There's no place quite like this archaeological site in Jerusalem. It confirms the presence of the Jewish people in Jerusalem without a doubt. The historical significance is massive. Be sure to visit the City of David!
City of David
Introducing Ancient Jerusalem
City of David attracts nearly half a million visitors every year, making it a must-see attraction and one of the most important and popular points of interest in Jerusalem. City of David is an archeological site that reveals the place where Jerusalem was born. King David left his beloved city of Hebron 3000 years ago and headed to Jerusalem with one clear objective – turning Jerusalem into the political, religious and spiritual capital of the nation of Israel. The site provides its visitors with a unique opportunity to experience ancient Jerusalem; watch how the beloved biblical stories return to their natural shape and come back to life right in front of our eyes.
Israel’s Most Important Archeological Site
City of David is located under an Arab Village called Silwan, adjacent to the Western Wall, and south-east of the Old City. This ancient city serves as one the most important archeological sites in the biblical research of the Land of Israel. Excavations and new fascinating findings are constantly taking place in the area, and so far this site was visited by the largest number of archaeological delegations in Israel.
A Wide Variety of Tours & Attractions
The visitors’ center at City of David National Park offers tours, attractions, and many surprises that cannot be found anywhere else: an extra-ordinary archaeological experience at the Emek Tzurim Sifting Project; guided Segway tours at the Peace Forest; fascinating tours at “The Petra of Jerusalem” situated at the foot of the mighty monuments of Kidron Valley, known in the Bible as the “King’s Valley”; and even a unique tour to the city of kings and prophets where more than half of the biblical books were written, and most biblical Jerusalem stories took place.
The Revival of the City of David – A New Jewish Settlement
Ir David Foundation, also known as Elad, a Hebrew acronym meaning “to the city of David”, was founded in1986 with the purpose of strengthening the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. The foundation aims to establish and renew the Jewish community in the City of David, and does so through tourism, archeological excavations, education and research, and the purchasing of houses and land from the nearby Arab neighborhood – Silwan. In 1991, a new Jewish community has emerged in the City of David and as of today, there are approximately 30 Jewish families living side by side with the Arab families at the City of David.
Photos courtesy of the City of David Archive
Tickets and Prices
City of David Entrance Fees
Museum Admission – Adults: 28 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 14 ILS
3D Movie Admission – Adults: 13 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 13 ILS
Group rates per person in a group of 30 or more
Museum Admission – Adults: 23 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 13 ILS
3D Movie Admission – Adults: 13 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 13 ILS
*Advance registration is required for groups ** 3D movie tickets are available only in addition to the museum entrance ticket.
Tours at the City of David
The Emek Tzurim Sifting Project – An Archeological Tour
Become an archeologist for a day! The Emek Tzurim Sifting Project at City of David National Park offers a unique activity for the whole... Read more
Tour In The Biblical City of David
Join a magical journey and discover ancient shafts, walls and fortresses in ancient Jerusalem. Come and find out where and how it all started! Read more
Segway Tours at the Peace Forest
Experience the urban nature of Jerusalem – on Segway! Watch breathtaking views of the Old City from Haas Promenade and The Peace Forest. ... Read more
From the City of David to the Western Wall Tour
When was the last time you travelled back in time? Discover the Herodian Jerusalem and the Second Temple period at the City of David. Read more
Buy tickets for our new attraction
“Hallelujah” — A Breathtaking Jubilee Sound & Light Show
The City of David invites you to celebrate 50 years of a unified Jerusalem with a breathtaking sound and light show... Read more
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 726 traveler reviewsNew
“Authentic and Confirming”
New
“Choose Hezekiah Tunnel tour”
currently. I however loved the guided tour of Hezekiah's tunnel. I bought online in advance because it is cheaper and you choose your time. Tours do sell out, so buy in advance. For Hezekiah tunnel tour you also get to see a 3d movie of the temple. You will want water shoes and shorts...
Morecurrently. I however loved the guided tour of Hezekiah's tunnel. I bought online in advance because it is cheaper and you choose your time. Tours do sell out, so buy in advance. For Hezekiah tunnel tour you also get to see a 3d movie of the temple. You will want water shoes and shorts for the tour and need a flashlight or phone with light. I didn't expect to be in the tunnels for so long like 25 minutes. When you first get in the water is at its deepest and a little cold but refreshing in summer. The water came mid way up my thigh. Most of the tour is below knees though and even ankle deep for last portion. I wore a backpack and it didn't get wet and I am 5 foot. You can also rent lockers, and there are bathrooms to change in. I am not sure if you can tour the Hezekiah tunnel without a guide or not. Our guide was great and really helpful though our group was a little too large with about twenty of us. I also took the other tour of the Herodian channel which is through the drainage tunnel under the road to the Western Wall. This was neat too, but not as cool as the Hezekiah tunnels. Both tours would not be good if you are claustrophobic.
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“Love it”
This is a great place to visit and has a really good gift shop. Such a lot of history and really close to everything. Highly recommended
“Excellent”
I was looking forward to this because the water tunnel was not open 10 years ago. It is so interesting. Be aware that you can take the shuttle back up to the top of the hill but you will not be able to visit the gift shop on the way back if you use...
MoreI was looking forward to this because the water tunnel was not open 10 years ago. It is so interesting. Be aware that you can take the shuttle back up to the top of the hill but you will not be able to visit the gift shop on the way back if you use this.
Less“Ruins and tunnels dating to biblical times”
What fascinated me here was being able to peer into an archeological site at the layers of civilization. It makes you wonder "how do they know what's what?" But people have been digging for centuries and methods have been established. We then walked the tunnel which brought us out near the...
MoreWhat fascinated me here was being able to peer into an archeological site at the layers of civilization. It makes you wonder "how do they know what's what?" But people have been digging for centuries and methods have been established. We then walked the tunnel which brought us out near the Old City. Not for the claustrophobic.
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