Jerusalem, Tours & Hotels

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.

There are several options of getting from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem. The fastest way to get from the airport to Jerusalem is by train. Taking this option takes about 30 min.

Public transportation:  the closest stop to the Jerusalem Convention Center is the Central Bus Station stop.

The Jerusalem Development Authority is generously offering a choice of two free tours which will take place
on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, between the hours of 17:15 and 19:30.
These are special curated tours, not normally offered to the public, and created especially for MIXiii conference participants.
A complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the Jerusalem Convention Center to the tour locations and back.
Two tour options are available. Please find their descriptions below and a link for registration.

Tour #1 – Israel Museum – Behind the Scenes: Exclusive VIP Tour of the Collections Storage
Step beyond the galleries and into the vibrant heart of the Israel Museum. This rare VIP experience offers privileged access to the museum’s collections storage—an area closed to the general public—where the majority of its treasures are carefully preserved, while only a fraction is ever on display at any given time.
How do curators decide which masterpieces remain in the galleries and which return to storage? How are ancient artifacts, thousands of years old, handled and packed alongside contemporary works of art? What environmental conditions are required to safeguard paintings, textiles, metals, glass, and other highly sensitive materials?
During this exclusive tour, guests will discover the sophisticated systems of cataloguing, storage, and climate control that protect the museum’s holdings. Participants will gain insight into the professional considerations guiding the teams of curators, registrars, and conservators, and follow the journey of an object from storage to exhibition—learning what is required to ensure its safety every step of the way. The experience is enriched by compelling stories of extraordinary items and the complex professional decisions behind their care.

סיור מאחורי הקלעים במוזיאון ישראל
מחסני המוזיאון הם לבו הפועם של המוסד- מרחב שאינו פתוח לקהל הרחב ובו נשמרים מרבית פריטי האוסף, שרק חלק קטן מהם מוצג בתערוכות בכל רגע נתון. כיצד מחליטים מה יישאר בתצוגה ומה ישוב לאחסון? איך נארזים ומטופלים פריטים בני אלפי שנים לצד עבודות אמנות עכשוויות? באילו תנאים סביבתיים נשמרים ציורים, טקסטיל, מתכות, זכוכית וחומרים רגישים במיוחד
במהלך הסיור ניחשף לשיטות האחסון, המיון והרישום, למערכות הבקרה האקלימיות ולשיקולים המקצועיים המנחים את צוותי האוצרות, הרישום והשימור. נגלה כיצד פריט עובר מן המחסן אל הגלריה ומה נדרש כדי להבטיח את שלומו בדרך, וגם נשמע סיפורים על פריטים יוצאי דופן ועל הדילמות המקצועיות שמאחורי הטיפול בהם

Tour #2 – The National Library of Israel – Treasures Revealed
After years preserved in the depths of archival vaults, the greatest intellectual treasures of the Jewish people and the State of Israel are now brought to light. This inspiring tour offers an intimate encounter with some of the rarest and most significant manuscripts housed in the National Library of Israel. Guests will explore the transformative power of text in human culture and the profound ability of words to shape individuals and influence the world.

The visit also includes an architectural exploration of the Library’s remarkable new building and the visionary concepts that shaped its design. Participants will tour the rotating exhibitions and experience the art installations displayed throughout the space—where heritage, creativity, and innovation converge.

סיור בספרייה הלאומית
.אחרי שנים שבהן נשמרו במעמקי המחסן, אוצרות הרוח הגדולים של עם ישראל ומדינת ישראל רואים את אור יום
נתבונן מקרוב בכתבי היד העתיקים הנדירים ביותר בספרייה הלאומית; נתוודע לכוחו של הטקסט בתרבות האנושית ולכוחן של מילים לחולל שינוי באדם ובעולם; נתרשם ממבנה הספרייה ומן התפישות האדריכליות שבבסיסו; נסייר בתערוכות המתחלפות ונחזה ביצירות האמנות המוצגות ברחבי הבניין