Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Advantages: Loads of interesting sights
Disadvantages: Expensive.

...Jerusalem is fascinating, but which Jerusalem? Do you mean the Old City? That is the site of all the New Testament references to Jerusalem, where Jesus spent the final period of his life. But there is also the fascinating City of David, a short way from the Old City. There you can walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel, with water up to your knees, for about 30-40 minutes. You have to carry a candle (on sale there) or a torch. There is also East Jerusalem, that is the Arabic part of the city. I found that prices in the Palestinian neighbourhoods were quite a bit cheaper than the rest of Jerusalem. I found the Israel Musem very interesting, too. Again expensive at 38 shekels, so make sure you spend enough time there to justify the expense. The Bible Lands Museum is also right next to it, if you’re interesting in archeology, history... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Beautiful City, plenty to do, lots of history.
Disadvantages: Watch out for dodgy dealers. A lot of 'friction' in Israel.

...might rip you off. The New City is pretty much like any other modern European City, with shops, bars, cafes and night clubs (mostly centred around Zion Square). Jerusalem has plenty of places to stay from nice hotels to the dirtiest cheapest hostels you can imagine. For a truly outstanding experience you can sleep on the roof of a hostel in the Old City for about 1 pound 50. Most decent hostel rooms are around 3-4 pounds. There are many other things to see in the area, Yad Vashem the holocaust museum is good but left me feeling a bit depressed, the Knessett (parliament building) is close by with tours but is a little boring unless you are into politics. There are many other religious sites in Jerusalem such as the Mount of Olives and numerous churches/synagogues/mosques (the Old City is actually split into four quarters each with it's own... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Ancient and vibrant, a city that lives simultaneously in and beyond time
Disadvantages: Prone to acts of war and other forms of madness

..., particularly for Jerusalem, the past lives in the present. Clearly, on any visit to Jerusalem, the past--with its focus on conflict and the city's preeminence for three of the world's great religions--is never far away. At an archeological site overlooking the Kidron and Hinnom valleys, one can actually visit the City of David, the capital of ancient Israel. Remnants of Roman market stalls are still visible in the Old City. Prophets and martyrs are buried in the Kidron Valley. Pilgrims follow in the footsteps of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, pray at the Kotel (the Wailing Wall), or gaze at the continuing splendor of the Dome of the Rock. More recent international interest and influence in Jerusalem are reflected in many of the city's place names. For example, visitors can wander through the German Colony or the Russian Compound. International... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful