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Jerusalem is a historic city located in the Southern Levant, nestled on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Renowned as one of the oldest cities globally, it holds profound significance for the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Nationals from 96 countries can travel to Jerusalem visa free.
According to biblical tradition, Jerusalem, situated on the border of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah and inhabited by a group known as the Jebusites, was conquered by King David around 1000 BCE. David, the founder of the united kingdom of Israel and Judah, established the city as the capital of the Jewish kingdom.
A major source of livelihood in Jerusalem is government and public service employment. In modern times, Jerusalem is also known as Yerushalayim.
Surge in Tourism to Israel :
In May 2024, Israel welcomed 114,000 tourists, a significant increase from 80,100 in the previous month and more than double the number from the same month last year. Since the start of 2024, the country has seen 400,000 tourists arrive. Over the past three years, tourism to the Holy Land has risen. In 2019, 4.90 million tourists visited, up by half a million from 2018’s 4.39 million and 1.04 million more than the 3.86 million in 2017.
The Unique Significance of Jerusalem :
Jerusalem is a major pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide and holds significance for Muslims as it is associated with key events in the lives of Jesus and other important figures. It is also believed to be the place where the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven, according to traditional interpretations of the Koran and other texts. Jerusalem’s Old City is divided into four quarters: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian. This historic area, characterized by its narrow alleyways and ancient architecture, is enclosed by a fortress-like stone wall and is home to some of the holiest sites in the world.
Jerusalem- Population Data
2024: Population – 983,000, Growth Rate – 1.34%
2023: Population – 970,000, Growth Rate – 1.36%
2022: Population – 957,000, Growth Rate – 1.38%
The Israeli government, aiming to bolster its influence over occupied East Jerusalem, unveiled a budgetary plan set to span the next five years.
According to a statement released Sunday by the government, a budget of 3.2 billion Israeli shekels ($843 million) has been earmarked for investment in East Jerusalem between 2024 and 2028.
Visa-Free Travel to Jerusalem :
Nationals from 96 countries can travel to Jerusalem without a visa, categorized by continent as follows:
Europe:
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Africa
Botswana, Central African Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Eswatini
Central America and the Caribbean:
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
South America
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Oceania:
Australia, Fiji, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
U.S. citizens planning to visit Israel for business or tourism will need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa starting August 1, 2024, for stays up to 90 days. The cost for the ETA-IL application will be 25 shekels.
Airport :
There are no airports directly in Jerusalem. Travelers wishing to fly to Eilat can depart from either Sde Dov Airport in Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international airport.
Jerusalem International Airport was a regional airport within Jerusalem, established in 1925 as the first airport during the British Mandate for Palestine. Due to security concerns during the Second Intifada, it ceased civilian operations in October 2000 and was officially transferred to the Israel Defense Forces in July 2001. At the 2000 Camp David Summit, Israel included Atarot within the Jerusalem built-up area on their maps.
Ben Gurion International Airport is the main gateway to Israel, located 20 km from Tel Aviv’s city center and 45 km from Jerusalem.
Airlines Operating from Tel Aviv :
Tel Aviv-Yafo is a vibrant international air travel hub, with 60 airlines operating from its airports. Prominent airlines include Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Serbia, and Air Seychelles. American Airlines also offers services, alongside Arkia Israeli Airlines, Austrian Airlines, AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines, Azimuth Airlines, Blue Dart Aviation, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Bulgaria Air. This extensive network ensures Tel Aviv’s connectivity to global destinations, facilitating smooth travel for tourists and business travelers alike.
El Al Israel Airlines is Israel’s national carrier, headquartered at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The name “El Al” means “To The Skies” or “Skywards” in Hebrew. The airline operates flights to over 60 destinations in 32 countries, serving as a vital link for travelers entering and exiting Israel.
Top Attractions in Jerusalem :
Jerusalem is an incredible travel destination with a wealth of activities for visitors. When visiting religious sites, it’s recommended to dress modestly, covering your knees and elbows. Start with Jerusalem’s Old City, which has a unique atmosphere and many major attractions.
Old City
Jerusalem Western Wall : The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall and Kotel, is the western retaining wall of the Second Temple. It is Judaism’s holiest site, with separate sections for men and women. Worshipers gather here throughout the day for services, praying against the stones, tucking small pieces of paper with prayers into the cracks, and marveling at the site.
