Jerusalem/West

The city center of West Jerusalem is a triangle formed by three streets: Ben Yehuda (a pedestrian mall), Jaffa (Hebrew: Yafo) on which the light rail runs, and King George (Hebrew: King George or HaMelech George) which runs perpendicular to Jaffa and carries many bus routes. The three corners of this triangle are Zion Square (see below), the light rail stop, and the (Hebrew: Gan HaSus, after a whimsical sculpture of a horse there). West Jerusalem's shopping, hotels, nightlife, and some museums are concentrated here. This area is a 5-minute walk west of the Old City, along the light rail tracks.

See Jerusalem. When coming from the airport or other places in Israel, West Jerusalem is the first part of the city you will encounter.

• Central Bus Station

  address: Jaffa 224
  The light rail takes you to the city center and Old City.

• Malha train stationBuses 18 (very slow) and 77 (requires a walk from the train station) will take you to the city center. About the only things nearby are the Malha mall and the Biblical Zoo.

The light rail line runs east-west on a single line through West Jerusalem, visiting many of the main attractions.
If you need to go somewhere far from the light rail line, buses or taxis are your best bet (depending on your budget).
Parking is in relatively short supply throughout West Jerusalem. In the city center, driving is difficult too, since streets are narrow. Within Jerusalem, taxis are a better option than a private car.
West Jerusalem is generally relatively flat (much more so than East Jerusalem), so walking is comfortable throughout it.

Landmarks and memorials

• The Knesset

  phone: +972 2 675-3420, +972 2 675-3416
  The Israeli Parliament Building. The Knesset offers guided tours (in Hebrew, Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Amharic, Yiddish, and Finnish) for the public. Groups and individuals must call and arrange their guided tour in advance. You can observe the Knesset sessions from the public gallery on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Groups must call and arrange this visit; individuals may arrive directly with their identity cards or passports.

• Supreme Court

  phone: +972 2-675-9612
  Located between the Knesset and the Central Bus Station, the Supreme Court building (opened 1992) is a mixture of traditional Jerusalem architecture and modern elements. Tours are available each weekday in Hebrew (11AM) and English (noon), or you could sit in on an ongoing court session.

• Mount Herzl

  address: 1 Herzl Boulevard, Mount Herzl
  This is Israel's national cemetery and memorial. It contains the graves of Theodor Herzl and four prime ministers including Yitzhak Rabin. The Herzl Museum is in the entrance plaza. There are memorials for terror victims and MIA soldiers. Near Herzl's grave is the Mount Herzl Plaza for the main ceremony of the opening of the Independence Day.

• Yad Vashem

  phone: +972 2-6443802
  address: Har Hazikaron
  Yad Vashem is Israel's Holocaust museum - documenting the Holocaust, preserving the stories of its six million victims, and teaching future generations through its archives, library, school, museums and recognition of the Righteous Among the Nations. Yad Vashem is a large complex of tree-studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, archives, monuments, sculptures, and memorials. In addition to the main museum, the underground Children's Memorial is recommended. Each tree on the museum grounds is planted in memory of a different non-Jew who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Children under ten are not allowed to enter the museum proper (IDs are checked) as the material can be disturbing, but they can go to other areas. Large bags must be checked in the Visitors' Center before entering the museum.

• HaPaamon military positionA Jordanian military position from 1948-1967, on the flat land between Kibbutz Ramat Rachel and the Arab village Sur Baher. In 1967 it was conquered by Israeli forces who circumvented it and attacked it from behind. There is now a tall monument on the site, and just to the south a military post with trenches and bunkers that can be explored. There is a nice view to the south of Bethlehem and its eastern suburbs, as well as parts of East Jerusalem.

