Best with a local guide. Lots of walking and steep stairs. Wear walking shoes. The archeology is amazing. Walk where the ancients walked. Ongoing discoveries make this place interesting every time you go
City of David
Get to Know Ancient Jerusalem
Nearly half a million people visit the City of David National Park every year, making this must-see attraction one of the most important and popular sites in Jerusalem. The City of David is an archaeological site that reveals the birth place of Jerusalem. The City of David gives its visitors a rare opportunity to experience ancient Jerusalem and watch ancient stories take shape and come to life before their eyes.
The Most Important Archaeological Site in Israel
The City of David is actually more ancient than the Old City of Jerusalem! A two-minute walk from the Western Wall, the location of the ancient city in Biblical studies, makes the City of David the most important archaeological site in Israel. This site is the location of the largest number of archaeological expeditions! Excavations continue to take place with new and fascinating artifacts uncovered regularly.
Tours and Attractions for the Whole Family
The City of David National Park Visitor Center offers a variety of attractions, tours, and surprises that you won’t find anywhere else in the world: a walking tour through an ancient underground water tunnel, an extraordinary archaeological experience at the sifting project in Emek Tzurim National Park, the nighttime presentation Halleluya which uses advanced projection technology to tell the ancient and riveting story of Jerusalem, guided Segway tours at the Peace Forest attractions complex, and fascinating tours of the “Petra of Jerusalem,” located at the foot of the monumental tombs of Kidron Valley.
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: 15 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 15 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: 15 ILS, Children (5-18)/Soldiers/Seniors: 15 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
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
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
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
Experience the urban nature of Jerusalem – on Segway! Watch breathtaking views of the Old City from Haas Promenade and The Peace Forest. ... Read more
Buy tickets for our new attraction
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 975 traveler reviews“Archaelogical site marred by propaganda”
I wish I had done some more research before paying for the tour, but the entire thing was more focused on propaganda justifying illegal settlements in the area rather than the dig itself. We came in just wanting to check out some cool archaeological sites, left early because we couldn't stomach the erasure of...
MoreI wish I had done some more research before paying for the tour, but the entire thing was more focused on propaganda justifying illegal settlements in the area rather than the dig itself. We came in just wanting to check out some cool archaeological sites, left early because we couldn't stomach the erasure of actual regional history for the sake of pseudo-whatever you want to call it (definitely not history).
Less“Great Archeology”
“Real History of Jerusalem”
Present archeological dig which really connects the Jewish people to Jerusalem. Very nicely laid out and would interest anyone interested in ancient history of the Bible and Israel.