Visit Jerusalem on vacation, a historic pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine! Here’s where to stay in Jerusalem!
A city in the Middle East that has been the flashpoint of tension and strife for thousands of years, Jerusalem is the claimed – but not internationally recognized – capital of the State of Israel. Torn between the Zionist settlements of the Israeli government and the Arab territories of Palestine, the city is home to many people of heterogeneous origins and faiths: Arab Muslims, Jewish Israelis, Christians, Armenians… The population of Jerusalem was 882,700 in 2016, spread over 126 km². The range of accommodation available in Jerusalem is vast, as are the prices, from the grim and insalubrious borderline hotel to the luxury complex… The choice is yours!
If you’re looking for accommodation in Jerusalem, you’ll need to find the perfect neighborhood. Within its walls and 3,500 years of history, Jerusalem’s neighborhoods offer radically different atmospheres. Jerusalem not only lives in the sober, rigorous liturgy of the holy books, but also radiates culture and influences. Here’s our roundup of where to stay in Jerusalem.
The Old City of Jerusalem
Photo credit: Flickr – Cycling Man
The Old City is a group of four districts surrounded by the walls of Jerusalem. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city is said – according to the Bible – to have been founded in the 3rd millennium BC. The Old City walls enclose the Jewish Quarter – bounded by the Wailing Wall – the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter and the Muslim Quarter.
The area boasts 9 historic gateways, and many buildings date back to antiquity. Don’t forget that here, three great monotheistic religions share a common holy site: the famous Dome of the Rock. This majestic golden dome dominates the old city center, so staying in the Old City is a must if you want to spend the night in an open-air archaeological museum. The only drawback is that, as this is a district administered by a large number of religious figures, there are few hotels to choose from.
Find a hotel in the Old Town
Find an Airbnb in the Old Town
Downtown
Photo credit: Flickr – israeltourism
Between Sacher Park and the Old City lies the modern city center, from Ben-Yehuda pedestrian street to the Jaffa Gate. Here you’ll find a completely different atmosphere to that found within the walls of the ancient city: modern boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafés. This is definitely the place to stay in Jerusalem if you want to go out at night and party, as night owls flock here. To the south of Jaffa Street, numerous museums await visitors in search of cultural outings. A good place to stay if you want to live the Western way and get away from the religious turmoil.
Find a hotel in the center of Paris
Find an Airbnb in the center
East Jerusalem
Photo credit: Flickr – Jean
North and east of the Old City walls lie East Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. This is the Muslim quarter – one of the parts of the West Bank and Palestine disputed as occupied by Israel since 1967 – with numerous mosques and Christian churches. Climb up and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Find a hotel in East Jerusalem
Find an Airbnb in East Jerusalem
Main photo credit: Flickr – Neta Bartal