Location: Jerusalem
Top Things to do in Jerusalem
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Jerusalem, Jerusalem District
Religious pilgrims have been traveling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.
Restaurants in Jerusalem
1. Israel Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,922 reviews
Comprising nearly 50,000 square meters and a six-acre sculpture garden, this complex features an impressive variety of collections from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art.The children's wing is the most interactive section of this sprawling museum. There are special activities for kids during Jewish holidays and school vacations.
Reviewed By Archaeobuff - Sydney, Australia
Many highlights - the design of the Dead Sea scrolls building - the Shrine of the Book, the chronological order and clear presentation of the artefacts in the rest of the museum and the wonderful massive recreation of the old city of Jerusalem in 66 AD, the Second Temple Period, before the Romans destroyed the City and the Temple. Seek out the Pontius Pilate stone from Caesarea and the Jerusalem Prism from the time of Sennacharib, King of Assyria. Great gift shop and all the facilities.
2. Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,802 reviews
The World Holocaust Remembrance Center is a 45-acre campus comprised of indoor museums, outdoor monuments, gardens and sculptures. Entrance to Yad Vashem is free. Entrance to the Holocaust History Museum is for ages 10 and up.
Reviewed By Bat-Dan4 - Burnaby, Canada
The site includes the heart-wrenching and unforgettable memorial, along with other important smaller memorials. Do yourself a favour - set aside 2-4 hours to really let the significance of it all set in, AND turn the damn phone off for the whole time. Despite all the sadness, remember that there is always hope - it depends on the choices we make.
3. Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem holds a unique collection dating back to the beginning of written history. It tells the story of humanity, the story of culture, the story of where we came from and how we got here. It tells Your Story. The Museum presents the history of humanity through one of the most important collections of artifacts from the Ancient Near East – the Lands of the Bible. On display are the great civilizations that rose and flourished in this region – Sumer, Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Canaan, Persia, Greece and Rome, who were responsible for the advancements of Western civilization. These cultures developed our understanding of science and technology, language and writing, economics and commerce, faith and religion and material culture. We invite you to explore the greatest revolutions in our ancient history and to discover the power of the continuum that is constantly transforming the world we live in.
Reviewed By FredaMina
Anyone could go through the museum using the audio and love this extraordinary collection of artifacts giving one understanding of the comprehensive history of the land of Israel..the land of the bible. Going thru the millennium one is bombarded with a rich collection that is well organized and easy to follow. Just set aside the time. But you'll only have half the pleasure without reserving a docent tour for yourself or a group. My guide Harriet Mark was passionate and well prepared to take me through the museum and point out so much of what I might not have noticed. Her editorial was fantastic, uber prepared, and her energy extraordinary. There's no question I will return again and most definitely make sure to request Harriet as my guide...think she will be great and engaging especially for families and groups...She makes Bible Land become alive!
4. Eglise du Saint-Sepulcre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,791 reviews
Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Reviewed By BillPNo1 - Friendswood, United States
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most Holy and Sacred places in Jerusalem, or actually in all of Christendom! The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the most sacred places for anyone to visit in Jerusalem; although at times the lines of Pilgrims and crowds of reverent worshippers may be somewhat distracting, one cannot be in awe of what occurred there and what Our Lord suffered there. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the single most important reason to visit the Holy Land and a visit there is certain to leave anyone with a hushed and powerful feeling for the sanctity of the place. I have been blessed to have been able to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on two occasions: each tome I was filled with inspiration and the feeling of awe for the sanctity of the Church. I hope I will be able to visit again, sometime, but feel that my life was changed by even my first two visits!
5. Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Located on the Mount of Olives, this beautiful church was first built by the Byzantines in 379 and rebuilt between 1919 and 1924, whose construction was financed from contributions made by many countries.
Reviewed By Patricia345 - Pune, India
The Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony is located on the Mount of Olives. This is the place where Jesus was praying just before he was betrayed. A small garden with about 8 olive trees mark the actual Garden of Gethsemane. When we visited in November 2019, the olives were being harvested so we were not allowed inside. The Church is absolutely beautiful with huge stained glass windows. The altar inside the church is believed to have been built over the spot where Jesus Christ sweat fell as drops of blood. There are beautiful mosaics in the Church depicting various scenes on the night Jesus was betrayed. A visit to this Church is a moving experience for Catholics.
