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
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 1044 traveler reviews
I was disappointed with this excavation site. It was not all that interesting at all. The Tunnel was much more interesting. The site is severely damaged and it is hard to discern the so called City of David here. A lot of hype for a couple of ancient wealthy houses on the side of...
MoreI was disappointed with this excavation site. It was not all that interesting at all. The Tunnel was much more interesting. The site is severely damaged and it is hard to discern the so called City of David here. A lot of hype for a couple of ancient wealthy houses on the side of a cliff.
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By this point in our tour group’s travel I had come to accept the horrible traffic accessing our destinations & the crowds that awaited. Was certainly not disappointed here. This appears largely to be a partially excavated site. Knowing what was once here was noteworthy. Not overly impressed with what...
MoreBy this point in our tour group’s travel I had come to accept the horrible traffic accessing our destinations & the crowds that awaited. Was certainly not disappointed here. This appears largely to be a partially excavated site. Knowing what was once here was noteworthy. Not overly impressed with what is now.
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If you're visiting the Old City, you must include this site. Absolutely amazing. Start with a display of the Herodian Tile work he used in his palaces and monuments, then venture below to see Eliat Mizar's excavation. From there to the outside of the covered area and a view of Kathleen Kenyon's excavations and...
MoreIf you're visiting the Old City, you must include this site. Absolutely amazing. Start with a display of the Herodian Tile work he used in his palaces and monuments, then venture below to see Eliat Mizar's excavation. From there to the outside of the covered area and a view of Kathleen Kenyon's excavations and then on to the Tunnels below from the time of Hezikiah. Well worth the time, and fun for the family.
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