Known as Israel’s spiritual capital, Jerusalem is divided into three parts: Jewish-majority West Jerusalem, Palestinian-majority East Jerusalem, and the Old City and its four historic quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian). Most visitors target Old City attractions like the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Church of the Holy Nativity, plus outlying biblical-era sights in the Mount of Olives. But, don’t dismiss off-the-beaten-track things to do in Jerusalem, from food crawls through Mahane Yehuda Market to the sprawling Israel Museum or political art museum, Museum on the Seam.
Think shoulder season. Jerusalem—at an elevation of more than 2,500 feet (754 meters)—has surprisingly frigid winters and famously sweltering summers. Spring and fall are ideal windows for planning a visit, although you’ll want to check the calendar for major religious holidays or national holidays like Jerusalem Day. Unless you want to partake in the festivities, they’re best avoided as they bring crowds and occasionally protests or other disturbances.
If you’ve got your sights set mainly on the Old City, then the only way to get around is on foot. The Light Rail will get you pretty close to Jaffa Gate, stopping at City Hall and connecting to the Central Bus Station and Mahane Yehuda market. For getting further afield, you’ll find a well-connected grid of inter-city bus lines. And, when you’ve exhausted your leg muscles (easily accomplished in hilly Jerusalem), you’ll find plenty of taxis and ride-sharing apps.
Consider beginning your time in Jerusalem with a trip to the Israel Museum, a sprawling campus dedicated to art and archaeology. Highlights include the Shrine of the Book—housing facsimiles of the Dead Sea Scrolls—and the Kadavumbagam Synagogue, a restored 16th-century temple from Southern India. The museum will give you an excellent primer on Jewish history and the region’s heritage, so plan on spending half a day. Save time for lunch at Modern, the museum’s top-notch restaurant.
