Tours

The wonderful thing about Jerusalem is the many worlds it encapsulates and the hustle and bustle of human life going on in different places. This city is a people watching paradise, and seeing its various neighborhoods on foot can take a few hours, (including falafel and coffee stops). It's always fun to "get lost a little" because by wandering down alleys of new neighborhoods, you will experience the flavors and atmosphere of Jerusalem for yourself. 

Mahane Yehuda Market

Begin this tour at the Mahane Yehuda Market. There are several avenues to walk up and down (some inside, some outdoors). The produce is both fresh and cheap, making it a good place to pick up fruit, vegetables, pita bread, and pastries. It is a treat for the senses, with vendors talking loudly in Hebrew and Arabic and the crowds jostling with each other. Here you can pick up the cheapest falafel in West Jerusalem as well as many other tasty local treats. Next, head on to the Jaffa Gate, which also has its own tourist information center. This gate is a crossroads of sort, leading to various areas of the Old City, including the Christian Quarter. To continue this tour of West Jerusalem, move on to visit the Knesset Building, Israel's modern Parliament. Also in the area and of more historical and religious interest, pay a visit to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Cross, where it is rumored that the wood for Christ's cross was grown, and a bit farther out, King David's Tomb, which is not the biblical leader's actual resting place, but nonetheless a synagogue full of interesting features.

The Dome of the Rock

One of Jerusalem's most distinguishing features is this, the Dome of the Rock, located on the Temple Mount. This dome, part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is one of the most important religious sites in the world for several religions. This is the site where Abraham almost sacrificed his son, Isaac, and also the site of the Prophet Mohammed's ascension to heaven. In addition to the dome and the mosque, also located on the temple mount is the Islamic Museum. Located just beyond the Temple Mount is the Damascus Gate, the well known entrance to the Arab Quarter. For a little refueling after all this religiosity, stop in to the charming and closeby Armenian Taverna for delicious specialties.

The Jewish Quarter

Jerusalem's Old City has many diverse neighborhoods, one of which is the ancient Jewish Quarter. Although this area was largely destroyed during Israel's War of Independence, it has now been mostly rebuilt and restored. On one edge of the Jewish Quarter, you will find one of Judaism's most important sites, the Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall.” This wall is the only surviving piece of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans. Today, Jews come here to pray and place written prayers within the wall's niches. Also located at the Western Wall plaza is the Western Wall Tunnel, which is the underground areas that were once street level, a sort of ancient subterranean Jerusalem. Tours of the tunnel must be arranged in advance. One museum of interest located here in the Jewish Quarter is the Wohl Museum of Archaeology, another underground historical site. The museum contains excavated houses. Of other archaeological interest is the nearby Burnt House, an excavated dwelling from the Second Temple period. After all this touring, stop into the casual Bagel Bite for something to nosh on.

The Mount of Olives

 On the eastern edge of the city, right outside the Temple Mount, lies the Mount of Olives, a significant location for both Jews and Christians. The top is one of the best panoramic views of the city you will find. Located at the foot of the mount, you will come across the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, where the heavenly matriarch is said to have fallen into an eternal sleep and ascended to heaven. Here you can also visit the tombs of Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim. Another site of interest located on the mount is the Chapel of the Ascension, which contains the supposed spot from which Jesus ascended to heaven. Finally, yet another chapel to visit on the Mount of Olives is Dominus Flevit, a more modern Roman Catholic chapel, with a beautiful view of Jerusalem. Once you're ready to descend from the mount, stop in the East Jerusalem's Pasha's for a delectable Lebanese dining experience.

Guided Tours:

Desert Eco Tours (+ 972 52 276 5753 / http://www.desertecotours.com)
Jerusalem Circular Line Egged bus no. 99 (+972 530 4962 / http://egged.co.il)
Israel Travels (+972 52 685 9909 / http://www.israeltravels.com)

Walking Tours:

Jerusalem Experience (+972 77 558 6001 / http://www.jerusalemexperience.co.il)
Jerusalem Walking Tours (+ 972 26 715 644 / http://www.jerusalem-walking-tours.com/)
Zion Walking Tours (+972 2 627 7588 / http://zionwt.dsites1.co.il/HTMLs/Home.aspx)