JERUSALEM CITY CENTER
- The Old City(soon online)
WEST and SOUTH of JERUSALEM
Mahane Yehuda Market
This market is the largest market in Jerusalem and one of the most famous in the Middle East a real culinary experience, infinite products to taste from cultures from all the world, you’ll find anything you like: from “halva”, to dried fruits, fresh fruit, Arab sweeties, world dishes, etc. At night, this place turns into a bar/club scene with music events, especially on Thursday nights. Don’t miss it!!
Website: https://en.machne.co.il/
Strolling Jerusalem Center
Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets is a pedestrian mall extending between King George Street and Jaffa Road, this area is called also “The Midrechov” (a Hebrew word to say “sidewalk”), and it is closed to motorized traffic since 1983. Tourists love these streets because of the gift shops, the restaurants, and the atmosphere. Maybe this not the most beautiful attraction of the city but it is certainly one of the funniest. All over the street, you will meet musicians and street performers, and during summer and holiday seasons it hosts live music festivals.
Nahalat Shiva: is the third neighborhood built outside of the old city walls in Jerusalem in 1869 by seven men, the buildings were renewed during the eighties, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions and entertainment areas in Jerusalem. You can find here cultural attractions, small synagogues besides the many stores, restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Mishkenot Shaananim: this beautiful spot is the first modern Jewish neighborhood build in 1860 outside the Old City. This area is loved especially by artists, a piece of heaven where you can spend a relaxing afternoon by strolling through the small streets, enjoy the view of the walls, and the lovely houses and gardens.
I believe that this is also the best place to stay during your visit in Jerusalem.
Website: http://mishkenot.org.il/mishkanot-shaananin/
The First Station
The First Station is an outdoor mall situated in the heart of the city, is a major center of entertainment, culture, and culinary delights. The complex is accessible and open to all. The Station hosts Special events that change daily, and it depends according to the time of the year and the holidays. Check their website before your visit.
Activities
Trains World: A Model Train Exhibit – Guided tours every hour and admission is free.
Sundays-Wednesdays: Designer’s Fair
Thursdays: Farmer’s Market
Fridays: Designers’ Fair
Website: https://www.firststation.co.il/en/
The Knesset
The Knesset is the main legislative body of the Israeli government. The building dated from 1966 is located on a high point in the Givat Ram neighborhood. Tours in multiple languages are available throughout the week from Sundays and Thursdays with no previous reservation, and visitors can attend some debates.
Hebrew: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00
English: 8:30, 12:00, 14:00
Arabic: 13:30
French: 13:00
Russian: 11:00
Spanish: 10:00
German: 8:30
Groups of 10 and above need to coordinate their visit with the Knesset Visitor’s center at 02 -6753337. Please note that the security measures are very strict, and all visitors must present a valid passport and wear modest clothes.
Contact
https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/Pages/default.aspx
The Israel Museum
An outstanding Museum, keep in mind that you’ll need at list half a day for your visit. This museum is housed in several buildings around a fantastic outdoor sculpture garden, where history, archaeology, Jewish life, art from different periods modern and past are perfectly exposed. From the gardens, you can admire a wonderful view of Jerusalem and a huge model of the old city of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple.
Don’t miss the Shrine of the book where are shown the Dead Sea Scrolls, this amazing building has been designated to look like the cave in which they were found.
Opening Hours
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10am-5pm
Tuesdays: 4pm-9pm
Friday and Holidays: 10am-2pm
Price: Adults: 54 NIS
Students: 39 NIS
Children (5-17), Seniors, Disabled: 27 NIS
Soldiers: Free
CONTACT
https://www.imj.org.il/en
Ein Karem
For me, this is the best neighborhood in Jerusalem, situated at the foot of Jerusalem Hills. I love the atmosphere there, you feel that you have reached a spot of heaven surrounded by green forests, a few churches, and charming streets. If you love eating and you are looking for a culinary experience here you will find beautiful restaurants of French, Italian and Moroccan food, and small bars.
For more information about what to do in Ein Karem, please visit the article
Yad Vashem
This is the official memorial for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. You will be taken by the architecture, the gardens the sculptures to a journey to realize the pain of the Holocaust, you will fell and learn about these dark years. The museum has also a research center, a library, an archive, and an educational center. A Heartbreaking experience that every human being should go through it. The entrance is allowed only since age 10 and over.
Opening Hours
Sun-Wed 9:00-17:00
Thu 09:00-20:00
Fri & holiday eves 09:00-14:00
Price
Free
CONTACT
https://www.yadvashem.org/
The Biblical Zoo
If your kids need a break from historical/religious sites this is the place for the whole family. You can spend an entire day visiting this zoo beautiful zoo located in a natural environment in the southwest area of Jerusalem. The zoo is a Great animal enclosure that offers plenty of special activities for children – a petting zoo, animal feedings, story and creative workshops, night tours, playgrounds, and a full-size Noah’s ark.
Opening Hours
Sun-Thurs: 9:00 am- 6:00 pm (Summer till 7 pm)
Friday: 10:00 am- 4:30 pm
Saturday :10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Last entrance 1 hour before closing
Price
Adult:59 NIS
Child:46 NIS
Parking
Free parking lot
CONTACT
https://www.jerusalemzoo.org/home-english
Aquarium
A huge Aquarium where you can admire the amazing marine life, visit the “Four Seas” gallery, an exhibit of Israel’s seas: the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea. All explained by very friendly staff. Clean and cool place in warm weather that children adore.
Opening Hours
Adult ₪54
Child (from age 3) ₪45
Contacts
https://www.israel-aquarium.org.il/
