About Jerusalem
Jerusalem is totally unique – there is no other place like it.
A city of tradition, religion, and history, but also, increasingly, of modern culture and heritage.
It is a city with so much to offer that you could spend years here and still not see everything.
Jerusalem is the city with a fourth dimension. If most cities are three-dimensional, then Jerusalem has an added fourth dimension, a spiritual one. A surreal place holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians and therefore significant to over one-third of all people on earth. Jerusalem is a city, special in every sense of the word. Beyond its religious and historic importance, Jerusalem has developed as the capital of modern-day Israel with West Jerusalem having a modern vibrant center. Jerusalem has to be seen to be believed. Exploring Jerusalem individually works well for many, although there is a great selection of tours of Jerusalem should you wish to get even more out of your visit.
The Old City of Jerusalem
Represents the historic and religious entities which make this city so special. Serene, surreal and intense are all words which jump to mind when describing this one-square-kilometer walled area, holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians – perhaps the capital of world religion. The Western Wall, in the Jewish Quarter, the last remaining wall of the Jewish Temple compound, is the holiest site in Judaism, and the central focus for Jews on this city; itself is the focal point of the religion. Christ died, was buried and was resurrected in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Sepulchre in the Old City is shared between many denominations.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Muslim Quarter
In Islam, Jerusalem is said to be from where Muhammad rose into the heavens, and the Dome of the Rock makes this city the third holiest for Muslims. The four quarters of the Old City, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian, each contrast with each other, yet what remains bizarrely constant is the way in which the residents of this surreal place rush about on their daily business. A great overview of the Old City can be had from the Ramparts Walk. The Old City of Jerusalem simply cannot be missed. The Half-Day Old City Tour or the Jerusalem Day Tour is a great way to get a fully-guided experience of this amazing place.
Museums in Jerusalem
Israel Museum
Yad Vashem
Machane Yehuda Market
The Machane Yehuda Market, or shuk, is the largest market in Jerusalem with over 250 vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to specialty foods, and clothing to Judaica. The market is the main ‘traditional’ marketplace of Jerusalem contrasting with the supermarkets that are found across this city, just as any other advanced city. Machane Yehuda is, however, an experience for a tourist of a traditional Middle Eastern style shuk, a fascinating array of sounds, sights, and smells.