6. Dormition Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Located on Mount Zion, this massive church resembles a mighty fortress with a high, domed belltower and conical dome.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The massive Benedictine Church of the Dormition with its conical roof and four round corner sandstone towners has been a Jerusalem landmark since construction was completed in 1910. The current church, which looks like a small castle, was built on the ruins of a Crusader church, which had been built on the ruins of a Byzantine church. The church is traditionally believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, died or ‘fell asleep’ (dormition comes from the Latin word dormire meaning to sleep). The church is built on two levels, the upper having the high altar with semicircular apse surrounded by six colorful side chapels. Pretty – but it is the lower-level crypt with Marian shrine that will take your breath away! A life-size statue of Mary, made of cherry wood and ivory, rests on a simple bier in the center rotunda. Jesus, along with six great Biblical women, look down at the sleeping Mary from above. The room is softly lit and has a hushed, serene atmosphere. What a touching representation of the Virgin Mary departing from this earthly existence!
7. Church of St. James
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Located inside the Armenian convent compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, this church serves as the quarter’s religious heart and the holiest focal point for Armenians in Israel.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
My son and I accidently stumbled upon the Church of St. James while walking the streets in the more tranquil Armenian Quarter. Unfortunately, the Church was closed when we arrived, but it is said to be one of the most beautiful and ornately decorated churches in the Holy Land. The oldest section of the church was built in 420 AD, and it is claimed that the head of Saint James the Great and the body of the Lesser St. James are buried here. The remainder of the body of Saint James the Great is at the Church at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Try to attend during mass, when the church is open. The exterior courtyard is worthy of a visit, even if you are unable to access the interior of the church.
8. Knesset (Parliament)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Free guided tours of Israel’s Parliament include an explanation of the structure of the Israeli government and a look at the famous tapestries of Marc Chagall, which illustrate important moments in Jewish history.
Reviewed By RabbiRosalind - Jerusalem, Israel
The Knesset is a wonder of modern Israel and is incredibly accessible and entirely worth a visit. Highly recommended!
9. Church of Saint Anne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 800 reviews
Built in honour of St. Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, this 12th-century Basilica in Jerusalem is one of the finest examples of Crusader architecture in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Located in the Muslim Quarter of Old Jerusalem, near the confluence of the Lion's Gate, the start of the Via Dolorosa and across from the rear exit of Temple Mount, sits the lovely Romanesque Church of St. Anne. This beautiful French, Roman Catholic Church built by The Crusaders in 1138, replaced an earlier Byzantine church above the Pools of Bethesda. Built in tribute to St. Anne, mother to the Virgin Mary, a simple shrine commemorating the birth of Mary at this location lays in the cave/crypt below the church, which is said to be the original home to Mary and her parents, Anne & Joachim. With soaring, vaulted ceilings the Church is light and airy, and possesses exceptional acoustics. We had the pleasure of entering while a Christian group was singing "How Great Thou Art", which absolutely moved me to tears. Gardens surrounding the church are tree-shaded, lovely and serene. The healing waters of the Pools of Bethesda and where Jesus Christ healed the paralytic man, are adjacent to the Church of Saint Anne, where the original Byzantine Church was located earlier. This is the oldest remaining Crusader Church in Jerusalem, with an interesting history surrounding it. This felt like a highly sacred area, where we witnessed many groups singing, praying and conducting Bible worship. My adult son and I were deeply, spiritually moved throughout the Church and its grounds.
10. Church of Condemnation and Flagellation.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Chapel of the Condemnation and Church of the Flagellation are two Franciscan chapels near the Second Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa. They are the traditional site of Jesus’ condemnation to death, scourging, and taking up of His cross. Our group stopped at the Church of the Flagellation on our walk of the Stations. Completed in 1929, the church was designed by Antonio Barluzzi in a 12th century style to mimic the Crusader church that stood here originally. Inside, beautiful stained-glass windows show Pilate washing his hands, Jesus being scourged, and a joyful Barabbas celebrating his release. Above, the ceiling dome depicts the crown of thorns pierced by stars. This is a quiet place for meditation and reflection as you walk the Via Dolorosa. And by now you should know that anything designed by Antonio Barluzzi merits a visit!
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