Jerusalem Attractions — The Complete List
27 attractions in Jerusalem, updated regularly: ancient sites, world-class museums, markets, viewpoints, and family activities. 13 are open on Shabbat and 13 are completely free. Each listing includes the address, opening hours, and tickets where relevant.
Biblical Zoo
A spacious zoo featuring animals mentioned in the Bible alongside species from around the world, with a focus on conservation and wildlife rehabilitation.
דרך אהרן שולוב 1, ירושלים
The King David Light and Sound Show
An innovative light and sound production depicting the legendary figure of King David, projected against the backdrop of the Tower of David and Jerusalem's night sky. The show includes a virtual tour of works by artists such as Chagall and Michelangelo, combining sound and visuals for a unique viewing experience.
מגדל דוד (מצודת דוד), שער יפו, ירושלים 9114001
WebsiteThe L.A. Mayer Museum of Islamic Art
Located near the neighborhoods of Talbiya, Kiryat Shmuel, and Old Katamon, this museum houses a remarkable collection of Islamic art spanning from Spain to India, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and Muslim artwork across the centuries. It's particularly renowned for its impressive collection of antique clocks, considered one of the three most important collections of its kind in the world, featuring works by the renowned clockmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Founded in 1974 by Vera Bryce Solomons in memory of Professor Leon Arie Mayer.
רחוב הפלמ"ח 2, ירושלים
Machane Yehuda Market
Jerusalem's famous bustling market offering a rich culinary experience with food stalls, restaurants, bars, and a unique atmosphere.
רחוב אגריפס, ירושלים
WebsiteJerusalem Botanical Gardens
Israel's largest botanical garden, sprawling across Givat Ram-Neot neighborhood and showcasing thousands of plant species from around the world, organized by geographic regions (South Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and the Mediterranean). Run by the Hebrew University as both a research and education center, it offers peaceful green spaces for families and plant enthusiasts, featuring a tropical greenhouse and ornamental pond. Open daily, including Saturdays.
יהודה בורלא 1, ירושלים
Mamilla Avenue
An open-air shopping promenade in the heart of Jerusalem, between the Old City and new city, a short walk from Jaffa Gate. Home to dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants alongside restored 19th-century buildings and street art, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Free to enter and a main pedestrian route toward the Old City.
שדרות ממילא 8, ירושלים (סמוך לשער יפו, בין רחוב יפו לרחוב יצחק קריב)
YMCA Tower Jerusalem - Observation Deck
The iconic bell tower of the International YMCA in Jerusalem, next to the King David Hotel, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks due to its distinctive architecture and religious symbolism. From the top of the tower, at approximately 46 meters high, enjoy a panoramic view of the Old City and West Jerusalem in all directions. Admission is paid and typically requires a minimum of two visitors per entry time.
רחוב המלך דוד 26, ירושלים (King David Street 26)
WebsiteYad Vashem
Israel's national Holocaust memorial authority, featuring a historical museum, memorial monuments (including the Hall of Remembrance and Children's Memorial), the Righteous Among the Nations Garden, and a research and documentation center. Admission is free but advance booking is recommended.
הר הזיכרון, ירושלים
Yemin Moshe
One of Jerusalem's oldest neighborhoods built outside the Old City walls, established in 1891 by the Montefiore Foundation as part of the movement beyond the walls. Built with charming stone houses and paved alleyways offering open views of the Old City walls, Yemin Moshe has transformed from a poor neighborhood into an upscale area home to artists and writers, now a popular tourist destination. The neighborhood is highlighted by Montefiore's Windmill, which has become a small museum and observation point.
רחוב ימין משה, מול חומות העיר העתיקה (שכונה מגורים פתוחה, ללא כתובת מוסדית יחידה)
Tower of David
Jerusalem's museum housed in the Old City Citadel, telling the city's history through exhibitions and multimedia presentations.
שער יפו, ירושלים
WebsiteIndependence Park
One of Jerusalem's largest and most central parks, located between Agron, King George, and Hillel streets near the Mamilla neighborhood. Established in 1959, the park features the historic Mamilla Pool, a water reservoir that once supplied Jerusalem's water system. Today it serves as a recreational green space for locals and city center workers, ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and leisure activities.
