Yerushalmim love to say: ‘Yerushalayim has everything except the sea.”
And it’s true…
Mekomos kedoshim, historic sites, charming old-time alleyways, elegant boulevards, picturesque neighborhoods, blooming gardens and parks. It’s a magical city. So where should you head first? That’s a tough decision, but here are a few suggestions.
The Kosel
It’s hard to describe the Kosel as a tourist attraction but it is THE place to be in Yerushalayim.
The Western Wall, that is to say, the western section of the peripheral wall of the Har Habayis, is the most significant remnant of Yerushalayim during the times of the Bayis Sheni, some two thousand years ago.
A pleasant stroll down the streets of the city till Jaffa Gate and then through the Old City — or a short bus ride, will bring you to the most kodesh place in the world.
The Kosel Plaza is open round the clock, and Yerushalmim take full advantage of that. You can always catch a minyan there, and find women and children davening their hearts out as well.
If you go through the Kosel tunnels, you can reach a spot that is closest to the Kodesh HaKodashim. Entering the ezras nashim of the shul of the Kosel will also enable you to do that. Speaking of the tunnels, signing up in advance for a tour is the only way in. Make sure to find time for this remarkable and inspiring experience:
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation Kotel Tunnels Tour
“The Great Stone Route”
What we call the Kosel is actually just a fraction of it. The full Kosel wall is nearly 500 meters long but only 70 meters of it is visible to the public at the Kosel Plaza. The Kosel tunnel tour enables visitors to experience those inner, hidden sections of the Kosel and walk under the Old City, as they learn about the fascinating archeological finds that are right in front of them.
Virtual 3D Tour of the Beis Hamikdash
This is another amazing experience that you won’t want to miss. “A Look into the Past,” will take you back in time so you can tour the Bayis Sheni. The innovative virtual reality goggles will give you the almost palpable feeling of being right there at the Beis Hamikdash in all its glory. And you’ll experience it from every direction — with a 360-degree view.
This short presentation is a nice addition to a day of davening and is offered in Yiddish, English, Hebrew, and many other languages.
Suitable for the entire family, from age 5 and up.
By advance reservation only.
The Old City Train
Not sure that you’ll have the strength to walk to the Kosel in the first place? Take a fun tourist train and enjoy hearing a recorded tour along the way.
The train departs from the main Jaffa Gate bus stop every half hour, and only costs a bit more than regular public transportation, aka it’s a deal. The route takes approximately a half hour. You can opt to go roundtrip (to the Kosel and back on the next train out) or only ride one way.
Operating hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm / Fridays till 1:00 pm
Note: Hours are subject to change, depending on traffic, holidays, and other factors. Best to call in advance to confirm that day’s hours. Tickets are purchased on the spot.
Tel: 050-540-0550
The Ramparts Walk
The walls of Yerushalayim have long since become a symbol of the city, and are one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Want a bird’s eye view of the Ihr Hakodesh? This special walk takes you along a slightly challenging but very unique path, at the top of the walls, overlooking the old and the new sections of the city, including notable sites such as: Har Habayis, Har Hazeisim, the Tower of Dovid, the Sultan’s Pool, and the neighborhood of Yemin Moshe.
There are two possible paths to follow: the Northern promenade goes from Jaffa Gate through the “New Gate” and onward. The Southern promenade goes from Jaffa Gate through “Zion Gate” and onward. Both walks can be done with the same entrance ticket which is valid for two days. Each path takes approximately an hour and a half. Bring a sunhat and water.
We recommend that you enjoy the walk without making use of the free audio tour since some of the sights in the Old City are not Jewish.
For ages 5 and up. This attraction is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
For tickets: 02-627-7550
The Windmill and the Yemin Moshe Neighborhood
This neighborhood was founded in 1860 by Sir Moses Montefiore for the sake of giving the poor of Yerushalayim a place to live, and a way to make a living through a flour mill that was built there. Another objective was to lower the cost of flour by producing flour that was ground locally.
Today, this upscale and well-tended neighborhood is one of Yerushalayim’s precious gems and it is impossible to imagine that it began as a low-income housing development.
Two years ago the Windmill was renovated and a new visitors’ center was established inside the mill. There one can sample wines produced by the Jerusalem Vineyard Winery. The center also offers: a short documentary film that details the history of the mill, guided tours, a hands-on Windmill Wings workshop (about how windmills work), and an exquisite restoration of Sir Moses Montefiore’s carriage.
