For thousands of years, Jerusalem has attracted visitors from all over the world. Four thousand years since it was founded, three thousand years after King David conquered it, two thousand years since Jesus walked its narrow passageways and fifty-six years since it became the State of Israel’s capital, Jerusalem is still an enchanting city, situated gloriously upon its mountainous throne merging daily life with spirituality.

Jerusalem laid the foundation for the development of monotheism, Judaism’s roots, and is the cradle of Christianity and an important center for Islam. The city has known times of abundance and prosperity as well as times of poverty, scarcity and war. However, even in difficult times, Jerusalem remained an impressive city as the holiest city in the world.

Since the unification of Jerusalem in the Six Day War, the city has developed beyond recognition. Once a city with its heart divided by a wall, Jerusalem has transformed into a thriving, bustling metropolis, a national hub and a unique religious center. Jerusalem’s motifs blend harmoniously, merging the past with the present, ancient with modern.

Jerusalem tourists will encounter many unique Sites, both ancient and modern, when they view ruins from the First and Second Temple periods, visit Byzantine churches, Crusader fortresses, Mameluk buildings, houses of the renovated Jewish neighborhood, mosques, Synagogues, places of Torah study and many other fascinating sites.

This city has something special, guaranteeing its tourists an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit the city that reflects thousands of years of amazing history, displays a developed present and offers eternal breathtaking views. Visit Jerusalem of gold, the most beautiful city in the world.

Following, a few selected Tourist Sites and Attractions in the New City:

The Knesset (Israeli Parliament)

Israel's house of elected government officials, completed in 1966, founded by Baron Rothschild.
Address: James Rothschild st. Government Complex.
Tel: (+972) 02- 6753538.
Opening: 8.30 a.m- 2.30 p.m. Entry to visitors with ID or Passport only. The web site: www.knesset.gov.il

The supreme Court

The new and impressive Supreme Court building completed in 1992. There is a tour guide in the location with explanations about the Hebrew law.
Address: Sha'arei Mishpat st. behind the Knesset.
Tel: 02- 6759612/3
Open: Sun- Thurs. 8.30 a.m- 2.30 p.m. (Guided tours Sun- Thurs. 12:00 p.m. in English, duration of tour approx 45 mins). Tours for more than ten visitors must be booked in advance.
Buses: 9, 24. The Web site: www.court.gov.il

YMCA Building

Considered the most impressive YMCA building in the world, completed in 1933, included three departments suited to the young men's Christian Association for the development of mind, body and spirit.

Its observation tower offers a panoramic view of the city (those ascending are requested to make a small donation). Building also includes kindergartens integrating Jewish and Arab children, a concert auditorium, swimming pool, tennis courts, lecture halls, fitness room, restaurant and hotel. Entrance is free.
Adress: 22 king David st. Tel: 02- 5692692.
Panoramic view in the tower daily 8.00 a.m- 8.00 p.m. 5 nis.
Buses: 5, 6, 18, 21.

Mishkanot Sha'ananim and Yemin Moshe

Founded in 1860 under Sir Moses Montifiore's initiative, Mishkanot Sha'ananim, located across from the Old City and the Tower of Davis, the first neighborhood built outside the walled city. The philanthropist built the flourmill at the edge of the neighborhood. In 1892, Yemin Moshe was established on the northern side and is considered one of the most sought after sites in the city with its renovated buildings used to accommodate artists who come to Jerusalem for inspiration ant thus is has become a hub for music, theater and dance.

King David tomb
    
According to Jewish tradition, the location of King David's burial and considered a holy site. Later become holy for Islam as well. Under the authority of the Ministry of Religious and a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Tel: 02- 6719767
Open: Winter time: Sun- Thurs. 8.00 a.m- 5.00 p.m. Summer time: Sun- Thurs. 8.00 a.m- 6.00 p.m.
Fri: 8.00 a.m- 2.00 p.m.(Winter: Until 1.00 p.m) as well as on Sabbath and holidays.

The Room of the Last Supper (Cenaculum)

According to Christian tradition, the room where Jesus had his last meal with his disciples. Located near the King David's Tomb.
Opening hours: every day 8:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m.
Tel: 02- 6271422

Dormition Abbey

A Catholic- Benedictine church built by the Germans at the beginning of the last century. According Christian tradition, this is where Mary, Jesus' mother, ascended to heaven. Today, classical music concerts are performed here.
Address: 22 Ma'alot Tzion. Tel: 02- 5655330.
Open: Thurts, sat. 8:30 a.m- 11:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m- 5:30 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m or 11:00 a.m (depends on end of mass)- 11:45 a.m& 12:30 p.m- 5:30 p.m. Mon- Fri 8:30 a.m- 12 p.m. And 12:30 p.m- 6:00 p.m. There is Mass in German every day.

