The Official
Jerusalem
Travel Site

Places to Go
- 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.
THINGS TO DO
WHERE TO STAY
Plan Your Trip

Home > Activities > The Knesset

The Knesset

Knesset, Kiryat Ben-Gurion, Jerusalem
- Share

Photo: The Knesset

The Knesset is the main legislative body of the Israeli government. It enacts laws, elects the President and Prime Minister, supervises government, and more. It is split up into multiple committees that oversee each segment of government, such as finance and labor. There are 120 Knesset members (MKs), and each is elected to four-year terms. The Knesset was first convened February 14, 1949, following the January elections.

The Knesset building is located atop a hilltop in the quiet Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem. It was constructed in 1966, and though additions have been added over time, the original 1966 basic structure remains. Tours in Hebrew, English, Arabic, German, Russian, Spanish, and French are available throughout the day and visitors are welcome to sit in on some debates. Read more here.

Individuals who wish to take a tour in the Knesset can show up with no previous reservation at the following times and languages (Valid on Sundays and Thursdays):

Hebrew: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00
English: 8:30, 12:00, 14:00
Arabic: 13:30
French: 13:00
Russian: 11:00
Spanish: 10:00
German: 8:30

For groups of 10 and above please coordinate your visit with the Knesset Visitor’s center at 02 -6753337 for daily visits from Sundays to Thursday starting from 09:00 – 18:00 pm.

Please note that the security measures are very strict, and all visitors must present a valid passport and wear modest clothes.

Sun-Thu: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Near By (Up to 10 minutes walk)