About Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of those cities that pulls at something ancient inside you, a place where every stone, gate, alley, and skyline silhouette whispers stories. It’s a city of layers: holy sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; centuries of conquest and peace treaties; sunsets over golden domes; quiet mornings under olive trees; call‑to‑prayer echoing, church bells chiming, traffic, markets, pilgrims, locals, tourists – all coexisting in beautiful tension. Walking in Jerusalem feels like being inside a living manuscript. The Old City is a labyrinth, divided into quarters (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Armenian), each with its own textures, smells, and sounds. You’ll smell fresh baked flatbread, spices like za’atar and sumac, incense; you’ll see ancient walls, domed roofs, mosaic tiles, goat‑skin drums, fluttering prayer shawls. When the sun sets, the light washes over the stones in warm golds, pinks, and purples. Yet Jerusalem isn’t frozen in history. It pulses with life: modern cafés, boutique shops, street art, local fashion, political debates, university students, nightlife in some parts, peaceful reflection spots in others. The hills (like Mount of Olives, Mount Zion), parks, gardens (like the Rose Garden, Liberty Bell Park), markets (Mahane Yehuda), museums, the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, all remind you that this city is both fragile and enduring.

For travellers wanting hotels in Jerusalem (luxury, mid‑range, or cheap), what you stay in shapes your experience: waking up to a view of the Old City walls, or being steps away from the light‑rail, or choosing a 2 star hotel Jerusalem for simplicity, or splurging in a Jerusalem 5 star hotel for indulgence. The city demands you feel every contrast: serenity and bustle, ancient and modern. So when you pick a hotel in Jerusalem, think about which version of Jerusalem you want in the morning, at noon, at dusk. So, discover the timeless beauty of history and faith with our Jerusalem tour packages, offering an unforgettable journey through ancient landmarks, sacred sites, and vibrant local culture.

Jerusalem airport Address

Although there used to be a small local airport (Atarot / Jerusalem International / Kalandia) it has been closed to civilian flights since 2000.

Presently, the main point of arrival for international travellers is:

• Name: Ben Gurion International Airport
• Address: Near Lod (Lydda), Israel (serving Tel Aviv / greater region); about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem.
• Airport Code: TLV
• Contact / Operator: Israel Airports Authority.

What this means for choosing hotels in Jerusalem: you’ll often look for ones near major transport hubs or that offer easy connections from TLV (by shared taxi, sherut, bus, or train + bus).

The Best Time to Visit Jerusalem

• Spring (March – May): Wildflowers, mild weather, fewer crowds. Fresh air, bright skies. Great time to hunt for deals on Jerusalem hotel price comparison.
• Late Summer / Early Fall (September – October): Warm but not scorching; festivals, good light for photography; but also more visitors. Book your best hotels in Jerusalem early.
• Winter (November – February): Cooler, some rain; Old City stone gets dramatic; fewer crowds, which can mean better prices. Good time for cheap hotels in Jerusalem.
• Summer (June – August): Very hot, especially in midday; August can be busy. If you stay in a luxury hotel in Jerusalem you’ll appreciate AC, shady courtyards, maybe rooftop pools. But expect high hotel Jerusalem tariffs.

How to reach Jerusalem

By air:

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). From there: shared taxis (sherut), private taxis, buses, or train + connecting bus/light rail will get you into Jerusalem. The ride takes ~45‑60 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.

By rail:

Israel has a train network that connects to Tel Aviv, Haifa, etc. From Tel Aviv you can catch a train + bus to Jerusalem. Note: there is no direct train to TLV from some locations outside the network; also public transport options are limited during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). 

By road:

Buses run from many cities to Jerusalem. If you’re coming from Tel Aviv, there are frequent Egged buses and route options. Driving in is possible, but parking in Jerusalem (especially near old neighbourhoods or the Old City) can be challenging. 

