Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv

When you’re planning a trip to Israel, it’s almost impossible not to consider at least a day trip to Jerusalem. Whether you’re a religious person, passionate about history, or just an avid explorer, Jerusalem has something to offer for anyone. If you read my things to do in Jerusalem post, you’ll probably want more than a day trip to this fascinating city.

Day Trip to Jerusalem – How to Get There

From Tel Aviv

Two buses are running from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. From Arlozorov train station you can take bus no 480, and bus 405 runs from the Central Bus Station. The ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 18 NIS (about 4.5€).

Keep in mind that the bus (as well as any other public transport) doesn’t run on Shabbat, from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.

Keep in mind that the bus (as well as any other public transport) doesn’t run on Shabbat, from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.

We actually had to travel to Jerusalem on a Saturday, so we chose a walking tour of Jerusalem which included transport from Tel Aviv. The bus left Tel Aviv early in the morning. Once in Jerusalem, the walking tour took about 2 hours. We found out a lot from our guide too. This way, we had the rest of the day to explore Old Jerusalem before the buses started running in the evening.

From the Airport

You can get to Jerusalem directly from the airport on a shuttle bus (485). The bus leaves every hour from Terminal 3, 2nd floor. A ticket is 16 NIS (about 4€) and you can buy it directly from the driver.

The journey takes a little more than one hour. The same rule applies – the bus doesn’t run during Shabbat.

About Jerusalem

The History

Jerusalem has a long and complicated history. Archaeologists found evidence of settlements older than 6000 years here, meaning Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world.

During this time, Jerusalem was conquered more than 40 times. It was destroyed and rebuilt a few times and is still a subject of dispute in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Now, both the state of Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim Jerusalem as a capital city. It is divided into West Jerusalem (which has a wider recognition as Israeli territory), and East Jerusalem including the Old City – the main subject of dispute.

As a tourist, you won’t probably feel the division, as the city functions de facto under Israeli rule.

One more thing, Unesco included the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Religious Significance of Jerusalem

In Judaism

Jerusalem is the holiest place in Judaism since King Solomon built The First Temple on Temple Mount in the 10th century BC. The Second Temple was built on the same spot and lasted for more than 500 years until the Romans completely destroyed it in 70 AD.

All that remains of the Jewish Temple is the Western Wall, a part of a retaining wall that sustains the platform on Temple Mount. This visible part of the Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is now the most important prayer site for Jews all over the world, as the only standing part of the Second Temple.

Behind the Western Wall lies the Foundation Rock, the holiest place in Judaism. God created the Earth starting with this rock. The rock served later as a place for sacrifices offered by biblical characters. The Foundation Rock sits now under an Islamic building, The Dome of the Rock.

In Islam

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holy place in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. Legend says it is “The Farthest Mosque” where the Prophet arrived on his Night Journey. The Dome of the Rock is also important in Islamic tradition as the place of Muhammad’s ascent to heaven.

For Christians

As the place where Jesus preached in the last part of his life, where he was judged, crucified, buried, and then resurrected, Jerusalem is the place where Christianity was born. Several hundred thousand Christian pilgrims visit Jerusalem every year to walk where Jesus walked and prayed.

The Old City Quarters – Day trip to Jerusalem

Old Jerusalem is completely surrounded by walls. You can access it by seven gates and explore the 4 quarters of the city. Every building here has to be covered in Jerusalem stone, thus preserving the historical image of the city.

Old Jerusalem has 4 ethnic quarters: the Armenian, the Jewish, the Christian, and the Muslim quarters. Each community has its own identity, food, prayer places, and even a different rest day. In the Muslim Quarter, the rest day is Friday. Then, everything is closed and quiet in that part of town. In the Jewish Quarter, everything closes for Shabbat on Friday before sunset. For Christians, Sunday is the day of rest.

However, Jerusalem is a large city that expanded way beyond the Old City walls.

What to see on a day trip to Jerusalem

There are many places to explore in Jerusalem, in and around the Old City. Jerusalem has more than 60 museums, a lot of holy places, and some events throughout the year.

Find out how to tour Old Jerusalem at your own pace and discover its amazing history.

What to expect on a day trip to Old Jerusalem

Here are some things you should know about when you plan your trip to Jerusalem:

• It can get really hot in Jerusalem during the summer months. Keep yourself hydrated and use sunscreen.
• Dress modestly – many religious sites require that you cover your shoulders, upper arms, and legs. Have a scarf with you to put on your head and shoulders when needed.
• Expect airport-like security checks when visiting the Temple Mount and the Western Wall.
• The narrow streets of the Old City are often full of people. Be careful with your passport, cards, and money.
• There is a military presence in the Old City, don’t be afraid – it is normal here. Anyway, keep your distance if you see any signs of unrest.
• In the Arab Market, the vendors hardly display any prices, so you have to ask about them. You can haggle about the price but only if you want to buy an item. They consider haggling without buying to be rude.
• There are also restaurants in the area that won’t offer a menu. My advice is to keep away from them.
• Remember that all Jewish stores, museums, and restaurants close for Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening). On Friday, the Arab Market, restaurants, and Temple Mount are closed, so be careful when planning your trip.

The feeling of the place

Jerusalem is generally a safe place to visit and very welcoming for tourists. That being said, Old Jerusalem is at the center of a very long conflict. There are moments of tension, especially during various religious holidays.

The military presence enhances that feeling, especially as you get closer to Damascus Gate. This isn’t something that would affect your day trip to Jerusalem, just be aware and avoid any place with signs of unrest.

Accommodation and Food

Where to stay in Jerusalem

If you decide to stay, you should choose your accommodation as close to the Old City as possible, to make the most of your time here.

My personal choice would be the Atlas Boutique Bezalel Hotel, located about 500 meters from the Old City and also close to the light rail.

Another interesting idea would be to stay right in the Old City, at the Hashimi Hotel.

Food in Jerusalem

I would call the food you find in Israel, Middle Eastern food, as it’s a mix of every good thing you can eat in the area. Among the things you must try in Jerusalem are hummus, falafel, and some incredible Arab sweets. Click on the link to get an idea of the delicious food to try in Israel.

For a great tasting experience, click the link to read the Machneyuda Restaurant review on Lannie’s Food and Travel blog.

This was most of what you need to know to plan a day trip to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Make sure you read my other post about the best things to do in Jerusalem.

For a few more practical tips about traveling to Israel, visit my planning a trip to Israel post.

Have you visited Israel? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Disclosure

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