Jerusalem is suspended between many
different crosshairs. First and foremost, it serves as the Holy City for
the three primary western religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The narrow streets and alleyways that make up the labyrinth-like Old
City reverberate with the sounds of spirituality. Whispered Hebrew
prayers uttered by tefillin-clad Jews at the Western Wall mingle with
the hauntingly beautiful Muslim call-to-prayer sounding from Temple
Mount. The voices from the Jewish and Muslim quarters are then
accompanied by melodic bells sounding from the Christian Church of the
Holy Sepulchre. For many visitors, the rumour of a constant Almighty
presence suddenly becomes very real; even the most adamant non-believer
will find it hard to deny that there’s something ethereal about
Jerusalem.
While the image of ancient Jerusalem—a
city still ruled by King David and his followers—is what most travellers
expect, you’ll find instead a destination in flux. Beyond the historic
walls of the Old City lies a buzzing metropolis where traditional
lifestyles collide with cosmopolitan developments. West Jerusalem is
littered with trendy restaurants and bars, while East Jerusalem
resonates with the cries of market vendors. The city’s diverse offerings
have transformed Jerusalem from a pilgrimage spot to a well-rounded
vacation destination. So whatever your reason for visiting, you can be
sure that this is a city you’ll never forget.
How to save money in Jerusalem
Avoid major holidays: Jerusalem’s prices
skyrocket during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover (March or
April), Sukkot (September or October), and the High Holy Days ( fall).
You’ll find better deals if you avoid these holidays.
Don’t stay in West Jerusalem: Hotels in
West Jerusalem are more modern and more expensive. You’ll find better
rates within the Old City, but be prepared for possible nighttime
curfews. East Jerusalem also has affordable lodging, but try to stay
close to Damascus or Herod’s Gate for convenience’s sake.
Rely on street eats: Jerusalem has its
fair share of swanky restaurants, but you can save some shekels by
relying on food carts and markets for a good meal. Vendors throughout
the city sell everything from bagels to falafel at a reasonable price,
while the Mahane Yehuda market in West Jerusalem is a go-to spot for
fresh produce.
Culture and customs
Jerusalem acts as the Holy City by the
three major Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This
mingling of spirituality has led to a mélange of culture. For example,
you’ll hear a multi-lingual soundtrack on a stroll through the Old City;
Hebrew and Arabic are the dominant languages, but you’ll also catch
whispers of Yiddish and other languages. Many Israelis, especially those
working in the food and hospitality industries, also speak English.
Many Jerusalem residents still fervently
follow guidelines listed in their bible. You will witness some of these
customs during your visit. For example, Jews and Muslims do not eat
pork; therefore, if you get a craving for ham and cheese, you’ll be out
of luck. Many restaurants throughout Jerusalem, particularly in Jewish
neighbourhoods, maintain a kosher menu, meaning they observe strict
religious rules about food consumption and preparation. But chances are
that you won’t give this a second thought as you thumb through a menu.
Also, many businesses (especially in the Old City) close during the
weekend to honour the various sabbaths. Jewish establishments close
their doors on Friday afternoon and don’t open again until Saturday
night or Sunday morning. Many Christian businesses are closed on
Sundays.
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