Where is the best place to stay in Jerusalem?
By Christine Strobel. May 10, 2024
Jerusalem is a truly magical place! Many people consider this city, which has been standing at the crossroads of the world’s three major cultures, religions, and civilisations for over 3000 years, to be the most sacred place on earth. It’s also a city of contrasts. While modern-day West Jerusalem is a rapidly expanding boomtown, it almost appears as though time had stood still for centuries within the walls of the Old City. Many of the key sights in Jerusalem are in easy reach of each other, including the world-famous Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount and the Wailing Wall.
Although many of Jerusalem’s main attractions are in the Old City, the best area to stay is in West Jerusalem, close to the old city walls. Here you can choose from an excellent selection of hotels, ranging from budget to upscale, and still be able to walk to the Old City’s main sights. In West Jerusalem you can visit the Israel Museum, which displays an impressive selection of archaeological treasures and art, like the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were unearthed in the 1940s. Rub shoulders with the locals in the Mahane Yehuda open-air market, or enjoy a shopping spree on Ben Yehuda Street or the Mamilla Mall.If you are interested in where to stay in Jerusalem, you may also be interested in where to stay in Tel Aviv and where to stay in Amman.
West Jerusalem, close to the Old City, the best area to stay in Jerusalem
Family with Kids / First-Time Visits / Shopping
West Jerusalem is the ideal area to stay, especially for families with children, and youngsters in search of night-life, as the old city virtually shuts down at night. If you plan to do most of your sightseeing in the Old City, it’s best to stay close to the Old City walls.
West Jerusalem has a thriving restaurant and bar scene and some important monuments and museums in its own right. The Israel Museum is a main attraction, just like the Bloomfield Science Museum.
Rub shoulders with locals in the colourful Mahane Yehuda market, which offers visitors a slice of local culture, selling everything from fresh fruit and olives to spices, coffee, tahini and local pastries. For another authentic experience, take a leisurely stroll around the leafy German Colony. The many outdoor eateries invite you to take a break and watch the world go by. On Zion Square, you can cross the pedestrianised Jaffa Road and climb up Ha-Rav Kook Street to the high-walled Ethiopia Street, resplendent with 19th century residences and an Abyssinian church.
If you are travelling with children, why not plan a hiking trip in Ein Karem National Park, a morning at the Jerusalem Forest Pool or a visit to the Biblical Zoo?
Other areas to stay in Jerusalem
The Old City
Sightseeing / History / Dining
Undoubtedly, the Old City is the most atmospheric area to stay in before sundown, particularly for pilgrims, religious tourists and history buffs, as it exudes the aura of a place where modern-day history is said to have begun.
The advantage of staying in the Old City is that it’s mostly car free and allows you to experience the captivating sights and sounds of an age-old civilisation and a melting pot of cultures. Here, you will find smaller hostels and hotels and your senses will resonate with the call to prayer from the minarets, and the chiming of the ancient church bells.
This walled City rests on the hills of the City of David and is split into four quarters - Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian - each home to a staggering array of historical monuments and religious buildings.
Nothing can prepare you for the effect of the sunlight catching the Dome of the Rock, or witnessing Jews praying at the adjacent Wailing Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. Another unmissable highlight is the walk up Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Resurrection, where Jesus was crucified and buried according to Christian scriptures. A Muslin family has held the key for centuries, and it’s truly fascinating to witness the unlocking of the Church in the morning!
East Jerusalem
Museums / Dining / History
East Jerusalem, the area located north of the Old City, is home to the illustrious Mount of Olives with the Garden of Gethsemane at its base. For budget-conscious travellers and those wishing to bask in the historical glamour of the American Colony Hotel, a stay in East Jerusalem can be very attractive. The Cellar Bar of the American Colony Hotel used to be the in-place, frequented by visiting diplomats and journalists, and is still popular for a sundowner.
If you are staying in East Jerusalem and interested in partying, you should plan a taxi budget, as there are many good local restaurants, but not a lot of nightlife.
Staying close to the Damascus or Herod’s Gate enables you to walk to the Old City and West Jerusalem. Many Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, and it is a predominantly Arab area. As you exit the Damascus Gate, head east to Solomon’s Quarries, a cave system that extends beneath the city, and then walk further east to the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum.
Venture up the Mount of Olives for arresting panoramic views of the Old City across the Kidron Valley. The opulent Church of Mary Magdalene, situated beneath the Mount, is also worth a visit.
Our recommended hotels in Jerusalem
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in JerusalemNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
