Tips on Holy Land : Jerusalem

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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.