Jerusalem 3 Day Itinerary

Jerusalem 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old City Exploration

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast Republic Jerusalem, located near Jaffa Gate.
  • Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate and immerse yourself in the history of this magical place.
  • Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a significant Christian pilgrimage site marking Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Western Wall (Kotel), the last remnant of the Second Temple. Take some time for reflection or prayer.
  • Walk along the Via Dolorosa, traditionally believed to be the path that Jesus walked carrying his cross on the way to his crucifixion.
  • Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre again and continue onto the Christian Quarter to see other important sites like St. Anne’s Church and the Pool of Bethesda.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dinner at Machneyuda, a popular restaurant in the Mamilla neighborhood.
  • Take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Old City or enjoy a nightcap at one of the cozy rooftop bars, such as the Rooftop at the American Colony Hotel.

Day 2: Modern and Mount Scopus

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at Café Bistrot, situated near Yemin Moshe.
  • Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Spend a few hours exploring its moving exhibits.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Mount Scopus and tour the Hebrew University campus and visit the Mount Scopus Memorial Park.
  • Explore the Israel Museum, home to one of the world’s largest archaeological collections as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Evening:

  • Dine at Machneyuda (if you missed it on Day 1), or try Lina Restaurant, offering a variety of delicious Israeli cuisine.
  • Take a leisurely walk through Emek Refaim Street, filled with shops and restaurants in the picturesque neighborhood of Ein Karem.

Day 3: New City Sightseeing and Departure

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Café Neve Tzedek, located in the charming Neve Tzedek neighborhood.
  • Visit the Israel Museum’s Billy Rose Art Garden or explore the nearby Yitzhak Rabin Center, dedicated to the life and legacy of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Mahane Yehuda Market for a vibrant lunch experience filled with food stalls, shops, and local flavors.
  • Spend your afternoon relaxing at Gan Sacher (Sacher Park) or exploring the architectural wonder of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament building.

Evening:

  • Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a farewell dinner at Machiya, a restaurant housed in an old stone house in the picturesque Nachlaot neighborhood.

Transportation: Jerusalem is easy to navigate with an extensive network of buses, light rail, and taxis. Consider purchasing a “Rav Kav” card for unlimited travel on public transportation. Alternatively, walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in the Old City.

Tips:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites out of respect for local customs.
  • Jerusalem can get very hot during the summer months, so remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen.
  • Shops and restaurants often close on Saturdays (Shabbat) in observance of Jewish tradition. Plan accordingly if your visit falls on a weekend.

Enjoy your journey through the historic and vibrant city of Jerusalem!