municipality has launched a popular mobile application in English. Audio Tours of Jerusalem presents more than 20 engaging walking tours through the Old City as well as the modern city centre, highlighting places of worship, landmarks and more, with additional assistance for the visually impaired. Try the five-hour Via Dolorosa Tour to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, or check out the Ramparts Walk to experience the Old City from a higher vantage point. The free app features images, text summaries and maps, as well as handy information on transportation, parking, public toilets and wheelchair-accessible sites.

To download the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app312&hl=en_US

Wheelchair-friendly tours of the Old City

With its bumpy stone roads and narrow alleyways, navigating the Old City in a wheelchair has long been a challenge. Thanks to a recently launched municipality project that has overseen the addition of ramps and the levelling of stone streets, over four kilometres (2.4 miles) of roads in the walled city are now completely accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Using the free mobile Accessible JLM application, which is available in nine languages, visitors can tour all four quarters of the Old City and find the best path to get to the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in addition to restaurants, hotels and museums. Users can also customise tours by selecting from several points of interest, after which the app creates an optimised route to follow.

The Accessible JLM app is available on Google Play a nd the App Store .

A tour of biblical Jerusalem

Discover Jerusalem’s rich biblical past with one of the municipality’s budget-friendly Saturday tours. Starting with scenic views of the Temple Mount (known to Muslims as the Haram esh-Sharif), participants will walk to the Western Wall and explore the City of David, a fascinating archaeological site with artefacts dating back three millennia. The three-hour-long excursion generally begins at 10am from Safra Square in the city centre once a month, though a specific meeting point is delivered to participants by email after booking. The tour only costs 15 Israeli shekels (roughly £3.41), and children under the age of six go free.

To book the tour: https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/evt/a-tour-of-biblical-jerusalem/

The Kidron Valley tour

Explore the historic wonders of the Kidron Valley, a site of several important biblical exploits, large-scale monuments and ancient tombs. Running between the Old City and the Mount of Olives, it was through this valley that King David fled from his wicked son Absalom, according to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus was said to have journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethany to visit Lazarus via the Kidron Valley. The Jerusalem municipality’s tour of this area explores these stories and provides an in-depth look at the unique tombs that dot the valley. Tours cost 15 shekels (£3.41), are offered in English and depart on Saturdays at 10am once a month. The Kidron Valley tour is not accessible for buggies or wheelchairs.

To book the tour: https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/evt/a-tour-kidron-valley/

Journey from Mount Zion to the Wailing Wall

Mount Zion was once the highest point in ancient Jerusalem before it expanded, and today is home to a number of significant Christian, Jewish and Muslim sites. Located just outside the Old City walls, this inexpensive (15 shekels or £3.41) guided tour will take you through Dormition Abbey, a historic Benedictine church where historians believe Jesus held the Last Supper, and King David – revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike – was buried. Please note that this tour is only available once every two months, so you should check the municipality’s calendar. The Mount Zion tour is three hours long and ideal for families.

To book the tour: https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/evt/tour-mount-zion/

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Jerusalem walking tour – self-guided old city tour 2024.

Table of Contents

In this article, we are going to share an independent, self-guided Jerusalem walking tour for 2024. The aim of this walking tour is to help you see all of the best attractions around the old city. We have designed a route that maximises attractions and sights but minimises your distance.

Important: There are a few challenges walking around Jerusalem – so please do read this article carefully.

We absolutely loved exploring Jeursalem and we have designed this walking tour to help share our highlights. This saying is so true “If we can do it, so can you”. And we want to show you how to do it step-by-step.

We have tried to make this walking tour as helpful as possible, including a map, a route, and fascinating things that you can see along the way.

