Things to Do in Jerusalem
50 curated spots from Jerusalem itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Mount of Olives Viewpoint
Start with panoramic views over the Old City, Dome of the Rock, and surrounding hills from the main lookout near the Seven Arches Hotel; take family photos and point out landmarks before heading down.
1h · Free (taxi up the hill extra)
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Explore the complex church encompassing Golgotha, the Stone of Anointing, and the traditional site of Jesus’s tomb; expect crowds but also quiet chapels off the main routes.
1h 30m · Free
Mahane Yehuda Market (Daytime)
Browse colorful produce, spice, and pastry stalls; walk the side streets of Nachlaot with shaded, vine-covered alleys and small synagogues.
2h · Free (plus food and shopping)
Nachlaot Neighborhood Free Explore
Lose yourselves in the narrow lanes, stone houses, small courtyards, and unexpected trees and flower pots; simply wander without a fixed route.
2h · Free
Western Wall Plaza
Walk down from Jaffa Gate through the Armenian/Jewish Quarters to the Western Wall, observing the separation between men’s and women’s prayer sections and the small plaza trees.
1h · Free
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Dome of the Rock (Haram al-Sharif)
Enter through the Old City and ascend to the Noble Sanctuary to pray at Al-Aqsa, walk the tree-lined courtyards, and photograph the golden Dome of the Rock from different angles.
2h 30m · Free
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Temple Mount
Enter through one of the Muslim Quarter gates and explore the expansive compound: pray at Al-Aqsa, walk the courtyards, and photograph the Dome of the Rock’s tiles in the soft morning light. Check current visiting hours for non-prayer times and carry your passport.
2h · Free
Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount)
Enter via the Muslim Quarter when open to worshippers, observe the courtyards, and, if appropriate for you, pray inside Al‑Aqsa; dress modestly and follow staff instructions about where you can walk and photograph.
1h 30m · Free
Bloomfield Science Museum
Hands-on exhibits and interactive science stations make this especially good for ages 8 and 12.
2h · $12-18 per person
Church of the Holy Sepulchre & Christian Quarter Lanes
Explore the cavernous, multi-level church believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb, then wander the surrounding narrow streets with their arches, small courtyards, and artisan shops.
2h · Free
Church of the Holy Sepulchre Area
Visit the main site and nearby lanes, then let the family explore the atmosphere and details rather than rushing through.
1h · Free
Dead Sea Beach Visit (Kalia Beach or Neve Midbar)
Take a day trip east to a family‑friendly beach with facilities; float in the dense water, cover yourselves in mud, shower off, and rest in shaded seating.
3h 30m · $15-25 per person for entry and facilities
Dome of the Rock Viewpoints
Enjoy the skyline, open spaces, and iconic photo angles from permitted viewing areas around the Old City route.
1h · Free
Downtown Jerusalem & Ben Yehuda Street Free Explore
Walk the pedestrian streets, listen to buskers, browse small shops, and let kids try local snacks or small toys; sit at an outdoor café for tea or juice.
2h · Free (plus any shopping/snacks)
Ein Karem Village Free Explore
Wander the stone lanes, peek into churches and small galleries, and follow the paths down to the spring; lush trees, terraced gardens, and valley views give a rural feel.
2h 30m · Free
Ein Kerem Village Stroll
Take a taxi or bus to this green, hillside village on Jerusalem’s western edge; stroll its narrow lanes with stone houses, trees, and lush gardens around churches and homes.
2h 30m · Free (transport extra)
First Station Family Stroll
Browse the promenade, watch street activity, and enjoy the open-air setting before moving to the nearby garden area.
1h 15m · Free
First Station Promenade
Take an easy evening walk among restaurants, open space, and family-friendly energy.
1h · Free
Garden of Gethsemane & Kidron Valley Stroll
Visit the small, ancient olive grove and church that mark the Garden of Gethsemane, then walk a short way down into the Kidron Valley to see rock-cut tombs and take photos of the city walls from below.
1h · Free
Garden of Gethsemane & Kidron Valley Walk
Visit the Garden of Gethsemane and then descend gently into the valley, seeing ancient tombs carved into rock; keep an eye on kids near roads and steps.
1h 30m · Free
Gazelle Valley Urban Wildlife Park
Take a taxi to this rewilded urban nature reserve where gazelles roam freely among reeds, small ponds, and wild grasses. Follow looping walking paths, sit on wooden platforms overlooking the water, and enjoy a surprisingly wild-feeling pocket of nature inside the city.
2h 30m · Free
German Colony & Train Track Park Walk
Stroll Emek Refaim Street and then follow the landscaped Train Track Park, a linear greenway built on an old railway, with playgrounds and lots of trees.
2h 30m · FreeGerman Colony Street Stroll
Walk Emek Refaim and side streets lined with stone houses, trees, and small gardens; pop into boutiques and cafés.
1h 30m · Free
Hinnom Valley & Sultan’s Pool Walk
Descend into the valley and walk along the paths surrounded by trees and cliffs; it feels surprisingly natural considering how close it is to the city walls.
1h 30m · Free
Israel Museum
Focus on the model of Jerusalem, family-friendly galleries, and the outdoor sculpture garden for an easy mix of indoor and open-air time.
2h 30m · $18-22 per person
Israel Museum (including the Dead Sea Scrolls Shrine of the Book)
Explore the outdoor model of Second Temple Jerusalem, the Shrine of the Book with the Dead Sea Scrolls, and kid‑friendly art and archaeology sections; use the gardens as quiet breaks.
