Masada with a view to the Dead Sea (Photo by Yulia Eilat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Even as Israel faces challenging times, visitors remain committed to supporting the nation, celebrating milestones, and connecting with the land. Whether it’s for a bar or bat mitzvah, volunteering with local communities, or simply spending time with loved ones, people continue to make meaningful trips to Israel. With Sukkot around the corner and Passover plans underway, now is the perfect time to explore the country’s deep Jewish roots through its historical and archaeological treasures.
Whether you’re here for a special occasion, to lend a helping hand, or just to be here, make sure to explore the profound connection between the land and Jewish history. Jerusalem and its surroundings offer a wealth of sites that tell the story of the Jewish people and their enduring heritage. Many of these sites offer tours in English. Check their websites and book in advance.
Below are some must-visit locations that offer a journey through time, from ancient history to the modern struggle for the state of Israel.
City of David (Ir David):
- Location: Southeastern Jerusalem, near the Old City
- Significance: The original core of ancient Jerusalem, dating back to King David’s reign, and a key site in understanding the history of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish people.
- Features: Archaeological park with guided tours, Hezekiah’s Tunnel (an ancient water tunnel that you can walk through), Siloam Pool (where pilgrims would cleanse before ascending to the Temple), Gihon Spring, and observation points overlooking the Kidron Valley.
- Additional Info: Light and sound show in the evenings; visitor center with a 3D model of ancient Jerusalem.
- Travel time: Within Jerusalem, easily accessible.
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Website: City of David
Machane Yehuda Market:
- Location: Central Jerusalem
- Significance: Jerusalem’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market (shuk), offering a mix of traditional and modern Israeli culture.
- Features: Fresh produce, specialty foods (spices, baked goods, and more), eateries serving a wide range of kosher foods, cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene with trendy bars and restaurants.
- Additional Info: Market tours are available that focus on the history and culinary delights of the shuk. Popular spot for food festivals and events.
- Travel time: Within Jerusalem, easily accessible.
- Website: Machane Yehuda
Machane Yehuda (Wikimedia Commons)
Kotel (Western Wall):
- Location: Old City, Jerusalem
- Significance: The holiest site where Jews can pray, the last remnant of the Second Temple, and a symbol of Jewish continuity and resilience.
- Features: Western Wall plaza, separate prayer areas for men and women, Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, and Kotel Tunnel tours that take you deep beneath the city to explore hidden sections of the Wall and remnants from the Second Temple period.
- Additional Info: Visitors can place notes of prayer in the crevices of the Wall; nearby access to the Old City’s Jewish Quarter, including the Cardo and Hurva Synagogue.
- Travel time: Within Jerusalem, easily accessible.
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Website: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
Ammunition Hill (Givat HaTachmoshet):
- Location: Northern Jerusalem
- Significance: Site of a crucial battle during the Six-Day War in 1967 that paved the way for the reunification of Jerusalem.
- Features: Memorial site dedicated to the soldiers who fought here, museum showcasing artifacts and personal stories from the battle, preserved trenches and bunkers that you can walk through, and an audiovisual presentation that details the battle.
- Additional Info: An annual ceremony is held here on Jerusalem Day; interactive exhibits and guided tours available.
- Travel time: Within Jerusalem, easily accessible.
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Website: Ammunition Hill
Mount Scopus (Har HaTsofim):
- Location: Northern Jerusalem, adjacent to the Hebrew University
- Significance: Historically significant for its role in the defense of Jerusalem and as a key strategic location during Israel’s War of Independence.
- Features: Hebrew University campus, British War Cemetery, observation points with panoramic views of Jerusalem and the Judean Desert.
- Additional Info: The site offers historical walking tours, focusing on its role during the 1948 War of Independence.
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Travel time: Within Jerusalem, easily accessible.
Kever Rachel (Rachel’s Tomb):
- Location: Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem
- Significance: Traditional burial site of Rachel, the matriarch, and an important pilgrimage site for Jews, particularly women seeking blessings for fertility.
- Features: Prayer rooms, women’s section with a focus on fertility prayers, and nearby religious sites, including Yeshivat Netivot Rachel.
- Additional Info: Bulletproof buses and security escorts are available for those visiting the site, as it’s in a sensitive area.
- Travel time: About 20 minutes from Jerusalem.
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Website: Keren Kever Rachel
Herodium (Herodion):
- Location: Southeastern Jerusalem, in the Judaean Desert
- Significance: Fortress-palace built by King Herod, who chose this site as his burial place.
- Features: Archaeological ruins, royal tomb (believed to be Herod’s), tunnels, cisterns, and panoramic views of the Judaean Desert and Jerusalem.
- Additional Info: The site includes an audiovisual presentation about Herod’s reign and architecture; guided tours available.
- Travel time: About 30 minutes from Jerusalem.
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Website: Herodion National Park
Climb on tanks at Yad la-Shiryon tank museum (Photo by Anton Nosik, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Latrun:
- Location: Along the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Highway, in the Ayalon Valley
- Significance: Strategic location during the 1948 War of Independence, now home to a major armored corps memorial and museum.
- Features: Yad La-Shiryon (Tank Museum), outdoor displays of tanks from different eras, historical exhibitions on Israel’s wars, and observation points offering views of the Ayalon Valley.
- Additional Info: The museum also hosts military ceremonies and offers educational programs; interactive exhibits are available for children.
- Travel time: About 30 minutes from Jerusalem.
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Website: Yad Lashirion/Latrun Park
Beit Guvrin:
- Location: In the Judaean Lowlands, southwest of Jerusalem
- Significance: Archaeological park featuring ancient underground cities, burial caves, and a network of tunnels dating back to the Second Temple period.
- Features: UNESCO World Heritage site, Bell Caves with impressive acoustics, columbarium caves used for breeding doves, and an amphitheater from the Roman era.
- Additional Info: Dig-for-a-Day programs where visitors can participate in real archaeological digs; hiking trails through the park.
- Travel time: About 1 hour from Jerusalem.
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Website: Bet Guvrin National Park
Gush Etzion Heritage Center:
- Location: Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem
- Significance: Memorial and museum dedicated to the history of the Gush Etzion region, particularly its role in the 1948 War of Independence and the re-establishment of the community in the 1960s.
- Features: Multimedia presentations recounting the heroic last stand of Gush Etzion, historical artifacts, guided tours of the region, and a lookout point offering panoramic views.
- Additional Info: The center also offers educational programs and outdoor activities for families.
- Travel time: About 35 minutes from Jerusalem.
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Website: Gush Etzion - Heritage Center
Masada:
- Location: Eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea
- Significance: Ancient fortification and the last stronghold of Jewish rebels against Roman forces (73-74 CE), symbolizing Jewish resilience.
- Features: UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins of King Herod’s palace, ancient synagogue, bathhouses, storerooms, and other structures. Visitors can ascend via a cable car or hike the Snake Path.
- Additional Info: A sound and light show is offered in the evenings; guided tours are available; the site is a popular spot for sunrise hikes.
- Travel time: About 1.5 hours drive from Jerusalem.
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Website: Masada National Park
Walk through the trenches at Ammunition Hill
Jerusalem and its surroundings are rich in historical and spiritual significance, where ancient stories and modern resilience come together. From exploring sacred sites and significant battlegrounds to participating in volunteer efforts, there’s a unique experience for every traveler. As you plan your visit, don’t miss out on volunteering in Israel to give back during these challenging times, embarking on water hikes that showcase the natural beauty of Central Israel, or discovering the best family-friendly museums that blend education and fun. Rediscover Northern Israel with breathtaking landscapes, historical treasures, and unique attractions that also help support local communities rebuilding after a challenging year.
As you plan your visit, remember to dress appropriately for the varied weather conditions—temperatures can be quite chilly in the winter and very hot in the summer. Proper footwear is essential for walking and hiking, and a hat or sunscreen will be useful during sunny days. Check the official websites for more details.
Be sure to reserve in advance where applicable, especially for popular national parks and attractions, to make the most of your visit. Most sites offer tours in English but they must be booked in advance. If you are visiting during the holidays or summer vacation then keep in mind that these sites are very busy and fill up quickly.
Your journey to Israel is an opportunity to connect with the heart of Jewish heritage and the enduring spirit of this land.