There are so many incredible things to do in Jerusalem. It is one of the holiest cities in the world and a meeting point for the three most important monotheistic religions. However, the city has a lot to offer not only for the most traditional of tourists; but also for a young crowd looking for alternative, more innovative and different Jerusalem tourist attractions from the network.
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Things To Do In Jerusalem You Can’t Miss
Visit Temple Mount
If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss while in Jerusalem, it’s the Temple Mount – the focus of a recent controversy when UNESCO ruled that the Temple Mount had nothing to do with Judaism. The Jews identified in the rock protruding from Mount Moriah as the foundation stone of the world. According to the Talmud, it was here that God gathered the earth that was used to form Adam, and later biblical figures (Adam, Cain, Abel, and Noah) performed ritual sacrifices in the area. here.
The most prominent attractions inside the Temple Mount are the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, and sightseeing is definitely one of the must-dos in Jerusalem. Today, the Al Aqsa Mosque stands on what was once a market at the edge of the Temple Mount. It is a mismatch of the various restoration works done over time, with columns donated by Benito Mussolini.
Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Compared to the rest of town attractions, visible from afar, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher could almost be missed if you didn’t know it was there. However, visiting it is one of the must-sees in Jerusalem. Considered the Biblical Calvary – the place where Jesus is said to have been crucified (Mount Golgotha), then died and rose again – the church is a mix of different styles and its interiors simply gorgeous.
It is a place of pilgrimage for Christians, and if you are looking for a place of Christian religious significance in the city, it is a must to visit it in Jerusalem.
Walk the Via Dolorosa
One of the best things to do in jerusalem is to walk the Via Dolorosa. Called the Via Crucis by Catholics, this is believed to be the path Jesus followed on his way to his crucifixion. Stations are scattered along and require a keen eye to spot, so keep a good guidebook in hand and walk slowly. Alternatively, you may want to take a guided tour.
Get lost in Old City Suq
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or not, Old City Suq is one of those places to visit in Jerusalem that you really can’t miss. There are hundreds of small shops where you can buy anything – from spices to ceramics; from leather to fabric. It’s a fun place to explore and get lost, and if you’re a photography enthusiast you’ll come enjoy!
Visit the Dung Gate and the Jaffa Gate
According to legend, the area around Dung Gate was once the city’s garbage dump – hence the name. Of all the gates, this one is the smallest, although it was the Jordanian’s during the time they held the city, through which cars could pass.
Another gate is the Jaffa Gate, where the wall people go through now was actually broken down in 1898 – the original was next door and it was much smaller.
Take a walk along the City Walls
Walking along the city walls is one of the top things to do in Jerusalem. The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ramparts Walk is a 1-kilometer path that goes atop the city walls and is a great way to get breathtaking views of the Old City, with all the incredible places to see in Jerusalem and the new city . Not only that: a walk along the Ramparts Promenade gives a proper idea of how small the city really was in the past.
Experience the City of David Light Show
The City of David Light Show is a great, interactive way to learn about the history of Jerusalem, with a real-life movie shown on two different parts of the City of David (first on the walls, then on. is on actual ruins) – right where history unfolds.
The film tells the story of Jerusalem destroyed more than 2500 years ago, then rebuilt thanks to the efforts of Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah, who won the favor of the king of Persia.