Jerusalem Old City
The old city of Jerusalem is located in East Jerusalem and is consisted of 4 districts; Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian.
Though Israel takes now de facto control of East Jerusalem, it is said that the Palestinians and the Jews were living in peace until the foundation of Israel State.
East Jerusalem is the city that president Abbas declared as the capital of the State of Palestine.
The walls
The old city is surrounded by the ramparts which have 8 gates.
Especially Damascus Gate, one of the 8 gates, is the center of East Jerusalem; it’s always crowded with people at Arab Bus Terminals or Arab markets (souq) around it.
People say that Damascus Gate is the most beautiful among all 8 gates; the present-day gate is built during Ottoman era, with Roman style.
The ramparts walk is fun, you can get a great view of Jerusalem. The entrance is near Jaffa Gate where you can also find the tourist information.
Ramparts Walk (Jaffa Gate)
- Sat – Thu 9:00-16:00 / Fri 9:00-14:00
- adults 16 NIS, children 8NIS
Souk (markets)
Souk means market in Arabic.
You can get whatever here, each shop has its specialties.
It’s just fun to watch around the colorful shops with their smells; everything is photogenic.
You can get lost because narrow paths are like a labyrinth for foreigners. Just be careful pickpockets and kids who ask you one dollar; it’s better not to show your wallets in the crowd.
Rooftop walk
There is a non-famous place called “Rooftop walk” where we can enjoy the calm.
Once you get tired of walking through the crowd, take a falafel sandwich and enjoy the calm on the rooftop!
There is a staircase to the rooftop on the St Mark’s street lead down to south from David street (David street starts from Jaffa Gate).
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
About the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, please see this page.
Via Dolorosa
About Via Dolorosa, please see this page.
Dome of the Rock
About the Dome of the Rock, please see this page.
Western Wall
About the Western Wall, please see this page.
Information
Tourist Information Center
- Jaffa Gate
- 8:30-17:00 (Friday until 13:30)
- +972-2-6271422
Christian Information Center
- in front of David’s Tower
- Mon-Fri 8:30-17:30, Sat 8:30-12:30 (Closed on Sunday, Christian holidays)
- +972-2-6272692