Jerusalem in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Jerusalem is an Israeli city where it is easy to prepare an itinerary for a 3-day trip. This is because its main attractions are condensed in the famous Old City, an area composed of four emblematic neighborhoods. You will find well-known monuments such as the Holy Sepulcher, the Tower of David, the Western Wall and more. It is connected through gates and passages, in fact you may pass from one neighborhood to another without even realizing it.

Of course, you'll want to see every facet of the city and take advantage of the best things to do in Jerusalem. That's why on your visit, I also recommend you take a walk through Ein Karem, a village on the outskirts of the city; or visit Yemin Moshe, a good alternative for sightseeing in the Holy Land, as it is one of the oldest neighborhoods on the outskirts of Old City. Here are all the options to get to know the city in a 3-day trip!

The Old City is a must stop among the best tours in Jerusalem. Walking through the Old City is synonymous with art, culture and history. It is protected by 8 gates and its ancient walls, and is composed of four local neighborhoods. The first day can be spent in the Armenian Quarter and the Christian Quarter, located within walking distance of each other.

The Christian quarter is one of the oldest and is characterized by visits to the Holy Sepulcher. It is an area surrounded by basilicas, where you can appreciate the Damascus Gate and the Jaffa Gate that interconnects the Armenian, Christian and Muslim quarters. This is also the site of the Via Dolorosa Way of the Cross.

Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa begins at the Lions Gate, where the Mount of Olives is located. Access to the Mount of Olives is free and offers panoramic views of Jerusalem and a tour of the Jewish Cemetery. After a quick stop, you can start the holy route. It is a street full of contrasts, as it is a bustling passage where petitions mix with street vendors.

Undoubtedly, the best way to tour the Old City from end to end, without much effort. This tour takes you through the 14 stations of the painful crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Your next stop on this itinerary is just around the corner, as the last stretch of the Via Dolorosa takes place at the Holy Sepulcher. The best local tours offer guided tours, although you can make the journey on your own without inconvenience. Keep in mind that it is almost two kilometers, so bring comfortable clothes and hydration. Additionally, during this path of reflection, be prepared to appreciate:

• The Church of the Flagellation, where Pilate is believed to have condemned Jesus.
• The Cardo Romano, an area full of craft stores, food and art galleries.

Holy Sepulcher

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre is a sacred location, built over the tomb of Christ. Admission is free, so it is usually very crowded. It is important to show a respectful attitude, as you will see hundreds of people of different nationalities with crosses on their backs. This emotional tour will take you to explore the interior of this archaeological structure, as well as to discover the historical mosaics that tell the life of Jesus.

It is located in the Christian quarter and, as I mentioned before, the Via Dolorosa road ends right here, although you can walk there in less than 7 minutes or take the city's tourist bus route. Note that it is guarded by several communities, including Greeks, Armenians, Copts, Franciscans, Ethiopians and Syrians. Therefore, there are different prayer hours for each community. However, the keys have been held by a Muslim family since 1192. You can take a guided tour of the city, either on foot or by bus, to stop at this church. In this sanctuary I recommend you to appreciate:

• Mount Calvary: it is a representation of what was the mountain where Jesus was crucified, to get there you must climb a flight of stairs. The church has undergone reconstructions, however the stairs date back to 1757. The mount is also worth a visit if you want to see a stone of the time, which has been preserved for centuries.
• The Edicule: years ago the area was explored in search of the tomb of Jesus, once it was located the stone remains were rescued and preserved in a chamber in the church.
• The Chapel of Santa Elena: it receives this name in honor to Elena of Constantinople, who had the task of looking for the tomb of Jesus. The cross where Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified is kept here.

David Tower

The next destination will take you to the Armenian Quarter, for which you can walk for at least six minutes along Christian Quarter Rd/Ha-Notsrim St/Mesihi. You can also drive from the Holy Sepulcher along The Greek Patriarchate St and Greek Catholic Patriarchate St, to get there in less than two minutes. You can even take bus lines 13, 18 and 38. In the Tower of David you will find one of the best museums in Jerusalem, which houses the remains of Herod's Palace.

In its facilities you will find more than 3,000 years of history, for example in the central courtyard there are monuments rescued from the ancient citadel of Jerusalem. To learn more about the architectural heritage of the city, you can go to the section where there are models of different historical periods. The entrance fee starts at 10 euros, and before continuing your itinerary, I recommend you take advantage of the panoramic views offered by this building. Next door, you can visit the historic Jaffa Gate, which is one of the most important gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Old City is so big, you'll need another day. Some of the best things to do in Jerusalem are located here, so you will spend a good part of the trip slipping through its gates, walls and narrow streets. On the second day, I recommend an early start so you can tour the Muslim Quarter, considered the oldest part of the Old City. Here you can explore the historical labyrinths, the souks and the Esplanade of the Mosques.

On the other hand, the Jewish Quarter is a quieter area, where you can enter synagogues and enter the Western Wall, which borders the Muslim Quarter.

Souks of the Muslim Quarter

The souk of the Muslim Quarter is an excellent place to buy traditional objects and spices. Its bustling streets are full of stalls where you can live an authentic Western experience. The smells, tastes and sensations are unmatched by any other experience in the city. An interesting fact is that it still retains the medieval structure and extends from the Damascus Gate.

If you want to take home a souvenir of Jerusalem, this is the perfect opportunity. You will find typical clothing and costumes, oil lamps, traditional concoctions, dates brought from Jericho and more. From here it is very easy to get to the Western Wall and the Esplanade of the Mosques, as they are within walking distance. The best local tours often set aside tours through its alleys to explore the local cuisine.