Things to do in Jerusalem

1. Wander through the Old City: climb the ramparts, visit the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount / Dome of the Rock.
2. Explore Mahane Yehuda Market: taste fresh juices, falafel, sweets, spices; vibrant in both day & night.
3. Walk the Israel Museum (including the Dead Sea Scrolls)
4. Sunrise from Mount of Olives, view over Old City and Golden Dome
5. Visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust memorial)
6. Stroll Mamilla Mall and its promenade, with views of the Old City walls.
7. Quiet moments in the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount Zion
8. Tour the Ramparts Walk (walk on top of the Old City walls)
9. Day hike in Ein Kerem or out to the Judean Hills
10. Explore Christian Quarter vs Jewish Quarter; see how their shops, food, moods differ
11. Try local food: hummus, pita, knafeh, fresh fruit stalls
12. Sunset at the Haas Promenade (Armon Hanatziv) for views of city lights & domes
13. Visit Tower of David Museum and light show in evening
14. Discover the lesser‑known: Artist studios in Ein Kerem; modern art galleries in West Jerusalem
15. Attend a service (or arousal) at an Old City church, mosque, or synagogue, whichever feels aligned with your curiosity

Shopping in Jerusalem

1. Mahane Yehuda Market — famous, full of flavour, spices, artisan goods
2. Mamilla Mall — upscale shops, nice promenade, cafes with views
3. Downtown Jaffa Road & Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian areas
4. Arab souks in the Old City — textiles, ceramics, spices
5. Christian Quarter small boutiques — olive wood, religious artifacts
6. Books & antiquarian shops near the Jewish Quarter
7. Shops around Damascus Gate — leather, shawls, local crafts
8. Galleries in Ein Kerem
9. Boutiques in German Colony & Emek Refaim
10. Jerusalem central markets (second‑hand, vintage finds)
11. Talpiot Market (furniture & home goods)
12. Local cosmetic / perfume stalls (rose water, essential oils)
13. Judaica shops — Torah scrolls, menorahs, mezuzahs etc.
14. Food‑only markets: sweets, nuts, dates, honey, olive oil
15. Mall near the central bus station / plazas in West Jerusalem

Famous Restaurants in Jerusalem

1. Machneyuda — vibrant, creative, great for dinner after a long day in a nice Jerusalem hotels base.
2. Azura (In Mahane Yehuda Market) — homestyle, authentic East Jerusalem flavours.
3. Hummus Ben Sira — for classic, simple, perfect hummus.
4. Lina / Hummus Lina in Old City — for warm flatbread & garlic aroma in narrow alleys.
5. Abu Shukri — famous in the Old City, especially for breakfast.
6. Knafeh stands (esp. around Muslim Quarter) — sweet memories.
7. Beit Shmuel cafés in Christian Quarter — calm, beautiful walls.
8. Old‑style bakeries and pastries near Jaffa Road / around Zion Square
9. Restaurants in Mamilla Mall — mix of luxury & local taste.
10. Fine dining in King David Street / around the luxury hotels like King David, David Citadel.
11. Local vegan / vegetarian spots in West Jerusalem & German Colony
12. Street‑food falafel & shawarma stands tucked in between souvenir shops in the Old City
13. Rooftop or terrace dinner with a view over the Old City (many boutique hotels / nearby restaurants offer such)
14. Specialty sweets & knafeh in East Jerusalem alleyways
15. Coffee shops that double as art spaces in Musrara / German Colony

