GUIDE TO SHORT BREAKS IN JERUSALEM

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1 GUIDE TO SHORT BREAKS IN JERUSALEM Tel:

2 SHORT BREAKS TO JERUSALEM WHY VISIT? Jerusalem is rapidly establishing itself as a must-see modern tourist destination. Looking beyond its religious and historical persona, Jerusalem is a city undergoing immense cultural rejuvenation, with a yearning to be repositioned in the global consciousness as a unique and tantalising contemporary metropolis, in conjunction with its most ancient and spiritual lure. WHEN TO VISIT? For quieter months the best times to visit Jerusalem are April, May and October, November, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the crowds much more bearable. June to September is often the most popular time to visit though, when visitors can combine a cosmopolitan city with hot sunny weather. It is worth noting that the Jerusalem summer weather can get up to 40 degrees Celsius and that hotel prices are very much at their peak during this period.

3 GETTING AROUND Walking is the best way to travel when exploring Central Jerusalem, as it is a small and easily navigated place. Nowhere is this truer than in the Old City, which is almost entirely closed to traffic. Built on a hilly and mountainous region, there are many Jerusalem streets with very steep inclines, meaning some footpaths may seem more like staircases. To travel to anything slightly further afield, a cab or bus is usually r e c o m m e n d e d. WHERE TO STAY? Jerusalem is home to a range of world-class hotels and in recent years there has been tremendous growth in accommodations throughout Jerusalem, including family-friendly hotels, business hotels, romantic getaways, basic hostels and guesthouses, and, of course, luxurious 5 star hotels. JERUSALEM S OLD CITY AND DOWNTOWN While Jerusalem s Old City is effectively divided up into four quarters, comprising of metropolis, the centre of the modern food and dining scene, and bursting with quirky bars and exciting nightlife. The area is made up of several neighbourhoods, each varying in personality. From the colourful Mahane Yehuda Market, to the

4 charming Nahalat Shiv a area, and the fun promenades of Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets, Jerusalem is a young and trendy city ready to captivate your heart. SHOPPING AND EATING Jerusalem offers a variety of shopping, from upscale international brands at Mamilla s open aired Mall to Ben Yehuda street, a downtown pedestrian mall with local restaurants and shops, to buzzing street markets selling locally grown produce. The famous Mahane Yehuda Market is a wonderful place to explore in Downtown Jerusalem and to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the modern Jerusalem - an eclectic mix of traditional Middle Eastern and alternative contemporary culture. By day, it is a bustling shuk and the perfect place for an afternoon snack, or stop inside one of the cafes, bars and restaurants in and around the market for coffee or lunch. Marzipan, a popular bakery on Agripas Street, is definitely a mustvisit for those with a sweet tooth. By night, the Mahane Yehuda market becomes a neighbourhood alive with people drinking and eating in the various bars, pubs and restaurants on offer. Nicknamed the MachneYuda market, which is also the name of one of Jerusalem s finest restaurants located in the market, the Machane Yehuda captivates the old and the new; the authentic and the contemporary. VISITING THE OLD CITY From Downtown Jerusalem, it s only a brief walk to Jaffa Gate, the main entrance to the Old City, where you will want to visit as many highlights as an afternoon will allow. The below is a good roundup of the key sites:

5 the key sites: THE WESTERN WALL Established in 19BC, and about 19 metres high, The Western Wall, is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, and is considered holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians due to its connection to the Temple Mount. It is best to visit between Sunday and Thursday. THE TEMPLE MOUNT The most significant tourist site in Israel, and one of the most important holy marvels of the world, Temple Mount is central to all of the religions of Abraham. A visit to this historic gem during your trip will grant a valuable opportunity to get to the crux of the region s story. DRINKS AND NIGHTLIFE This city has everything to offer, from chic cocktail and wine bars to alternative music bars. Finish up at Birman for free live jazz performances and an authentic Jerusalem vibe. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Israel s Holocaust Museum, and Yad Vashem may be sites of a far more sobering variety, but with their curation so superb, and their cultural importance so profound, they are unmissable, and merely a short walk from the Mount Herzl stop at the western terminus. DAY TRIPS The Dead Sea region is just an hour by car or bus from Jerusalem, and one of the most unique parts of Israel. A day trip is highly recommended if you are able to extend your visit or are looking for a more relaxing day away from the busy city.