Jerusalem Israel 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Old City Exploration

• Accommodation: Stay at the Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem for a luxurious experience or ABerlin Hotel for budget travelers. Both are centrally located and offer easy access to major attractions.

• Breakfast: Start your day with traditional Israeli breakfast at Cafe Hillel.

• Activities:

  • Visit the Western Wall and Temple Mount.
  • Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s most significant sites.
  • Wander through the Via Dolorosa and the colorful Market in the Old City.

• Lunch: Have lunch at Machneyuda or Maurice Restaurant for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Evening: Take a relaxing walk in the Gardens of Gethsemane and end your day with a sunset view from the Mount of Olives.

Day 2: Modern Jerusalem and Yad Vashem

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at one of the local cafes in the Mahane Yehuda Market.

• Activities:

  • Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust.
  • Explore Israel Museum which houses a comprehensive collection of Israeli archaeology, art, and more.
  • Stroll around Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and the surrounding area known as Givat Ram.

• Lunch: Have lunch at Machne Yehuda Market or one of the many eateries in the area.

• Evening: Visit Hebrew University and explore the Edmond J. Safra Campus with its unique architecture.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bethlehem (Palestine)

• Transportation: Take a taxi or join a tour group to visit Bethlehem. Remember, you’ll need your passport and may encounter delays at checkpoints.

• Activities:

  • Visit Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
  • Explore Manger Square and the Old City of Bethlehem.

• Lunch: Have lunch at Beit Sahour or one of the local restaurants in Bethlehem.

• Return to Jerusalem: Return to Jerusalem in the evening and enjoy a quiet dinner in the city.

Day 4: Mount Zion, Emek Refaim, and Farewell Dinner

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or explore local cafes near your accommodation.

• Activities:

  • Visit Mount Zion to see the Dormition Abbey, King David’s Tomb, and the Room of Last Supper.
  • Take a walk down Emek Refaim Street and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

• Lunch: Have lunch at one of the restaurants along Emek Refaim Street or at Mamilla Mall.

• Farewell Dinner: For your farewell dinner, consider dining at Machneyuda again, or try Shuki’s Restaurant for a more casual but delicious meal.

Things to Know:

• Currency: Israel’s official currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas, but it’s best to have shekels on hand.
• Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Transportation: Jerusalem has a good public transportation system with buses and light rail. Taxis are also readily available.
• Tips: Be respectful of religious sites and dress modestly when visiting them. Bargaining is common in the markets, but prices for food and services in restaurants and shops are fixed.