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Passover in Jerusalem 2024

Passover in Jerusalem 2024

autor iconBy Evelyn Shor , June 20, 2023

Passover makes all Israeli people busy – some are cleaning their houses vigorously, and others are searching for the best deal for their family vacation. But it is a great time to visit Jerusalem! The spring weather and the numerous special activities for the kids and the whole family, festivals, tours, and many surprises will keep you busy and entertained. The culinary side of things has a lot to offer as well – every guest will find something to their liking, spiced up with local specialties and a unique atmosphere. So, we invite you to the capital of Israel, where you can spend the most vivacious and inspiring Jewish Holiday, filled with metaphors of liberation, rejuvenation, and a new start. This year, Passover begins on April 22 and concludes on the 29th. So don’t miss it! This year – in Jerusalem.

  • Priestly Blessing
  • Our recommended tours
  • Outdoor and nature events and activities
  • For culture and museum lovers
  • Where shall we eat?
  • Recommended accommodations

Special deals and offers for iTravelJerusalem visitors

Before you get planning your stay in Jerusalem, make sure to check out the deals we’ve prepared for you just in time for Passover! Here you’ll find the best deals in the leading hotels of the city – all near the most exciting activities for Passover of 2024. Click here to see all our packages >>

Outdoor and nature activities

Feeding the animals and other activities at the Biblical Zoo on Passover

Photo: Natalie Deoud

 

The Biblical Zoo invites the whole family to guided feedings of the animals that will take place throughout the whole holiday week, in a spectacular spring atmosphere.

Additionally, from April 10-22, the zoo will be equipped with information stands in the zoo to educate the public regarding herbivores and winged animals. So what kind of animals will you be able to meet and when?

  • 10 AM – Small animals 10:45 AM – Mandrills 11:15 AM 11:15 - Chimpanzees
  • Noon - Penguins
  • 12:45 PM - Elephants
  • 1:15 PM - Giraffes
  • 2 PM - Meerkats
  • 2:30 PM - Orangutans
  • 3 PM Cheetahs – On Saturdays only
  • 3:30 PM Pecari
  • 4 PM Kangaroo
  • 4:15 PM Red Panda – On Sundays-Thursdays only
More details >>

When? Throughout the holidays Where? 1 Aharon Shulov Road, Jerusalem

Israel Aquarium

Visiting the Israel Aquarium – the most advanced and impressive aquarium in Israel (Photo by: Daniel Aloni)

Are you coming to visit the Israel Aquarium during Passover?

You’ll enjoy a tour of the aquarium, creative activities for the children, and a visit to the “Art Poetica” exhibition of the local artist Beverly Bareket, the Biodiversity exhibition, and the Butterflies House.

When? During the holidays Where? Aharon Shulov Road, Jerusalem

 

A variety of experiences for the whole family at the City of David sites

Photo: Ilahu Yanai Photo: Ilahu Yanai

Like every year on Passover, the City of David will be one of the leading complexes for fun family quality time. Here is a list of all the activities that are planned for this year’s Passover:

  • A celebration of Jerusalem agriculture – a festive event of the spring! We’ll celebrate the most joyful season of the year at the “farm at the valley”, by connecting to nature in the most authentic way. At the “Farm at the Valley” at the national garden surrounding the walls of Jerusalem, you’ll enjoy during Passover a special agricultural experience, experience the ancient agricultural crafts and enjoy tours and cultural performances in the spirit of the season. Details and registration >>
  • A tour of the biblical city of David – Come see the place where Jerusalem was established.
  • A tour of the City of David – the corner of the Western Wall – Time travel.
  • Hallelujah Night Show
  • Entrance to the City of David National Park
  • Urban camping at the Peace Forest
  • An archaeological experience at Emek Tzurim
  • An entrance to the archaeological garden – Davidson Center
  • And much more!
Where? City of David, Jerusalem When? Throughout the Passover week, we recommend calling to plan your visit in advance.

