Old Jerusalem: What Travelers May Expect in the Holy Land


Old Jerusalem: What Travelers May Expect in the Holy Land
Old Jerusalem: What Travelers May Expect in the Holy Land
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One city that attracts tourists primarily for its old-world charm is Jerusalem – the capital of Israel, nestled at the heart of historic Palestine. If rugged sandstone walls, a maze of narrow alleyways, hidden party spots in the unlikeliest places, and a hunt for the best Knafeh and Hummus sound like your cup of tea, Jerusalem is waiting to be discovered!

However, are tall, wildly decorated religious buildings the only thing you can expect in the old city? No! Jerusalem is quite the melting pot with culture and history as rich as its architecture and cuisine. Keep reading as this article covers all things a first-time traveler to Jerusalem must be aware of.

1.  Safe but Crowded Streets

If your concerns about visiting Jerusalem revolve around the Israel-Gaza conflict, rest assured that Jerusalem is among the safer cities. Some regions of Israel do face conflict and unrest, but the Old City has security checkpoints in all public places.

The Israeli government has numerous safety protocols, with armed guards lining the city’s bus stations, museums, restaurants, and other famous tourist spots. While you need not worry about safety, you must also remember that Jerusalem is Israel’s most historically important city.

It attracts nearly 4.5 million tourists every year from all parts of the world. This makes it heavily crowded, especially between the months of March and August. You won’t find the city as crowded during the rest of the months. Just know that the crowds of Jerusalem are not to be avoided, as they are a part of the city’s appeal.

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2.  Seemingly Rude Natives/Locals

Did you know that the ancient city of Jerusalem has a reputation for locals rudeness as that of New York City? Yes, but the catch here is that tourists are advised to take the natives’ brusque way of behaving with a pinch of salt.

This is because appearances can be deceptive. The people of Israel are often termed as passionate people, accustomed to raising their voices at political discussions. Their aim is not to offend; it just shows their care for a particular conversation.

Similarly, the locals’ way of asking questions may seem intrusive. Rest assured that Israeli folks are not prying into your personal affairs; they take a genuine interest in tourists’ lives. If you can look past their rude remarks, you’ll find Jerusalem’s locals delightful.

3.  Warm Hospitality

Does it seem ironic that brashness and hospitality can go hand in hand? Welcome to the beautiful land of Jerusalem! The city’s locals are among the most hospitable people, concerned about tourists’ well-being.

They won’t shy away from asking you about your itinerary, holding up a meaningful conversation, etc. Moreover, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a warm cup of tea within the first hour of your acquaintance.

And here’s a little secret – if you meet them during the weekly Shabbat by happenstance, you will likely get to feast with the family on delicious babka and challah buns!

4.  A Year-Round Inviting Climate

You do not need to lock in any special dates to visit Jerusalem as far as the climate of the city is concerned. Jerusalem boasts of a pleasant and warm climate for a significant part of the year. The weather may lean on the colder side post-November, so you can avoid visiting during the last two months of the year.

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However, the city’s crowd remains thinnest during the months of May, October, and November. In general, Springtime is the city’s peak tourist season. Winters are good from the budget viewpoint, but the weather can get a little fickle, with sudden bouts of rain and cold winds.

5.  A Plethora of Suitable Accommodations

Jerusalem offers a plethora of suitable accommodations for all types of tourist needs. There are guesthouses across its narrow streets, residential-like living quarters, hostels, and of course, luxurious resorts and hotels.

A good place to start would be to earmark where you would like to reside. This can also be a tricky task, given the large number of options. Plus, each area of the city has its own unique charm. Isrotel notes that most tourists prefer to reside at the heart of Jerusalem, with its main attractions just walking distance from their hotel.

This area is also best suited for people who wish to experience the rich culture and religious history of the city. Some may also prefer to stay in the outskirts, just so they could access neighboring places, like Ma’ale Adumim, Bethlehem, Ramallah, etc. You can check out Isrotel.com to learn more about your options.

Just remember that Jerusalem has accommodation facilities for every tourist’s budget and dwelling needs.

6.  Unique Touring Opportunities

Atop a plateau, Jerusalem is among the oldest and most important cities of Israel. Most of it is a tourist attraction from a cultural and religious perspective. This is what makes Jerusalem so unique.

Some of the top touring sites across the city include Haram Al-Sharif or the Temple Mount, the famous Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (believed to be the place where Christ was crucified and buried).

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You can also find other tourist destinations such as the Tower of David, the Israel Museum, the Biblical Zoo, the Via Dolorosa, the Armenian Quarter, and the spot of Lord Jesus’ Last Supper (Mount Zion). You are bound to be on your toes as you explore the many attractions the city has to offer!

7.  An Appetizing Culinary Scene

As you explore the Old City, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to take a detour one too many times as the tempting scents of freshly baked matzos and challahs call from the alleys. Since Jerusalem is a veritable mosaic of various cultures, its cuisine is as diverse as it gets.

Besides Laffah and pita bread, you can find other tasty dishes such as sweet baklavas, the classic hummus with tahini, the lip-smacking shawarmas, the famous falafels, and stuffed Israeli Bourekas. In between your tours, take a seat at one of the traditional restaurants or jump right into the different street food options.  

Rest assured that Jerusalem’s culinary scene will shock you in a good way!

Happy Travels! 

Now let’s go through some of the important points you need to keep in mind as a traveler in Israel and Jerusalem in particular. Firstly, if your electrical plugs are square-pegged, don’t forget to carry three-round-pegged electrical adapters (commonly used throughout Israel). 

Also, be ready to enjoy Kosher-friendly food in the city! For the religious spots, carry modest clothing, or you can even borrow some near the Western Wall. On the Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday night), all shops and local attractions are closed. 

Finally, gear up for a lengthy interrogation at the airport security as crossing Israel’s borders (either way) is a tedious process. Other than that, brush up on Israel’s history to get the most out of your travel experience! 


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Sikander Zaman
writing is my profession, doing this from long time. writing for many online websites one of them is scoopearth