
12 Jun 10 Things to do in Jerusalem
Today we are sharing an article by fellow travel blogger Jessica Kay from A Passion and A Passport, as part of our guest post series “10 Things to do in X”. Jessica’s goal is to show others that travel is possible without being on a RTW trip, and cheaply at that as well, and it is definitely something we have in common with her! We are excited to share her fun tips about 10 things to do in Jerusalem with you!
Jerusalem is just one of those places you need to see to really get a feel for what it’s like. Not only is the city filled with so much history, but the food is incredible, views are delightful, and there are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime day trips to be taken.
1. Feast on hummus, felafel, latkes, and schawarma. And get these traditional Israel treats from various markets and hidden restaurants all over the city. They all taste delicious in some homemade pita bread. May not be the beat for the waistline, but they’re too good to pass up! Also try some Bumba, Goldstar Beer, and Pop rocks chocolate.

Latkes
2. Spend an hour or so exploring the Old City of Jerusalem, which is actually a walled area within the modern city. The old city is comprised of 4 different areas, the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. Each is very different, with lots of history. Check out the shops and markets with homemade items. If you are planning on buying friends and family something from Jerusalem, this is the place to do it.

Old city – Jewish Quarter
3. Put a prayer into the western wall, also known as the Kotel, and observe others doing the same. Feel the intensity that is surrounding you, and be sure to take it all in. It has been a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries. When you’re done, make sure to walk with your face towards the wall (backwards), as it is disrespectful to turn your back to the wall.

Western wall
4. Devour the views from Haas Promenade. Bring a picnic lunch, or just some wine and challah, and spend some time taking in the gorgeous buildings in the distance. Look out for the Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount, two of the most famous buildings. You can even take a Segway tour around the area if you like.

Views from Haas Promenade
5. Admire the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock up close and personal. The architecture of both are so intricate, you’ll want to have a good camera with a decent zoom to capture all the little details.
6. Take a day trip to the Dead Sea and float in the salty waters. If you’re up for it, get some all- natural mud and lather it all over your body- it makes for great exfoliation! Just make sure you have no open cuts, as the salt water will sting like there’s no tomorrow.

Floating in the Dead Sea
7. Eat your heart out in mahane yahuda, an open-air market filled with so much local food you won’t know where to start! With more than 500 vendors, it’s hard to choose! I say try the olives, fresh pitas and breads, halva, and spices and beans.
Also, you can’t leave without trying some of the famous chocolate rugelach.

Spices and beans from open air market
8. Take a day exploring Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum in the heart of the city. It is Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, and is the world center for documentation, research, education, and commemoration of the Holocaust. A sight not to be missed.
9. Watch the sunrise from atop Masada, as it’s totally worth the effort to get up nice and early and hike up the mountain. You’ll be greeted with some inspiring views of the Dead Sea and then get an intense workout hiking down the snake path.