Via Dolorosa : Crossing the Muslim Quarter from east to west, Via Dolorosa traces the last steps of Jesus Christ to his crucifixion. The route marks 14 events on Christ’s last walk and is lined with shops and stalls. Visit on a Friday afternoon to see the Franciscans lead a procession along the route.
Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulcher : One of Christianity’s holiest sites, this impressive building draws millions of pilgrims annually. It is believed to be the site of Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary), where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected according to the New Testament.
Dome of the Rock : Islam’s third holiest site, the Dome of the Rock, stands atop the Temple Mount and defines Jerusalem’s skyline. It houses the Foundation Stone, where, according to Islamic tradition, the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Foreigners can visit the Dome of the Rock during limited hours but cannot access the Foundation Stone directly.
Outside the Old City Walls
David’s Citadel : David’s Citadel, or the Tower of David, was originally built in the second century BC to strengthen the city’s defenses. Destroyed and rebuilt many times, it now hosts a fascinating museum showcasing Jerusalem’s history. Enjoy splendid views of the city from its ramparts.
City of David : Located beneath the Arab village of Silwan, the City of David features the remains of an ancient citadel. A massive visitors’ center offers tours starting with an overlook of ancient Jerusalem, then moving underground to recent archaeological finds and ending at the Gihon Spring, where Solomon was traditionally anointed king. Visitors can also wade through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a 2,700-year-old water passage.
Mount of Olives : East of the Old City, the Mount of Olives offers stunning views of the Old City and the Dome of the Rock. Its slopes are filled with holy sites and burial grounds, including several grand churches like the Church of All Nations. Start at the top near the Mosque of Ascension and walk downhill to the Tomb of the Virgin for the best experience, especially in the morning.
Yemin Moshe : This charming neighborhood, built to alleviate 19th-century overcrowding, features a windmill and the Mishkenot Shaananim communal housing block, now a venue for arts and culture. Home to artists, writers, and academics, Yemin Moshe is known for its Oriental-style houses, green parks, music center, YMCA, King David Hotel, and Herod’s Family Tomb.
City Center
Mamilla Alrov Avenue : Between the city center and the Old City, Mamilla Alrov Avenue is a pedestrian mall with luxury shops, upscale restaurants, and cafes. Known for its chic European feel, it offers spectacular views of the Old City walls.
Ben Yehuda Street : A prime hangout spot, Ben Yehuda Street is a pedestrian mall filled with gift shops, falafel and ice cream stores, buskers, musicians, and street performers, extending between King George Street and Jaffa Road in downtown Jerusalem.
Nachalat Shiva : Just south of Ben Yehuda Street, this charming cobblestone neighborhood offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and outdoor cafes. It’s especially vibrant in the summer and at night.
Mahane Yehuda Market : Often called “the shuk,” Mahane Yehuda Market offers a vast array of fresh produce, food, clothing, kitchenware, jewelry, and eateries. Bounded by Jaffa Road and Agripas Street, it’s best visited by public transportation due to limited parking. Experience the bustling market on a Friday for last-minute Shabbat shopping.
Other Areas of Jerusalem
Yad Vashem : Israel’s national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, commemorates the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis. Located at the foot of Mt. Herzl, it includes moving memorials, the Holocaust History Museum, the Museum of Holocaust Art, sculptures, a massive archive, and a research institute. Dress appropriately and reserve a few hours for the visit.
Israel Museum : Israel’s largest cultural institution, the Israel Museum, was relaunched in 2010 after a major overhaul. It houses various wings with extensive collections of art, archaeological findings, and Judaica. Highlights include the Shrine of the Book, housing ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Youth Wing, the Billy Rose Art Garden, the Fine Arts Wing, and the Archaeology Wing.
Crazy Mary: Jerusalem’s Maze of Horrors : For adrenaline and horror enthusiasts, Crazy Mary offers a unique maze of horrors with immersive sets and theatrical actors aiming to scare visitors. The challenge is to complete the maze without giving up, with 11 different degrees of fear to test your nerves.
Modern Jerusalem, also known as Yerushalayim, remains a vibrant center where government and public service employment play a crucial role in the livelihoods of its residents. From its ancient roots, symbolized by landmarks like the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, to its dynamic present, Jerusalem continues to be a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance.
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