3 Days Jerusalem Itinerary
If this is your first visit to Israel or first visit to Jerusalem, we know it could be overwhelming.
Jerusalem is a city with a population of around 1 million people and a history of thousands of years.
Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions and sects are all around you.
You probably ask yourself: Where do I even start?
For first-time visitors to Jerusalem, we recommend spending three full days if possible and trying to visit the sites listed below.
If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate! Contact us and we would be happy to assist you with any advice needed.
Day 1 - Old Jerusalem
Old City Highlights: Discover some of Jerusalem’s most important and sacred sites, including the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif.
Temple Mount Tour: Join us for a focused tour of one of the most fascinating and complex sacred sites in the world. The Temple Mount is Judaism’s holiest site, one of the holiest places in Islam, and a place of great significance in Christian history and tradition. Explore its remarkable history, from the First and Second Temple periods and Herod’s monumental expansion of the platform to the magnificent early Islamic monuments built here centuries later. Experience the unique atmosphere of a place that has stood at the heart of Jerusalem’s religious and political history for thousands of years. Join the tour.
Evening: After exploring the Old City, consider seeing the Night Spectacular at the Tower of David. This impressive sound-and-light show uses projections, music, and the walls of the ancient citadel to take visitors on a journey through Jerusalem’s long and fascinating history.
David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper: This fascinating Mount Zion complex reflects centuries of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim history. On the lower level is the site traditionally identified as King David’s Tomb. Above it is the Cenacle, or Room of the Last Supper, traditionally associated with Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. Climb to the rooftop for impressive views toward the Old City, the Mount of Olives, and the surrounding landmarks of Jerusalem.
City Walls Walk: Walk along Jerusalem’s Ramparts Walk on top of the Old City walls, built in the 16th century by order of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The walk offers a completely different perspective of Jerusalem, with wonderful views both inside and outside the Old City.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel – City of David: Walk through an extraordinary ancient water tunnel dating to the 8th century BCE, traditionally associated with King Hezekiah’s preparations for the Assyrian threat to Jerusalem. The tunnel is approximately 533 metres long and is walked in darkness through flowing water, which is generally around ankle to knee height. Bring suitable footwear and a flashlight, and be aware that the experience may not be suitable for visitors who are uncomfortable in narrow, enclosed spaces.
Visiting several national parks? If your itinerary includes three or more participating national parks and nature reserves, consider the Israel Pass, which offers multi-site admission options.
Please note that the City of David is not included in the Israel Pass.
Day 2 - Jerusalem Beyond the Old City
Discover another side of Jerusalem – its museums, neighborhoods, markets, and modern Israeli life.
Israel Museum: Spend a few hours at one of Israel’s most important museums. Visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and see the impressive model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period, showing the city as it appeared around 66 CE, shortly before its destruction by the Romans. The museum also houses outstanding collections of archaeology, Jewish art and culture, and fine art Museum. Israel Museum
Mahane Yehuda Market: Head to Jerusalem’s famous market for lunch and experience its colorful mix of food stalls, bakeries, spices, cafés, restaurants, and everyday Jerusalem life. Take your time, taste some local specialties, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Nachlaot: Just beside the market, wander through the narrow lanes and courtyards of Nachlaot, a collection of historic neighborhoods that grew outside Jerusalem’s Old City. Discover small synagogues, traditional stone houses, hidden courtyards, and stories of the many Jewish communities that made this part of Jerusalem their home. iTravel Jerusalem
Alternative – Yad Vashem: Visitors particularly interested in modern Jewish history may choose to visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, instead of the Israel Museum. Allow several hours for a meaningful visit to the Holocaust History Museum and the memorials throughout the campus. Advance reservations for the museum are recommended.
Day 3 - Masada and the Dead Sea
Masada: Herod’s winter palace and the site of the Jewish-Roman rebellion in the 1st century AD. Key sites include the Northern Palace, bathhouse, storerooms, synagogue, Roman siege ramp, and water system. Hike up the Snake Path for sunrise (45-60 minutes) or the Roman ramp (15 minutes from Arad).
Dead Sea Floating: Visit the southern beaches (hotel beaches) with excellent facilities. Rent a chair, bed, and umbrella. Public beaches are free and well-maintained. Important tips: Don’t drink, dive, or put your head underwater in the Dead Sea. Remember to take two iconic photos: floating while reading a newspaper and covered in healing mud.
I hope you have an amazing time exploring Jerusalem!