Passover celebrations for children and parents at the First Station Complex

First Station Complex PR

This Passover, the entire family arrives at the Jerusalem First Station complex to celebrate with festivals, shows, fairs, and more! The events include crafts and are workshops, handicraft fairs, basket workshops, street performances, guided tours, digital tours, and many other activities for the whole family.

The schedule for the days of the holidays

  • April 17-18 | 6:30 PM | The Wine Festival
  • April 17 | 6-7 PM | Nathan Robb Live Show
  • April 17 | 8-9:30 PM | Jazz performance
  • April 18 | 6:30 PM | The Wine Festival
  • April 18 | 8 PM | Yael will light it up with a party
  • April 19 | 8 PM | Nostalgia band of Jerusalem will perform live
  • April 19-20 | 10 AM to 10 PM | Arts and Crafts Fair – local handicrafts (jewelry, fabrics, soaps, candles, and more)
More details on the event page >>

When? Throughout the holidays Where? David Remez 4, Jerusalem.

The Walls Promenade – a fascinating experience for the whole family with a spectacular view

The historic trek of Jerusalem: New tour on the Walls Promenade.(PR Pami)

 

This Passover, we all go up the Walls of Jerusalem to admire the breathtaking views of the Old City and the New City. This is the perfect tour to observe all of Jerusalem.

Prices and operating hours were updated:

The Northern Promenade is open daily, except Fridays, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Southern Promenade is open from Sunday-Thursday and Saturday – from 9 AM to 5 PM and on holiday eves until 2 PM. Price for an adult: 25 NIS, for child / student / retiree: 12 NIS You may purchase tickets for 2 days for both promenades and all around the walls.

Additionally, the Southern Walls Promenade will be open during Passover, April 17-21 – free of charge. Sponsored by Bank Hapoalim. 9 AM – 5 PM

Where? Jaffa Gate.

Celebrating the spring at the Montefiore Windmill complex

Escape park: A fun activity at the Windmill complex (Photo Courtesy of ZUZU Tourism)

ZUZU Tourism opens up the Montefiore Windmill at Mishkenot Sha’ananim for you. You're welcome to spend a lovely time with family in front of the breathtaking views of the Old City Walls and one of the most picturesque and beautiful neighborhoods that Jerusalem has to offer.

During the holiday week (April 15-23) you’ll be able to join an activity at the escape park. Every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Additionally, you may join numerous Segway tours (16+) at Mishkenot Sha’ananim. Tours will be available for the public at the complex. More details can be found on the Windmill’s website. When? Throughout the holidays Where? The Windmill complex, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem.

Humorous art and surprising history of Jerusalem with the Jerusalem House of Quality

Photo: the Jerusalem House of Quality

The Jerusalem House of Quality invites you to enjoy a fascinating tour full of Jerusalem history and a visit to an experiential art complex, offering you to watch the artists' work. What to expect?

  • Surprising humorous works are being made in the on-site workshops.
  • A beautiful courtyard in the Arab Han style with symbols of mysterious English nobility
  • Original 90-year-old Armenian ceramic room
  • The jewelry manufacturing process as it was 2,000 years ago vs. now
  • Observation from the rooftop offers a new and intriguing view of the City Walls and the old Yemin Moshe neighborhood, combined with history and previously unheard legends.

When? Throughout the holidays, by prior arrangement Where? Hebron Road 12, Jerusalem.

A calming break on the way to Jerusalem

Go for a ride with Lake ATV

An adventurous tour with Lake ATV (Photo courtesy of Lake ATV)

 

If you’re looking for a slightly different experience in nature, we urge you to call Lake ATV and arrange an extreme ride at the mountains of Jerusalem and Judea, on a mountain trail with intoxicating views. The tour includes the use of new and safe ATV’s, experienced guides, and carefully picked rest stop points for taking amazing landscape photos.

The tour begins at the green Ramot forest and takes you towards Beit Zayit Lake – this includes a source of water that allows driving right inside it (depending on the weather and terrain conditions).