Looking for an amazing place to stay? Check out these dreamy luxury hotels in Jerusalem

Looking for more inspo? Don’t miss these Amazing things to do in Jerusalem

This walking tour aims to hit all of the “big must-see” attractions – so that you don’t miss any of the BEST bits. We have included an optional detour up the mount of Olives (you may want to time this with sunset). We have also included the route of the Via Dolorosa. As a self-guided tour you will need to navigate yourself. Take a print screen of our map or get some data on the go so that you can navigate (remember to enable GPS location on your phone to help you navigate).

Staying for a few days? Don’t miss our in depth 3 day Jerusalem Itinerary

Map of a free Jerusalem old city walking tour

Summary of this Jerusalem walking tour

How far is this walking tour.

It is worth recognizing that this is a pretty long walking tour, and there are some uphill sections, especially from the City of David back to the Jerusalem old city, and also up the Mount of Olives. An average person may find this walking tour quite challenging for one day.

Total distance (excluding the Mount of Olives) : 4.7 km 

Total distance (including the Mount of Olives) : 5.9 km

Approximate time : 4 – 6 hours (depending on stops)

Here are some ways that you can make this walking tour a little bit easier. We especially recommend this if you’re planning to do the walking tour with young kids. Firstly, some sections can be done by bus or taxi. When we share our full and in-depth description of the route, we will also indicate which sections might be done by bus or taxi. Another way to make this walking tour more approachable is to divide it into two separate days. This is a great idea if you have a little longer in Jerusalem (a 2-3 km loop on each day).

Why take a Jerusalem walking tour?

If you’re planning to explore Jerusalem, then we highly recommend taking a Jerusalem walking tour, whether you follow the route that we have suggested in this article or book yourself onto a guided tour . Taking a Jerusalem walking tour is a perfect way to see, smell, feel, and experience this unique and rich ancient city. Taking a Jerusalem walking tour allows you to see things that you may miss if you were to zip around in a taxi. What’s more, there are many parts of the Jerusalem old city which are inaccessible to cars, taxis, and bikes. Therefore, much of the old city, the only way to explore is to take a walking tour. We really enjoyed walking around the Jerusalem Old City. It is genuinely a multi-sensory experience with markets, food stalls, spice shops, and plenty of locals trying to sell you everything under the sun.

Is it better to do an independent walking tour or to pay for a guided tour?

Whether you prefer to take an independent self-guided tour or pay for a guided tour is a matter of personal preference. There are advantages to each and disadvantages to each. Personally, we love exploring new places on our own and at our own pace. However, being part of a guided tour can be a lot of fun. You don’t need to worry about navigation or getting lost, and you can just listen to your tour guide explaining and discussing the fascinating history of the places that you are exploring.

Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of walking tour:

Top tips if you are doing a Jerusalem walking tour

Here are a few top tips and ideas to help you make the most of a Jerusalem walking tour:

1 Wear good shoes

Firstly, we recommend that you wear a good pair of shoes. There is a lot of walking, which includes some uphill sections, and having a comfortable pair of walking shoes is highly recommended. The best type of shoes for exploring the Jerusalem Old City would be a pair of trainers. Ensure you wear comfortable socks too. This will help prevent rubbing or blisters.

2 Bring sun protection

Much of the Jerusalem old city is actually in shade and pretty cool throughout the day. However, there are some sections of this Jerusalem walking tour which are relatively exposed. If you hit these sections during the heat of the day, we recommend considering sun protection. We have found a small umbrella is an ideal way to keep ourselves and our kids covered from the Sun. However, you may also consider sun hats. We also recommend wearing a high Factor Sun cream, especially if you’re planning to explore Jerusalem during the summer months of July and August.

3 Bring a water bottle

We strongly recommend that you bring a water bottle on your Jerusalem walking tour. There are shops throughout this route selling water, and in some places, you can find water fountains, so you can top up a water bottle. The hot, dry Jerusalem climate can be very dehydrating, so make sure you always have some water in your bag.

