Travel to Jerusalem

Travel to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is Israels spiritual centre and is revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Aside from its religious heritage, its a remarkably beautiful city that also offers modern cafs, pubs and restaurants. The city is worth visiting at any time of year, and the weather remains mild even in winter, with daytime averages of 10C. Summertime temperatures occasionally climb to 30C, though low humidity ensures that even the warmest days arent unpleasant.

Transportation to Jerusalem

Flights are available from many major cities around the world to Ben Gurion International Airport, situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Transfers to Jerusalem are possible by bus, taxi and a form of shared taxi known as sheruts, usually a van that carries up to eight passengers.

Its also possible to reach Jerusalem by rail from Tel Aviv, or alternatively, to arrive by bus from Haifa, Tel Aviv and other cities in the region. Visitors travelling by car should follow Route 1 from Ben Gurion Airport or Tel Aviv. This is the main highway connecting Jerusalem with Tel Aviv, and it runs into West Jerusalems primary street, Jaffa road.

What to see

Jerusalem offers a host of impressive sights and one of the high points is the Yad VaShem Memorial and Holocaust Museum. The museum recounts the history of WWII atrocities, and the Hall of Remembrance features an eternal flame that lights up a number of plaques representing the infamous concentration camps of Bergen Belsen, Auschwitz and Dachau. Beit Ticho (Ticho House) is also worth visiting for its beautiful gardens and its pleasant terrace restaurant-caf, which is at the centre of West Jerusalem.

The Israel Museum opened in May 1965 and features the Bezalel Art Museum, Childrens Wing, Billy Rose Art Garden, Shrine of the Book and the Samuel Bronfman Biblical and Archaeological Museum. Further attractions in Jerusalem include the Mount of Olives, where Jesus supposedly made his ascension to heaven; the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum and the Haram-ash Sharif/Temple Mount, which houses the Dome of the Rock mosque and the Western Wall.

Daytrips

The Kennedy Memorial is within seven miles of Jerusalem. Its designed in the form of a cut tree trunk to symbolise a life cut short. To the west of the city is Batir, a small village that was built back in 135 AD on the renowned site of the last Jewish revolt against the Romans.

Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve is situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Route 443, and is an al fresco exhibition of the farming, harvesting and shepherding techniques used in ancient times. Other local outings might include a visit to the 12th century Crusader Church of the Resurrection at Abu Ghosh, nine miles west of Jerusalem, and the Soreq Stalactite Caves, which are 13 miles from the city.

Activities and leisure

Pleasant cafs with outdoor terraces line Ben Yehuda, where locals and tourists can enjoy some refreshment and observe the citys inhabitants going about their daily business. Rivlin Street also features some pleasant cafs in a quieter milieu, while the nearby Salomon Street Mall presents one of the more vibrant caf and pub scenes in West Jerusalem. The Russian Compound neighbourhood is also a good area for relaxing and socialising, with many pubs and bars spread throughout the district. This area is centred on Monbaz Street, and many of the venues offer live music and dancing.

Safety issues

The state of affairs in Israel and the Palestinian Territories remain volatile and its important to remain up-to-date with the latest travel warnings before undertaking a trip. Terrorist bombings do occasionally occur in Israel, but most of these incidences dont affect tourists. The city is relatively safe, by international standards, and street theft is almost non-existent. Nevertheless, its important to safeguard against the risk of theft or loss by taking out adequate insurance cover prior to travelling.