Jerusalem is a fantastic city, and there are many things to see, but what are the key sites in Jerusalem everyone must-see? So let’s begin with the things you can see outside the Old City Walls. First, there is the Israel Museum. I would check out the model of the 2nd Temple Jerusalem. And of course, the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are stored today. If time permits for sure, it’s worth checking out the new archeological wing. It’s enormous and quite vast. So it would be best if you focused on the biblical through the Roman Period.
Places to Eat in Jerusalem
Apart from checking out the key sites in Jerusalem, you must eat, right? So here are a couple of options I like that you must check out! First is Ofaimme Farm and Restaurant in the newly restored Hansen House. The Ofaimme Farm for Sustainable Agriculture understands that the taste of food does not begin in the kitchen but rather in the land where the food grows.
That is why they adhere to strict organic standards and fair trade practices at their farm in the Negev Desert. Their handmade produce is slowly crafted using traditional techniques to create tasty and healthy food; guaranteed to be free of any type of genetic engineering; preservatives; pesticides, and hormones. All of their products are manufactured and packaged with complete respect for the environment and the people who participate in the creative process. They invite you to Offaime Farm’s Coffee House to savor their foods and to move to flavorful; organic, and environmentally-conscious agriculture.
Another option is Chakra for a nice dinner place. It’s open Monday – Friday, from 18:00 till 00:00. I have sent you a link for their menu, but they didn’t update their website for a long time. Moreover, they change their specials almost daily. But trust me, you gotta go there for dinner!
Another place you should check out is the food market, Machne Yehuda. There is a little street eat over there, slightly hidden from everything, called ‘Azura’ that is worth eating. One of the best Hummus I´ve ever had you will find there.
More Top Attractions in Jerusalem
So, of course, if you touring Modern Jerusalem, skipping the new Holocaust Museum wouldn’t be a good idea. I know there are lots of Holocaust museums in the world. But I can assure you, as someone that use to guide there for a couple of years, it’s worth your time. Even though I am sure you know so well what happened in WWII, the museum should enter your Jerusalem bucket list! Now, if you are already in the area, another spot that should enter your list of things to do in Jerusalem is the Neighbourhood of Ein Kerem!
The Ultimate Jerusalem Bucket List: Ein Kerem
This picturesque neighborhood that lies on the fringes of Modern Jerusalem is worth every minute. There you have two little churches where by Christian tradition, two important events took place. The first, called the Church of Visitation, is where according to Luke’s Gospel, Mary met Elizabeth, and in the same chapter is told about the Birth of John the Baptist, which is the second church also found in Ein Kerem called the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
Top Attractions in Jerusalem: The Old City
I guess the Old City in Jerusalem has to be one of the key sites in Jerusalem. In fact, in this little area, you will find holy sites for the three monotheistic religions! The Jewish Quarter should be right up there among the top attractions in Jerusalem. There I guess you have the Western Wall.
Then you can continue to the Christian Quarter, where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is in the very heart of the ancient district and where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected according to Christian tradition.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of the old city, let’s go and visit the Muslim Quarter via Dolorosa until we get to the “Austrian Hospice.” Now the hospice is a hotel. And there, make your way to the publicly accessible roof. And after paying a small fee, take a moment to view the gorgeous scenery, with the sound of the prayer call in the background! Then you can return to the Cafeteria and have the Ultimate Apple Strudel! This should surely be your things to do in Jerusalem, no doubt!
Lastly, another location that should be on your Jerusalem bucket list is Mt. of Olives. On the very top, there is yet another breathtaking view of the old city and a wonderful way to start or end the day. Also, if you already took the trouble to get there, check out Gethsemani and the church of Dominus Flevit; both are important Christian sites. The first is where the Roman arrested Jesus, and the last is where according to Christian tradition, Jesus wept for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.