4 Don’t feel like you need to stop for every conversation

The local culture in Jerusalem is very friendly and welcoming. As you walk around the Jerusalem Old City, you will find that locals will want to start conversations with you, find out where you are from, and have a general chat. In many cases, they are trying to get you to come into their shop or sell you something. We have found the best way to respond to this is to be polite and friendly but keep moving. Just because someone is starting a conversation with you doesn’t mean that you need to stop, and it certainly doesn’t mean that you need to buy something. The locals in Jerusalem won’t be offended if you smile and keep moving.

5 Barter for a fair price

If you’re planning to buy anything from the market stalls, especially gifts or clothing, then we highly recommend that you barter to get a fair price. Remember that you can often find the same products at many different stores, so if you’re not happy with the price, then just keep looking. We have found the most effective way to barter is to be positive and friendly, build a rapport with someone, but not feel like you need to buy it if you are unhappy with the price.

Jerusalem Walking Tour – In-Depth Guide

You can start this Jerusalem walking tour at any point on the map. However, for convenience, we have decided to start at the Damascus gate since there is a lot of accommodation here. You’re likely to get dropped off at this location if you’re traveling to the Old City from other locations in Jerusalem.

1 The Damascus Gate

The Damascus gate is a beautiful bustling Old City Gate situated on the north wall of the old city. There are plenty of Market stalls in this area, and local food is available. Also, there are also a couple of bus stations around here, and this is a great place to grab a taxi. There is also some great accommodation in the Damascus gate area. In our opinion, the Damascus gate is a wonderful place to start your walking tour in the morning. This area has a lovely tranquil feel. From the Damascus gate, you can take a short stroll North up Nablus Road to visit the beautiful Garden Tomb which opens around 8:30 a.m.

2 The Garden Tomb

Don’t miss our FULL guide for the Garden Tomb

Visiting the garden tomb with genuinely one of our highlights of our time in Jerusalem, and we highly recommend that you stop here on your walking tour. It is free to enter the garden tomb, and that is likely to take at least 30 minutes to explore and take in this beautiful attraction. The garden tomb has beautiful paths leading through a very well-kept Garden. You can see the Golgotha Cliffs, which some people believe mark the crucifixion site of Jesus. You can also visit the tomb itself and step inside the tomb to see the place where people think that Jesus was laid to rest. The garden tomb has a beautiful tranquil ambiance, and there is also a lovely gift shop. After exploring the garden tomb, head back down to the Damascus gate, walk through the gate, and start walking South into the old city. 

Open from 8.30am – 5pm.

August closed Sunday and Mondays.

Other months only closed Sunday.

3 Hidme Falafel

After you walk through the Damascus gate, you will see some Market stalls, and the path leads down a small hill to a fork Junction, and you will see a small Street side Falafel shop. They sell fresh local Falafel sandwiches, which are garnished with heaps of salad and sauces. If you’re already starting to work up an appetite, then we recommend stopping here to sample some of the best falafel in The Old City.

Being a small Street side stall, the quality is high, and the prices are low. It costs 12NIS (£2.50 or $3) for a Falafel Sandwich (which is great for Jerusalem). From here, take the road to the right (Beit Habad Street) and walk towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

4 The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

We highly recommend stopping at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher . This is the other main contender for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a very impressive, large, and Grand church with many sanctuaries, altars, and beautiful historical artwork. In the morning, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is relatively quiet, and this is a lovely time to explore. However, it can get very busy later in the day, and it can be quite an intense experience. Just as you head into the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, you will see a stone slab on which they believe Jesus was laid after he was crucified.

To the right, you will see some steps, and if you go up the steps, you can see an altar which stands at the place they believe Jesus was crucified. This is called the place of Golgotha. If you head back down the steps and walk around the corridors of the church, you can find the tomb where they believe Jesus was laid to rest. During the day, it is possible to enter The Chapel at the tomb, light a candle, and place your hand on the stone slab that covers the tomb. If you wish to do this, you need to be prepared to queue for at least 20 minutes, and during busy seasons, it may take much longer than this. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a relatively conservative church, so we recommend dressing modestly and respectfully (this applies to both men and women).

