Jerusalem itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · IsraelJune–September
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 34
- Per day
- ≈ 386 ILS
- First stop
- 07:30
Short answer
The TripWalkers Jerusalem itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 34 stops, hour by hour, for June–September. The first three days:
- Day 1 Old City: Jewish and Christian quarters
- Day 2 Mount of Olives and City of David
- Day 3 Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Days 4 and 5 are day trips out of the city. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 386 ILS a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 09:00–14:45
Old City: Jewish and Christian quarters
Culture
Western Wall
Enter via Jaffa Gate. The Western Wall is open 24 hours, with separate men's and women's sections; men must cover their heads (kippahs are provided). On Friday evening there is a Shabbat welcome.
FreeCulture
Temple Mount Dome of the Rock
Non-Muslims can visit Sunday to Thursday 07:30-11:00 and 13:30-14:30 (via the Mughrabi Bridge). Admire the Dome of the Rock from the outside. Modest dress is required; closed Friday and Saturday.
FreeLandmark
Via Dolorosa
The 14 Stations of the Cross, from the Lions' Gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On Fridays at 15:00 a Franciscan procession passes through.
FreeCulture
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The site of Jesus's crucifixion and tomb. Climb the steps to Golgotha, expect a queue for the Edicule, and note that six denominations share the church.
FreeFood
Abu Shukri Via Dolorosa
The Old City's legendary hummus, plus ful (fava bean stew) and falafel.
≈ 50 ILS per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Lina Restaurant Old CityHummus in the Christian Quarter, and Abu Shukri's rival.
- Tower of David MuseumA citadel museum with panoramic views from the ramparts. An alternative to the Via Dolorosa.
Day 2 · 07:30–16:30
Mount of Olives and City of David
Nature
Mount of Olives Viewpoint
Take a taxi up. The Old City and the golden dome look best in morning light. Pass the Jewish cemetery, then walk down.
FreeCulture
Church of All Nations Gethsemane
Olive trees over 2,000 years old stand in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way, stop at Dominus Flevit (the Church of the Teardrop).
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
City of David
Excavations of King David's original city. Choose Hezekiah's Tunnel (knee-deep water, bring a torch) or the dry Canaanite Tunnel.
≈ 70 ILS per person- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Ja'far Sweets
Try knafeh (cheese pastry soaked in syrup). Pass through the Damascus Gate market in the Muslim Quarter.
≈ 25 ILS per person- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Ramparts Walk
Walk the top of the city walls from Jaffa Gate to Lions' Gate, with views over rooftops and domes.
≈ 25 ILS per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Azzahra Restaurant East JerusalemPalestinian cooking in East Jerusalem; try the maqluba (upside-down rice dish).
- Garden TombThe Protestant alternative to the Holy Sepulchre: a peaceful garden outside Damascus Gate.
Day 3 · 09:00–19:00
Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum
Culture
Yad Vashem
The Holocaust memorial museum, with Safdie's prism-shaped building and the Children's Memorial. Free; book online. Children under 10 are not admitted. Closed Saturday.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Israel Museum
See the Dead Sea Scrolls (Shrine of the Book), a model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period, and the archaeology galleries. Lunch at the cafeteria.
≈ 60 ILS per personFood
Israel Museum Modern Kafe
The museum restaurant, with a garden overlooking the Dead Sea.
≈ 60 ILS per personLandmark
Knesset
See the parliament building from outside, plus the Menorah sculpture. Tours run on Sundays and Thursdays.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Mahane Yehuda Market
The shuk is a market by day and a street of bars by night. Try the marzipan rugelach, kubbeh at Azura, and Hachapuria.
≈ 80 ILS per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Machneyuda RestaurantA chef's restaurant next to the market. Book weeks ahead.
- Bible Lands MuseumNext door to the Israel Museum, covering the ancient Near East.
Day 4 · 07:30–16:30Day trip
Dead Sea and Masada
Landmark
Masada National Park
Take bus 486 or a tour, 1.5 hours. Herod's rock fortress and the Roman siege ramp; climb the Snake Path for sunrise (in summer, climbing is banned after 08:00; the cable car costs 28 ILS).
≈ 31 ILS per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
It reaches 40°C in summer. Pick the short David Waterfall trail, stay in the shade and carry water.
≈ 29 ILS per personFood
Ein Gedi Kibbutz Restoranı
A kibbutz canteen or a beach café.
≈ 70 ILS per personNature
Ein Bokek Dead Sea Beach
The lowest point on Earth (-430 m). Swim, float on the water, apply the mud and protect your eyes. Free public beach with showers.