Museums and galleries

• Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book

  phone: +972 2-6708811
  address: Ruppin Blvd
  Israel's national museum sprawls over a compound near the Knesset and covers a broad body and extremely unique body of work in its five wings. The Judaica Wing contains an unequalled collection of Jewish ceremonial pieces, tools, and artwork from throughout the Diaspora, as well as an entire replica of both a 17th century Italian synagogue and an Indian synagogue. Moving on, visitors can find the largest collection of artifacts found in Israel at the Archaeology Wing. The collection covers millenia of settlement in the Holy Land, from the Neolithic ancestors to the Canaanites to the ancient Jews. Probably the best-known wing of the Israel Museum is the onion-shaped Shrine of the Book, wherein the Dead Sea Scrolls, considered among the greatest discoveries of the 20th century, are permanently housed, along with the Aleppo Codex. Nearby is a large 3D model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period. The Israel Museum also contains notable collections of pre-Columbian Central American Art, Primitive and Tribal Art, and a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art, which, though perhaps less connected to the Jewish state, are worth a visit for art lovers.

• Bible Lands Museum

  phone: +972 2-5611066
  Laid out chronologically, the Bible Lands Museum provides a detailed look at the ancient societies of the Middle East. The museum's wide range of artifacts from around the region, including among others Egyptian, Minoan, and early Christian works, appeal to a variety of different segments.

• L.A. Mayer Memorial Museum of Islamic Art

  phone: +972 2-5661291
  address: 2 Palmach St
  In the heart of Jewish West Jerusalem, this museum offers "one of the foremost collections of Islamic art" from across the Muslim world and the many centuries of Muslim artwork. It also contains an interesting collection of old watches and clocks.

• Wolfson Jewish Heritage Museum at Hechal Shlomo

  phone: +972 2 588-9000
  address: 58 King George street
  In the heart of downtown Jerusalem, this museum houses a unique collection of Jewish and Israeli art, with an interesting combination of old and new.

• Science Museum

  phone: +972 2-6544888
  The museum features many "active exhibitions" which invite the visitor to touch and participate. A good choice for those travelling with kids.

• Museum on the SeamA museum which shows art with a socio-political emphasis. From 1948-1967 the only crossing between East and West Jerusalem was here.

• Begin CenterA museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Menachem Begin, the first member of an opposition party to be elected as Israeli Prime Minister.

• Museum of Underground PrisonersThe central prison run by British authorities from 1917-1948. Towards the end of that period, many members of underground Jewish militias were incarcerated here, including several who were later executed. Now the site is a museum commemorating the underground movements and their members who went through this prison.

• Agnon House

  address: Klausner 16
  Home of Nobel Prize-winning author S.Y. Agnon and the place were many of his most famous works were written, this is now a museum documenting his life.

• Worldwide North Africa Jewish Heritage Center

  address: HaMaaravim 13
  An interesting museum about the heritage of Jews from North African countries. You can only visit by advance reservation and as part of a group of 20 or more. Contact them and they might be able to arrange something.

• Hebrew Music Museum

  address: Yo'el Moshe Salomon 10
  A museum that describes the history of Jewish music across different time periods and cultures.

• Gush Katif Museum

  address: 5 Shaarei Zedek St
  Gush Katif were the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip between 1967 and their evacuation in 2005. This small museum tells the history of Jewish settlement in the Gaza region from a right-wing perspective.

• Cable Car Museum

  address: 17 Derech Hebron
  In 1948, Mount Zion was an isolated Jewish outpost exposed to Arab snipers on the Old City walls. A cable car was built between West Jerusalem and Mount Zion to safely provide supplies to Mount Zion. In this small museum, you can see the original cable car, as well as documents and other buildings relating to it. It was built as a hospital; now it is the Mount Zion Hotel, and the museum is inside the hotel.

• Friends of Zion Museum

  phone: +972 2 532-9400
  address: 20 Yosef Rivlin Street, Nahalat Shiv'a
  This museum brings the stories of non-Jewish help and heroism to the world, who supported Zionism and stood bravely with the Jewish people. Visitors experience the unfolding story as though stepping back in time. Accompanied by a moving original musical score and surround sound, meet the biblical figures, academics, businessmen, and military officials who, through their faith, have forged an everlasting bond between the Jewish and non-Jewish peoples.

