Jerusalem in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Jerusalem is an Israeli city where it is easy to prepare an itinerary for a 3-day trip. This is because its main attractions are condensed in the famous Old City, an area made up of four emblematic neighbourhoods. You'll find well-known monuments such as the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, the Western Wall and more. It is connected through gates and passages, in fact you may pass from one neighbourhood to another without even realising it.

Of course, you'll want to see every facet of the city and take advantage of the best things to do in Jerusalem. That's why on your visit, I also recommend you take a walk through Ein Karem, a village on the outskirts of the city; or visit Yemin Moshe, a good alternative for sightseeing in the Holy Land, as it is one of the oldest neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the Old City. Here are all the options for getting to know the city in a 3-day trip!

The Old City is a must-see among the best tours in Jerusalem. Walking through the Old City is synonymous with art, culture and history. It is protected by 8 gates and ancient walls, and is made up of four local neighbourhoods. The first day can be spent in the Armenian Quarter and the Christian Quarter, which are located within walking distance of each other.

The Christian Quarter is one of the oldest quarters and is characterised by visits to the Holy Sepulchre. It is an area surrounded by basilicas, where you can see the Damascus Gate and the Jaffa Gate that connects the Armenian, Christian and Muslim quarters. This is also the site of the Way of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa.

Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa begins at the Lions' Gate, where the Mount of Olives is located. Access to the Mount of Olives is free and offers panoramic views of Jerusalem and a tour of the Jewish Cemetery. After a quick stop, you can begin the holy route. It is a street full of contrasts, as it is a bustling passageway where petitions mix with street vendors.

Without a doubt, the best way to tour the Old City from end to end, without much effort. This tour takes you through the 14 stations of the painful crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Your next stop on this itinerary is just around the corner, as the last stretch of the Via Dolorosa takes place at the Holy Sepulchre. The best local tours offer guided tours, although you can easily make the journey on your own. Keep in mind that it is almost two kilometres, so bring comfortable clothes and hydration. Additionally, during this reflective walk, be prepared to appreciate:

• The Church of the Flagellation, where Pilate is believed to have condemned Jesus.
• The Cardo Romano, an area full of craft shops, food and art galleries.

Holy Sepulchre

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre is a sacred location, built over the tomb of Christ. Admission is free, so it tends to be very crowded. It is important to show a respectful attitude, as you will see hundreds of people of different nationalities with crosses on their backs. This emotional tour will take you to explore the interior of this archaeological structure, as well as to discover the historical mosaics that tell the story of Jesus' life.

It is located in the Christian quarter and, as I mentioned before, the Via Dolorosa road ends right here, although you can walk there in less than 7 minutes or take the city's tourist bus route. Note that it is guarded by various communities, including Greeks, Armenians, Copts, Franciscans, Ethiopians and Syrians. As a result, there are different prayer times for each community. However, the keys have been in the safekeeping of a Muslim family since 1192. You can take a guided tour of the city, either on foot or by bus, to make a stop at this church. In this sanctuary I recommend you to appreciate:

• Mount Calvary: it is a representation of what was the mountain where Jesus was crucified, to get there you must climb a flight of stairs. The church has undergone reconstructions, but the stairs date back to 1757. The hill is also worth a visit if you want to see a stone from the time, which has been preserved for centuries.
• The Edicule: years ago the area was explored in search of the tomb of Jesus, once it was located the stone remains were rescued and preserved in a chamber in the church.
• The Chapel of St. Helen: named after Helen of Constantinople, who had the task of searching for the tomb of Jesus. The cross where Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified is kept here.

David Tower

The next destination will take you to the Armenian Quarter, where you can walk for at least six minutes along Christian Quarter Rd/Ha-Notsrim St/Mesihi. You can also drive from the Holy Sepulchre along The Greek Patriarchate St and Greek Catholic Patriarchate St to get there in less than two minutes. You can even take bus lines 13, 18 and 38. In the Tower of David you will find one of Jerusalem's finest museums, which houses the remains of Herod's Palace.

On the premises you will find more than 3,000 years of history, for example in the central courtyard you will find monuments salvaged from the ancient citadel of Jerusalem. To learn more about the city's architectural heritage, you can visit the section with models of different historical periods. Admission starts at 10 euros, and before continuing your itinerary, I recommend you take advantage of the panoramic views offered by this building. Next door, you can visit the historic Jaffa Gate, which is one of the most important gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Old City is so big, you'll need another day. Some of the best things to do in Jerusalem are located here, so you'll spend a good part of the trip wandering around its gates, walls and narrow streets. On the second day, I recommend an early start so you can tour the Muslim Quarter, considered the oldest part of the Old City. Here you can explore the historic mazes, souks and the Esplanade of the Mosques.

The Jewish Quarter, on the other hand, is a quieter area, where you can enter synagogues and enter the Wailing Wall, which adjoins the Muslim Quarter.

Souks of the Muslim Quarter

The souk in the Muslim Quarter is a great place to shop for traditional souvenirs and spices. Its bustling streets are lined with stalls for an authentic Western experience. The smells, tastes and sensations are unmatched by any other experience in the city. Interestingly, it still retains its medieval structure and extends from the Damascus Gate.

If you want to take home a souvenir of Jerusalem, this is the perfect opportunity. You'll find traditional clothing and costumes, oil lamps, traditional brews, dates from Jericho and more. The Western Wall and the Esplanade of the Mosques are easy to reach from here, as they are within walking distance. The best local tours often set aside alleyways to explore the local cuisine.

