Jerusalem during Chol Hamoed Passover is a rare blend of springtime renewal, ancient history, and an atmosphere unlike any other city in the world. This year, despite the security situation and its challenges, Israel’s capital embraces the holiday spirit and opens its gates with a wide variety of activities tailored for families, culture enthusiasts, and travellers. From observation tours at the renewed Tower of David to exhibitions at the National Library, the city offers protected spaces, moving heritage sites, and urban natural gems that are simply not to be missed. We have gathered for you all the places that maintain a festive routine, so you can enjoy a safe, enriching, and inspiring holiday in the very heart of history.
What is open in Jerusalem during Passover?
Jerusalem in Spring: The Complete Guide to Which Attractions, Museums, and Activities Are Open During Chol Hamoed
By Website Team , March 25, 2026Sites with Designated Protected Spaces
These locations have been prepared to safely accommodate visitors and are considered the preferred choice during times of security tension:
Tower of David Museum: The citadel has undergone extensive renovations, including accessibility improvements and the addition of protected spaces within the ancient structures. The site operates under strict supervision.
More information and opening hours for the Tower of David Museum >
The National Library (new building): One of the most advanced and well-protected buildings in Israel, featuring reinforced safe rooms and underground floors.
Bloomfield Science Museum: Includes standard protected spaces. Entry is limited to the number of people that can be safely accommodated in shelters if needed.
Yad Vashem: All visitor centres and the historical museum are underground concrete structures that function as protected spaces in themselves.
Chain of Generations Center and Davidson Center: Located within underground spaces or adjacent to very solid structures in the Old City.
Opening hours and ticket purchase for the Chain of Generations Center and Western Wall Tunnels >
Mamilla Mall: The mall includes spacious underground parking areas that serve as standard protected spaces.
Sites Without Designated Protected Spaces (or With Limited Protection)
In these locations, in the event of a siren, the instruction is usually to seek the “best available protection” (lying flat on the ground or entering the nearest building). Therefore, they are considered more sensitive:
- Israel Museum: Closed until further notice.
- Biblical Zoo: Closed until further notice. This is a large open area. Although there are some structures, most exhibition areas do not have a nearby protected space that can be reached within 90 seconds.
- Jerusalem Botanical Gardens (Givat Ram): A completely open space. In the event of a siren, visitors should lie flat on the ground away from trees or temporary structures.
- Gazelle Valley: Closed until further notice. An open urban nature site with no protection at all.
- Ramparts Walk: Walking along the city walls at height. This is an exposed area without readily available protected spaces (in case of a siren, visitors must descend quickly, which may take time).
- City of David (some routes): While the underground tunnels are highly protected, some routes pass through open areas in the City of David ridge that are not protected.
- Zedekiah’s Cave: Although it is underground, the entrance and exit are exposed, and sometimes visitors are advised not to remain inside during security concerns due to evacuation challenges.
Recommendations for Visitors:
Plan Ahead: If you are visiting with young children or elderly individuals, prioritise the sites from the first list (established museums).
Backup Plan: Always check the venue’s Facebook page or official website on the morning of your visit.
Jerusalem Sites Guide for Passover 2026: Protection and Availability
| Site Name | Protection Status | Type of Protected Space | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower of David Museum | ✅ Protected | Built-in safe rooms within the citadel | Access to the observation points is subject to daily guidelines. |
| Israel Museum | Closed | ||
| The National Library | ✅ Protected | Underground floors and standard reinforced safe rooms | One of the most protected buildings in Jerusalem. |
| Bloomfield Science Museum | ✅ Protected | Protected spaces within the building | The number of visitors is limited by the shelter’s capacity. |
| Yad Vashem | ✅ Protected | Underground concrete exhibition areas | Considered a protected space in itself. |
| City of David (the tunnels) | ✅ Protected | Deep underground spaces | The tunnels are very safe; the outdoor areas are exposed. |
| Biblical Zoo | ❌ Not Protected | Only a few standalone buildings | A large open area; it may be difficult to reach shelter within 90 seconds. |
| Botanical Garden | ❌ Not Protected | Open area | In the event of a siren, you must lie flat on the ground. |
| Ramparts Walk | ❌ Not Protected | Completely exposed | Not recommended to remain there during a missile alert. |
| Gazelle Valley | ❌ Not Protected | Open urban nature area | There are no accessible protected spaces within the park grounds. |