בין רחובות אגרון, המלך ג'ורג' והלל, מרכז העיר ירושלים (לגן אין כתובת רחוב יחידה - הוא משתרע בין מספר רחובות)
Sacher Park
Jerusalem's largest urban park, spanning 160 dunams between the Nachlaot and Rehavia neighborhoods and the government complex housing the Knesset and Supreme Court. Established in the 1960s and named after Harry Sacker, a British Zionist activist, the park underwent a major renovation in 2019–2021. It features basketball, soccer, and tennis courts, a skateboard area, a Japanese peace bell, walking and cycling paths, a dog garden, and playgrounds. The expansive lawns host picnics, cultural events, and traditional celebrations like Lag B'Omer and Mimouna.
בין נחלאות, רחביה וקריית וולפסון, סמוך למתחם הכנסת ובנייני הממשלה
HaMesila Park (Railway Park)
A 5–7 km linear greenway built along the historic Ottoman-era Jerusalem–Jaffa railway line, which ceased operation in the late 1990s. Developed between 2010–2013, the park stretches from the original station area and the German Colony through Baka, Katamon, Mekor Hayim, Beit Safafa, and Talpiot to Malha. It features walking and cycling paths, pergolas, seating areas, and restored railway buildings converted into cafés and community spaces, making it a popular destination for family walks, jogging, and cycling.
משתרע דרך כמה שכונות: המושבה הגרמנית, בקעה, קטמון, מקור חיים, בית צפאפא וטלפיות, עד מלחה
Israel Museum
Israel's leading museum, featuring comprehensive collections of art, archaeology, and Judaica, including the famous Shrine of the Book.
דרך רופין 11, ירושלים
WebsiteThe Western Wall
The Western Wall is a remnant of the retaining wall of the Temple Mount from the Second Temple period and the holiest site in Judaism for prayer. The plaza facing the wall is open to the public around the clock at no charge, welcoming visitors and worshippers from around the world. Access to the plaza is through the Dung Gate in the Old City. The site is managed by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. Nearby, the Davidson Center and the Western Wall Tunnels offer separate paid admission with their own visiting hours.
רחוב העומר 2, ירושלים (רחבת הכותל, ליד שער האשפות, העיר העתיקה)
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
One of Christianity's holiest sites, built over the location where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again according to Christian tradition. The church is shared by several Christian denominations—Greek Orthodox, Catholic Franciscan, Armenian, and others—who worship side by side under an arrangement known as the Status Quo. Free admission, no advance booking needed. Open daily, including Saturdays.
Christian Quarter Road (רחוב הנוצרים), הרובע הנוצרי, העיר העתיקה, ירושלים
Ramparts Walk - Old City Walls Tour
Walk along the historic walls of the Old City, built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century, with panoramic views over the four quarters and Jerusalem's skyline. Choose between a southern route from Jaffa Gate to the Dung Gate (45 minutes) or a northern route to the Lions' Gate (90 minutes). Admission fee applies. Free audio guide available in multiple languages and augmented reality experiences included. Note: Not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to numerous stairs.
שער יפו, העיר העתיקה, ירושלים (הכניסה הראשית סמוך למודיעין התיירות בשער יפו)
Armon HaNatziv Promenade
A public walking path stretching along the ridge in southeast Jerusalem between Abu Tor and Armon HaNatziv, offering some of the city's best views of the Old City, the Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, and Mount Scopus. Built in stages from the 1980s-90s, the promenade actually consists of three adjacent paths named after their donors. Free entry, ideal for family walks, running, and cycling, and popular for sunset views over the Old City.
רחוב דניאל ינובסקי, ירושלים (הכניסה הראשית לטיילת)
Rechavam (Zvi) Lookout - Mount of Olives Viewpoint
An open public viewpoint at the summit of the Mount of Olives, located opposite the seven Arches Hotel and above the ancient Jewish cemetery. It offers a panoramic view of Jerusalem's Old City, including the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Jewish Quarter. This is considered the city's most iconic sunset and sunrise viewing point. The site features a small amphitheater for seating, is free to enter, and is open 24/7.