Where? Derech HaHoresh 100, Jerusalem When? Throughout the week of Passover.

Aminadav Forest – enjoy a picnic and a refreshment in nature

Are you on vacation? Then there’s nowhere to hurry! On the way to Jerusalem, on the outskirts of the city, you can take a rest stop and gather some strength before you dive into the big city and its endless opportunities. The Aminadav forest, also known as “The Peace Forest” is a special, mysterious place in Jerusalem. It has flowing springs, agricultural terraces, the remains of orchards, wine-pressers, cloth-making houses, lime kilns, and a breathtaking view. And if you’re there already, enjoy the Sataf lake, where you can freshen up in the pool of water along with the kids.

Directions: From Jerusalem: pass Mount Herzl and the access road to Ein Kerem, next turn west towards the Ora and Aminadav. From Tel Aviv: Turn west at Harel Interchange from Tel Aviv Jerusalem road (Road 11), continue to Sataf Square, until Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, and from there to the entrance to Ora.

 

 

 

Experience the tastes of the holiday

Priestly Blessing and circling the Old City

evt-birkat-hakohanim-1 Please note: please follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health regarding the participation / observation of the prayer. Priestly Blessing is the pinnacle of holiness, and there’s no better way to experience it than be present and feel it to the depth of your being – no YouTube video will ever come close to that! The Priestly Blessing was founded by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner, born and raised in Jerusalem. His goal was to change the harsh reality of the city back in the 1970s and bring about social salvation. Hundreds of cohens and rabbies are participating in this event annually, for traditional blessing sent towards the many worshipers who gather up at the Western Wall plaza. When? April 18th and 20th, 8:45 and on, at the Western Wall Plaza - please only choose one of the dates. More details on the event page >> It is recommended to leave the vehicles in the parking lots of the light rail (at the Ammunition Hill or on Mount Herzl), take the light rail and go to the municipal station, and walk towards the Western Wall.

Tours of Jerusalem for those who like walking

A tour: 3000 years of history within 2 hours in the Jewish Quarter

Photo courtesy of the District Archives[/caption] Have you ever wanted to peek over the shoulder of the ruthless Assyrian general who stood by the walls of Jerusalem 2,700 years ago and to hear his words? How about sitting around the tables of the richest people of Jerusalem at the time of the Second temple? Or hear the tragic story of a Jewish rabbi who came to the city with his disciples to prompt the arrival of the Messiah? Walk around the picturesque and less celebrated alleys of the Jewish Quarter and visit the central market of Jerusalem, 1,400 years ago? If so, you’re invited to a tour that covers about 3,000 years of history in the Jewish Quarter, planned by the Jewish Quarter Development Company. Among the sites we’ll visit during the tour:

  • Observation from the Tower of David
  • The wide wall
  • The Cardo
  • Hurva Synagogue
  • Western Wall plaza
  • And more!

When? During the holiday week, the tour starts every hour from 10 AM to 6 PM. Where? A meeting point at the Jaffa Gate.

Thrilling tours of Jerusalem with Smart Tour

Photo Courtesy: Smart Tour[/caption] Would you like to go on more tours in the neighborhoods of the city and hear authentic stories of Jerusalem? The tracks of EZ raider and bicycles of Smart Tour will take you on a variety of tours. Enjoy amazing adventures next to the spectacular views of the Old and the New Jerusalem, guided by professionals who’ll share the most exciting stories about the city. The EZ Raider vehicles offered to you by Smart Tour are one of the safest and most advanced models, and their gliding effect combined with the views of Jerusalem provides an extraordinary experience for the holiday. Recommendation for a new tour for the holiday: classic EZ Raider tour of the Old City – an exciting activity combining a trip, an attraction and a little bit of history. Come and experience the Old City in the most outstanding way with one of the best tours out there. Click here for details about Smart Tour company and all the EZ Raider and bikes tours in Jerusalem! 