5 Muristan Market

After you exit from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, head south to the Muristan Market. This is a beautiful and historic Market selling a range of street food, gifts, clothing, and there are also some more upmarket restaurants in this area. On average, prices in this market are a little bit higher than other places around Jerusalem, and you do need to be willing to barter if you want to get a fair price. Even if you are not buying something, this is a very beautiful walk, and if you follow the street through the market, you can get to the Tower of David.

6 The Tower of David

After you’ve explored the market, you can see the Tower of David, which is situated at the Jaffa gate on the west side of the Jerusalem Old City. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the old city, it costs 50NIS (around £10 or $12) for an adult ticket to explore the Tower of David. You can get very beautiful views of the Tower of David from the streets around this area. The Tower of David is also surrounded by plenty of small shops, Market Restaurants, and Street Food.

7 Visit Teddy’s Park

If you have the energy, and especially if you are traveling with kids, we highly recommend walking across the road at Jaffa gate to see Teddy’s Park. This is a beautiful Green Park situated just outside the west of the old city wall. This park has water fountains which are beautiful for cooling off, and kids come here to play. Our kids really enjoyed playing in these fountains.

There are also grass slopes next to the Fountain which allow you to sit back and supervise your kids while they play. The water fountains run for 30 minutes every 30 minutes, so if the water is not running when you arrive, you will not need to wait for more than half an hour before they come on again. If you plan to do this with your kids, we do recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes and remember sun protection because this is a pretty exposed location.

8 Western Wall

After spending some time at Teddy’s Park, head back into the old city through the Jaffa gate and walk East, following the route until you reach the Western Wall. The Western Wall is a very interesting and unique part of the Jerusalem old city. This is one of the most revered and important sites for Jews. The Western Wall is the only remaining part of the Jewish temple dating back to the second temple period. This part of the temple wall was fought to be built by Herod the Great around 19 B.C.

Although this is a very important and significant site for Jews, we found the Jewish people here to be very friendly and welcoming, and we are allowed to enter the prayer and worship areas. We even visited with our kids, and our kids were welcome in the worship area too. It is free to enter the Western Wall. In order to enter the Western Wall, you do need to go through a security checkpoint, which involves putting any bags or belongings through an X-ray scanner.

9 Hezekiah’s Tunnel

After exploring the Western Wall, walk south until you reach the city of David. The city of David is a national park situated to the south of the Jerusalem Old City. You can buy tickets for Hezekiah’s tunnel at the city of David Visitor Center. Once you have purchased your ticket, you need to take a 5-minute walk down the hill following the signs to reach the entrance of Hezekiah’s tunnel. There is someone who will check your ticket, and then you can follow the route down through Warren’s shaft until you reach the entrance of the water tunnel. 

If you don’t fancy getting wet, there is no alternative route called the Canaanite tunnel, and there are clear signs in English to help you find the right way. Hezekiah’s tunnel is a long and fascinating water tunnel, 533m, and over 2,700 years old. This fascinating water supply has a long history and supplied the city with water in times of siege. You can walk all of the way through the tunnel. There are a couple of sections of deep water at the start and end. Most of the walk through the tunnel the water is around ankle deep. 

• Adult ticket: 28NIS (around £6 or $8)
• Child ticket (5 – 18 years old): 14NIS (around £3 or $4)
• Under 5 year old FREE

This is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. In our opinion, this is one of the best activities in Jerusalem for kids. When you reach the end of the tunnel, you can either take a shuttle bus back up to the visitor center for 7NIS. Alternatively, there is a local bus stop, and you can jump on the bus all the way back up to the Jerusalem Old City (bus 286 goes back up the hill, and you can take this bus all the way to Lion’s Gate, which is the next stop on this walking tour).

10 Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is a very peaceful and beautiful garden. Although it is not possible to walk through the trees, there is a small path around the circumference of the garden allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and atmosphere of this unique place. Some of the olive trees in this preserved garden date back to 1092. It is free to visit the Garden of Gethsemane.