Popular Hotels in Jerusalem

1. King David Hotel — a landmark, luxurious, 5 star hotels in Jerusalem, known for hosting dignitaries.
2. David Citadel Hotel — luxury, modern with Old City views.
3. The Orient Hotel Jerusalem (in Emek Refaim / German Colony) — high end, luxury atmosphere.
4. Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem — one of the top luxury hotels in Jerusalem.
5. Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center — religious / pilgrim friendliness + good location.
6. St. George Hotel Jerusalem — four‑star, reliable, nice value.
7. Grand Park Hotel Jerusalem — mid‑high range hotels in Jerusalem with good amenities.
8. Olive Tree Hotel — boutique, pleasant, good location.
9. Addar Hotel — often cited among the more affordable / value Jerusalem hotel options.
10. The Post Hostel / New Swedish Hostel — for cheap / budget stays.
11. Mamilla View Urban Hotel — good location, a bit stylish.
12. Dan Panorama Jerusalem Hotel — more upscale, with good facilities.
13. Holy Land Hotel — historic, classic, pilgrim‑friendly.
14. Jerusalem Panorama Hotel — mid‑range, often good deals.
15. La Perle Hotel — value for money, simpler, comfortable.

Popular Resorts in Jerusalem

1. The American Colony Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
2. The Inbal Jerusalem Resort & Spa Hotel
3. Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
4. The David Citadel Hotel
5. The King David Hotel Jerusalem
6. Mamilla Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World
7. Harmony Hotel – Atlas Boutique Hotels
8. Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem
9. Herbert Samuel Jerusalem
10. Prima Kings Hotel Jerusalem
11. Orient Jerusalem by Isrotel Exclusive Collection
12. YMCA Three Arches Hotel
13. Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites
14. Dan Panorama Jerusalem
15. Hotel Yehuda – Family Resort Hotel

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

To pick hotel Jerusalem wisely, think about what you want near you:

• Old City / Christian / Jewish / Muslim Quarters — best for being near the historic sites. Many Jerusalem famous hotels cluster around here or are walkable.
• West Jerusalem / City Center (King David Street, Jaffa Road, Zion Square, Ben Yehuda Street) — more modern, lots of shops, cafes, easier access to public transport. Good zone for best hotels in Jerusalem based on location.
• German Colony / Emek Refaim area — charming neighbourhood, calmer, quite scenic; luxury and boutique hotels here.
• Ein Kerem / Mount of Olives area — quieter, more green, views. Good for retreat‑type stays.
• East Jerusalem / near Damascus Gate — more local vibe; more budget options.

Places to Stay in Jerusalem near Popular Attractions

• Near the Old City gates (Jaffa Gate, Damascus Gate) — stay in a hotel in or right outside the walls.
• Near Yad Vashem and Jerusalem Museum — West Jerusalem or Mount Herzl area.
• Close to Mamilla Mall for shopping plus easy access to Old City.
• Near King David Street for luxury hotels like King David, David Citadel.
• Near German Colony / Emek Refaim for scenic cafes and boutique hotels.

Budget Hotels in Jerusalem

If you’re watching costs, here are tips and examples of cheap hotels in Jerusalem:

• Look in East Jerusalem or neighbourhoods just outside the Old City walls.
• Hostels and guesthouses (e.g. Post Hostel, New Swedish Hostel) are good value.
• 2 star hotel Jerusalem options may include simpler hotels without frills: just clean bed, basic bathroom, minimal services.
• Book during off‑peak seasons.
• Compare hotel Jerusalem price online (use aggregators) to find deals.

Examples: Addar Hotel sometimes comes up as more affordable for its rating. 

Jerusalem Hotels by Star Rating 

Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury lover, Jerusalem hotels come in all shapes and stars. From charming 2 star hotels in Jerusalem that offer cozy comfort without breaking the bank to lavish 5 star hotels in Jerusalem like the iconic King David Hotel, there’s something for every travel style. Mid-range gems with modern amenities fill the city’s heart, perfect for those wanting style on a sensible budget. You can easily explore Jerusalem hotel price comparisons online to snag the best deals across categories. Don’t forget to check verified guest reviews, sometimes, a 3-star hotel in Jerusalem surprises you more than a 5-star one!

