Jerusalem

Ancient holy sites, Mediterranean beaches and the Dead Sea

• Passport strength: ≈160 visa-free destinations
• Language: Hebrew · ~70% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈7

Jerusalem — Sacred city of three faiths

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Old City & Western Wall Historic quarter

Walled old city of the Western Wall, holy to Judaism, and ancient quarters.

Best time: Mar–May & Sep–Nov — Mild months are best for the old city's stone lanes.

Things to do:

• Prayer at the Western Wall or observing from viewing areas
• Explore Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters
• Discover hidden courtyards and stone alleyways

Church of the Holy Sepulchre Religious monument

The revered church built over sites of Jesus's crucifixion and tomb.

Best time: Mar–May & Sep–Nov — Pleasant months suit the old-city pilgrimage on foot.

Things to do:

• Venerate the Stone of Anointing where Jesus was prepared
• Climb to Golgotha inside the church
• Light a candle at various chapels within

Dome of the Rock & Temple Mount Sacred monument

The golden-domed shrine on the plaza holy to Islam and Judaism alike.

Best time: Mar–May & Sep–Nov — Mild weather is best for the open plateau (limited hours).

Things to do:

• Admire the gold dome and intricate blue tilework
• Enter the shrine and see the sacred rock within
• View the city from the platform between two mosques

Mount of Olives Viewpoint Viewpoint

The classic panorama over the Old City's domes and walls at golden hour.

Best time: Mar–May & Sep–Nov — Clear, mild days give the finest city panorama.

Things to do:

• Photograph the Old City skyline at sunrise
• Visit the Ascension Church and Russian Orthodox Church
• Walk down the palm-lined palm Sunday procession route

City of David Archaeological Site

Excavated remains revealing Jerusalem's earliest settlements and ancient water systems.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Shows foundational layers of Jerusalem with interactive tunnel explorations.

Things to do:

• Descend into Warren's Shaft
• Wade through Hezekiah's Tunnel
• Examine Second Temple buildings
• View the Gihon Spring

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Israel?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Old City & Western Wall is best around Mar–May & Sep–Nov. Israel has 6 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Israel?

Roughly 70% of people speak English. The main language is Hebrew.

How strong is the Israel passport?

The Israel passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 160 destinations.

Is Israel expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Israel — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Israel?

Old City & Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock & Temple Mount, Mount of Olives Viewpoint, City of David, Old Jaffa — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.