• Levi Eshkol House

  phone: +972 2 631-3091
  address: Ben Maimon 46
  Israel's Prime Ministers - Ben Gurion, Eshkol, and Golda Meir - lived here from 1950-1974. Now it is a museum about Israeli history and particularly Levi Eshkol's life. Reserve a visit before coming.

• Beit HaRav Kook

  phone: +972 2-6232560
  address: http://www.beit-harav.org.il
  The home of Rabbi Avraham Kook, chief rabbi of the Mandate of Palestine from 1921-1935, and the leading thinker of early religious Zionism. Visitors are given a pamphlet guiding them around the house, as well as a 20-minute movie in either Hebrew or English.

Neighborhoods

• Yemin MosheThe first neighborhood of Jerusalem to be built outside the Old City. The Mishkenot Sha'ananim housing project and the landmark windmill were finished in 1860; the rest of the neighborhood was built in the 1890s. Nowadays the neighborhood is quaint, beautiful, surrounded by parkland, and with a direct view of the Old City walls. It's a delightful neighborhood to walk around, both during the day and at night.

• NachlaotA picturesque old neighborhood of narrow lanes and courtyards, built starting in 1875. Nowadays it has a distinctive character that is both religious and hipster. On evenings before the High Holidays, "selichot tours" here take you between the various synagogues where Jews of all backgrounds are praying for forgiveness.

• German ColonyA neighborhood southeast of the city center, founded in 1873 by German Protestants of the "Temple Society", who were expelled by the British during World War II. It's now an upscale residential neighborhood full of restored 19th century homes. Its main street, Emek Refa'im, is a wonderful place to drink coffee and to eat in its many cafes and restaurants. You may hear more "Anglos" speaking English than Hebrew on these streets.

• BakaAnother neighborhood just south of the German Colony. This neighborhood has beautiful old Arab-style houses alongside new, modern buildings. There are many nice cafes on the main street of Derech Beit Lechem. This neighborhood too is home to many English-speaking Israelis.

Religious sites

• Italian Synagogue

  address: Hillel 25
  The center of the Italian-origin Jewish community in Jerusalem. In addition to the synagogue itself, whose ancient wooden decorations were transferred from Italy and reassembled, there is a museum displaying beautiful art and Judaica. Shabbat prayers are held each week; Shabbat morning prayers begin at 8:30AM and are often followed by an Italian-style kiddush.

• Chagall WindowsFamous stained glass windows by artist Marc Chagall in the synagogue of the Hadassah-Ein Kerem hospital.

• Ades SynagogueA beautifully painted synagogue built in 1901, the center of Israel's Syrian-Jewish community.

• Hesed VeRahamim SynagogueBuilt in 1925, this synagogue has a beautifully painted ceiling and interior. Even the outside doors have interesting metal carvings.

Parks

• Haas PromenadeA park which has an incredible view of the Old City. It is common for tours to take people here blindfolded, and have them take off their blindfolds one by one to get their first view of the holy city.

• GehinnomAccording to the Bible, this valley was once used for child sacrifice. Due to its association with evil, Gehinnom/Gehenna later became a name referring to Hell. Now, it is a pleasant though somewhat neglected park. If you come at night, you will see the cliffs lining the valley lit up in a variety of colored lights.

• Teddy ParkNamed after Teddy Kollek, Jerusalem mayor from 1965-1993, this park is located in the valley just below Jaffa Gate. The highlight is a fountain with 256 water spouts which performs a choreographed water show once an hour; you are encouraged to run through the fountain on a hot day. There's also some archaeology here, but it's unimportant by Jerusalem standards.

• Independence ParkThe main park in Jerusalem's center city. A great place to relax or have a picnic.

• Gan HaPaamonThe most visited park in Jerusalem, overlooking Mount Zion and the Old City. It features a replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell with the Biblical inscription - "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof".