Beyond the mill, the entire neighborhood boasts beautiful scenery that is the perfect background for taking photos — no matter which way you turn. There’s the Bloomfield Garden, one of Yerushalayim’s largest parks at approximately 17 acres in size, with grassy expanses, benches, and a breathtaking view of the Old City. Walk toward the southern end of the garden and you’ll reach a wonderful ‘lions fountain’ that the government of Germany gave as a gift to the Jerusalem Municipality back in 1986, since the lion of shevet Yehudah is the official symbol of the city.
Stroll around Yemin Moshe and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a picture postcard. So, bring along a good camera and get ready to create some memories.
Tel: 02-566-1441
Address: Mishkenot Sha’ananim*, Jerusalem
*This is the actual name of the neighborhood where the mill is located. Later on, in 1892, Yemin Moshe was built next to it. Nowadays people tend to refer to the entire area as Yemin Moshe.
Other Parks and Gardens
Yerushalayim has an abundance of lush, well-tended parks and gardens that are perfect for nature lovers who are looking to take an easy outing, especially with children.
Liberty Bell Park
This striking park borders the Yemin Moshe neighborhood on one side and the German Colony neighborhood on the other. It was constructed in 1976 in honor of America’s bicentennial — celebrating 200 years of independence. At the heart of the park is a replica of famed Liberty Bell from Philadelphia.
Liberty Bell Park is a pretty, green park with grassy expanses, playground equipment, playing fields, a stone amphitheater, and various other performance spaces. You’ll also find sculptures of a dragon, donkeys, and other subjects. About four years ago, a skate park was opened on its grounds, one of the largest and most elaborate skateboarding, scooter, and rollerblading rinks in the country.
Sacher Park
Sacher is Yerushalayim’s most popular park. It recently underwent extensive renovations and now features a fabulous playground with equipment that is fun for all ages (Yep. Even adults.)There’s also a ninja compound for the athletes in the family, soccer fields, basketball courts, bike paths, and more. The park is close to the entrance of the city. Finding parking is tough, so best to come by foot or take public transportation.
Barbequing is permitted in the park (in designated areas) and many happy families take advantage of that.
The kever of the tzaddik Rav Gedalia Moshe, the Zviller Rebbe, renowned for the yeshuos he continues to bring down, is located on the edge of the park.
The Wohl Rose Garden
Currently closed for renovations. Check back for updates.
Located near the governmental district in the Givat Ram neighborhood, across from the Knesset. A beautiful garden boasting over 400 varieties of roses, planted in groups according to their country of origin. At the center of the garden are a lovely, made-made pond and a small man-made waterfall. Yerushalmim and out-of-towners alike are waiting for the current renovations to finish so they can return to their urban oasis.
Teddy Park
Located in the Mamilla neighborhood, close to Jaffa Gate. One of the most beautiful parks in the city. Green lawns, bike paths, and a distinctive Yerushalayim feeling. The park has a large square with many “geyser” fountains that children love running in between. At night, the fountains create a sound and light show with their blend of colored lights and music from the New Jerusalem Orchestra. A popular place to cool off on hot days.
This park is a nice place to visit on your back from the Kosel.
Emek Arazim Park
Located between the Motza Curve and the Golda Meir Interchange, spread out on approximately 790 acres. The upper section of the Sorek River runs through the park, as does Highway 9, the city’s fifth largest waterline, and the High Speed train line. This expansive park has bicycle paths, picnic and play areas, sitting areas, and a range of recreational options.
Barbequing is permitted in the park.
Notable Shuls That Are Worth Visiting
The Hurvah Synagogue in the Old City
The inspiring, rebuilt, domed shul that was originally built by followers of Rav Yehudah Hechassid.
Highly recommended to go for the Rosh Chodesh davening.
The Great Synagogue
56 King George Street
Known for its grand, festive tefillos led by renowned chazzanim.
The only shul in Eretz Yisrael that has its own choir.
The Belz Great Synagogue
One of the largest shuls in the country. It is an enlarged replica of the majestic shul that the first Belzer Rebbe, the Sar Sholom, built in the town of Belz in 1843. The heichal is only used on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The shtieblach are used the rest of the week.
Worth arranging a tour: https://worldofbelz.org/tour-the-shul/#tour-form
7 Binat Yissachar Street, Kiryat Belz
Tel: 02-501-8900 / 718-851-2800
The Zoharei Chama Shul
Near the Machaneh Yehudah shuk. Located in the famous sundial building — a three-story building on Jaffa Street that has a 5-meter sundial on its facade. That old-fashioned device once helped daveners figure out the zmanim
Plus the Ramban Shul, and many others.
You’ve reached the end of this list and you haven’t headed out a trip yet?
Come on, Yerushalayim is waiting for you!
