Jerusalem travel information

As long as you take the necessary precautions, you should have no problems exploring the Holy Land. Incidents of crime directed at foreigners are low, although there is a constant threat of indiscriminate bombings targeting civilians at restaurants and nightclubs. Health and medical facilities are generally very good.

• Restaurants, markets, crowded buses, cafés, discos and nightclubs are all possible terrorist targets. Before entering such venues, look for security guards and other appropriate security measures.

• The compact size of Israel means that almost anywhere (with the exception of Eilat) is accessible for a daytrip from Jerusalem. However, in terms of historical and religious sites, none of them can match Jerusalem.

• Do not exchange your money in a bank; the commission charged is astronomical. Go to ‘change’ shops scattered around the city centre. They take no commission and equal the bank rates.

• The old city preserves a phenomenal range of historical sites dating back to Roman times and beyond. Indeed, with the exception of the great museums on the western edge of town, most of Jerusalem’s main tourist sights are found here.

• Jerusalem enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm summers, cool winters, and it is dry almost all-year round. As a result, the city lends itself to discovery on foot.

• A two-day pass for the number 99 bus, which gives a guided tour of the city, will allow discounted entry to the Israel Museum, Tower of David Museum and the Biblical Zoo.

• Prices for tourist services are sometimes quoted in US dollars. This is usually where the expectation is that a credit card will be used, for example when hiring a car. In these instances, the amount paid would be written in US dollars.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides - Jerusalem
Exhaustive resource on Jerusalem from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

Municipality of Jerusalem
Official site for the municipality of Jerusalem, packed with information and advice.
http://www.jerusalem.muni.il/

Ministry of Tourism
Includes an extensive section on Jerusalem.
http://www.infotour.co.il/

More topics on this site…
Jerusalem maps and geography
Israel travel information
Israel travel tips
Israel health and safety
Israel maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Stays of up to 90 days are visa-free for most nationalities
Season: Year round
Money: Shekel – most major currencies accepted widely, especially US dollars
Language: Hebrew – English widely spoken
Emergency #: Fire / Police - 100; Ambulance - 101

Israel