• The MifletzetThis modern park is a landmark for Jerusalem kids. Its highlight is a giant monster with three tongues, each of which functions as a children's slide.

• Jerusalem Bird ObservatoryA small patch of wetlands, with a concealed location where you can watch birds without disturbing them. Interesting birds are probably most frequent during the spring and autumn migrations. You are encouraged to bring bird food (seeds and so on) to spread in front of you to attract the birds to near you. Be quiet!

• Gazelle ValleyAn urban nature reserve, the park is home to 30 gazelles.

Other sites

• Zion SquareWhile small by international city square standards, this square is a common location for political rallies, concerts, street culture, and other events. The light rail runs through here without stopping; the Jaffa Center and City Hall stations are a short walk away in either direction.

• Safra SquareOn Jaffa Street near the Old City. The square is surrounded by the municipality buildings (City Hall/"the Iriya"). Concerts and events are sometimes held in the square.

• Jerusalem City Model

  phone: +972 2 629-7315
  address: at the Jerusalem City Hall (Safra Square, building 1)
  A model of the city of Jerusalem, with every building painstakingly modeled at 1:500 scale. Planned buildings that have not yet been built are also included, in transparent plastic rather than their real colors. Covers all the significant parts of the city (though not the outer suburbs). Free tours are generally offered every 30 minutes 10AM-12:30PM weekdays. No reservations are needed for individuals, but it is a good idea to check ahead of time. If you are lucky, they will then take you to the building roof (6th floor) to see one the best views in town, overlooking the Old City from the northwest. Tours are in Hebrew, but there's plenty to see even if you don't understand what you hear. Contact them, and you might be able to arrange an English tour.

Chords BridgeDesigned by starchitect Santiago Calatrava, this monumental bridge carries the light rail over a major intersection at the entrance to Jerusalem. The bridge covers a vast sweeping span supported only by metal chords stretched at oblique angles. You can also walk across on a pedestrian path.

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

phone: +972 2 675-0111

address: Derech Aharon Shulov 1

This zoo attracts more visitors than any other paid attraction in Israel. Decades ago, each animal was accompanied by descriptions of where it appeared in the Bible. However, nowadays there is not much Biblical about the zoo - it is simply a generic but quite nice zoo, where you can get very close to the animals. Outside the peccary exhibit is a big sign explaining why "This is not a pig!" in four languages, in case any Jerusalem residents might get offended!

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

phone: +972 2 648-0049, +972 73 243-8914

address: at the university campus in Givat Ram

Shows a variety of plants from around the world. Plants native to the region have interesting descriptions of their role in local history and religion. All exhibits are outdoors, which can make the garden unpleasantly hot in summer.

Israel Aquarium

phone: +972 73-3399000

address: 1 Aharon Shulov

Israel's only aquarium outside Eilat. Tours are available as a preview during the aquarium's "running in" period. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visits and tours last for 90 minutes. You must arrive at the main entrance of the Israel Aquarium 15 minutes prior your tour/time slot. Parking is available at the Aquarium entrance.

Sultan's PoolA large water reservoir just outside the Old City. It likely dates to the time of Herod, and has been remodeled since then. Now, it is empty of water, and used to hold concerts and other large events.

Jerusalem YMCA

address: 26 King David

A West Jerusalem landmark, built in 1933. There is a tower with views of the surroundings. The view is not bad, but less impressive than one might expect (you can see part of the Old City walls, and the top of Dome of the Rock, but little else of note). Going up the tower costs ₪20 - inquire at the main desk and you should be able to go up with little delay. There are reports that unaccompanied individuals are not allowed up, so go with someone else. Besides the tower, the whole building and its surroundings are architecturally interesting and worth walking around.

Ramat RachelA prominent hill guarding what used to be the southern approach to Jerusalem. In the First Temple period there was a royal palace here. Its remains, as well as some later archaeological findings, can be seen freely outside. In 1948, the hill was conquered by Jordanian and Egyptian forces, but finally ended up in Israeli hands. There is an excellent view from here in all directions. Worth visiting for the well-explained archaeological site and for the view.

