Touring Jerusalem Neighborhoods

There are plenty of cultural attractions in Jerusalem, including historic and religious sites, museums, restaurants, and markets. For a truly immersive cultural experience, however, make sure you spend time touring Jerusalem neighborhoods on foot. There's no better way to really see Jerusalem, and you'll get a feel for the stark and subtle differences in the ways of life led here. Guided tours are available, but you can always set out on your own or with friends. You'll get to see the same sights and landmarks, and you can spend as much time in any place you want, in case you fall in love with a particular area.

Old City

To start your tour of Jerusalem neighborhoods, consider the Old City as your beginning point. It's easily defined, as it is enclosed by walls that date back to Ottoman rule, and it is divided into four separate sections: the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters. The prevailing cultural influence here is that of the Middle East, although the Jewish quarter is fairly distinct. For the most part, expect to find lots of Middle Eastern street food vendors, as well as a fun market area near the Damascus and Jaffa Gates, which are the entrance points from West and East Jerusalem, respectively.

East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem is a busy city, although it is less modern and developed than West Jerusalem. Saladin Street is another good shopping option, and you should ask for directions to where Silwan once stood. This ancient town was where the earliest settlement of Jerusalem once stood, and today it is a crowded East Jerusalem neighborhood. The Mount of Olives is also worthy of a visit, as you could not come to this part of town without seeing some of its many religious sites. Here you'll find one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world, as well as six churches. You'll also find the Tomb of the Prophets, and the place that those of the Jewish faith believe offers the closest route to Heaven. On the whole, East Jerusalem is a fascinating place to visit, but it may not be the liveliest. The area still feels the effects of Intifada, and nighttime here is often quiet.

West Jerusalem

West Jerusalem is a bustling, modern metropolis with many high-rise apartments and office buildings. Here you'll find the Israel Museum, but most of West Jerusalem's attractions are found in its downtown area. Downtown West Jerusalem is centuries old, and it offers plenty of shopping locations and restaurants in the Downtown Triangle area. Take a stroll through Nachalat Shiva, which has become a Mediterranean-inspired city location where young locals hit the streets and head to cafes in the evenings.

Jerusalem's neighborhoods have distinct ambiances that make them unique. West Jerusalem is a teeming city, while Old Jerusalem retains an old world Middle Eastern feel. East Jerusalem is somewhere in between, which is interesting in its own respect. Touring Jerusalem neighborhoods is the best way to get to know the city, and you'll finish with a better appreciation of the city and its people.

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