My top highlights to see and do in the city of Jerusalem, Israel.
Highlights of Jerusalem: A City Steeped in History and Spirit
Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it’s a place layered with history, culture, and yes, its fair share of conflict. But more than anything, Jerusalem felt the most alive — where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side.
Exploring the Old City
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Old City. Enter through Jaffa Gate, and you’ll quickly find yourself wandering cobblestone lanes lined with market stalls selling everything from Hamsa charms to hand-painted ceramics.
The Old City is divided into four main quarters; Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish (some count a Moroccan quarter too). To be honest, I didn’t feel huge defining differences between them, aside from souvenir shops that leaned toward their respective communities. Even then, only if you take special notice of the few different souvenirs. Still, it’s fascinating to see how these worlds overlap in such a small space.
To really appreciate the depth of the Old City, I recommend joining a guided tour. I did a four-hour tour with Sandeman’s Tour and appreciated how our guide went beyond just history, giving us a glimpse into everyday life in Jerusalem. He definitely had his own opinions (neutrality isn’t exactly the strong suit of most guides here), but that in itself was insightful. One big takeaway? The city feels safer than the headlines often suggest – from a tourist point of view, at least.
Temple Mount & Al-Aqsa
Temple Mount is one of the most contested yet extraordinary sites in Jerusalem. Governed by the Islamic Waqf since 1187, it’s home to the striking Dome of the Rock — its beautifully-tiled octagonal golden dome gleaming against the muted earth tones of the Old City. It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in Jerusalem, but its significance runs far deeper.
For Muslims, this is the place where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. Located just opposite is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
For Jews, the foundation stone inside is considered the very center of the world. Non-Muslims aren’t permitted inside the Dome or Al-Aqsa Mosque, but you can admire both from the outside. Interestingly, Jews are technically allowed to visit the site, though only under strict rules: they must be escorted by Israeli security and a Muslim Waqf representative, can’t bring religious texts or artifacts, and even the act of silently moving their lips in prayer can be considered a violation.
When I visited, there was a presumably Jewish group being escorted through. According to our guide, they were likely there for a marriage blessing. Watching the procession really highlighted just how sensitive and politically charged this site is; a reminder of how deeply entwined religion, tradition, and politics are in Jerusalem.
It was fascinating to watch, but it also raised questions. If praying is forbidden, why allow groups whose intention is clearly spiritual? The answer, of course, is politics. The Islamic Waqf’s authority over Temple Mount has long been maintained to preserve the “status quo”. An uneasy balance that, strangely enough, is what keeps the peace in this deeply complicated city.
Visiting Temple Mount is tightly regulated, so do check the opening hours before you go (closed Fridays and Saturdays). Dress modestly: long skirts or pants and tops covering elbows for women, long pants and covered shoulders for men. If you forget, sarongs are handed out at the entrance.
The Western Wall
Also known as the Wailing Wall, the Western Wall is one of Judaism’s holiest sites. It’s what remains of the Second Temple, and today it’s a place of prayer and reflection. The wall is divided into men’s and women’s sections, but everyone is welcome to leave a note tucked between the stones. If you don’t have one prepared, there’s even a booth with pens and paper at the entrance.
The walls are cleared of the slips of papers every couple of weeks and buried in the nearby Mount of Olives.
Via Dolorosa
The Via Dolorosa is a street of connecting lanes within the Old City of Jerusalem, and it has major significance to Christians. This winding path through the Old City is believed to be the route Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. You’ll know the route as the streets will be marked with the stations of the crucifixion. Along the way are the Stations of the Cross, where pilgrims often stop to pray or sing hymns.
Church of Holy Sepulchre
At the end of the path is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is said to be the most sacred in Christianity as it was where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. one of Christianity’s most sacred sites.
Unfortunately, when I visited in 2018 (27 February 2018, to be precise), it was closed due to a protest over a tax dispute. According to our guide, the priests closed the church to protest the mayor’s decision to tax businesses connected to the institution. Not the church itself and its donations; but other money-making businesses the church organises, such as hotels, restaurants or real estate. Pity.
See that ladder perched against the second window? That is the famous ‘Immovable Ladder’. It’s a quirky symbol of the delicate balance between the six Christian denominations that jointly manage the church. No part of the church can be altered or changed without consent of all six sectors. Monks have embroiled themselves in violent fist fights when the ladder was moved a teensy bit as it was interpreted as violation of the status quo!