Free
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Qumran National ParkThe caves where the scrolls were found. An alternative to Ein Gedi.
- Ein Bokek Plaj KafesiA beachside café serving salads and lemonade.
Day 5 · 09:00–17:30Day trip
Bethlehem and Ein Karem
Culture
Church of the Nativity Bethlehem
Take bus 231 or a taxi (Palestinian Authority area; bring your passport, and Israeli-plated cars cannot cross). Visit the cave where Jesus was born; the queue can take 2 hours.
FreeLandmark
Banksy Walled Off Hotel & Separation Wall
Wall graffiti plus Banksy's hotel and museum. Go by taxi.
FreeFood
Afteem Restaurant Bethlehem
Falafel since 1948, on Manger Square.
≈ 30 ILS per person- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Ein Karem
The village of John the Baptist, with the Church of the Visitation, Mary's Spring and art galleries. It lies west of Jerusalem.
FreeFood
Karma Ein Karem
A terrace café with village views. Go in the evening.
≈ 80 ILS per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Shepherds' Field Beit SahourThe Shepherds' Field church. An alternative to the wall.
- Sweet N KaremAn ice cream shop in Ein Karem.
Day 6 · 09:30–19:00
West Jerusalem and Shabbat
Landmark
Yemin Moshe & Montefiore Windmill
The first neighbourhood built outside the walls, with a windmill and views of the Old City.
FreeFood
First Station Jerusalem
A former Ottoman railway station with cafés, a market and a children's area.
≈ 50 ILS per person- 1 h 15 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Azura Mahane Yehuda
Kurdish-Iraqi dishes such as kubbeh and aubergine. Expect crowds before Shabbat.
≈ 70 ILS per personCulture
Mea Shearim
An ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood. Dress modestly, don't take photos, and expect the Friday rush before Shabbat.
Free- 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Western Wall Shabbat Welcome
On Friday at sunset there is singing and dancing (no photos). On other days, evening prayers.
Free
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Anna Italian Café Ticho HouseA garden restaurant in the historic Ticho House.
- Hebrew University Mount ScopusA botanical garden with desert views. An alternative to Mea Shearim.
Day 7 · 09:00–13:15
Armenian Quarter and a gentle farewell
Landmark
Armenian Quarter
St James's Cathedral (service at 15:00) and ceramics workshops.
FreeLandmark
Cardo Jewish Quarter
Remains of the Byzantine-era main street. The Hurva Synagogue offers dome views for 20 ILS.
FreeNature
Rooftop Promenade Old City
Rooftops above the bazaar, where four quarters meet. Free.
FreeFood
Hummus Ben Sira
West Jerusalem hummus for a farewell meal.
≈ 50 ILS per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Jerusalem Navon Station
The high-speed train to Ben Gurion takes 25 minutes (not running on Shabbat). A farewell to the city.
Free
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Jerusalem Armenian CeramicsHand-painted tiles, good for souvenirs.
- Tmol ShilshomA bookshop café serving shakshuka.
Good to know: 6 things that make a Jerusalem trip easier
- Get a Rav-Kav card and use the light rail (Jaffa Street). On Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday night) public transport and most shops are closed, but Arab East Jerusalem stays open. The Ben Gurion high-speed train takes 25 minutes.
- Summer is 30°C and dry, with cool nights. The Dead Sea and Masada reach 40°C, so go at sunrise. Wear suitable clothing for the Temple Mount and carry water.
- SAFETY: The situation in the region is changeable, so check official advisories before you travel. Temple Mount hours may change or the site may close. Go to Bethlehem by taxi or bus (Israeli-plated rental cars cannot enter).
- Dress code at holy sites: shoulders and knees covered, and men must cover their heads at the Wall. The Temple Mount is closed Friday and Saturday; Yad Vashem is closed Saturday.
- Hummus costs 40-60 ILS, falafel 20, a restaurant meal 100-150; tip 12%. Cards are accepted everywhere; carry cash in East Jerusalem.
- Tap water is safe to drink. Mahane Yehuda is liveliest on Friday afternoon.
Spending: ≈ 2,700 ILS per person for 7 days
- Food1,500 ILS
- Entry and tours500 ILS
- Local transport400 ILS
- Other300 ILS
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Jerusalem?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too. The day trip is on day 4 and 5; skip it on a short stay.
How much does a day in Jerusalem cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 386 ILS per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Jerusalem?
The first stop is at 07:30. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers June–September. There is a separate plan for October–May: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.