Visit Jerusalem in One Day

If you’re traveling to Israel and have one day in Jerusalem, you’ll want to plan carefully to make sure you visit the major sites and enjoy the ancient city. I’ve visited the city countless times, and each time is more magical than the last. Home to three of the world’s major religions and the site of countless historical events, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world.

When I visit Jerusalem, I enjoy weaving through the old city’s alleyways, bargaining with vendors at the Machane Yehuda Market, soaking in the history and culture at world-acclaimed museums. All while taking in the stunning surroundings. 

This guide, designed for travelers who visit Jerusalem in one day, is ambitious.  If you start your day early you can do it all. If you choose to visit just a few of the stops, you’ll still cover some of the best sites that Jerusalem has to offer, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Yes, that last line was cheesy, but what can I say, it’s true!

Here are 5 Places You’ll Want to See When You Visit Jerusalem in One Day

Explore the The Machane Yehuda Market

One of the highlights of visiting the ancient city is shopping for Israeli delicacies and souvenirs at Machane Yehuda Market. I bargain my way around while I find the best authentic Middle Eastern eats. The dates are some of the best I’ve eaten in my life. You’ll find olives, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, baked goods, sweets, souvenirs, cafes, bars, restaurants, and so much more all inside the market. The market is happening — and the prices are great.

During the last few years, the market has become a cool place to go to at night. The bars are packed and restaurants are delicious. All the smells of the fresh food are still alive. If you’ll be in Jerusalem at night, it’s a great place to go for dinner. 

I did a quick Google search to see what information is out there about the market (or “shuk” in Hebrew) and found endless articles about it (for good reason, the market is a must-see in Jerusalem). Read this article for a full guide to the Mahane Yehuda Market

Take a Free Walking Tour of the City

Sandeman Tours offer a free walking tour of the city twice a day in English. You can reserve your spot directly on their website to have a free guided tour of the city. There is a requested (and usually well deserved) tip to be given at the end, so make sure bring about 50 ILS ($13 USD) in cash.

The tour starts at the Jaffa Gate and covers many of the top Jerusalem attractions, including David’s Citadel, the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters of the Old City, and incredible views of sites like the Church of Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, the Mount of Olives and the Western (Wailing) Wall.

I’ve taken friends on this tour multiple times and found that it’s a great way to get an overview of the city, while seeing some of the major sites.

This guide, designed for travelers who visit Jerusalem in one day, is ambitious.  If you start your day early you can do it all —  but if you choose 4 out of 5 of the stops, you’ll still cover some of the best sites that Jerusalem has to offer, and build a memories that will last a lifetime.  

 Visit Jerusalem in One Day

Tour Through The Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. I visited the museum with a friend for the first time last March. There’s an English tour given twice a day and you’ll want to make sure you’re there for it.

One of the most exciting parts of the museum is the iconic Shrine of the Book structure, which was designed to resemble the lids of the jars in which the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls it houses were discovered. 

The tour guide will walk you through everything you want to know about the Dead Sea Scrolls — and the extraordinary way they were discovered.  They have been called the greatest manuscript discovery of modern times. I’m not a history buff, but I did find this tour absolutely fascinating. The scrolls are the oldest group of Old Testament manuscripts ever found.

Here’s a photo from the Israel Museum:  

 

Visit Yad Vashem | The World Holocaust Remembrance Center

While the Yad Vashem Museum is not a fun experience, it’s an important one. 

You’ll have a memorable visit at the museum — make sure to check the open hours of operation in advance. During your time at the museum you’ll watch survivor testimonies, view personal diaries, and view the modern exhibits of one of the most cataclysmic periods in the history of mankind.  The memorial captures the raw and painful history of the Jews during World War II. 

Visit Jerusalem in One Day: 5 Places You’ll Want to See.

Enjoy Jerusalem Nightlife on Ben Yehuda Street

Experience Jerusalem’s nightlife, crafts and galleries on Ben Yehuda Street. Walk around the happening street and enjoy your evening walking through shops, restaurants and listening to the live musical performances throughout the boulevard.  

You’ll experience one of Jerusalem’s top attractions for locals and tourists alike.  

What you’ll want to consider when planning your trip to Jerusalem:

• Jerusalem offers some of the absolutely best food in the world. Health, tasty and fresh, you’ll want to eat your way through the city. Do you research in advance, and check out some of the best restaurant in the country. You’ll want to try falafel, shuarma, plenty of hummus — and all of the fresh produce.
• The bakeries in the city are also incredible. If you smell some great pasteries, go for it! Don’t hesitate, it’s worth it!

This Visit Jerusalem in One Day guide is now complete! Have a wonderful trip and feel free to comment below with any questions.

Visit Jerusalem in One Day Related Reading

• Health, Safety and Relationships in Israel: Jenna’s Tips
• A Hike to Freedom in Israel
• How I Conquered Israel’s Desert Fortress, Masada
• Exploring Little Corners of Israel

Have you traveled to Israel? What were your impressions? We’d love to know if there’s any important information you recommend adding to this list. Email us at editor@pinkpangea.com for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Photo credits for Visit Jerusalem in One Day by Pixabay and Unsplash.