Travel tips · Jerusalem · Israel
Jerusalem travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: askii, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Jerusalem is a deeply religious city for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and the rhythm of its week follows three holy days: Friday for Muslims, Saturday (Shabbat) for Jews and Sunday for Christians. Respectful dress and behaviour at holy sites are expected, and different neighbourhoods have different customs, from the secular cafés of the city centre to ultra-Orthodox areas such as Mea She'arim.
Key facts
- Language
- Hebrew, Arabic and English
- Currency
- ILS
- Plugs
- Type H and Type C sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink; carry water in summer, especially in the Old City.
- Emergency
- 100 police, 101 ambulance, 102 fire
Things to know
- Cover shoulders and knees at all holy sites; women may be asked to cover their hair at some sites, and wraps are often available.
- From Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, most of West Jerusalem closes and the light rail and most buses stop.
- Do not photograph people at prayer without permission, and avoid photography at the Western Wall on Shabbat.
- In ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods such as Mea She'arim, dress very modestly, do not photograph residents and avoid visiting on Shabbat.
- During Ramadan, whose dates move about 11 days earlier each year, avoid eating and drinking in public in Muslim areas during daylight.
- Bargain politely in the Old City souq; it is expected, and a smile helps.
- Book Western Wall Tunnels ahead: Entry is by guided tour only and slots fill days ahead; reserve through the official Western Wall Heritage Foundation site.
- Book Tower of David Museum ahead: Book the evening night show ahead in summer and holiday periods.
- Book Yad Vashem ahead: Check the official site before visiting for any advance registration requirement.
- The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa, the Mount of Olives and Yad Vashem are all free.
Tipping
In restaurants a tip of around 10–15% is customary if service is not included; round up for taxis and tip guides at the end of a tour.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shalom | Hello / goodbye (Hebrew) |
| Toda | Thank you (Hebrew) |
| Marhaba | Hello (Arabic) |
| Shukran | Thank you (Arabic) |
| Bevakasha | Please (Hebrew) |
| Kama ze? | How much is it? (Hebrew) |
What to wear
Pack trousers or long skirts and tops that cover the shoulders for holy sites, comfortable shoes with grip for polished stone, and a warm layer for evenings, which are cool even in summer.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type H and Type C sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink; carry water in summer, especially in the Old City.
- Emergency number
- 100 police, 101 ambulance, 102 fire
- Phone and internet
- Local SIM cards and eSIMs work well; hotels and many cafés offer free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Asia/Jerusalem
Check your own government's travel advice before and during your trip, as the security situation in the region can change, and follow instructions from local authorities; expect security checks at holy sites. Day to day, watch for pickpockets in crowded Old City lanes and for slippery polished limestone.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Israel's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Jerusalem?
In restaurants a tip of around 10–15% is customary if service is not included; round up for taxis and tip guides at the end of a tour.
+Can you drink the tap water in Jerusalem?
Tap water is safe to drink; carry water in summer, especially in the Old City.
+What plugs are used in Jerusalem?
Type H and Type C sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Jerusalem?
Hebrew, Arabic and English.