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

...►►Overview◄◄ Few places on Earth give rise to intense emotion as easily or quickly as Jerusalem. Indeed, even the name one applies to this ancient city can provoke controversy: Whether you choose to call it Yerushalayim, Jerusalem, or Al-Quds can be perceived as a political statement. Certainly there's no shortage of appropriate descriptors to apply to this extraordinary city: beautiful, timeless, passionate, inspiring, troublesome, enigmatic, holy, poignant, controversial, beguiling--the list is endless. Once again, your choice of words will tell as much about your own preconceptions as they do about the city. Jerusalem is a mosaic built over time by an extraordinary diversity of peoples and cultures. Perhaps most of all, it is a city that for millennia has been at the center of conflict--and that looks ever... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

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

...I was in Jerusalem for three weeks in July whilst teaching English to children as a volunteer. I didn't really know what to expect although I made sure I read some of the history before I went. The city is basically split into two parts, the Old City and the New City. In the Old City are most of the famous religious buildings, such as the Wailing Wall, The Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Delarosa. It takes a good day to look round, and during this day you will be hassled by thousands of market traders who all sell exactly the same things (barter with them though and you get some pretty cheap gifts). Don't let this put you off though, the sites there are pretty amazing and very interesting. But watch out for pickpockets and also dodgy guys who walk around changing travellers cheques etc. and generally... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful