Located in the middle of the dry hills of Judea, between Mount Scopus, Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley, Jerusalem (Yerushalayim, the City of Peace in Hebrew, and Al Quds, the Saint in Arabic) is a Holy City for the three great monotheistic religions.To those who come to Jerusalem for the first time, the show will leave an incomparable memory. First surprise when you arrive: at the end of the streets of a modern city, there are the thick, crenellated walls of a medieval castle, built by Suleyman the Magnificent (1495-1566). It is not a cardboard decor; in these walls there are gates, and behind these gates there is another city, a city within the city, a city from another time or rather from all times, from all worlds: the old city of Jerusalem.An unforgettable effervescence reigns in its alleys where Orthodox Jews in long black coats and hats who march quickly towards the Wailing Wall, Greek or Armenian priests marching in procession, Ethiopian women draped in their long white shama, Arab children riding their bicycles down the streets in front of Tsahal soldiers hardly older than themselves...Jerusalem is a special city, that's for sure. But, little by little, you get used to this unique atmosphere. These first sensations will no longer be repeated, but there is time to spend in Jerusalem. You can stay there for a week without tiring, going from district to district, from museum to monument, from synagogue to church and from church to mosque. Also take the time to wander the streets, without a precise goal, passing from the crowd of souks to the deserted corners of the perpendicular alleys.Do not forget either the new city, West Jerusalem and its Jewish districts, rich or poor, with a European aspect and modern buildings. It is less exotic, but it is here that you will find trendy bars and nightclubs as well as Mea Shearim, the Hasidic Jewish district, which looks like a pre-war ghetto. Finally, to the east of the city, you will find the Arab quarter, with its lively streets, markets and old buildings.With its different facets and sacred character, Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

What to visit Jérusalem?

When to go to Jérusalem?

If you're wondering when to go to Jerusalem, it's best to avoid the Jewish holiday periods, when most businesses are closed, public transportation is more than limited and hotel prices are higher. Otherwise, Israel can be visited all year round. The best times to visit Jerusalem are in the spring or fall, when temperatures are not yet too high. It is also during these months that the light is the most beautiful, whereas the summer skies are often cloudy. In winter, the south of the country is more pleasant than the rainy north, while if you go to Jerusalem in summer, the city may seem too hot. As for the Christmas period, it is better not to fear the crowd, especially if you wish to attend the midnight mass in the holy city... So when to go to Jerusalem? Preferably from March to June and from September to November.

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
See prices on map

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Weather all year round

Jerusalem's weather depends directly on its Mediterranean climate, characterized by high heat and aridity in summer. Located at 809 m above sea level, however, its climate is drier than that of Tel Aviv. Winter is incredibly cool, with temperatures around 10°C, rain and occasional snowfall in Jerusalem. Spring and autumn are mild and often sunny.

Budget

In Israel, the currency unit is the new shekel. The cost of living is quite high in Jewish lands, especially in Jerusalem. However, it is still possible for the budget traveler to get by on a budget. It all depends, of course, on the lifestyle you intend to lead there. Count on a little more than 50 € per day, tightening your belt: youth hostel for accommodation (there are many in Jerusalem), kebab and falafel for food.

Procedures

To travel to Jerusalem, all you need is a valid passport. French, Belgian, Swiss and Quebec citizens will receive a free 3-month visa upon arrival in Israel. Upon departure from France, Israeli security agencies will ask you different questions concerning your trip (purpose of the trip, profession, possible acquaintances on site, family, content of your luggage, etc.). Be patient, this is the procedure. The same goes for leaving Jerusalem.

Beware : the Israeli stamp on the passport will prohibit you from subsequently traveling to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran, Libya, Yemen and Saudi Arabia (and if the stamp of one of these countries is present in your passport you will not be allowed to enter Israel). If you do not want to have a stamp, you can ask the Israeli immigration authorities to put the stamp on a separate sheet of paper and not on the passport.

Health

A stay in Jerusalem does not require any formalities other than an update of the vaccinations listed in the French vaccination calendar. The main source of inconvenience could be the sun, which is very strong in summer. Sunscreen and regular hydration are therefore essential. Moreover, as far as drinking water is concerned, we prefer bottled water. Finally, if you go to Jerusalem in winter, remember to bring warm clothes.

How to go to Jérusalem? Our advice & tips

As a major religious and tourist destination, Jerusalem has no shortage of professionals able to organize your trip to the Promised Land. Most offers combine flights, accommodation and access to the various major tourist sites, but it is also possible to elaborate, together with your interlocutors, a thematic and/or customized tour.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

If you are thinking of visiting Jerusalem as part of a larger trip to the Middle East, keep in mind that the borders with Syria and Lebanon are closed, so you cannot enter Israel from either country. However, you can enter through Jordan or Egypt. Also, solo travelers should be careful when visiting the Old City, the Holy Places and East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem's main sites of interest are easily visited on foot, but you can also rent a bicycle to cover larger distances. Buses operate very well, and sherut (shared cabs) are a great way to get around: their prices are almost identical to those of buses, and they are much more comfortable (many of them run on Shabbat). Cabs are more expensive, but rarely essential.

Organize your trip with our partners Jérusalem
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Jérusalem travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Jérusalem

Vue de la ville de Jérusalem. Dejan Gileski - Fotolia
Juifs devant le Mur des Lamentations. Vojtech Vlk - Fotolia
Vue sur la vieille ville de Jérusalem. Silverjohn - iStockphoto
Église de la Dormition. iStockphoto.com/Zaharov

Discover Jérusalem

When to travel?

If you're wondering when to go to Jerusalem, it's best to avoid the Jewish holiday periods, when most businesses are...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Jerusalem's weather depends directly on its Mediterranean climate, characterized by high heat and aridity in summer....
Read more about it

Budget

In Israel, the currency unit is the new shekel. The cost of living is quite high in Jewish lands, especially in Jerus...
Read more about it

Formalities

To travel to Jerusalem, all you need is a valid passport. French, Belgian, Swiss and Quebec citizens will receive a f...
Read more about it

Health

A stay in Jerusalem does not require any formalities other than an update of the vaccinations listed in the French va...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

If you are thinking of visiting Jerusalem as part of a larger trip to the Middle East, keep in mind that the borders...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

As a major religious and tourist destination, Jerusalem has no shortage of professionals able to organize your trip t...
Read more about it

Getting around

Jerusalem's main sites of interest are easily visited on foot, but you can also rent a bicycle to cover larger distan...
Read more about it

Send a reply