Sunrise atop Masada

Hiking down the snake path
10. Spend a night on Ben Yehuda Street. It is a major street in downtown Jerusalem, and is closed to vehicular traffic. The street is a fun place to be, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. However, businesses are closed on Shabbat, so be sure to visit after the sun goes down on Saturday night! (The whole street basically shuts down Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown.)
About the Guest Blogger:
Jessica is the lead writer at A Passion and A Passport. She is attempting to travel the world as much as possible to control her wanderlust, all while holding a full-time job and starting her career. She is not a long-term traveler; she simply travels over long weekends and breaks from work.
Her goal is to show others that travel is possible without being on a RTW trip, and cheaply at that as well! She hopes to inspire others to get up and explore, whether it be in their own backyard or 15,000 miles away.
JR Riel
Posted at 14:21h, 12 JuneTwitter: driftersblog
I’ve heard it’s pretty easy floating in the Dead Sea!
JR Riel recently posted…Chat With an Expat – How a Gypsy Girl From Oz Ended Up Living in Taiwan
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 19:32h, 12 JuneYeah, it does seem to be easy! I would love to give it a try myself soon! 🙂
Jessica - A Passion and A Passport
Posted at 19:02h, 14 JuneTwitter: passion_4travel
Honestly, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Highly enjoyable once you’re on your back and floating, but the process is annoying. You cannot get any water at all in your eyes. It will burn!
Jessica – A Passion and A Passport recently posted…48 Hours in Atlanta, GA
OCDemon
Posted at 05:10h, 17 JuneYeah, you have to float upright. You can’t really “swim.” And then you just kinda sit there for a while. It’s more like a “try it out” type of thing rather than something you’d do for hours.
OCDemon recently posted…Why guidebooks are here to stay (for now)
Nicole
Posted at 19:28h, 12 JuneTwitter: suitcases2
Jerusalem only recently came into my radar. I didnt’ know much about it but the more I hear about it the more I want to go! And how cool does floating in the dead sea sound! And Im a big fan off open aired markets so I think Id have to check out mahane yahuda too! Very informative post!
Nicole recently posted…A Day in New York City
Jessica - A Passion and A Passport
Posted at 19:04h, 14 JuneTwitter: passion_4travel
I highly encourage you to go. Not only to Jerusalem, but other places in Israel as well. It is a truly fascinating country. More posts on the blog with more fun activities 🙂
Jessica – A Passion and A Passport recently posted…48 Hours in Atlanta, GA
Kimmy
Posted at 22:32h, 12 JuneTwitter: afterglobenet
You had me at latkes. Especially when served with apply sauce. Yum! Is it bad I would travel somewhere just for the food?
Kimmy recently posted…Stumbling Over You Week 5
Jessica - A Passion and A Passport
Posted at 19:05h, 14 JuneTwitter: passion_4travel
I would too! And those latkes in Israel were the best I’ve ever had. 🙂
Jessica – A Passion and A Passport recently posted…48 Hours in Atlanta, GA
Meagan
Posted at 09:01h, 13 JuneTwitter: LifeOutsideofTX
Jerusalem has never been on my radar, but you’re making it look really appealing! Loved this post… now I just have to add one more place to my list of places to go!
Meagan recently posted…Say WHAT?!
Jessica - A Passion and A Passport
Posted at 19:06h, 14 JuneTwitter: passion_4travel
Thanks! Seems that most people forget about Jerusalem and the entire county of Israel! It’s too bad because it is a gorgeous and inspiring place!
Jessica – A Passion and A Passport recently posted…48 Hours in Atlanta, GA
eva - jaunt blog
Posted at 18:53h, 15 Junewow – these photos are very convincing! definitely making me want to see jerusalem now and check out that market. thanks for sharing!
eva – jaunt blog recently posted…favorite trends: floral
Karisa
Posted at 01:00h, 17 JuneTwitter: karisabroad
Lovely! This is definitely a part of the world I’d like to see 🙂 And I’d LOVE to find some good Hummus soon!
Karisa recently posted…A Day in Paradise: Coral Island, Thailand
Anita Mac
Posted at 09:18h, 17 JuneLove it! Recently been talking with a few people about travel to Israel and my interest has been piqued….looks amazing. Going on my next bucket list for sure!
Anita Mac recently posted…Monday Morning Series: Crossing Paths on the Camino de Santiago
Jessica - A Passion and A Passport
Posted at 21:41h, 17 JuneTwitter: passion_4travel
Have a bunch more posts on Israel on my blog, so check them out! I highly encourage you to go- its such an amazing country!
Jessica – A Passion and A Passport recently posted…What I Ate in New Orleans (Or Why I Gained 10lbs in 2 days)
Jessica
Posted at 12:33h, 17 JuneTwitter: scasesandscups
I want to go to Israel so, so badly. We are waiting until the kids are a bit older, though. The thought of an open sore in the Dead Sea made me laugh, a bit. I never really thought about it that way before.
Jessica recently posted…Conched Out~Meeting and Eating the Conch of the Turks and Caicos
Mary - Calculated Traveller
Posted at 18:20h, 17 JuneTwitter: CalculateTravel
I’m with Jessica Israel is right up there on my list of places I want to visit….It really looks amazing – so much history. And great tip about the salty dead sea!
Mary – Calculated Traveller recently posted…Kariya Park – A little bit of Japan in the suburbs of Toronto
elaine schoch
Posted at 13:56h, 18 JuneTwitter: elaineschoch
I’ve always wanted to go to Jerusalem, this makes me want to book it now!
elaine schoch recently posted…The more people who travel, the better the world would be.
things to do in miami florida
Posted at 11:27h, 31 JanuaryYour way of describing everything in this paragraph is truly nice,
every one be capable of without difficulty know it, Thanks a
lot.
things to do in miami florida recently posted…things to do in miami florida