Mahane Yehuda
If you want a taste of everyday life in Jerusalem, head to Mahane Yehuda. Unlike the Old City markets, this one feels more local — buzzing with fresh produce, spices, halva, pastries, and my personal weakness: nuts. I stocked up on bags to bring home as souvenirs.
The food here is fantastic. I had my first sabich (a pita stuffed with eggplant, eggs, and salad — think falafel’s vegetarian cousin) and instantly fell in love. You’ll also find plenty of falafel stands and excellent coffee spots — don’t miss Roasters if you’re a coffee lover.
There are a lot of restaurants located within the market as well as the surrounding areas. I had my first taste of sabich here, and I tested a bunch from different shops – I never had a bad one. Sabich is basically a pita pocket featuring slices of fried eggplant, paired with hard-boiled eggs, creamy tahini, and fresh chopped salad. It’s completely vegetarian but incredibly satisfying. There are also plenty of falafel and shawarma stalls here at Mahane Yehuda.
For very good coffee, hunt down Roasters. I only chanced upon it on the last day of my visit, which was a huge pity.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum
If there’s one place in Jerusalem that left the deepest mark on me, it was Yad Vashem Holocause Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. I deliberately saved it for my last stop before heading to the airport, thinking I’d be prepared for the emotional weight of it. I wasn’t. I’ve read countless books, watched documentaries and films, and thought I had a good grasp of the Holocaust… but stepping into this museum is something else entirely.
The moment I entered, the atmosphere shifted. The museum didn’t just tell history; it made me feel it. Walking through the exhibits, I found myself staring at real belongings — shoes, suitcases, handwritten notes — that had once belonged to persecuted people. Photographs of families, faces frozen in time, made it impossible to distance myself from what happened. It wasn’t just history anymore; it became heartbreakingly real.
One of the hardest moments for me was in the Dachau Ghetto exhibit. It focused on the starvation that devastated children the most. A monitor played uncensored images of dying children: not stylized, not hidden behind euphemisms, just the raw truth of what had happened. That was the moment I just broke down. I had to sit on one of the benches tucked away in the corners of the museum and just let myself cry until I could steady myself again. I remembered thinking: “How could anyone be so vile as to allow this to happen? How could everyone else be so blind to this? How could this have been allowed to happen for as long as it did?”
The museum anticipated this; there were quiet nooks and seats scattered throughout, almost as if they knew visitors would need space to process.
As depressing as it was, I believe this museum was a must-visit. It forced me to confront the terrifying reality of how a highly developed, “civilized” nation systematically murdered millions — and how millions more stood by, complicit, or even supportive. The fact that all of this had happened less than 80 years ago was beyond chilling. I walked away not only mourning the past but also questioning how fragile humanity still is.
But Yad Vashem wasn’t only about despair. It was also beautifully and thoughtfully curated. The museum followed a clear timeline, which made it both informative and digestible, even when the subject matter was overwhelming. I spent about two and a half hours inside. Outside, the gardens provided a stark but hopeful contrast to the heaviness of the museum. Trees were planted in honor of the “Righteous Among the Nations” — non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Visiting Yad Vashem
Entry: Free of charge.
Audio guide: I rented one, and while the written exhibits were already excellent, the guide added depth. Just a warning: the soundtrack was incredibly solemn — orchestral music heavy on violins. Even weeks later, whenever I hear similar music, I’d get the goosebumps.
Time needed: At least 2–3 hours, more if you wanted to fully explore the museum and grounds.
Getting there: Yad Vashem is located on the Mount of Remembrance. It could be easily reached by the city’s light rail — I got off at Mount Herzl station and followed the signs for a 10-minute walk. There was also a free shuttle for those who preferred not to walk.
Other Sites and Final Thoughts
I only had a full day and a half in Jerusalem. If I had more time, I would have liked to explore the underground tunnel system beneath the Old City or visit the Mount of Olives for its sweeping views.
Jerusalem is unlike any other city I’ve visited. It’s complex, spiritual, and filled with contrasts: a place where every corner has a story. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s impossible to walk its streets and not be captivated by the layers of history and the vibrant life unfolding around you.
Would you visit? Let me know!
Read more about my Israel adventure here.
