Old City of Jerusalem, 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.

...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

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

...hopefully for a way to achieve peace. Since King David seized "Salem" from the Jebusites around 1000 B.C.E., it has been destroyed, occupied, and rebuilt many times over. Imperial dominance has been exerted over Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Christian Crusaders, and most recently the British. The spectacular walls of the Old City, constructed by the Ottomans in the 16th century C.E./A.D., are but the latest in a long series of defensive barriers built to protect ancient Jerusalem against would-be conquerors--unless, of course, you count the barbed wire that divided the city between 1948 and 1967. The Israeli military cemetery on Mount Herzl and pre-1967 Jordanian implacements on Ammunition Hill bring the city's saga of defense and conquest right down to the present. Jerusalemites often maintain firmly that... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful