One of the oldest cities in the world, 4,000 year old Jerusalem is a significant spiritual home to the three main Abrahamic religions – Islam, Judaism and Christianity. It is unsurprising, then, that the so-called Holy City is so popular with pilgrims. Visit Jerusalem’s major religious shrines in the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring its modern art galleries and museums. Jerusalem also has a unique mix of secular architecture and cuisine, inspired by centuries of changing cultural influence, which continues to shape the city to this day.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Jerusalem
Old City — The historic centre is home to the majority of Jerusalem’s sacred sites. This includes the Western Wall, a significant place of worship within Judaism, and the magnificent Dome of the Rock, a 7th century Islamic shrine, the astounding golden roof of which dominates Jerusalem’s skyline.
Musrara — The modern cultural centre of Jerusalem, Musrara boasts a number of show-stopping museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions. Enjoy an afternoon at Jerusalem’s art centre or museum of photography, before tantalising your taste buds with a delightful dinner overlooking the neighbourhood’s eclectic mix of Arabic masonry.
Rehavia — The garden neighbourhood of Rehavia is a wonderfully peaceful spot in which to amble about and explore the city at your own pace. Bedecked with trees, shrubs and quaint mosaics, Rehavia is also home to several Israeli government buildings, some of the largest parks in the city and its very own white stone windmill.
Herodion National Park — Standing bold in the Judean desert between Jerusalem and neighbouring Bethlehem, Herodion National Park is home to an impressive fortress that rises out of the arid landscape like a city lost in time. Complete with a Roman bath house, ancient theatre and an acropolis that can compete with ancient Greece, Herodion is a must for history buffs.
Things to See in Jerusalem
Such is the diversity of Jerusalem’s spiritual heritage that a Holy City half-day tour is one great way to pack in all the sights and attractions. Grab your camera and allow a guide to take you around the Old City, sharing historic insights as you take snaps of the religious shrines of Judaism and Islam. End your expedition with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a 1,500 year old house of worship built on the very spot where Christ was crucified.
Things to Do in Jerusalem
Jerusalem certainly has no shortage of ancient heritage sites, but that shouldn’t stop you enjoying a well earned dose of relaxation while you’re here. Book a full day Dead Sea relaxation tour for a visit to the lowest point on Earth. Several hundred metres below sea level, the mud here is packed with restorative minerals that are supposed to have tremendous restorative qualities. Be sure to cool off in the searing sunshine with a nice mud pack, before rinsing it off with a float on the surface of this salt rich lake.
You can also book top Jerusalem hotels and great Jerusalem package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.
