7 reasons why you must visit Jerusalem

Go on a budget trip to the Holy Land

You don’t have to be a holy backpacker to love Jerusalem. This astonishing, historical city is one of the most important cultural centres in the world.

Here you’ll discover the holiest sites in Christianity, Judaism and Islam lying right next to each other, but it’s also an incredibly modern city full of amazing food, art and nightlife. Safe for female travellers and backpacking groups you can read more about the top seven things to do in Jerusalem below.

Visit the Wailing Wall

Image by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Often known as the Western Wall, the holiest place in Judaism receives millions of visitors each year, who watch worshippers slip prayers written on folded pieces of paper into cracks in the walls. Why not bring a pen and paper and write your own prayer?

Explore the Dome of the Rock

Image by Patrick McKay (Flickr/Creative Commons)

The golden dome lies in the centre of Temple Mount and is considered to be the third holiest-site in Sunni Islam. It's only open to non-Muslims a few days a week so make sure you check before visiting.

Attend the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Image by slack12 (Flickr/Creative Commons)

This sacred church is seen as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christians world over. Pilgrims consider it to be the source of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection, so you’ll struggle to find a church as holy anywhere else.

Go shopping at the Old City Bazaar

Image by Patrick McKay (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Jerusalem’s colourful bazaar is one of the best places in the city to buy local artefacts on holiday. Amazing deals can be had if you’re prepared to bargain with the shopkeepers. Offer half the asking price and see if they can beat you.

Eat the best hummus in the world

Image by Bryan Doane (Flickr/Creative Commons)

There are few better places to have hummus than Jerusalem, so expect delicious amounts of chickpeas, falafel and shawarma in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter.

Walk on the rooftops of the Old City

Image by israeltourism (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Jerusalem is not the tallest city in the world but if you join a rooftop walking tour you can see the beautiful domes, minarets and see where the four religious quarters - Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian - lie in relationship to one another.

Drink some Tubi 60

Hipsters love the mysterious alcoholic drink Tubi 60 and it’s not hard to see why. Created from vegan herbs and spices, the stimulant is a party drink with 38% alcohol and is supposedly hangover free, but don’t take our word on that ;-)

And if you're looking for a nice place to stay in Jerusalem you can take a look at our best offers using the search form here below:

*Header image by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr/Creative Commons)