The Old City (Hebrew: הָעִיר הָעַתִּיקָה, Ha'Ir Ha'Atiqah, Arabic: البلدة القديمة, al-Balda al-Qadimah) is a 0.9-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem. Until 1860, when the Jewish neighborhood of Mishkenot Sha'ananim was established, this area constituted the entire city of Jerusalem. The Old City is home to several sites of key religious importance: the Temple Mount and Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1981. Traditionally, the Old City has been divided into four uneven quarters, although the current designations were introduced only in the 19th century. Today, the Old City is roughly divided (going counterclockwise from the northeastern corner) into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish Quarters. The Old City's monumental defensive walls and city gates were built in 1535–1542 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Old City of Jerusalem Tours and Tickets
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The Old City (Hebrew: הָעִיר הָעַתִּיקָה, Ha'Ir Ha'Atiqah, Arabic: البلدة القديمة, al-Balda al-Qadimah) is a 0.9-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem. Until 1860, when the Jewish neighborhood of Mishkenot Sha'ananim was established, this area constituted the entire city of Jerusalem. The Old City is home to several sites of key religious importance: the Temple Mount and Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1981. Traditionally, the Old City has been divided into four uneven quarters, although the current designations were introduced only in the 19th century. Today, the Old City is roughly divided (going counterclockwise from the northeastern corner) into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish Quarters. The Old City's monumental defensive walls and city gates were built in 1535–1542 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Overview
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- The Old City is an absolute must for all first-time visitors to Jerusalem.
- Visitors are expected to dress respectfully, with covered legs and arms.
- The Dome of the Rock is a sacred religious site, and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine.
- There are many steps and hills to get to the area, so good walking shoes are important.
- Despite cobblestones, many areas of the Old City are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Franciscans lead a weekly procession along the Via Dolorosa every Friday at 3pm.
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Powerful sights and meaningful spiritual sights! If you’re interested in a different type of tour, filled with meaning, wisdom, excitement and joy look no further! Check out my current tour plans/feel free to get in touch and we can brainstorm about creating a tour which is perfect for you! _en-US
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*Tiny group 4-10 participants , like having a private tour and enjoy the intimacy of the small group . *More tour time-without spending long time for pick-up and drop-off *Late pick up ,no need to wake up early on your vacation time ,you can have your breakfast with no rush . _en-US
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$990.00 USD
7 seater van + driver. You can be a private group of any size up to 7 people. The price includes entrance to the sites and a light lunch in the style of Israeli street food. visit the old city of Jerusalem on all the Christian Jewish and Muslim parts. #lookout Mount of Olives. #Damascus Gate #Mount Zion - Tomb of King David. The Last Supper Room. #Bethlehem Church of the Nativity. Jerusalem a holy city by three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and is the site of many religious , including the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall), the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. #Bethlehem Church of the Nativity.Birthplace of Jesus. If you want to skip the entrance to Bethlehem. we offer a visit to the west Side of the city: the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period, and the Dead Sea Scrolls Museum. - Included in the price (without additional price). Also a visit to Mahane Yehuda market, Free Time. _en-US
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$440.00 USD
Flexibility ! Privacy ! Comfort ! The tour itinerary we offer is including the most highlights of the Old City , when choosing a private tour you can decide the times , you set your own pace , you decide what to see ant what to skip , no need to share the tour with other people. Our professional licensed guide will recommend you according to your interests and desires ._en-US
Learn MoreAccessibility for wheels
- Can have severe slope, cobblestones, and/or gravel
- Only with assistance
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Accessible elevator
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Accessible Toilet
For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
Access for Seniors
- Physical difficulty level - 3
As you step through the ancient stone gates of the Old City of Jerusalem, a wave of emotions washes over you. The air is thick with history, faith, and resilience. The narrow cobblestone streets whisper the stories of generations past, each corner holding secrets and memories that reach out to touch your soul.
The sunlight filters through the labyrinth of alleyways, casting a warm glow on the centuries-old buildings that stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The scent of spices and incense dances through the air, mingling with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares and the distant echoes of church bells and the call to prayer.
As you walk further into the heart of the Old City, the emotions intensify. The Western Wall rises before you, a towering symbol of devotion and longing. The stones are cool beneath your fingertips as you press your hand against them, feeling the weight of centuries of prayers woven into their very essence.
