About Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of the State of Israel, and the largest city in Israel in terms of population.  A city of tradition, religion, and history, but also, increasingly, of modern culture and heritage, it is a city with so much to offer that you could spend years here and still not see everything.

The city is divided into several central areas: The Old City, Downtown Jerusalem, West Jerusalem, South Jerusalem.

The Old City: History in Every Stone

The Old City of Jerusalem has been a center of culture, religion and history for thousands of years, from the time of the Judean kings and the Roman Empire through the Islamic period to the modern State of Israel.

Every brick and stone teems with history. No trip to the Middle East is complete without a stroll through the open market, a walk along the ramparts, or a visit to the Western Wall and its newly discovered tunnels, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa) or the Tower of David Museum.

Downtown Jerusalem: Nightlife, Dining and Culture

Downtown Jerusalem is the heart of the modern metropolis, bursting with nightlife, dining and culture that rival any major city. Its lively and colorful neighborhoods— Nachlaot and Mahane Yehuda (a market by day and bustling entertainment hub at night), Nahalat Shiva and the shop- and –restaurant-lined Ben Yehuda and Jaffa Streets. Each neighborhood combines the old and new and has its own personality and atmosphere.

West Jerusalem: Culture, Nature and More

West Jerusalem features some of Jerusalem’s most charming neighborhoods and interesting attractions. Head to picturesque Ein Karem at the foot of the Jerusalem hills for a day of nature, quaint shops and elegant dining with a view. And for an unbeatable cultural experience, be sure to visit the museum district, home to the renowned Israel Museum, as well as the Bible Lands Museum, Science Museum, and brand new Natural History Museum.

South Jerusalem: An Emerging Entertainment District 

South Jerusalem is an up-and-coming area that has blossomed in recent years with the addition of the state-of-the-art Jerusalem Pais Arena, which hosts some of the country’s largest musical performances and sporting events. With other popular attractions such as Emek Refaim Street, the Malha and Hadar shopping malls, Biblical Zoo, Gazelle Valley and Ramat Rachel tourism complex, this part of Jerusalem is frequented by locals and tourists alike.