Things to Do in Jerusalem
Jerusalem packs 27+ attractions — ancient sites, museums, markets, and viewpoints — alongside a live cultural calendar that changes daily. This guide covers the essentials, and unlike a static top-10 list, it also shows you what's actually happening in the city today.
Happening in Jerusalem today (8 events)
- Ice Box - Jerusalem's Ice Skating Complex — אייס בוקס
- Sammy the Firefighter – A Circus Adventure – New Show! — תיאטרון הירש
- Mama — תיאטרון ירושלים
- Fernando Seixas Project - Sounds of Brazil — נוקטורנו
- The Best of "Eugene Onegin" — תיאטרון ירושלים
- When the Sukkah Falls — תיאטרון החאן
- Diamonds — תיאטרון ירושלים
- In the Footsteps of the Anusim — מרכז חיבה
The essentials
- The Old City & the Western Wall — start early, walk the Ramparts
- Machane Yehuda Market — food by day, bars by night
- Tower of David Museum & night show
- Yad Vashem — allow at least half a day
- Israel Museum & the Shrine of the Book
Eat & drink
- Machane Yehuda's restaurants and shuk-bars
- First Station food compound
- The city center's cafe streets (Hillel, Ben Yehuda)
With kids
- The Biblical Zoo and the Aquarium
- Bloomfield Science Museum
- Ice Box skating rink (seasonal) and First Station
Planning your visit — FAQ
What should I not miss in Jerusalem?
The Old City (Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the four quarters), Machane Yehuda Market by day and by night, the Tower of David, Yad Vashem, and the view from the Haas Promenade. With 3-4 days you can add the Israel Museum and the City of David.
What is there to do in Jerusalem at night?
Jerusalem's nightlife centers on Machane Yehuda Market (bars open after the stalls close), the city center around Hillel and Shlomtzion streets, and live music venues like Zappa Jerusalem, Beit Avi Chai, and the First Station. Our daily calendar lists tonight's concerts and shows.
What can you do in Jerusalem on Shabbat?
The Old City sites stay accessible, hotels and some restaurants operate, and several museums are open. Public transport pauses from Friday afternoon to Saturday night, so plan walking routes or taxis. Our Shabbat guide lists what's open each week.
Is 2 days enough for Jerusalem?
Two full days cover the essentials: day one in the Old City and Machane Yehuda, day two split between Yad Vashem or the Israel Museum plus a viewpoint at sunset. Three to four days let you explore neighborhoods like Ein Karem and the German Colony.