Turning a corner, you find yourself in the bustling marketplace of the Muslim Quarter. The colors are vibrant and dizzying, the sounds cacophonous and exhilarating. You can almost taste the sweet pastries and savory falafel as you pass by the bustling food stalls, the aromas mingling with the smoke of incense and the musky scent of leather goods.
But it is when you reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that the emotions truly overwhelm you. The air is heavy with the scent of myrrh and candles, the dim light filtering through stained glass casting a hushed reverence over the ancient stone walls. You can feel the weight of history in the air, the mingling of faiths and traditions that have converged in this sacred space for centuries.
As you stand before the Stone of Anointing, you feel a sense of awe and humility wash over you. The smooth, cool surface seems to pulse with the echoes of prayers and tears, a tangible link to the past that stretches out to touch your very soul.
And finally, as you make your way back through the winding streets of the Old City, the emotions linger like a haunting melody. You can almost hear the voices of the generations that have walked these streets before you, their joys, their sorrows, their hopes and their fears echoing in the stones.
And as you step back through the ancient gates, you know that a part of your heart will forever remain in the Old City of Jerusalem, a testament to the power of history, faith, and the human spirit to transcend time and space.
The Old City of Jerusalem offers audio descriptive guides for visitors with visual impairments. These guides provide spoken explanations of the surroundings and key points of interest in the Old City.
Additionally, the Old City of Jerusalem may have sensory-friendly hours for visitors who may be sensitive to crowds, noises, or other stimuli. It is recommended to contact the specific sites or attractions within the Old City to inquire about the availability of sensory-friendly hours.
It is advisable to check with individual sites and attractions within the Old City of Jerusalem for further details on the availability of audio descriptive guides and sensory-friendly hours.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a place of deep significance and rich history for many locals. Here are some insights from local writers and artists about their perceptions and experiences within the walls of the Old City.
Hanan, a poet and resident of the Christian Quarter, describes the Old City as a place where time seems to stand still. "Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, surrounded by ancient stone buildings and the echoes of history, I feel a sense of connection to the past that is hard to put into words. The layers of cultures and religions that have inhabited this city for centuries are palpable here, and it inspires me to reflect on the beauty and complexity of our shared humanity."
Rachel, a painter from the Jewish Quarter, finds inspiration in the vibrant colors and textures of the Old City. "Every corner of this city is a work of art in itself - the sun-bleached stone walls, the intricate mosaics, the bustling markets filled with colorful spices and fabrics. I often find myself setting up my easel in a quiet courtyard or overlooking the rooftops, capturing the timeless beauty of this place on canvas."
Ahmed, a musician from the Muslim Quarter, speaks of the music that fills the air in the Old City. "The call to prayer from the minarets, the hymns sung in the churches, the lively music played in the streets - these sounds blend together to create a symphony that is uniquely Jerusalem. As a musician, I draw inspiration from the diverse musical traditions that converge in this city, and I am grateful to be a part of such a rich tapestry of cultural expression."
These local perspectives offer a glimpse into the multifaceted and deeply personal experiences that the Old City of Jerusalem evokes for its residents. With its layers of history, spirituality, and vibrant community life, this ancient city continues to inspire and captivate those who call it home.
### Directions and Transportation
The Old City of Jerusalem is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest bus station is the Damascus Gate, which serves as a major entry point. From there, you can easily walk to various attractions within the Old City. Taxis are also available for a more convenient mode of transportation.
For those driving to the Old City, there are parking lots available nearby. However, keep in mind that the Old City has narrow streets and limited parking, so it’s best to park outside and walk in.
### Accessibility
The Old City of Jerusalem features cobblestone streets and uneven pathways, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. Some sites within the Old City may have steps or limited wheelchair accessibility. It is advisable to check with individual sites ahead of time for specific accessibility information.
### Ticket Booking and Discounts
Tickets for various attractions within the Old City can be purchased on-site or online, depending on the specific site. Many attractions offer discounted rates for students, seniors, and children. It’s recommended to check the official website of each attraction for ticket booking options and available discounts.
### Local Amenities
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available within the Old City, including near major attractions like the Western Wall. Some restaurants and cafes also offer restroom facilities for customers.
- Parking: Parking lots are available outside the Old City for those driving in. It’s advisable to park outside the Old City and walk in, as parking within the Old City can be limited.
- Dining Options: The Old City offers a variety of dining options catering to different dietary needs. You can find Middle Eastern cuisine, international dishes, and vegetarian-friendly restaurants within the Old City. Be sure to explore the diverse dining scene during your visit.