Jerusalem, Israel

Most of your time in Jerusalem will likely be spent in the old city. It only has an area of around 1 square kilometer, but you can easily spend days wandering the streets. Unlike most European cities which were well planned, the old city was built and expanded relatively spontaneously. There is no rhyme or reason to the street layout, and getting from point A to B requires a lot of navigating. If that’s not enough, locals also navigate the city on roofs. In other words, good luck wandering through the city, you’ll definitely get lost. That’s part of the fun!

As a Jew visiting Jerusalem, the highlight is of course the Western Wall. It is the holiest site in Judaism and has stood the test of time. It is always a very good atmosphere, as you have a bunch of orthodox Jews who might go to the wall regularly, and less observant Jews who might come as tourists to appreciate the site or to say a quick prayer. Additionally, there are many Chabad Rabbis who look to meet people and put Tefillin on Jews coming up to the wall.

There is a lot more to see of the ancient temple than just the Western Wall site however. The “Little Western Wall” is nearby and much less visited. You can also visit the “Western Wall Excavations” exhibit to see the how the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires built structures off of the Temple. The Western Wall Tunnels is another attraction worth checking out. There are a number of tours that show different parts of the underground near the Temple. The guides are excellent, and you’ll learn a lot about the Temple, and Jews living during that time period.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter is a fascinating experience, as it is rich in history and culture, filled with synagogues, Jewish schools, shops, and iconic symbolism. As you wander through the Christian and Armenian Quarters, you'll also encounter unique cultural landmarks, with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre standing out as a must-see highlight. Meanwhile, the Muslim Quarter offers a vibrant, lived-in energy, as it is home to the majority of residents in the Old City, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life.

The Old City is a hive of activity, especially along the bustling main streets where a vibrant market takes center stage. Merchants line the lanes, enthusiastically inviting passersby to browse their goods. Venture deeper into the market, and you’ll discover delicious food at surprisingly affordable prices. For those willing to negotiate, some vendors may dramatically slash their prices—sometimes to less than a quarter of the original amount—if you’re prepared to walk away mid-bargain.

At first glance, the Old City might seem overwhelmingly touristy, with its iconic attractions and eager merchants vying for attention. However, it’s worth remembering that over 35,000 people call this historic area home. Stepping away from the main tourist hubs will lead you to quieter residential streets, where locals navigate everyday life—shopping in markets, heading to work or school, and attending synagogues, mosques, and churches. This duality of vibrant tourism and local life adds depth to the Old City’s charm, making it all the more important to explore respectfully and thoughtfully.

The old city of Jerusalem might be one of the most interesting historical places to visit in the world, but there is much more to the Jerusalem. There are many museums that are very important to explore if you get the chance. The most significant one is Yad Vashem which is the world’s premier Holocaust museum. I must warn you, it is a very tough museum to go through, but I believe it is important. The Israel government is very proud of this museum, and every time a foreign government official visits the country for official business, the meeting always begins with a tour through this museum.

The Israel museum is another good museum to visit, as they have a major archeology section where you can learn a lot about all the civilizations that inhabited the area, including the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, and then of course the various Jewish civilizations that inhabited area throughout history. This museum is famous for the dead sea scrolls, but there is so much more to appreciate

Another destination I highly recommend is Mount of Olives just east of the Old City. You can see a very large Jewish cemetery on the mountain from the old city, but it looks much larger from the mountain itself. There are also a few churches worth visiting if you get the chance, such as Church of Ascension and Church of Mary Magdalene. However my favorite part of the Mount of Olives was the view from the top, as you get a picturesque view of the old city.