Independent and virtual tours from Beetravel

 

Photo: Doron Yosha

 Would you like to take your tours and trips as you like? Every person has their style of traveling, and with the independent tours of Bee Travel you can do just that: visit the Old City, visit the best hummus restaurants around, join theatrical tours around the city neighborhoods, play scavenger hunts, and much more – all with virtual guidance that will follow you and fall in your step.   

My Ein Kerem: An independent tour of a picturesque village following nature, culture, and food.

 

The series of independent tours by Dguide offers you the opportunity to explore the most pastoral neighborhood of Jerusalem – Ein Kerem. You’re welcome to experience this tour at your own time and pace using the app. Enjoy marvelous nature, history, and authentic cuisine in the famous Ein Kerem neighborhood. On the tour, you’ll discover the hidden gems, the picturesque alleys, and the stories behind the neighborhood’s history. Full details on the tour page >> Where? Ein Kerem When? Throughout the whole holiday week.

Thrilling tours and games for the whole family in Passover with Traveling Jerusalem

Photo: Traveling Jerusalem[/caption]   Visiting Jerusalem during the Passover? This is the perfect opportunity to join a variety of unusual tours at the prettiest and most special place in the city and spend a very atmospheric holiday with the kids, courtesy of Traveling Jerusalem:

  • Family tours and games around the city
  • Saturday morning tours in Jerusalem neighborhoods
  • Morning fun tours for the entire family
  • And more!

When? Throughout the holiday. 

Captivating tours at the IBIS Jerusalem Hotels

 

IBIS Styles Jerusalem City Center, the exterior of the hotel’s building (Photo by Assaf Pinchuk).[/caption] The guests of IBIS hotels chain are welcome to enjoy a free from additional charge tour that departs daily on Passover. The tour is a great way to get to know Jerusalem up close. It’ll take you on a fun journey filled with exciting and important landmarks: Mamilla, Guy Ben Hinnom, Mount Zion, Tomb of David, the Cardo, the Western Wall, and the Jewish and Armenian Quarters. Enjoy a unique experience. Where? IBIS Styles Hotel at Ben Yehuda 4, Jerusalem IBIS Hotel at Yitzhak Elishar 4, Jerusalem When? April 17-20, at 7 PM.

Tours organized by the Jerusalem Municipality Visitor Center

 

Photo: Jerusalem Municipality Visitor Center[/caption] The Jerusalem Municipality Visitor Center is offering special activities organized for the Passover week: Everything about the square: a historic tour of the Municipality Complex. Visit the restored historic buildings and enter the 3D model of the year. Last but not least, enjoy an amazing vantage point to observe the whole city. Who knows the city: a fun interactive game for the whole family. The mayor lost control over his computer and you're the only one who can help him! Follow a scavenger hunt game with clues hidden around the square. Cyber game: an escape complex in the municipality: join a fun game where you'll solve riddles, decode encrypted messages and dive into a world of unique tasks. Meeting point: Safra Square, at the entrance to building 3, the Pillows Complex. When? Sunday-Tuesday March 17-19 The activities will take place from 10 AM to 1 PM The tours will depart at 10 AM, 11 AM, and noon. The tour takes about an hour, the game is for families and provided free of charge during Passover week. The game requires a smartphone.

Recommended tours in Jerusalem

We left Egypt with a sack and a stick, we walked the desert to the Land of Israel..." (lyrics of the song “Exodus”. Lyrics: Orly Binder, Composer: Amos Barzel). Jerusalem is an endless source of exciting, inspiring, and educating tours. ItravelJerusalem picked the best of Jerusalem gems for you, so you’ll always have something new and thrilling to explore on each of your visits. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and history of this one-of-a-kind city. If you’re looking for an interesting tour for Passover vacation, see our recommendations here >>

For lovers of culture and museums

Passover activities at the Tower of David Museum

Photo: Ricky Rahman[/caption]   This year, as well, the Tower of David Museum will continue to host Passover activities for the whole family. It’s a great opportunity to get familiar with one of the most beautiful historic sites in Jerusalem. What interesting stuff can you do this spring?  

