Jerusalem
One of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem has many of the most important religious sites on Earth. But beyond the history and religion, the city has some hidden surprises in store for day visitors. Check out our concise guide to learn more.
Your Jerusalem Daycation Suggestions
- Global Menu – As a city of global significance, Jerusalem has a great range of restaurants. There’s kosher fare from The Eucalyptus, and vegan options at Nagila Rest. Elsewhere, there’s a selection of top Italian eateries, along with Korean, Greek, Georgian and more.
- Holy Sites – Whether a devotee or simply interested in the historical significance, Jerusalem has an unrivalled set of holy sites belonging to different religions. The Temple Mount is a hilltop site which is venerated by all three of the Abrahamic religions. It’s the holiest site in Judaism, and is the location of the Al Aqsa Mosque. For Christianity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the reputed site of Jesus’ tomb.
- Stalactite Cave – Jerusalem is also home to great natural beauty, such as the Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through this small but spectacular limestone cavern, featuring an array of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Theatrical Delights – The Khan Theatre is a great place for live entertainment, combining comfortable seats with great acoustics and a variety of performances. On top of that, there’s a nearby restaurant. If you’re traveling with children, the Train Theater is the place to go and delight your little ones with puppet performances.
Six Scintillating Jerusalem Facts
- Jerusalem is considered holy to the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with various sacred sites in the city.
- It is claimed as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
- The Old City is a World Heritage site, and its defining walls were constructed in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent.
- According to the Bible, the city was conquered by King David (whose tomb still resides in the city).
- The city’s conquest by the future Roman emperor Titus was written about by the Jewish historian Josephus.
- During its many thousands of years of history, Jerusalem has had a huge number of rulers, from the Canaanites and Egyptians, to Alexander the Great, Persians, and various Caliphates.
