Language
Israel has three official languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The streets of Jerusalem are filled with English-speaking residents and tourists, and you’ll have no problem getting by. Tour venues and most shops and restaurants have staff who are fluent in English, and street signs are also translated. In addition, you’ll hear Russian, French, and Spanish throughout the city.
What to Pack: A dictionary only if you want to practice Hebrew or Arabic. If you prefer English, you’ll be just fine in Jerusalem.
Weather
Israel generally has two main seasons: summer and winter. Summer runs from May to September and is typically hot and dry, with peak temperatures in July and August. Winter lasts from November to March, bringing cooler temperatures and occasional rain, with rare instances of snow.
Spring and fall can vary, offering a mix of warm and cooler days. Packing layers is recommended throughout the year.
What to Pack: A warm coat and rain protection for fall and winter, and lightweight clothing for summer. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is useful.
More about the weather in Jerusalem >>
Business Hours
The service sector in Jerusalem operates Sunday through Friday, with earlier closing hours on Friday due to the Sabbath. Typical hours are:
- Shops, restaurants, and attractions: Around 9–10 AM to 7–9 PM, depending on the location.
- Grocery stores: Approximately 8 AM to 10 PM.
- Banks: Usually 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with some reopening in the late afternoon. ATM machines operate 24/7.
Safety & Current Situation
It is important to stay informed about the current situation when planning your visit to Jerusalem. The city continues to welcome visitors, with security measures in place across key areas including tourist attractions, transportation hubs, and public spaces.
Travelers are advised to follow local guidance, remain aware of their surroundings, and check official updates before and during their trip. Conditions may change, so having access to reliable and up-to-date information is essential.
For the latest travel and safety updates, refer to official sources:
By staying informed and planning accordingly, visitors can explore Jerusalem’s historical and cultural attractions with confidence.
Touring
As a major tourism destination, Jerusalem offers a wide range of tours. Check out Jerusalem day tours, Dead Sea and Masada tours, Nazareth tours, and more.
Religious Site Decorum
Religious areas in Jerusalem include the Old City, synagogues, churches, mosques, and some ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods such as Mea Shearim. In these areas, modest dress is recommended. Women are advised to cover their arms and wear skirts or dresses, while men typically wear long pants and sleeves. Public displays of affection are generally avoided.
What to Pack: Men – pants and long-sleeve shirts; Women – skirts or dresses and tops with sleeves or a cover. Jewish sacred places >> Christian sacred places >> Muslim sacred places >>
The Sabbath & Holidays
The Jewish Sabbath ("Shabbat") and holidays begin before sunset and last approximately 25 hours. In many Jewish areas, businesses close and activity shifts to homes and synagogues. However, hotels and some entertainment venues continue operating with adjustments.
Public transportation does not operate on Shabbat, but taxis are available. Some roads in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods may be closed. Grocery stores and pharmacies may remain open in non-Jewish areas, including parts of the Old City and East Jerusalem.
What to Pack if attending Shabbat meals or services: Smart casual clothing. Men – pants and long-sleeve shirts; Women – skirts or dresses with modest tops.
Tipping
In Israel, it is customary to tip 10–15% in restaurants for table service. At service counters, tipping is optional. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common practice.
Staying in Touch: Phone & Internet
Staying connected in Jerusalem is easy. If bringing your mobile phone, consider purchasing a local SIM card, which may be more cost-effective than using international roaming. Wireless internet is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. For more details, see our guide to internet and phones in Jerusalem.
What to Pack: Mobile phone, chargers, and optionally a laptop or tablet.
Electrical Appliances
Israel uses 220V AC electricity with round-pronged plugs. Some sockets support both two- and three-prong plugs. Visitors from countries using 110V systems may need a voltage converter and plug adapter.
What to Pack: Plug adapter and voltage converter if required. These are also available at the airport and local electronics stores.
Traffic Laws
Drivers should remain alert, as traffic in Jerusalem can be fast-paced. Traffic laws are similar to those in most Western countries. At crosswalks, vehicles are required to stop once a pedestrian has started crossing.
Safety & Security
Visitors should take standard precautions as they would in any major city. Jerusalem has a relatively low rate of street crime, and many visitors report feeling safe during their stay. It is common to encounter security checks at entrances to public venues, as well as a visible security presence in central areas.
For more information, refer to official guidance and emergency services resources. What to Pack: A secure wallet or passport holder.
Related Information
Planning your trip and looking for an overview of Jerusalem? Check out our Jerusalem overview.