• Summer (April – September): 8 am – 6 pm
• Winter (October – March): 8 am – 5 pm

11 Visit the Mount of Olives

Check out our full visitors guide to the Mount of Olives

After visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, there is an optional detour where you can walk up the Mount of Olives. This is an amazing place to get a view over the Jerusalem Old City, and it is also a wonderful place to go and see the sunset. The walk from Gethsemane to the peak of the Mount of Olives is around 600 m, and the path leads up a relatively steep hill, so we only recommend doing this if you have some spare energy. There is no alternative route where you can get a bus to the peak of the Mount of Olives if you’re running out of energy.

You can take buses to the peak of the Mount of Olives from Shamouil Road at the northeast corner of the Old City (we marked the location of the bus stop on the map). Buses cost 5.5NIS per person (roughly £1 or $1.20). Bus 275 or 255 goes up Mount of Olives (255 follows a less direct route and 275 follows a more direct route). Alternatively, a taxi up the Mount of Olives is likely to cost around 20NIS – 30NIS (roughly £4 – £6 or $5 – $8).

12 Walk the Via Dolorosa

After visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, we recommend heading back into the old city through the Lions Gate on the East Wall. If you follow the road, you join the route of the Via Dolorosa (Latin for “Sorrowful Way”). This is thought to be the route that Jesus walked to reach the point of Golgotha where he was crucified. Along the Route, you can see 14 different stations, which represent different events that occurred on Jesus’s walk.

The Via Dolorosa officially starts close to the Church of condemnation at the Umariya Elementary School, near the location of the former Antonia Fortress. Each of the different stations along the walk has an information sign so that you can learn more about the history and significance of each point of this route. We have marked on the route on the map, which leads all the way back to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This also marks the end of a Jerusalem walking tour. From here, you can either head north back to the Damascus gate or go back to your accommodation by the most convenient route.

What do you need to pack for a walking tour of Jerusalem?

Here is a short packing list to help you prepare for your Jerusalem walking tour. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather a list of important things to help you get started:

• Comfortable shoes
• Loose light clothing
• Scarf (for temples and churches)
• Water bottle
• Small day bag
• Sun protection (umbrella, sunscreen, or hats)
• Phone with offline maps or mobile data
• Some cash (be careful of your wallet or purse – don’t carry too much cash)

What is the best time to do a walking tour around Jerusalem?

If you plan to do a Jerusalem walking tour, we recommend starting nice and early in the morning. Even during the summer, the mornings are relatively cool, especially if you’re starting around 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. The old town is also particularly tranquil and beautiful at this time, and you will find certain places are already open.

For example, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher has Mass services at around 7am or 8am It is worth mentioning that many of the shops and Market stalls do not open till around 8am or 9am, and some of the attractions are not open till around 8am. or 9am. We would also add that it is not too hot in The Old City due to the shade of the buildings. We found that many of the old city streets were shaded for most of the day, even during August.

In terms of the time of year, Jerusalem is relatively quiet during the summer months of July and August. During these months, the temperature is very high. Most days there’s a clear blue sky, and temperatures reach to the high 30s. Alternatively, the Jerusalem High season is between the month of September and November, and it is particularly busy in these months. The weather is very nice, and the average temperatures are lower than the summer months. There is a bit of a travel boom in December (Christmas holidays). In these months, the average temperatures are fairly cold, and Jerusalem can experience rainfall as well.

Is it safe to explore Jerusalem independently by foot?

IMPORTANT UPDATE OCTOBER 2023: We are very sad to learn of the problems in Israel. The FCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They also advise against all travel in Gaza and the South and in the border regions with Lebanon and Syria in the North. Remember if you travel against FCO advice you will not be covered by your travel insurance policy. If you are currently in these regions follow consulate advice and take care. Keep your eye on the FCO website for updates.

