Beauty of Jerusalem City - יְרוּשָׁלַיִם ☼
The city of Jerusalem is more than 5,000 years old, with a history held sacred by Islam, Christian, and Jewish citizens alike. The old city represents what once was, with ancient buildings, courtyards, and pilgrimage sites visited by thousands.
The newer section of the city represents the world as it is today – technologically advanced yet simplistic at the same time. One of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem is full of incredible attractions, shrines, historic sites, and modern anomalies.
When to Visit Jerusalem
There is really no bad time to visit Jerusalem or any other part of Israel. The best months to visit, weather wise, are during March, April, and October. The only times you might want to avoid Jerusalem are during the main Jewish holidays. During those times you’ll find that hotel rates are higher and many of the tourist attractions are running on limited schedules.
Transportation in Jerusalem
Transportation throughout Jerusalem isn’t difficult. Sunday through Friday you’ll find a pretty comprehensive transportation system with a bus and rail system. Saturdays are considered the Jewish Sabbath and the bus lines do not run.
There is no subway system in Jerusalem but you can easily hail a taxi. The streets are usually very congested, though, so unless you’re traveling out of the main city you might find it easier to simply walk to your destination from your hotel in Jerusalem.
Safety Considerations in Jerusalem
The newer section of the city represents the world as it is today – technologically advanced yet simplistic at the same time. One of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem is full of incredible attractions, shrines, historic sites, and modern anomalies.
When to Visit Jerusalem
There is really no bad time to visit Jerusalem or any other part of Israel. The best months to visit, weather wise, are during March, April, and October. The only times you might want to avoid Jerusalem are during the main Jewish holidays. During those times you’ll find that hotel rates are higher and many of the tourist attractions are running on limited schedules.
Transportation in Jerusalem
Transportation throughout Jerusalem isn’t difficult. Sunday through Friday you’ll find a pretty comprehensive transportation system with a bus and rail system. Saturdays are considered the Jewish Sabbath and the bus lines do not run.
There is no subway system in Jerusalem but you can easily hail a taxi. The streets are usually very congested, though, so unless you’re traveling out of the main city you might find it easier to simply walk to your destination from your hotel in Jerusalem.
Safety Considerations in Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem has a very low rate of crime but you should, as always, use caution when traveling. Don’t flash your money, wear expensive clothing or jewelry, or leave your belongings unattended.
As you travel throughout the city you will notice a very strong military presence. This is not to make tourists uncomfortable but to deter terrorist activity. Don’t be surprised if policemen or soldiers ask to search your bags before you enter a tourist attraction, shop, or restaurant as this is merely standard safety procedure.
Make sure you carry a passport with you at all times. Nearby Bethlehem and Ramallah are often mistaken by tourists as part of Jerusalem but they are not a part of Israel. Make sure you don’t inadvertently cross the border without proper documentation.
Etiquette in Jerusalem
When visiting Jerusalem it is especially important to recognize that while the city does recognize modern customs it is still very traditional. When visiting religious sites, especially on Saturdays, you must make sure you are not dressed in “western” styles. Women should be wearing long skirts and no one should be wearing clothing that reveals bare arms or legs.
If you eat in an Israeli restaurant you will find that the minimum acceptable tip is anywhere from 10-12% depending on how happy you were with the service you received. The higher the tip you leave, the more appreciate the wait staff will be. You do not have to tip when riding in a taxi (locals don’t) but if you do the driver will be very appreciative as well.
Speaking Hebrew in Jerusalem
When visiting Israel you’ll find two main languages are prevalent – Hebrew and Arabic. While you will find many people who speak English, the language has no official status. Learning a few Hebrew phrases will certainly endear you to your hosts. Here are a few to get you started:
There are dozens of incredible sites to see in Jerusalem and you may have trouble determining where to start. No matter what your beliefs, take the time to visit at least one religious site. You’ll be amazed at how deeply rooted each of these sites, including the Church of Mary Magdalene, the Ethopian Monastery, and the Garden of Gethsemane, are in the city’s culture.
Hinnom Valley is an incredible historic site that is believed to date as far back as 7th century BC. The site is supposedly the place where King Menasseh held child sacrifices and, over time, the name of the site evolved to represent “hell.”
The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens are absolutely astounding. Covering more than 62 acres of land, the zoo features monkeys, birds, and dozens of other wildlife species. You’ll also find a number of endangered species here, including the African elephant.
Plan to spend an entire vacation in Jerusalem or, if you’re simply passing through, make sure you book at least a few days in the city. You’ll be astounded by just how much there is to see and do!
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As you travel throughout the city you will notice a very strong military presence. This is not to make tourists uncomfortable but to deter terrorist activity. Don’t be surprised if policemen or soldiers ask to search your bags before you enter a tourist attraction, shop, or restaurant as this is merely standard safety procedure.
Make sure you carry a passport with you at all times. Nearby Bethlehem and Ramallah are often mistaken by tourists as part of Jerusalem but they are not a part of Israel. Make sure you don’t inadvertently cross the border without proper documentation.
Etiquette in Jerusalem
When visiting Jerusalem it is especially important to recognize that while the city does recognize modern customs it is still very traditional. When visiting religious sites, especially on Saturdays, you must make sure you are not dressed in “western” styles. Women should be wearing long skirts and no one should be wearing clothing that reveals bare arms or legs.
If you eat in an Israeli restaurant you will find that the minimum acceptable tip is anywhere from 10-12% depending on how happy you were with the service you received. The higher the tip you leave, the more appreciate the wait staff will be. You do not have to tip when riding in a taxi (locals don’t) but if you do the driver will be very appreciative as well.
Speaking Hebrew in Jerusalem
When visiting Israel you’ll find two main languages are prevalent – Hebrew and Arabic. While you will find many people who speak English, the language has no official status. Learning a few Hebrew phrases will certainly endear you to your hosts. Here are a few to get you started:
- Shalom (hello, Goodbye)
- Todah (Thank you)
- Todah raba (Thank you very much)
- Bevakasha (Please or You’re welcome)
- Eyfoh hasherutim (Where are the toilets?)
- Kama ze oleh? (How much does it cost?)
- Na’im m’ode (Pleased to meet you)
- Mayim, b’vakeshah (Water, please)
There are dozens of incredible sites to see in Jerusalem and you may have trouble determining where to start. No matter what your beliefs, take the time to visit at least one religious site. You’ll be amazed at how deeply rooted each of these sites, including the Church of Mary Magdalene, the Ethopian Monastery, and the Garden of Gethsemane, are in the city’s culture.
Hinnom Valley is an incredible historic site that is believed to date as far back as 7th century BC. The site is supposedly the place where King Menasseh held child sacrifices and, over time, the name of the site evolved to represent “hell.”
The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens are absolutely astounding. Covering more than 62 acres of land, the zoo features monkeys, birds, and dozens of other wildlife species. You’ll also find a number of endangered species here, including the African elephant.
Plan to spend an entire vacation in Jerusalem or, if you’re simply passing through, make sure you book at least a few days in the city. You’ll be astounded by just how much there is to see and do!
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