Mamilla CemeteryAmid an old Muslim cemetery which contains graves of Muslim leaders, there is also a large ancient pool once used to hold water. The cemetery is now the center of some controversy, as the Center for Human Dignity (which will include the Museum of Tolerance) is expected to be constructed on the parking lot of the cemetery.

Jason's TombA rock-cut tomb from the Maccabean period which belonged to someone named Jason, who once sailed to Egypt, according to an inscription. The tomb is freely accessible in a residential neighborhood, and well worth visiting if you are passing by.

Chalcolithic villageThe remains of a 6000-year-old Chalcolithic village. Building ruins can be seen in a park just north of the Malcha shopping mall.

Around the world in 92 days

address: Betzalel 11

A multistory painting which depicts the world as seen from Jerusalem in "wide-eyed, childlike" form. Located on the wall of the Gerard Behar Center in Jerusalem. Cross to the north side of the street for a good view of the painting, with explanatory posts mounted in the sidewalk in front of you.

Hansen HouseThis complex was established in 1887 as a walled-off hospital for patients with leprosy. Nowadays, the grounds form a park, while the building (which is quite beautiful, particularly its internal courtyard) hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. There is also a tower with an impressive view.

HaMiffal

address: HaMaaravim 3

An art and cultural center, open to the public and featuring galleries, workshops, performances, and more.

• All Nations CafeIf you are interested in learning first hand about the delicate fabric of life in Jerusalem, this cafe offers a social, cultural and ecological experience for both locals and internationals.

• First StationBetween 1892 and 1998, Jerusalem's train station was located here, not too far from the Old City. The station has since been reopened as an entertainment destination, with restaurants, shops, concerts, and more. There is something going on here every evening. A very nice linear park/bike path extends south from here all the way to Malha.

• Great SynagogueBuilt in 1982, this synagogue seats 1400 people and was intended to function as Jerusalem's central synagogue. Prayers are held regularly here. Sabbath prayers here are often conducted with a professional choir.

• Ein YaelA living museum where farming and crafts techniques are demonstrated in a natural setting. Good for children, not adults.

• National LibraryThe world's largest collection of Jewish books and records. The place to go for in-depth research about Judaism or Israel. Located on the Hebrew University's Givat Ram campus.

• Cinema CityA recently built movie theater/shopping mall. Full of loud flashing signs and life-sized movie character figurines, it is the definition of tacky. You'll spend the rest of your trip wondering how they got approval to build it across the street from the Supreme Court. But it is a reasonable place to get lunch after a trip to the Knesset, or to see a movie.

• Yellow Submarine

  address: HaRechavim 13, Talpiyot
  Jerusalem's center for music. On almost every night a concert is held here. The genre varies between indie, jazz, electronic, and more. Performers are mostly Israeli, with the occasional foreign artist or group.

• Beit Avi Hai

  address: 44 King George
  A cultural center hosting music, theater, poetry, scholarly lectures, and other events in both Hebrew and English.

• City centerFormed by the triangle of Ben Yehuda Street (pedestrianized), Jaffa Road, and King George St. ("Rehov King George"). These streets, and the network of small streets in between them, represent the main shopping district of West Jerusalem. In addition to the usual range of stores for residents, there are many Judaica and tourist-oriented shops here.

• Pomeranz bookstore

  address: 5 Beeri
  The best place in Jerusalem to buy English-language books about Judaism and Israel.

Mahane Yehuda

address: Jaffa 119

This is the main outdoor market of West Jerusalem. Large, loud, and labyrinthine, the market boasts a huge number of stalls, generally open Su-Th 8AM-8PM, F 8AM-3PM, closed Shabbat. Fresh produce, pastries, salads abound. Definitely the place for a bargain and a unique insight into traditional Israeli culture. When the shops close in the evening, the night life opens up - in the last few years the Shuk has become a destination for bars, restaurants, and music at night.

