3 days in Jerusalem

Day by day

1. Day 1: Western Wall and Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock

   Western Wall, Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock and Western Wall Tunnels, then Mahane Yehuda Market in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Western Wall

      The Western Wall is a surviving retaining wall of the Herodian Temple Mount and the holiest place where Jews pray.

   2. Late morning

      Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock

      Visiting hours are short and can change or be cancelled at short notice, so check locally the day before and arrive early; dress modestly and leave religious items behind.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Hummus

      Counters in the Muslim and Christian quarters around Al-Wad Street, and near Mahane Yehuda.

   4. Afternoon

      Western Wall Tunnels

      A guided tour follows the continuation of the Western Wall underground for several hundred metres beside the Muslim Quarter, past enormous Herodian stones, an ancient street and water channels.

   5. Evening

      Mahane Yehuda Market

      Visit twice: on Friday morning for the pre-Shabbat rush, and on a weekday evening for the bars.

2. Day 2: Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa

   Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa and Israel Museum, then Tower of David Museum in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Church of the Holy Sepulchre

      Arrive early in the morning to see the Aedicule with a short queue, and dress with shoulders and knees covered.

   2. Late morning

      Via Dolorosa

      The traditional route of Jesus's final walk runs from near Lions' Gate through the Muslim and Christian quarters to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marked by fourteen Stations of the Cross.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Jerusalem mixed grill

      Grills along Agrippas Street beside Mahane Yehuda market.

   4. Afternoon

      Israel Museum

      Start with the Shrine of the Book and the city model before the galleries fill, then pick one wing.

   5. Evening

      Tower of David Museum

      Climb Phasael Tower at the start of your stay to get your bearings over the four quarters.

3. Day 3: Old City walls and Ramparts Walk and Jewish Quarter, Cardo and Hurva Synagogue

   Old City walls and Ramparts Walk, Jewish Quarter, Cardo and Hurva Synagogue and Damascus Gate and the Muslim Quarter souq, then Mahane Yehuda in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Old City walls and Ramparts Walk

      The Ottoman walls built under Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1530s run for about 4 km around the Old City with eight gates, including Jaffa, Damascus and Lions' gates.

   2. Late morning

      Jewish Quarter, Cardo and Hurva Synagogue

      Climb to the Hurva's balcony for one of the best views across to the Mount of Olives.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Ka'ak al-Quds

      Carts and bakeries around Damascus Gate and inside the Muslim Quarter.

   4. Afternoon

      Damascus Gate and the Muslim Quarter souq

      Damascus Gate is the most ornate of the Ottoman gates and the busiest entrance to the Old City, with vendors selling ka'ak bread and produce on the steps.

   5. Evening

      Mahane Yehuda

      Market stalls turn into bars and small restaurants after dark, with music in the lanes on Thursday nights.

Before you go

• Western Wall Tunnels: Entry is by guided tour only and slots fill days ahead; reserve through the official Western Wall Heritage Foundation site.
• Tower of David Museum: Book the evening night show ahead in summer and holiday periods.

If it rains

• Swap in Yad Vashem (Mount Herzl): Allow at least three hours and plan something quiet afterwards; the light rail stops at Mount Herzl, a short walk away.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Old City keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Mamilla and Jaffa Gate ($$$$) suits luxury, couples, first-timers and shopping. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 15–20 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.1 hours in December to 14.2 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Jerusalem
• 2 days in Jerusalem
• 5 days in Jerusalem

Questions travellers ask