  • Stories of the Walls – an exciting tour, suitable even for children! Take a walk around the Old City Walls, combining songs, legends, and stories. The tour in Hebrew:

April 17 (Sunday), April 18 (Monday), April 19 (Tuesday), and April 20 (Wednesday) at noon and 3 PM. April 21 (Thursday) – at noon. The tour in English: April 18 (Monday), April 19 (Tuesday) – 11 AM. 40 NIS for a kid, 50 NIS for an adult Prior registration is required.  

  • The Mystery of Herod’s Palace and the Kishla – a unique tour that will introduce visitors to the past of the city, the great events and stories that shaped the history of Jerusalem.

Hebrew: April 18 (Monday), April 19 (Tuesday), and April 20 (Wednesday) at 1 PM. English: April 17 (Sunday) at noon 65 NIS. Prior registration is required.  

  • Ongoing construction! Join a tour of behind-the-scenes of restoring, preserving, and making the Tower of David Museum more accessible.

Hebrew: April 17 (Sunday) at 10 AM English: April 21 (Thursday) at 10 AM 65 NIS per participant Prior registration is required.

  • The Night Show at the Tower of David
  • Visit the Tower of David, including games for the whole family, audio narration, and a spectacular vantage point from the Petzal Tower.
  • Israeli Shabbat – The Tower of David Museum participates in the “Israeli Shabbat” project of the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, and you’re welcome to visit the museum on Fridays and Saturdays free of charge.

[button title="Purchase tickets" url="https://www.tod.org.il/en/event/Shabbat-Israelit-tod" target="_blank"] Where? Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem. When? Sunday-Thursday, Saturday and holidays 9 AM – 4 PM, Friday, and Holiday eve 9 AM – 2 PM. You can tour the site up to an hour before closing. [phone id="2012" title="Call the Tower of David Museum"] [directions id="2012" title="Navigate to the Tower of David Museum"]

Festive Passover at Herzl Center

Passover activities at Herzl Center (Photo courtesy of Herzl Center Jerusalem)[/caption] As always on Passover, the staff of the Herzl Museum planned a rich program for the whole holiday week, and you’re welcome to enjoy various activities with meaningful content:

  • Visiting the Herzl Museum – an interactive audiovisual presentation about the fascinating and extraordinary life story of the Visionary of the State.
  • Theatrical tours for the entire family shine a new light on the national mountain, offering a fun and thrilling experience.
  • Escape challenges, navigation tasks, and missions
  • And much more!

 Where? Herzl Museum, Herzl Boulevard, Jerusalem. When? Monday-Wednesday, April 18-20, from 10 AM to 5 PM 

The underground returns to Begin Heritage Center

Photo: Begin Center[/caption] The Menachem Begin Heritage Center launches several unique activities for Passover week, suitable for all ages:

  • Theatrical exhilarating tour at Begin Museum
  • Musical Tours
  • New exhibition: “Begin: a closer look”
  • Many activities for independent visitors
  • Exciting escape boxes for the whole family

See the full information about the Passover activities at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center >>   Where? 6 Nahon St., Jerusalem When? Throughout the holiday week, as detailed in the link below

Beyond-real Passover: The annual children’s exhibition at the Israel Museum

PR of the Israel Museum[/caption] The Israel Museum invites the whole family to enjoy Passover week with a variety of activities, all in one ticket! This year, the exhibitions share the theme of “Passover beyond reality” – making the annual children’s exhibition at the Israel Museum. The activities that will await you this year:

  • The national children and youth exhibition at the Israel Museum
  • A play for the whole family, based on the painting “The Castle of the Pyrenees”
  • Guided tours to get familiar with the surrealism art movement, influenced by dreams and thoughts about things that are beyond the objective reality.
  • Storytime with Shlomit Dvir

More details at the full event page >> Where? Israel Museum, Ruppin Road, Jerusalem. When? Sunday-Wednesday, April 17-20, 10 AM – 3 PM. Price: 49 NIS per Child | 40 NIS for members and friends 

Double Feature at the Jerusalem Cinematheque – 2 movies for the price of 1

 

Taken from the film Jojo Rabbit. Photo by Kimberley French. © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, All Rights Reserved.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque offers you two films for the price of one, based on different themes. It’s a great time to take a step back from your daily life and enjoy special, immersive movies. What the Cinematheque has in store for you?

