Jerusalem Israel 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Old City

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast Republic - The Mishkenot Sha’ul (Ha-Zeitim St 32).

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Western Wall (Kotel), one of the most significant religious sites for Jews, located in the Old City.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa. These sites are important to Christians as they are believed to be where Jesus was crucified and buried.

  • Evening: Stroll through the Market (Suq) in the Old City for some shopping and try local delicacies like falafel or shawarma.

  • Dinner: Dine at Machneyuda (Beit Ya’akov St 4) – a popular restaurant offering modern Israeli cuisine.

  • Overnight Stay: At the Eldan Hotel Jerusalem (Ha-Neviim St 38) or the more luxurious King David Jerusalem (St. George Street 56).

Day 2: Modern Jerusalem and Mount of Olives

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Mount of Olives and walk down to Gethsemane, a beautiful garden at the foot of the Mount where Jesus is said to have prayed before his crucifixion. Continue to Dominus Flevit Church, offering panoramic views of the Old City.

  • Evening: Explore Emek Refaim Street in the German Colony neighborhood for dinner and local boutique shopping.

  • Dinner: Dine at Mamelica (Emek Refaim St 96) – a cozy restaurant offering Middle Eastern cuisine.

Day 3: Beyond Jerusalem

  • Morning: After breakfast, take a day trip to Bethlehem. You can easily arrange a guided tour or use public transportation. Visit the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.

  • Afternoon: Return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum – home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of ancient Jerusalem.

  • Dinner: Try Machneyuda’s sister restaurant, Machneyuda Meatasha (Ha-Neviim St 28) for a different dining experience.

Things to Know:

  1. Israel operates on the Hebrew calendar, so important holidays can sometimes shift your itinerary.
  2. Modesty is important in many religious sites, particularly in the Old City – ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
  3. Jerusalem is walkable but also has a comprehensive public transportation system (buses and light rail). Taxis are widely available as well.
  4. Israeli shekels are the local currency, though many places accept credit cards.
  5. English is widely spoken, making communication easy for tourists.