Jerusalem, Israel 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Jerusalem Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrival: Ben Gurion Airport is the main international airport in Israel. From there, you can take a taxi or public transportation (bus 485) to Jerusalem.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying at The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel (www.inbal-hotel.co.il) or The American Colony Hotel (www.americancolony.com).
  • Lunch: Visit Machneyuda (www.machneyuda.co.il), a popular restaurant in the Mahane Yehuda Market.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Mahane Yehuda Market, try local foods, and shop for souvenirs.
  • Evening: Visit the Mount Scopus Lookout for a panoramic view of Jerusalem.

Day 2: Old City Tour

  • Morning: Begin your day at the Western Wall (Kotel). Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Cardo, a remnant of an ancient Roman street.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the numerous eateries in the Jewish Quarter or in the Muslim Quarter.
  • Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Old City. Visit the Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
  • Evening: Relax at a rooftop café like Mt. Zion Hotel’s (www.mtzionhotel.com) and enjoy the sunset over the Old City.

Day 3: Museums & Modern Jerusalem

  • Morning: Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Spend a few hours exploring its historical exhibits.
  • Lunch: Head to Beit Zayit (www.beitzayitrestaurant.co.il) for a variety of Israeli dishes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and an outdoor model of ancient Jerusalem.
  • Evening: Stroll along Emek Refaim Street in the German Colony neighborhood, filled with cafes and restaurants.

Day 4: Mount of Olives & Bethlehem

  • Morning: Take a taxi to the Mount of Olives and walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane.
  • Lunch: Return to Jerusalem for lunch at Abu Shukri Hummus (www.abushukrihummus.co.il).
  • Afternoon: Cross the border into Bethlehem, visit the Church of the Nativity, and explore Manger Square.
  • Evening: Return to Jerusalem and enjoy dinner at Azura (www.azurarestaurant.com) in the Talpiot neighborhood.

Day 5: Free Day & Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last day exploring any areas you may have missed, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing at a local café.
  • Lunch: Enjoy one last meal in Jerusalem before heading to the airport.
  • Departure: Take a taxi to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

Tips:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Haggling is common in markets and tourist areas.
  • Use public transportation or taxis for getting around.
  • Israeli currency is the New Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash on hand.
  • Enjoy your trip!