2h 30m · $15-20 per adult, discounts for childrenIsrael Museum & Sculpture Garden
Explore the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls), archaeological wing, and the outdoor sculpture garden with lawns and trees.
2h 30m · $18-22
Israel Museum Outdoor Areas (Sculpture Garden & Shrine of the Book Exterior)
Return toward the city and spend unhurried time in the Israel Museum’s outdoor sculpture garden and around the Shrine of the Book building; enter galleries if time and interest allow.
2h 30m · $15-22 entry
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo (Tisch Family Zoological Gardens)
Large, green zoo focused on animals mentioned in the Bible, with shaded paths, a small lake, and playgrounds; plan plenty of water and hats for the kids.
3h · $15-20 per adult, less for children
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Spend a relaxed afternoon among lush plantings, shaded paths, and calm water features that match the jungle-wild aesthetic.
2h · $10-15 per personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Azzahra Restaurant
Garden‑style restaurant in the Azzahra Hotel with lots of plants and stone walls; offers halal Palestinian mains (grilled chicken, lamb, stuffed vegetables) – ask for halal confirmation and avoid wine/beer if you prefer.
1h 30m · $25-30 per person
Abu Shukri
Simple, famous hummus and falafel spot in the Muslim Quarter; order hummus with warm pita, falafel, and a plate of salads – all vegetarian and suitable for halal diets (no meat or alcohol served).
1h · $10-15 per person
Jaffar Sweets
Famous Palestinian sweet shop with knafeh, baklava, and biscuits; grab knafeh and tea or coffee for a sweet, halal‑friendly breakfast.
30m · $5-10 per person
Abu Shukri (Old City)
Simple, bustling spot famous for hummus, falafel, and ful; all food is halal and vegetarian, ideal for a hearty, no-stress start.
45m · $8-15 per person
Arafat Hummus & Falafel
Simple Muslim-run spot known for generous plates of hummus, falafel, and salads—completely halal and great for a quick, satisfying meal.
45m · $8-15 per person
Azura
Beloved family-run place with stews and Middle Eastern home cooking; choose vegetarian options like hummus, stuffed vegetables, and salads to keep things comfortably halal.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Abu Shukri (Al-Haj Ahmed Agha)
Simple, famous hummus and falafel spot tucked in a stone alley near the Via Dolorosa. As a long-standing Muslim-owned restaurant they serve classic halal Palestinian fare; order the hummus with ful (fava beans), falafel, Arabic salad, and fresh pitas for an entirely halal meal.
45m · $10-15 per person
Abu Shukri Restaurant (Original Abu Shukri)
Famous, no-frills hummus and mezze eatery in a narrow alley off the Via Dolorosa. Halal options: hummus, musabaha, falafel, salads, fries, and pita; almost entirely vegetarian and widely used by local Muslim families.
1h · $8-14 per person
Adom
Choose eggs, salads, pastries, and vegetarian plates; halal-friendly options are the meat-free items and egg dishes.
1h · $20-35 per person
Afteem Restaurant (if you visit Bethlehem) OR Local Falafel in East Jerusalem
If you decide on a quick side trip to Bethlehem, Afteem (by Manger Square) offers halal falafel, hummus, and salads; otherwise, choose any busy falafel shop in East Jerusalem (all halal) for a simple lunch—falafel, hummus, fries, and salad.
1h · $8-15 per person
Al-Aqsa Restaurant
Traditional Palestinian spot with simple seating and hearty plates, frequented by locals near the Haram al-Sharif area. Being Muslim-owned, it serves halal food; order foul (fava bean stew), falafel, hummus, and fresh bread for a big halal breakfast before your Mount of Olives walk.
45m · $10-15 per person
Al-Nafoura Restaurant
Shaded courtyard restaurant with trees and stone walls; serves halal-friendly Middle Eastern dishes like grilled chicken skewers, kebabs using halal meat, mezze, and vegetarian options—confirm halal with staff, they advertise catering to Muslim guests.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Aroma Café
Choose salads, sandwiches without non-halal meat, soups, omelets, and vegetarian bowls; these are safe halal-friendly choices.
1h · $20-35 per person
Askadinya Restaurant
Modern halal Palestinian restaurant with a garden-like interior; order grilled chicken, steak, and mezze.
1h 30m · $25-35 per person
Basti Restaurant
Homey Palestinian restaurant just off the Christian Quarter Road; choose grilled chicken, mixed grill, or kebab and confirm halal meat with staff, plus mezze like hummus and fattoush.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Café Nadi
Leafy-neighborhood café with a garden feel; stick to vegetarian options like shakshuka, salads, and pastries to stay aligned with halal needs.
1h · $12-20 per person
Eucalyptus
Choose fish, vegetarian dishes, or clearly halal-friendly chicken options if available that day; confirm the menu on arrival and stick to those safe choices.
1h 15m · $30-50 per person
Hachapuria Mahane Yehuda
Bakery-style stall specializing in Georgian-style cheese breads with some green, leafy toppings. Halal-friendly options: vegetarian khachapuri (cheese breads), pastries, and soft drinks; verify ingredients if you avoid any alcohol-based dough conditioners and skip any meat-topped breads if not clearly halal.
45m · $7-12 per person
Hamarakia
Cozy soup bar with bohemian décor and lots of plants; order vegetarian soups (lentil, tomato, mushroom) with bread and salads – all veg options are suitable for halal diets.
1h · $15-20 per person
Hummus Ben Sira (order vegetarian plates)
Busy hummus joint near the light rail; choose hummus bowls, falafel, fries, and salads (no meat) for an easy halal-safe dinner.
1h · $12-20 per person