Western Wall

After a few minutes walk through the narrow streets of the Muslim Quarter, you will reach the Jewish Quarter where the famous Western Wall is located. It is a holy place, where prayers and cultural activities take place. It is definitely a must-see stop, where you can join in the Jewish energy, take pictures and learn more about the local history. During Shabbat (Friday to Saturday), it is difficult to enter the prayer area and phones are usually forbidden.

If you're looking for things to do in Jerusalem at Christmas, you can take advantage of the Hanukkah candle-lighting ritual at the wall. Another tradition is to write wishes or prayers on a piece of paper, to be left between the walls. Once you put the paper in, you cannot take it back. They are usually taken annually to the Mount of Olives, where they are buried.

Sometimes the Torah, known to be the Jewish law, is read. If you don't have a copy, you can buy one from the vending machines between the passages of the wall. Additionally, you will be asked for a passport to enter, and certain metals are prohibited. It is open every day, every hour, and admission is free. Note that unlike in other Western countries, women do not need to cover up. Men, however, must cover their heads with a kippah.

Esplanade of the Mosques and the Kotel Tunnels

The Esplanade of the Mosques is located right next to the Western Wall, in fact it is accessed through the Al-Mughradia Gate. Bordering the Muslim Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, it is without a doubt one of the best things to see in Jerusalem. It has an interesting historical heritage, as the Ark of the Covenant used to be kept here. It is a chest containing the 10 commandments of the Bible.

Also, the First and Second Temples were built here, but both were destroyed. Today, only fragments remain in the Western Wall. You can also take a look at the Dome of the Rock, which is made of gold. Its majesty can be seen from anywhere in the city. Please note that tourists can only visit the esplanade from Thursday to Sunday, between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., although it tends to be busier and you should arrive early if you want to avoid the queues.

The Kotel Tunnels, on the other hand, are passages under the Western Wall where the Western Stone is guarded. Locals claim they are a journey back in time, as they house archaeological finds, aqueducts from the ancient citadel, virtual reality presentations via goggles and interactive exhibits. It's a completely different experience from the bustling streets surrounding the wall. The price of this activity starts at 8 euros and is only available from Thursday to Sunday.

Sephardic Synagogues

The four Sephardic Synagogues are the main attraction of the Jewish Quarter. It is an interconnected complex, which is an eight-minute walk and a two-minute drive from the wall tunnel. It is a visit out of the ordinary, where you will be able to appreciate the following:

• Eliahu Ha-navi Synagogue: it is the oldestsynagogue, dedicated to the prophet Elijah and to study the history of the Jewish Torah.
• Yochanan Ben-Zakai Synagogue: originally a rabbinical school, until it was destroyed along with the Second Temple.
• Istanbulli Synagogue: the largestsynagogue, now owned by a Spanish and Portuguese community.
• Kahal Tsion Synagogue: its interior has had multiple uses, from a Jewish courtyard for women, to a kind of hostel during the famous Feast of Tabernacles.

Additionally, right next door is the Hurva Synagogue, a Byzantine building with imposing pillars. Here you will find a terrace offering the best views of Jerusalem. The prayer rooms are divided into a women's wing and a men's wing.

To conclude this itinerary, I invite you to step out of the ordinary. Jerusalem is known for its religious visits, cultural experiences and traditions. However, there is much more to see. Yei Moshe is a charming and romantic neighbourhood, with a variety of modern attractions and plans. Ein Karem is known as the place where Mary preached the Magnificat.

Mitchell Park

Mitchell Park is a water park, located beyond the city walls in the Yemin Moshe neighbourhood. Specifically, it is located to the southwest. It is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, especially in the summer. In fact, it is considered one of the most recommended areas to stay in the city. Years ago it was used as an aqueduct, but nowadays it is a nice tourist stop.

It is also surrounded by modern stone houses, which gives it a cosy atmosphere. The advantage is that it is a less crowded area, with few tourists hanging around. You can also visit Mishkenot Shaananim, the first Jewish quarter outside the Old City. Be aware that as a more upscale, residential area, prices are higher.

German Cologne

To continue your itinerary, I recommend taking the South Buses bus, which runs every ten minutes. You can opt for the 231, 232 and 234, or Superbus, Egged or South Baher Bus. You will go to Colonia Alemana, a residential area where you can appreciate the local lifestyle. You will find German communities, as well as one of the best museums in the city: the Natural History Museum.

This museum is an educational space, ideal for a visit with children. It is characterised by exhibits of flowers, stuffed animals and even dinosaurs. Take the opportunity to walk through its small streets, where you will find green spaces, open-air activities, German restaurants and cafés.

Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Finally, you can slip into Ein Karem, a picturesque neighbourhood where the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is located. From German Hill, you can take the bus and enjoy the scenery for about forty minutes. This religious enclave belongs to the Franciscan order and is believed to have been built over the house of Zechariah, the father of John. Note that it is usually not very crowded, but in the summer it attracts hundreds of tourists who celebrate the birth of John the Baptist.

This celebration usually takes place at the end of June and the pilgrimage is usually part of the religious activities. You can also take guided tours to learn about the evolution of this church. For example, you will learn about the Byzantine excavations, which revealed an oil mill that operated in the village centuries ago. To finish the tour, you can walk through the neighbourhood whose villages will leave you in awe and eager to continue enjoying Jerusalem.

Additionally, if you plan to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem, you can also visit the Church of the Nativity where Jesus is believed to have been born.