Jerusalem Bucket List: Best Things to do in the Holy City

Jerusalem is a diverse, spirited, and bustling city, combining both modernity and tradition in a multifaceted way. This city encapsulates some of the oldest and most important worldly sites for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jerusalem is also full of impressive hidden gems scattered throughout its winding streets - iconic sites for tourists and locals alike. Check out our Jerusalem guided tours and bucket list of several must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats in this incredible city!

First Things First - Where to Eat in Jerusalem?

From street eats to fine dining, Jerusalem has developed its culinary offerings to please all palates. Whether you’re looking for kosher cuisine, or simply authentic and vibrant flavors, Jerusalem’s cuisine will not disappoint. Here are a few fine-dining restaurant recommendations:

• Machneyuda - Beit Ya’akov St 10, Jerusalem - One of Jerusalem’s most coveted eating experiences - be sure to make a reservation!
• Seoul House - Chabad St 34, Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem Old City - Authentic (Kosher) Korean cuisine
• Luciana - 8 Mamilla, Jerusalem - Upmarket Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Old City walls
• Eucalyptus - Hutzot Hayotzer, Artist Colony, Jerusalem - Chef Moshe Basson’s renowned biblical-inspired cuisine served in a warm, upscale setting.

Jerusalem Bucket List Street Eats

The restaurants mentioned above will offer a wonderful dining experience. However, there is also something to be said for quick bites you can grab while sightseeing. And, in the on-the-go city of Jerusalem, it’s certainly a more authentic eating experience. You can sit in a nearby serene park, a buzzing hummus joint, or even a simple bench to people-watch. Here are delicious eats that belong on every Jerusalem bucket list:

• HaHummus Shel Tchina - Jerusalem Nissim Bachar 23, Jerusalem - hipster vibe and tasty hummus
• Akramawi - Nevi’im 2 - Old City, Jerusalem - authentic hummus in the Old City
• Aricha Sabich - Machaneh Yehudah 83 15, Agripas, Jerusalem - the best sabich in town inside Machane Yehuda market
• Urbun Cafe - Rehov Ha-Shikma 5, Jerusalem - amazing American-style cinnamon rolls
• Ja’afar Sweet Ja’afar Sweets - Khan Al-Zeit Street-Old city, Jerusalem - for anyone with a sweet tooth

The area surrounding the Mahane Yehuda Market offers spectacular spots that you must visit if you crave authentic food experiences:

• Ishtabach - specialty: shamburek, a Kurdish-Syrian pastry with tasty fillings
• Pizza Flora - the best Italian pizza in town
• Azura - a real institution in the shuk, open since 1952
• Mousseline - the best spot to indulge in some ice cream for dessert

Don’t miss out on the best finds in the market! Our Best of Jerusalem Day Tour, one of our best Jerusalem tours, brings you to the bustling Machane Yehuda for a culinary journey. For a more in-depth exploration of Israel’s favorite Shuk, join the Machane Yehuda Market Tour to discover mouthwatering dishes in the market, where to find the tastiest falafel and hummus, shawarma, freshest spices, and more.

Get Lost in the Old City

Exploring the Old City is one of the things you must do in Jerusalem. In fact, no Jerusalem bucket list is complete without admiring the most important landmarks in Christianity and Judaism. You can visit iconic landmarks, like the Church of the Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, and Western Wall, as the modern city outside the walls, on our Jerusalem Walking Tour. Additionally, why not make a day out of landmark-hopping? Pair your Old City morning with an afternoon at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as well as the Dead Sea, on our Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Bethlehem Tour.

While you stroll through the Old City, treat yourself to a pair of handmade leather sandals, or a gorgeous ceramic bowl. These, along with fragrant spices, candies, trinkets, and delights are all worth purchasing from the Old City market.

Explore Beautiful Jerusalem Bucket List Neighborhoods

While there is no shortage of famous and historical sites to visit, there are always a few extra exciting activities in Jerusalem, the fastest-growing tourist destination, that belong on your bucket list:

• Explore the Nachalat Shiva neighborhood, featuring many bars, cafes, and galleries
• Tour the lesser-known neighborhoods of Jerusalem through our Hidden Gems Tour, highlighting areas like ultra-Orthodox Mea Shearim or enchanting Nachlaot
• Check out the captivating Rehavia neighborhood and enjoy its hipster coffee shops and bars
• Be sure to stroll through Ein Karem, a charming neighborhood nestled in the bottom of the Jerusalem Hills
• Relax on Emek Refaim Street, in the German colony, and enjoy its array of cute shops, cafes, bakeries, and more

Other Unique Jerusalem Bucket List Items

There are many other unique attractions that Jerusalem has to offer. Here are a few suggestions of alternative bucket list spots that locals truly love:

• Unwind in Gan Sacher or the park surrounding the Monastery of the Cross: Explore the beautiful olive trees and its many hidden pathways
• Visit the Israeli Supreme Court, a marvel of architecture
• Find yourself in Wohl Rose Garden, a gorgeously maintained floral display which can be found behind Sacher Park
• Hike through the beautiful Sataf Forest, on the outskirts of Jerusalem
• Stroll through the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, and marvel at its stunning, lush greenery
• For concerts and local events, check out HaMiffal - an art and cultural center with a special atmosphere

Weekend Vibes

Experiencing Jerusalem during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) is a unique experience that can’t be compared to a weekend in any other Israeli city. Be sure to make purchases before everything closes in the early afternoon on Friday. Our suggestions for things to do in Jerusalem on a weekend include:

• Visit the Bezalel Street Fair on Friday mornings: Shop for intricate handmade gifts and products crafted by talented artists. This is truly one of the best art galleries in Jerusalem.
• Take a weekend stroll: At first, in the morning, the streets are full of energy. Later, a magical allure overtakes the city as Shabbat begins. Insider’s tip: One of the most beautiful neighborhoods to explore by foot on Shabbat is Yemin Moshe, pictured above.
• On Saturday night, after a quiet and restful weekend, Machane Yehuda re-opens, and becomes a thrilling nightlife extravaganza!

Escape the City

As captivating as Jerusalem is - the city is also a great base to explore the surrounding areas. For instance, take a break from the noise of city life, and join our Negev Tours to discover breathtaking Southern Israel.

Whether you’re taking in the historical sites or the new and innovative parts of the city, we are sure you will have no trouble filling your days while visiting Jerusalem. The best way to fully experience your Jerusalem bucket list is through our Israel Package Tours. We ensure you have a hassle-free vacation by handling all the logistics - expert guides, legendary tours, comfortable accommodations, and more. This way, you can experience not only Jerusalem but also other incredible cities in Israel.

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