Armon Hanatziv Promenade

Armon Hanatziv ("Commissioner's Palace") was home to the British high commissioner during the British Mandate and today it is the UN forces' Middle East headquarters. The promenade is comprised of the Haas promenade. (800 m) from the north of the East- Talpiyot neighborhood and the sherover promenade. (1.3 km).  

Yad Vashem- the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes memorial

Museum and site to the memory of the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. The New museum Complex was opened in March 2005.
Mount of Remembrance. Tel: 02- 6443400

Mount Herzl National Cemetery

Established in 1951 on a pastoral pine hill, two years after the bones of the state's visionary, Theodore Herzl, were buried there. There after it has been used as the gravesite of state leaders, including the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Tel: 02- 6433266. (There is an entrance fee to the Herzl Museum).
Open: Sun- Thurs. 8:00 a.m- 4:45 p.m. Fri. 8:00 a.m- 1:00 p.m.
Buses: 18, 20, 27.

Western Wall

The holiest site for the Jewish people; the only remnant of the Temple built by King Herod; part of ruins from the wall that surrounded the temple Mount at a length 0f 488 meters; entirely exposed during excavations carried out after the six Day of war of 1967.
Its plaza is a large outdoor place of prayer on regular days and holidays, a pilgrimage and meditation site, and a venue for celebrations and ceremonies. It is customary to place notes with requests between the rocks.
Buses: 1, 2.

Western Wall Tunnels

Fascinating ancient underground tunnels as long as the Western Wall; located on the northern side of the plaza. A wide section from the second Temple period, a Hasmonean water shaft, rooms, public halls and archeological discoveries were exposed during excavations. The site is maintained by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
Tours of the tunnel s must be booked in advance.
Address: 2 Ha'omer St. Tel: 02- 6271333, 6276777.
The place closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Buses: 1, 2. web site: www.hakotel.org

Via Dolorosa

The "way of sorrows" where Christians believe Jesus carried the cross on his back on his way to crucifixion. The route is divided into 14 pilgrimage Stations.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Church contains the last five Stations of the Cross and Mount Golgotha, where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and then resurrected. Every Friday afternoon the Franciscan monks finish their procession recreating Jesus' "way of sorrow". Tours by group only; must be booked in advance.
Via Dolorosa St. Christian Quarter. Tel: 02- 6273314.
Open: Daily 4:00 p.m- 7:00 p.m.
Buses: 20

Cardo

Jerusalem's main thoroughfare during roman times, and today a pedestrian mall with shops and galleries. The Cardo was built according to the standards of Byzantine- Roman cities: a road bisecting the city from north to south with a drainage channel beneath the street. Also, a mosaic map depicting Byzantine Jerusalem and a replica of the golden menorah from the holy temple. 
Buses: 1,2,38

Armenian Quarter

The Armenian Convent was established in the 13th century, houses were built around it, and the Armenian community developed. Armenian patriarchate Road defines the quarter with its patriarchate building, the supreme religious and spiritual institution of the Armenians in Israel.

Al- aqsa Mosque and the dome of the rock

One of the holiest sites for the three monotheistic religions. Jewish tradition identifies the location with Mount Moriah, the location of the binding of Isaac. Here, King Solomon built the First Temple and upon its ruins, the Second Temple was built.
With the Muslim conquest, two significant structures were established: Al- Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's most sacred sites, and the dome of the rock, which houses the foundation stone- from which, according to tradition, the world was established.
Visits require advance booking: temple Mount
Unit: 02- 6226250
Open: Sun- Thurs, 7:30 a.m- 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m- 1:30 p.m. No visits allowed on Fri, Sat and Islamic Holydays.
Buses: 1, 2

Israel Museum

The largest museum in Israel, with many permanent exhibitions, also presents continuously changing important exhibitions from Israel and from around the world. Includes art, archeology, Judica and Jewish ethnography. 
Address: Rupin St. Givat Ram. Tel: 02- 6708811. Shrine of the book: 02- 6708862.
Open: Mon- Sat (including Saturday) and holidas.10:00 a.m- 4:00 p.m. Holidays eves 10:00 a.m- 2:00 p.m.
Buses: 9, 17, 24. Web site: www.imj.org.il.

Street Markets

The main street market in the city is Mahane elude, located between Jaffa Street and Agrippas street. Vegetables, fruit, spices, natural food, wine, clothing, houseware, various baked goods are all sold at this market. The market also has picturesque restaurants with local flair. Wandering among the vibrant stands and taking in the aromas and atmosphere is highly recommended.
Open: Sun- Fri. closed on Sat.
Address: 174 Jaffa St. Buses: 18, 20, 31, 32.

The Old City Market

This market with its distinctive Oriental flair also offers a wide range of products and an abundance of souvenirs, clothing, copper crafts and tourist mementos.
Bukharan Market
Is a small street market with a distinctive atmosphere located in the heart of the Bukharian neighborhood towards the end of mea Shearim Street.