MamillaOn the border between West Jerusalem and the Old City, this was an important commercial zone before 1948, but then became a DMZ between Israeli and Jordanian forces. After 1967 Mamilla was rebuilt, and now it is a beautiful pedestrian mall lined by upscale stores, fitting in perfectly with West Jerusalem on one end and Jaffa Gate on the other.

Malha MallJerusalem's main indoor shopping mall. Usually very crowded.

Israeli

• The EucalyptusBiblical Israeli cuisine best known for its "shir hashirim (Song of Songs)" tasting menu. There is a view of the David Citadel from the restaurant and the chefs are internationally acclaimed. Reservations recommended. Kosher.

• Shalom Felafel

  address: 36 Bezalel
  The classic Jerusalem Falafel place. Kosher.

• Melech HaFalafel VeHaShawarmaCheap and fair. Be sure to try your Falafel with "amba", a delicious mango-based condiment that you cannot get outside of the region easily. Kosher.

• HaSabikhHome to the tastiest Sabikh in the city, in pita made fresh at the restaurant.

• Steakiat Tzidkiyahu

  address: Yad Harutzim 21, Talpiot
  Israeli "Steakiya" place, which is to say various types of meat on skewers. About ₪45-60 per person but very good. Also they will fill your table with various Israeli salads and fresh bread. Amazing value! Kosher Mehadrin l'Mehadrin.

• Bein Aza LeBerlin

  address: 55 Gaza St
  At the corner of Gaza St and Berlin St, with a second branch downtown. A small and friendly place selling hummus and falafel, has excellent Kube soup of different types. Coming here on a Friday afternoon is a truly classic Israeli experience. Kosher.

Middle Eastern

• Marvad HaksammimWith its large serving sizes this is one of the best places for Yemenite food in the city. Be sure to try the Kuba soup (red, sweet, and spicy with round meat dumplings), Saluf (think large, thick, and crispy burritos), Shakshuka (poached eggs in tomato sauce), and Malawakh (doughy sweet pancake). Entrees are ₪15-40. Kosher.

• Hashipudia

  address: 6 Ha-Shikma
  This restaurant exclusively prepares skewers of lamb, beef, hearts and livers, geese and chicken breast, and goose liver. Also, it bakes fresh Iraqi pita bread every afternoon. Not Kosher, it is Halal though.

• Imbala

  address: 3 Yanai St, Jerusalem, Israel
  Imbala is a 100% vegan, member-run cooperative that serves food & drinks. It serves as an Israeli/Palestinian/queer/leftist/

*-inclusive space that's multigenerational and multilingual. Come have a sandwich, coffee, and browse through their zines or other feminist/queer/marxist/Israeli/Palestinian literature.

American

• Burgers Bar

  address: Shamai 12; Yafo 34; other locations
  A hamburger chain with branches throughout the city (and elsewhere). They have relatively slow and sloppy service and questionable hygiene at busy hours. The food is relatively cheap, about ₪50 for a 150g hamburger, fries and a soft drink. Kosher.

• New Deli

  address: Hillel 24; Jaffa 34; Emek Refaim 44
  A sandwich chain. Kosher.

• Meat BurgerBurger, fries, and drink ₪35-45. Not Kosher.

• Mike's Place

  address: 33 Jaffa Rd
  Live-music sports bar and grill, with a large international menu including American and Tex-Mex standards. The only branch of the Mike's Place chain that is Kosher. Mike's Place opened in Jerusalem in 1992, and is a landmark of Jerusalem nightlife.

Italian

• Agas Vetapuah

  phone: +972 2-6230280
  address: Safra Square 6
  Considered to be among the best Italian restaurants in Jerusalem. The restaurant is owned by Yonatan Ottolenghi, an Italian from Milano, who is often in the restaurant and sells his handmade liqueur in the restaurant. The restaurant serves various Italian dishes such as: pizzas, pastas, lasagnas and antipasti; and its blintzes are famed throughout Jerusalem. OU Kosher.

