Few places in the world have as much religious and cultural significance as Jerusalem. It’s one of those rare places that mixes ancient history with modernity. Tailor your experience by selecting one of the Jerusalem hotels along a spectrum from ultra-modern to historic. The Old City is a can’t-miss, for the following reasons.
Please pin this image so others can find out about these reasons for visiting Jerusalem’s Old City. THANK YOU!- Log more steps than you thought possible: From the Wailing Wall of the Temple Mount, you’ll be amazed at the steps you can log touring sites sacred to three of the world’s major religions.
- Relive your Indiana Jones fantasy: Traversing past ancient ruins, walking on stone streets and viewing major religious artifacts will make even the most mild-mannered fellow feel like Indiana Jones.
- Practice your Hebrew: You polished your high school French for that trip to Paris, now learn a few phrases in Hebrew to converse with shopkeepers, wait staff and more. Attune your ear to Arabic as well.
- Prayer at the Wailing Wall: Also known as the Western Wall or The Kotel, it’s the holiest place in Judaism. Millions of visitors of all religious affiliations, visit the wall every year, slipping prayers written on folded pieces of paper into the cracks of the wall.
- Get immersed in history: Walk down the narrow alleys and streets and feel the Old City, founded in 1004 B.C.E., practically pulse from the centuries of history that have been made here.
- Visit Sunni Islam’s third-holiest site: The Dome of the Rock’s golden sheen can be seen from all around the city. Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven on this spot. Non-Muslims can visit during select hours during the week.
- Shop at the Old City Bazaar: Located between the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the bazaar is an ideal place for guests of Dan Panorama Jerusalem to pick up souvenirs before heading home.
- Stand in the center of the world: Built by King David, Jerusalem was originally known as the City of David. It’s still considered the center of the world by many for its religious importance.
- Enjoy amazing food: From shawarma to falafel, the local cuisine will keep you coming back, whether to a street vendor, sit-down cafe or fine-dining restaurant.
- See the sun stream through a Byzantine church: The Armenian quarter is home to the beautiful St. James Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, the Byzantine church is notable for its central dome that allows the sun to pour in, shedding light on the paintings inside.
- Experience the chaotic energy of the Shuk: Mahane Yehuda Market is a large open-air market that has to be seen to be believed. Filled with vendors and butchers selling meat, produce, and everything in between, it’s a great place to wander or grab a bite to eat.
Jerusalem’s Old City is unbelievably rich with religious landmarks, archaeological relics and holy sites important to Christians, Muslims and Jews. Check out Hipmunk’s flights to Jerusalem, so you can experience it for yourself.
This post was posted by Fiona Moriarty on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on July 29, 2015
