Where to stay in Jerusalem – A guide to the “Holy City”
Jerusalem is not only the capital city of Israel but also the most important tourist destination and economic center of the country.
The so-called “holy land” is found in the Judaean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the north shore of the Dead Sea.
Jerusalem is not only the birthplace of religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, it also preserves impressive architectural treasures.
Its heritage is well-preserved in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Basilica of the Nations, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque that is part of the Esplanade of the Mosques.
Jerusalem is a city where tourist places abound, among which the Western Wall and the Cenacle stand out.
According to the history of Christianity, it is in this city where the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, took place in the years 30-33 A.D.
Therefore, the high season in Jerusalem occurs during Holy Week and sacred dates for Christianity.
Culturally, the Israel Museum, the Edmond Museum of Fine Arts and the Ticho House Art Gallery stand out.
Jerusalem does not have its own International Airport, so the city is served by the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, located 40 km northwest. Similarly, it is also possible to reach Jerusalem by train from Tel Aviv.
As far as transportation within the city is concerned, you can choose between light rail, buses, and taxis.
The central area is formed by Ben Yehuda shopping street, the Mamilla shopping center, the Jewish quarter and it also has the best nightspots in the city, making it the best area to stay in Jerusalem (See accommodation in Downtown Triangle).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Jerusalem, Israel.
Best areas to stay in Jerusalem
1. Our favorite area: Downtown Triangle
Jerusalem City Center, also known as the Downtown Triangle, is the commercial district and the most entertaining area of the city.
It begins west of the central area, where the most important streets and shops such as Jaffa Road, King George Street and the busy Ben Yehuda Street are located.
Ben Yehuda Street went from being a simple avenue to becoming the pedestrian area with more luxurious shops, gourmet restaurants and nightspots in Jerusalem.
Other popular commercial points of the district are Hamashbir Lazarchan, Freimann and Bein, and Khalifa Shoes.
On Jaffa Road, you’ll find the main bus station that is responsible for distributing Egged, Superbus and Dan intercity bus routes throughout the city.
A few meters away is the light rail station, ideal for moving quickly and efficiently to neighboring cities such as Tel Aviv.
The Downtown Triangle is the best area to stay in Jerusalem to enjoy luxury and exclusive entertainment.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jerusalem:
- Best area for shopping
- Good nightlife options
- Light rail and bus stations
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Sergei Palace Hotel
Sergei Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem, 1.7 km from the Dome of the Rock, and features indoor gardens, a restaurant and a bar. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout and air-conditioned rooms.
-
Budget
Jerusalem D Apartment
Jerusalem D Apartment in Jerusalem offers air-conditioned accommodation with city views and free Wi-Fi, 2.6 km from Jerusalem’s Holyland Model and 2.7 km from Western Wall.
-
Luxury
Prima Kings Hotel
Prima Kings Hotel is located in Jerusalem, in the exclusive Rahavia area, 1 km from the Old City, and offers a spa, fitness center and executive business center. It also has a synagogue, restaurant and cafeteria.
2. West Jerusalem
West Jerusalem begins in the luxurious residential neighborhood Rehavia, all the way to Kiryat Hale’S and Beit Hakerem, known for hosting monuments and museums.
Undoubtedly, West Jerusalem is the best area to stay in Jerusalem for sightseeing and for lovers of cultural activities, with illustrious institutions such as the Israel Museum, the Knesset and the Museum of Bible Lands.
The best of prehistoric archeology, impressionist art, and Jewish collections are mixed in the Israel Museum, as well as the famous Dead Sea manuscripts, sheltered in the Book Sanctuary.
In addition, there are particular areas such as Rehavia (known for its luxurious atmosphere) and Kiryat, which preserves important government offices and the Campus of the Hebrew University.
To move to other areas, it is possible to take a train at Yitzhak Navon Station, located north of the area, from which the Jerusalem Railways rail system operates.
Hotels in West Jerusalem have modest costs and are quite comfortable, so it is a great alternative to stay near museums, without getting far from the City Center.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jerusalem:
- Israel Museum
- Best area for sightseeing
- Near the City Center
3. East Jerusalem & Old Town
East Jerusalén is classified as the most important Historical and Cultural Heritage of Israel since it houses its famous Old Town.
The locals consider it sacred territory, and it is on the list of most visited tourist attractions worldwide.
Israeli culture can be seen in places like the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, all in this area.
Some of the most famous attractions here are the Temple Mount and the Western Wall for the Jewish religion, the Holy Sepulcher for the Christian religion and the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Islam religion.
UNESCO named the Old Town of Jerusalem as a World Heritage Site because of its age and historical value.
The Old Town is the ideal place to walk, watch the sunset and learn about the history of the city.
Old Town is the best area to stay in Jerusalem to learn about the history of one of the richest cultures in the entire world.
Here, you will find different types of accommodation, including hostels, apartments and 3-star hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jerusalem:
- Historical attractions
- Great area for sightseeing
- Mixed accommodation
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Avrooms Hotel | Boutique suites
The Avrooms Hotel | Boutique suites is located 9 km from the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem and offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi.
-
Budget
Palm Hostel
Palm Hostel, located less than 100 meters from the Damascus Gate, one of the most famous entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem, offers free WiFi. The church of the Holy Sepulcher.
-
Luxury
Seven Arches Hotel
Seven Arches Hotel is located on top of the Mount of Olives and enjoys panoramic views of the historic center of Jerusalem. It also offers free parking and equipped rooms.
Read this in other languages
Leave a Reply
View Comments