• Anna

  phone: +972 2 543-4144
  address: HaRav Agan 10
  A landmark Jerusalem restaurant. Located in the historic Ticho House. Kosher.

Cafes

• Cafe Kadosh

  phone: +972 2-6254210
  address: 6 Shlomzion HaMalka St
  Founded in 1967, this cafe is considered to be one of the best in Jerusalem. Serving excellent pastries, eggs and pastas; you will feel like you are in Europe. Reservations are recommended, especially on Fridays. Kosher.

• Tmol Shilshom

  phone: +972 2 623-2758
  address: Yoel Moshe Solomon 5
  This cafe/bookstore is the top destination for Jerusalem's literati. In addition to serving food and coffee, there are frequently scheduled cultural events such as lectures and musical performances held while you eat. Kosher.

Other

• Village Green

  address: 33 Jaffa Rd
  A highly regarded vegetarian restaurant with homemade soups, mains, bread and salads. Main course ₪25. Open Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-3PM. Kosher.

There is plenty of nightlife in Jerusalem. Mostly it is in the city center or the Talpiyot district. For clubs, the best way is to have a "proteksya", or connection with someone. This way of knowing someone who works at the door or a friend is the easiest and best way to have a great time in Jerusalem. In the way of a more laid-back alternative bar scene, crawl around the closely nestled joints centered around the corner of Heleni HaMaika and Monbaz.

• HAOMAN 17

  address: 17 HaOman St, Talpiyot Industrial Area
  One of the top-rated night clubs in the world. DJs from around the world entertain beautiful people into the morning hours with live house-techno music. The long line prefers well dressed, attractive people. Flashing a University ID helps you get through the crowd on a busy night. Go with friends, as the club is in an industrial area (not the safest place to be alone at night). Do not argue with the regulars, as people have been assaulted in the past. The most fun Thursday night in Jerusalem.

• The Cassette

  phone: +972 54-7263567
  address: 1 Horkenous St
  With the electric conduits forming a vine pattern over your head in its crypt-like backroom, this bar screams 'talk to me about philosophy' while experimental music plays in the background. The customers are the sort of people you'd find lounging around in art student's dorm roomin the best way possible.

• Ha-Tipa

  address: Hadekel 2
  Small neighborhood pub on the outskirts of the Machaneh Yehuda market. Very cheap alcohol, good music and photo gallery.

• Sira

  phone: +972 2 6234366
  address: Ben-Sira 4
  A manifold and interesting pub. Live DJs every night. Jazz and mellow during the day.

• Prague

  address: Rivlin 6
  An east European bar restaurant offering some great ethnic food together with big amount of draught beers and some exclusive attractions.

• Birman

  phone: +972 50 299-0059
  address: Dorot Rishonim 8
  Musical bistro: live music every night. For art, music & good food lovers. Open daily 7PM till late hours, Friday 1PM – Sabbath, closed Saturday.

• Izen Bar

  address: Dereh Beit Lehem 7
  Izen Bar has been the highest rated bar in Jerusalem. It's open Thursday, Friday & Saturday (sometimes also earlier in the week). Located outdoors, there are DJs playing popular high beating tunes into the early morning. Also known for its happy atmosphere, dancers, drummers, saxophonists, and different theme nights. Food and snacks are served all night. It's recommendable to come early to avoid long lines.

• Angelica

  phone: +972 2 623-0056
  address: Shatz 7
  The only bar in Jerusalem serving classic cocktails using freshly muddled fruits and vegetables. Elegant atmosphere and the best drinks in town.

• Glen whisk(e)y bar

  phone: +792-54-9010076
  address: 18 Shlomtzion st.
  A proper English bar, very close to the old city with 17 taps of beers from Israel and all other the world, the bar has its' own beer on tap! It's a whisk(e)y bar with over 100 types of single malt whiskies. You can meet locals from Jerusalem and students from all over Israel. It plays mostly rock music. Sometimes hosts a live bands and has simple but good food.