Before we get specific about Jerusalem, it’s important to recognize that any travel experience has inherent risks, and it’s important to research and be aware of the risks before you travel. We have found the information on the FCO website to be particularly helpful and relevant, especially when it comes to advice on safe travel and current affairs.

Israel has a long history of political instability and conflict. However, the Jerusalem Old City is relatively stable, and in general, it is safe to walk around. This being said, you do need to be careful and vigilant. There have been some cases of political instability and violence in Jerusalem in the past, and it is possible that such incidents may occur again. As such, we do recommend that you do your own research before traveling to Jerusalem and monitor the local news to be aware of any political instability.

It is also possible that there may be protests and demonstrations during your time in Jerusalem, particularly around sensitive political issues. In such cases, we recommend avoiding these areas and demonstrations and being cautious about attending public events. 

In terms of crime, Jerusalem is relatively safe for tourists. The Old City is well-patrolled by police. However, like in any major city, there is always the potential for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime, make sure you keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying valuable items, and be aware of your surroundings.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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The best free walking tours and paid tours in Jerusalem by Walkative guides.

Tours in jerusalem pay what you wish tours.

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Open up to the unknown – tours around Jerusalem

Once you’ve had a string of European trips, it’s worth opening up to a completely new experience. Jerusalem will work perfectly as a destination for your next adventure. It’s a city at the meeting point of the three great monotheistic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Each of these faiths has shaped one of the four great quarters. The last, smallest quarter, is inhabited by Armenians. The city captivates with its cultural richness and passionate history. Discover all its assets with the help of Walkative!

Jerusalem – tours for seekers of new experiences

The historic entrance to the city is the Jaffa Gate. Due to its symbolic role, it is worth entering the city at least once through it. Nearby is the Tower of David. Although it was never the dwelling place of the biblical king, it hides many interesting exhibits. It also offers one of the most beautiful views of the city.

The highlight of the Jewish Quarter is the Western Wall also known as the Wailing Wall or from Hebrew Kotel. It is Judaism’s holiest site. Researchers speculate that it is the last surviving element of the Jerusalem Temple built at the initiative of King Solomon.

In the Christian Quarter one can find many places described in the New Testament. The greatest significance is attributed to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It represents the alleged place of death of Jesus Christ. Every year it becomes a pilgrimage destination for millions of believers from all over the world. Travellers can also walk the Stations of the Cross, and visit Mount Zion, where the Last Supper was supposed to have taken place.

While visiting Jerusalem, a visit to the Muslim Quarter is also a must. Highlights in this part of the city include the Dome on the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. On the plan of the old city, the Armenian Quarter occupies the smallest area, however, it is certainly worth your attention.

Scattered around the city are also sites related to the Crusades. Each of these places is a reminder of the turbulent history of Jerusalem, which has been the arena of numerous conflicts over the centuries.

Free Walking Tour – Jerusalem with a local Walkative guide!

Jerusalem is best when explored with a local guide . Walkative! free tours are ideal for individual tourists, couples, families and small groups of friends. The idea behind the Free Walking Tour Jerusalem , as well as the walks we organize in other cities, is that the tour participants pay the guide the amount they pick. Instead of setting a specific price, we leave space for you to decide this yourself. All you have to do is book a place through our website and join the walk. We can guarantee that this flexible formula goes hand in hand with the impeccable expertise and passion of the guide. Come and see it for yourself!

We had just one day in Wroclaw and a decision to join Walkative tours was the right one! These guys are amazing! Their stories are very informative, full of history, legends, funny jokes! They took us to all astonishing places of Wroclaw. Perfect for a day trip to this lovely city! Thank you, Lukasz and Matt for the brilliant tours!

Dawie’s tour was the best theatre in Paris as well as informative!!!! He is great – even in the rain. Do it.

My group really enjoyed the amount of history explained in the tour, it was a nice way to get a lot of information on several of the key sites in the center of Paris in a compact amount of time. Excellent for orientation and background. I would certainly do other tours in the future.

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