  • “Mushrooms after the rain”: “The Truffle Hunters”, “Pig”.
  • “Double Mikkelsen”: “Riders of Justice”, “Another Round”
  • “Music as the note of Life”: “Summer of Soul”, “American Utopia”.
  • “Imagination at War”: “Jojo Rabbit” and “Pan's Labyrinth”.

Where? Jerusalem Cinematheque, Hebron Road 11, Jerusalem. Price: 41 NIS When? April 17-21 

To Egypt – Passover festival for families at the Museum of the Bible Lands

Photo: Oded Antman[/caption] The Museum of the Bible Lands had prepared for you a special Passover festival that will take place during the Holiday week. It’ll take you back in time, to Ancient Egypt, where you can walk like an Egyptian, next to the pharaohs. The activities will explain to you the process of making real papyrus paper, and the secrets of the embalming process. We’ll solve riddles written in hieroglyphs and receive some clues about the presence of Egypt in our daily life. Participate in online games, performances, numerous creative workshops, and powerful independent activities throughout the museum’s exhibitions. So, what should you expect?

  • Finding Egypt – join independent activities in the galleries – a journey following scrolls of riddles, surprising tasks, and online videos. It is recommended to have a smartphone with a full battery with you!
  • Creative Workshops – Make outstanding magnetized figures of Egyptians to take home with you.
  • The secrets of papyrus paper – see a demonstration about the first papyrus papers that were created.
  • The Mummy – a humorous show, not for the faint of heart! Everything you wanted to know about the embalming process, was delivered in an original and memorable way.
  • Ancient Egyptian story – a fascinating play with the participation of the audience, with Egyptian costumes and props.
  • The Peacock Secret – an online game, held entirely within the “Back to Source” exhibition.
  • #Fun2C AR/VR app – a fun museum activity that will take you to eternal life in Ancient Egypt. Download the app for free.

Where? Museum of the Bible Lands, 21 Shmuel Stefan Wise Street. When? Sunday-Wednesday, April 17-20, 100 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday, April 21, 10 AM – 1 PM Ages 5-10 -free of charge Latest entrance time for family activities: Sunday-Wednesday 3:30 PM, Thursday at 12:30 

Passover week for the whole family at the Umberto Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art

This Passover, the whole family can visit Umberto Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art for celebrations of this holiday! Welcome to 5 festive days of music, arts, theater, and lots and lots of Italy!

  • Guided tours in Hebrew and English
  • Handcraft workshops
  • Plays
  • Opera singers in a special show

More details on the full event page >> Where? Hill 25, Jerusalem. When? Sunday-Thursday April 17-21, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Please note that on Thursday (April 21) the museum will close at 1 PM. day packages and boutique workshops at the Cocoa Forest

Photo: Shirel Krimolovsky[/caption] If you’re looking for a fun activity for all ages – join the chocolate workshops hosted by the Cocoa Forest and get familiar with the process of making fine chocolate, that you can take home as well. The workshops offer hours of creativity, nostalgic flavors, and unforgettable experiences – you’ll even make your own magnificent pralines of your favorite flavors! The chocolate workshops at the Cocoa Forest are kosher for Passover and are suitable for all ages above 3, couples and families alike – the ingredients are strictly Kosher, suitable for the traditional and orthodox public. Additionally, you may choose from countless options of gift packages, filled with pralines, chocolate bars, innovative spreads, and chocolate-coated nuts with unique flavors, all made of the best natural ingredients. Shipping is available all over the country! Where? Poalei Tzedek 2, Jerusalem. When? Throughout the holidays and by prior arrangement.