Jerusalem is more than just an ancient city - Attractions - Israel travel and tourism

From its breathtaking views to chic European-style roads, on a weekday or during Shabbat, Jerusalem offers you a wide variety of attractions. Have fun!

Even though Jerusalem is your capital city, it is not everyone's cup of tea for a day out of family fun. But with its excellent climate, Israel Festival and Jerusalem Day, Jerusalem is a great choice for a day or two of recreation. Don't forget to take into account that Jerusalem is a kosher city that keeps the Sabbath, so it is advisable to visit during the week or arrive at the end of the week to soak up the holy Shabbat atmosphere that you won't find in too many other places.

Getting to know Jerusalem by double-decker bus
Bus line 99 will take you past all of the main historical and tourist sites. Purchase a two-day pass, that will allow you to get off at each of the bus's 27 stops and be assisted by an audio system offering explanations about the different attractions, which include Ammunition Hill, David's City, Mount Zion, the Israel Museum, the Knesset and Supreme Court.

Don't miss: the general tour. In just two hours, you can complete a comprehensive tour of the city. If you plan on staying longer, take note of the places that interest you most during the tour and visit them again.

Cost: Day pass 45 NIS adults; 36 NIS children. Two-day pass: 90-105 NIS.

Be amazed: Visit the ultra-orthodox neighborhoods
There is certainly no lack of ultra-orthodox neighborhoods in Jerusalem, from Mea Shearim to the youthful Nachlaot quarter. Wandering around these areas, dressed accordingly of course, will transport you to another world and inspire your curiosity.

Don't miss: It is highly recommended to visit during the festival of Sukkoth, when the street market selling the four species takes place or during Chanukah when the windows of the houses are spectacularly illuminated with candle-light.

Cost: The only price you will need to pay is the cost of a modest outfit.

Enjoy yourself: Time Elevator and the zoo
The Time Elevator is a multi-sensory experience that will transport you through 3000 years of Jerusalem's history and will demonstrate to you using Disney-style special effects why everyone fought over the city that was once unified. Another site worth visiting on the way to or from Jerusalem is Mini-Israel-a huge miniature park that lets you walk through every street in Israel in no more than two hours.

Don't miss: The pleasure in fear. More than once you will find yourselves tossed up and down, in the time it takes the ride an elevator, until you feel that you have become an inseparable part of the history of the city.

Cost: Time Elevator 49 NIS; Mini Israel 65 NIS.
Time Elevator reservations call: 02 624 8381 ext. 3; for credit card reservations call: 02 625 2227.
Mini Israel: 08 913 0000.

An added suggestion: The Biblical Zoo, located in Emek Yefhafa, features lakes, waterfalls, and of course, many animals housed on two levels of the complex.

Don't miss: The mini railway that will take the children on a motorized tour, the animal petting corner and feeding times.

Cost 42 NIS adults; 34 NIS children.
Additional information: 02-675-0111.

Walking tours: Old City walls, the Kotel and the stalactite caves
A visit to Jerusalem is incomplete without a walk along the walls offering sweeping views over the ancient Jerusalem neighborhoods. From the walls, it is worth, even mandatory, to continue directly to the Kotel which has no words to describe it; just remember to dress appropriately and bring your wishes in note form to place in the wall.

Don't miss: The Cardo, the charming road running through the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, where you will find many shops and slices of history and of course, a journey through the narrow alleyways of the Old City is a must, past stalls selling a whole variety of wares.

A trip to the stalactite caves is also recommended, located on the western slopes of the Judean Hills, next to Beit Shemesh. You will discover an amazing world created by nature herself-colorful stalactites, spectacular displays and a stalactite and stalagmite called "Romeo and Juliet" who will probably never meet.

Don't miss: A visit to the cave in winter, when drops of rain falling to the ground appear as sparkling shards.

Cost: 23 NIS adults; 12 NIS children.
Additional information: 02 991 1117.

What to eat: Just choose
You can say a lot about Jerusalem, good things, slightly less positive things but one thing is for sure-Israel's capital city certainly does not lack on the culinary front: it offers a vast range of restaurants catering for all palates and budgets from excellent humus found in the Old City (Humus Lena, Abu Shukri), to oriental food, (Azura, Pinati, Rahmo), to fast-food cafes and restaurants (the fantastic Chili Pizza that caused a storm in the latest 'chametz affair', Link-uncompromising in its quality and the reliable Cafe Hillel,) to finally, gourmet restaurants, outstanding in both taste and price, (Arcadia, Chakra, Rivlin, Sakura).
See also:
Abu Shukri
Pinati
Arcadia
Sakura

Where to shop: Emek Refaim
Don't let the name 'Emek Refaim' frighten you, known as the charming street in the south of the city that offers serious competition to Tel Aviv's Sheinkin Street, and a certain Eurpoean chic. In Emek Refaim, you will find shops tailored to suit all your needs, dozens of cafes and restaurants and beautiful houses dating from the Templar period. For those of you who still yearn for an atmosphere akin to that of the Azrieli Center, satisfy your desires at the Jerusalem Mall in the Malka neighborhood, ranked the largest shopping center in the Middle East, or head to the exclusive Mamilla area.

Where to go out: Shlomzion area
It is acceptable to think that Jerusalem, compared to Tel Aviv, doesn't provide its residents with enough of a night-life, but the city that introduced Haoman 17 to the world and to Tel Aviv, does in fact offer a multitude of lively recreational spots and watering holes. Where will you choose to go? The designer Colony, the legendary Stardust, the modernized Yehoshua or the high quality Shanti Bar? It's up to you.

See also:
Colony

For further Haaretz articles see:
A guide to celebrating Jerusalem Day in style
Israel Festival

City Mouse (mouse.co.il)