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- City CenterSouthWestOld CityNear Old City
  City Center
  Downtown Jerusalem is the heart of the modern metropolis, with nightlife, dining and culture to rival any major city. The area is made up of several neighborhoods, including the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market, charming Nahalat Shiva, bustling Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets. Each has its own unique personality and atmosphere that you won’t want to miss out on.
  
  South
  South Jerusalem is an up-and-coming area that has seen the development of numerous attractions in recent years, including the state-of-the-art Jerusalem Payis Arena, which hosts some of the biggest international musical acts and sporting events. It joins places like Emek Refaim Street, Malha Mall, the Biblical Zoo, Teddy Stadium, Gazelle Valley and Ramat Rachel tourism complex in making up an area that is particularly popular with families.
  
  West Jerusalem
  West Jerusalem includes some of Jerusalem’s most charming neighborhoods and interesting attractions. Head to the picturesque Ein Karem at the foot of the Jerusalem Hills for a day of nature, quaint shops and elegant dining with a view. And for an unbeatable cultural experience, check out the Museum District, home to the world-class Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, Science Museum and much more.
  
  Old City
  The Old City of Jerusalem has been a center of culture, religion and history for thousands of years, from the time of the Judean kings and the Roman era through the times of the Islamic Empire to the modern State of Israel. Every brick and stone is teeming with history. No trip to the Middle East is complete without wandering through alleys of the bazaar, walking the ramparts and exploring the Old City’s rich history at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa) or Tower of David Museum.
  
  NEAR OLD CITY
  Not far from the Old City, you can find some of Jerusalem’s most vibrant entertainment and shopping centers. Mamilla Mall is just a few steps from Jaffa Gate and counts as one of the most luxurious shopping centers in the city, replete with high-end shops, Mamilla Hotel’s Akasha Spa and a collection of restaurants with amazing views. And if you follow Hebron Road, you’ll find the First Station cultural complex and the Yes Planet movie theater and entertainment center.
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Home > iTravel Magazine > Safety & Security in the Old City

Safety & Security in the Old City

Tourists wishing to travel around the Old City can rest assured that it is considered safe. There is a constant presence of police, in particular before entering the Western Wall area, and the Israeli military in the main streets of the Muslim Quarter. Furthermore, the Old City is home to Muslims, Jews, Christians and Armenians who live side by side, all enjoy the tourism industry and derive their income from managing the area’s many shops.

On Fridays, since the Muslim Quarter is particularly crowded due to masses of people praying at the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, bear in mind that certain areas are closed for your safety.

Since cellular reception is not available in most parts of the Old City, we recommend that you take a map from the Tourist Information Center located at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City.

You may also want to read our general safety & security article, which looks at personal safety and health precautions in general in Jerusalem, as well as the emergency services article.

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