Best Hotels in Jerusalem based on Location

• For history lovers: stay near the Old City so you can walk to the Western Wall, Church of Holy Sepulchre, etc.
• For shopping & modern amenities: city centre / West Jerusalem or near Mamilla Mall.
• For peace & view: German Colony, Mount of Olives, Ein Kerem.
• For easy transfers: hotels near major roads / transport hubs (though tech‑wise, there’s no “hotel in Jerusalem near airport” in the city proper since TLV is outside). So think about hotels that are easy to reach from Ben Gurion.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Jerusalem 

Traveling with kids? No problem. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Jerusalem that blend comfort, convenience, and child-approved perks. Many offer spacious family suites, babysitting services, and even kid-friendly menus to keep tiny tummies happy. Look out for hotels near popular attractions like the Old City or Jerusalem Biblical Zoo to keep sightseeing simple. Some Jerusalem famous hotels even have pools and play areas to help little ones burn off energy after a day of exploring.

Jerusalem Hotels Tariff

• Cheapest hotel in Jerusalem / 2 star hotel Jerusalem tends to start at around US$50‑70 / night (for very basic rooms, hostels, etc.) depending on season.
• Mid‑range hotels in Jerusalem (3‑4 star) often cost around US$120‑200 / night, depending on location, amenities.
• Luxury hotels in Jerusalem / 5 star hotels can run US$250‑450+ per night or more in peak periods.

Jerusalem Travel Tips

1. Book your Jerusalem hotel early: Particularly if you want luxury hotels in Jerusalem or hotels close to the Old City. Big events like Easter, Passover, and holidays fill them fast.
2. Stay near what you plan to explore first: If your itinerary starts with the Old City, then staying in a hotel in or near that area will save time, taxi fare, and energy.
3. Clarify airport proximity: There’s no active international airport inside Jerusalem currently (the old Atarot / Jerusalem International is closed). The main airport is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), ~45 km away. To get the best fares, consider booking cheap flights into Tel Aviv first, then ground transport to Jerusalem. This also affects how close your hotel in Jerusalem is to your arrival route.
4. Check public transport & Shabbat‑rules: Buses, trains, shared taxis often reduce or stop services from Friday evening to Saturday evening. If you’re arriving / moving then, make sure your hotel Jerusalem stay is near areas with taxi or sherut availability.
5. Pack according to weather & walking: Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, a light jacket for evenings, sun hat, and something modest for visiting religious sites.
6. Be restaurant‑ready early: Especially in Old City or markets; many places close early or have limited hours during religious holidays.
7. Balance views vs price: 5 star hotel in Jerusalem with Old City view is magical, but costs escalate. Sometimes staying slightly further but with better access saves you more than a few dollars.
8. Use Sherut/shared taxi or public bus from airport: Cheaper than private taxi; helps stretch your budget so you can spend more on experiencing the city or in a nicer hotel.
9. Look for free cancellation / flexible booking: Jerusalem is historic, yes, but also has unpredictable events, holidays, weather. If your hotel in Jerusalem allows you to change close to your stay, it’s less stressful.
10. Eat local: Street food, shacks in markets, hidden café down alleyways are often better, cheaper, more memorable than fancy hotel restaurants.
11. Stay where nights are pleasant: Somewhere with a good rooftop, terrace, or view so you can unwind after full days of walking & touring scenes.
12. Use a hotel as refuge: After sunrise shoots, after afternoon heat, after religious site visits, pick hotels with comfortable lounge or spa amenities if that matters to you.
13. Charge up your devices: electricity voltage is 230V, plugs are European type (two round pin). Many hotels in Jerusalem have universal sockets, but bring adaptors just in case.
14. Mind your budget for extra fees: Many hotels in Jerusalem have extra charges for late check‑in, breakfast, parking, city taxes. These add up; when you do Jerusalem hotel price comparison, always include them.
15. Respect local customs & calm: Jerusalem can be loud & busy, but also sacred & quiet in many pockets. Dress modestly when entering religious sites, check times for prayer, let your stay in hotels be part of the respectful journey.

You can conveniently apply for your Israel visa online, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry process.