Budget

• Stay Inn Hostel

  phone: +972 3-508-5960
  address: 21 King George St.
  Highly rated on various websites.

• The Post Hostel Jerusalem

  phone: +972 2-581-3222
  address: Jaffa 23
  2nd best hostel in this district. Member of ILH.

• Jerusalem Hostel

  phone: +972 2-6236102
  address: 44 Jaffa Rd
  Clean hostel on Zion Square. Member of ILH.

• Avraham Hostel

  phone: +972 2-6502200
  address: 67 Hanevi'im
  Popular, larger hostel that keeps a community feel. Free breakfast, WiFi, and Old City tour. Member of ILH.

Mid-range

• Jerusalem Gate Hotel

  phone: +972 2-5008500
  address: 43 Yirmiyahu St
  At the entrance to Jerusalem with bar, coffee shop and banquet halls. The cuisine is international with Glatt Kosher LeMehadrin Rabbinate Supervision.

• Jerusalem Inn

  address: 7 Horkanos St
  Israeli buffet breakfast and free WiFi included in the price. All rooms have a private bath and toilet, a balcony, TV, airconditioning, mini-bar and a safe.

• Jerusalem Gardens

  phone: +972 2-655-8888
  address: 4 Vilnay Street
  A short walk from the Bridge of Strings, in central Jerusalem. Nicely-appointed rooms and numerous dining options.

• Montefiore Hotel

  address: 7 Shatz St

• St. Andrew's Scottish Guest House

  phone: +972 2-673-2401
  address: David Remez St 1
  No curfew. Overlooks the Hinnom Valley and located between Mishkenot Shaananim/Yemin Moshe district and Emek Refaim.

• Crowne Plaza

  phone: +972 2-658-8888
  address: Givat RamHaAliya St 1

• Rimonim Jerusalem

  phone: +972 2-675-2222
  address: 24 Shachrai St, Bait Va'gan

• Colony Suites

  phone: +972 2-563-9274
  address: Hananya St
  Self-contained, serviced vacation apartments for short term let.

Splurge

• Prima Palace

  phone: +972 2-531-1811
  address: 2 Pines St

• Tower Hotel Jerusalem

  phone: +972 2-620-9209
  address: 23 Hillel st.

• Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel

  address: 31 Hevron Rd
  A 15-minute walk from the Old City's Jaffa Gate, this is a cosy hotel with 129 rooms.

• Prima Royale

  phone: +972 2-560-7111
  address: 3 Mendele Mocher Sfarim St

• Prima Kings

  phone: +972 2-620-1201
  address: 60 King George St
  Landmark at the heart of Jerusalem.

• Jerusalem YMCA International Three Arches Hotel

  phone: +972 2-569-2692
  address: King David 26
  Architecturally distinguished. Prices are definitely upper middle-range.

• Harmony Hotel Jerusalem

  phone: +972 2-621-9999
  address: 6 Yoel Moshe Salomon St

• Ella Residence Suites Hotel

  phone: +972 2-6781925
  address: 21 Hadishon St
  Furnished suites.

• Dan Panorama Jerusalem

  phone: +972 2-569-5695
  address: 39 Keren Hayesod St', 94188
  Centrally located hotel.

• David Citadel Hotel

  phone: +972 2-621-1111
  address: 7 King David St.

• Inbal Jerusalem Hotel

  phone: +972 2-675-6666,
  address: Liberty Bell Park, 3, Jabotinsky St
  A five-star hotel with 283 rooms and suites, a spa, pool and gym.

• Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel

  phone: +972 2-5482222
  address: 11 King Solomon St
  A 5-star hotel in the City Center near the Old City few minutes walk from Jaffa Gate, Tower of David and Alrov Mamilla Avenue.

• King David Hotel

  phone: +972 2-620-8888
  address: 23 King David St.
  Probably the city's most famous and historic hotel. A landmark that has been residence to monarchs and heads of state in exile. The ground floor is decorated in the style current in David and Solomon's time (based on archaeological discoveries), so it is worth visiting even if you're not staying there.