הר הזיתים (א-טור), מזרח ירושלים
Western Wall Tunnels
An underground tunnel system beneath the Muslim Quarter that exposes approximately 500 additional meters of the original Western Wall. Guided tours reveal artifacts and structures from the Herodian period through the Middle Ages and modern era, including massive stone blocks, buildings, water systems, and an ancient quarry. Entry is from the Western Wall Plaza; exit is in the Muslim Quarter.
רחבת הכותל המערבי, העיר העתיקה (הכניסה מרחבת הכותל, היציאה ברובע המוסלמי)
WebsiteGarden Tomb
A Christian site located outside the Old City walls near the Damascus Gate, featuring an ancient rock-cut tomb that many Protestant Christian groups believe to be the possible location of Jesus's burial and resurrection, as an alternative to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Now managed as a peaceful, well-maintained garden by a British-Israeli organization, it opened to the public in the late 19th century and welcomes pilgrims and visitors from around the world for prayer and reflection. Admission is free.
רחוב קונרד שיק (Conrad Schick Street), ירושלים
First Station
A dining, culture, and entertainment complex housed in Jerusalem's historic railway station, built in 1892 and operational for over a century until it closed in 1998. Today it features restaurants, cafes, shops, and children's attractions alongside rotating markets and cultural events. Located near the German Colony and Emek Refaim Street, with free admission.
ככר דוד רמז 4, ירושלים
Knesset Tours
The Knesset, Israel's legislative building, is located in Givat Ram and offers free guided tours to the public through the Knesset Visitors Centre. Tours showcase the building's architecture and sometimes allow visitors to observe the plenary hall where debates and votes take place. Entry requires a valid ID (passport or ID card), appropriate dress, and passage through security checks.
רחוב קפלן 1, קריית הממשלה, גבעת רם, ירושלים
Bible Lands Museum
An archaeological museum showcasing the cultures of the ancient Near East and biblical world — Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Land of Israel — through ancient artifacts. Located at the Museum Quarter.
שמואל סטפן וייז 21, קריית המוזאונים, ירושלים
WebsiteBloomfield Science Museum
An interactive science museum featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits for all ages, covering physics, light, space, and technology. A popular destination for families with children in Jerusalem.
שדרת המוזיאונים 3, ירושלים
Websitethe City of David
A national archaeological site south of the Old City, considered Jerusalem's oldest historical core. Explore ancient excavations, walk through the Hasmonean and water tunnels (Hezekiah's Tunnel), and visit the Pool of Siloam. The site combines biblical history, archaeological finds, and interactive experiences for all ages.
רחוב מעלות עיר דוד, ירושלים (סמוך לשער האשפות)
WebsiteIce Box
An open-air ice skating rink operating in summer 2026 in the eastern parking lot of Teddy Stadium, as part of the Jerusalem Sports Complex summer events program. Skating shoes included, medical staff on site throughout operating hours. Open to ages 5 and up.
דרך דוד בנבנישתי 1, ירושלים
TicketsJerusalem Attractions — FAQ
What are the must-see attractions in Jerusalem?
First-timers should start with the Old City — the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Ramparts Walk — then Machane Yehuda Market, the Tower of David, Yad Vashem, and the Israel Museum. Two to three full days cover the essentials.
Which Jerusalem attractions are open on Shabbat (Saturday)?
The Old City sites, most viewpoints and parks, the Garden Tomb area, and several museums remain accessible on Saturday. Public transport doesn't run, so plan to walk or take a taxi. Each attraction below is marked if it's open on Shabbat.
What can you do in Jerusalem for free?
Plenty: the Western Wall and Old City quarters, Machane Yehuda Market, the Haas Promenade viewpoint, Sacher Park, HaMesila Park, and Jerusalem's street festivals. Free attractions below are tagged accordingly.
Is Jerusalem good for kids?
Very — the Biblical Zoo, the Bloomfield Science Museum, the seasonal Ice Box skating rink, and the First Station compound are all built for families, alongside kid-friendly routes in the Old City.
See also: Things to do in Jerusalem · What's on today · This weekend