Western Wall

After a few minutes walking through the narrow streets of the Muslim Quarter, you will reach the Jewish Quarter where the famous Western Wall is located. It is a sacred place, where prayers and cultural activities take place. Without a doubt, it is an essential stop, where you can join the Jewish energy, take pictures and learn more about the local history. During Shabbat (Friday to Saturday), it is difficult to enter the prayer area and the use of telephones is usually prohibited.

If you are looking for things to do in Jerusalem at Christmas, you can take advantage of the candle-lighting ritual during Hanukkah that takes place at the wall. Another tradition is to write wishes or prayers on a piece of paper, to be left between the walls. Once you put the paper in, you cannot take it back. They are usually taken annually to the Mount of Olives, where they are buried.

Sometimes the Torah, known to be the Jewish law, is read. If you don't have a copy, you can buy it in the vending machines between the passages of the wall. Additionally, to enter you will be asked for your passport and certain metals are prohibited. It is open every day, at any time and admission is free. Please note that unlike in other Western countries, women do not need to cover up. However, men must cover their heads with a kippah.

Esplanade of the Mosques and the Kotel Tunnels

The Esplanade of the Mosques is located right next to the Western Wall, in fact it is accessed through the Al-Mughradia Gate. Adjacent to the Muslim Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, it is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Jerusalem. It has an interesting historical heritage, as the Ark of the Covenant used to be kept here. It is a chest that contained the 10 commandments of the Bible.

Also, the First and Second Temples were built here, but both were destroyed. Today, only fragments remain in the Western Wall. You can also take a look at the Dome of the Rock, which is made of gold. Its majesty can be appreciated from any point in the city. Note that tourists can only visit the esplanade from Thursday to Sunday, between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Or between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., although it is usually busier and if you want to avoid the lines you should arrive early.

On the other hand, the Kotel Tunnels are passages under the Western Wall where the Western Stone is kept. Locals claim that they are a journey through time, as they house archeological findings, aqueducts of the ancient citadel, virtual reality presentations through glasses and interactive exhibits. They are a completely different experience from the bustling streets surrounding the wall. The price of this activity starts at 8 euros, only available from Thursday to Sunday.

Sephardic Synagogues

The four Sephardic Synagogues are the main attraction of the Jewish Quarter. It is an interconnected complex, which is located eight minutes on foot and two minutes by car, from the tunnel of the wall. It is a visit out of the ordinary, where you can appreciate:

• Eliahu Ha-navi Synagogue: it is the oldestsynagogue, dedicated to the prophet Elijah and to study the history of the Jewish Torah.
• Yochanan Ben-Zakai Synagogue: originally a rabbinical school, until it was destroyed along with the Second Temple.
• Istanbúli Synagogue: it is the largestsynagogue, currently owned by a Spanish and Portuguese community.
• Kahal Tsion Synagogue: its interior has had multiple uses, from a Jewish courtyard for women, to a kind of hostel during the famous Feast of Tabernacles.

Additionally, right next door is the Hurva Synagogue, a Byzantine building with imposing pillars. Here you will find a terrace that offers the best views of Jerusalem. The prayer rooms are divided, with a wing for women and a wing for men.

To conclude this itinerary, I invite you to go out of the ordinary. Jerusalem is known for its religious visits, cultural experiences and traditions. However, there is much more to see. Yei Moshe is a charming and romantic neighborhood, with a variety of plans and modern attractions. Ein Karem is known for being the place where Mary preached the Magnificat.

Mitchell Park

Mitchell Park is a water park, located beyond the walls in the Yemin Moshe neighborhood. Specifically, it is located to the southwest. It is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, especially in summer. In fact, it is considered one of the most recommended areas to stay in the city. Years ago it functioned as an aqueduct, but nowadays it is a nice tourist stop.

It is also surrounded by modern stone houses, which offers a cozy atmosphere. The advantage is that it is a less crowded area, with few tourists hanging around. You can also visit Mishkenot Shaananim, the first Jewish quarter outside the Old City. Be aware that being a more upscale and residential area, prices are higher.

German Cologne

To continue your itinerary, I recommend taking the South Buses bus that runs every ten minutes. You can opt for line 231, 232 and 234, you can also opt for Superbus, Egged or South Baher Bus. You will go to Colonia Alemana, a residential area where you can appreciate the local lifestyle. You will find German communities, as well as one of the best museums in the city: the Natural History Museum.

This museum is an educational space, ideal for a visit with children. It is characterized by exhibits of flowers, stuffed animals and even dinosaurs. Take the opportunity to walk through its small streets, which offer green spaces, outdoor activities, German restaurants and cafes.

Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Finally, you can slip into Ein Karem, a picturesque neighborhood where the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is located. From the German Hill, you can take the bus and enjoy the scenery for about forty minutes. This religious enclave belongs to the Franciscan order and is believed to have been built over the house of Zechariah, the father of John. Note that it is usually not very crowded, but in the summer it attracts hundreds of tourists who celebrate the birth of John the Baptist.

This celebration usually takes place at the end of June and the pilgrimage is usually part of the religious activities. You can also take guided tours, to learn about the evolution of this church. For example, you will learn about the Byzantine excavations, which revealed an oil mill that operated in the village centuries ago. To finish the tour, you can walk through the neighborhood whose villages will leave you in awe and eager to continue enjoying Jerusalem.

Additionally, if you plan to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem, you can also visit the Church of the Nativity where Jesus is believed to have been born.