City of David
Get to Know Ancient Jerusalem
Nearly 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.
Hallelujah: a marvelous night show in the City of David
Hallelujah is a spectacular audio-visual show displayed on the ancient walls of the City of David. It tells the story of the return of the Israeli people to their Homeland. The show combines a fascinating plot, innovative animation, and a heartwarming soundtrack. It is a memorable multi-sensory experience delivered with advanced technological means. Only during the Hallelujah spectacle, you’ll be able to go back in time and take part in the exciting story of ancient Jerusalem.
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.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 1107 traveler reviews
Hezekiah’s Tunnel Tour at Jerusalem’s City Of David is Historically, Experientially and Team building wise exquisite. “Orrin” is the head tour leader and expertly walks through the archeology, history, scripture and physical tunnel itself. The tunnel experience follows a detailed explanation of the tunnel history. The tunnel is primarily 18 inches...
MoreHezekiah’s Tunnel Tour at Jerusalem’s City Of David is Historically, Experientially and Team building wise exquisite. “Orrin” is the head tour leader and expertly walks through the archeology, history, scripture and physical tunnel itself. The tunnel experience follows a detailed explanation of the tunnel history. The tunnel is primarily 18 inches deep with two dips to mid thigh level near the front of the tunnel. The tunnel bottom is quite smooth, while the height and width change but can accommodate any adult of reasonable weight. Multiple flash lights are needed during the short 500m walk. Tennis shoes or well fitting water proof sandals worked well.
LessThe City of David is an archaeological site which you can visit and see remains from settlement during the Canaanite period. At the site you can go underground to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (maybe not if you’re claustrophobic), Warren’s Shaft, the Pool of Siloam). We’d recommend a guided tour so you know what you’re looking at. There’s...
MoreThe City of David is an archaeological site which you can visit and see remains from settlement during the Canaanite period. At the site you can go underground to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (maybe not if you’re claustrophobic), Warren’s Shaft, the Pool of Siloam). We’d recommend a guided tour so you know what you’re looking at. There’s lots of walking and stairs and hills so you need to be physically fit. Enter via the Dung Gate and head to the visitor centre. There are bathrooms, kiosk and a shop.
LessWe went to see the spectacular night time show and were not at all disappointed. It would be difficult to pitch this correctly, catering as it does to audiences with a diverse understanding of Jewish history, ranging from the very learned to those with no knowledge, so shaping the show around a lesser known...
MoreWe went to see the spectacular night time show and were not at all disappointed. It would be difficult to pitch this correctly, catering as it does to audiences with a diverse understanding of Jewish history, ranging from the very learned to those with no knowledge, so shaping the show around a lesser known story means that most visitors will leave learning something new. The technical aspects were very good, and the surrounds are spectacular and evocative. Our group comprised adults and children/teens and we all enjoyed it. I would recommend this show, and using the free transfer shuttle from the First Station was very convenient although it would have been a big help if the vehicle itself and the departure point were clearly signposted.
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