The Knesset is a wonder of modern Israel and is incredibly accessible and entirely worth a visit. Highly recommended!
The Knesset
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 339 traveler reviews"Nice free tour but not “must do”"
The Knesset, Israel’s version of Congress, offers free tours in English for individual walk-ins on Sunday’s and Thursdays at 8:30, 12:00, and 2:00. According to the website, the tour allows a maximum of 50 participants. You do not need reservations - just show up and tell the guard at the entrance you are...
MoreThe Knesset, Israel’s version of Congress, offers free tours in English for individual walk-ins on Sunday’s and Thursdays at 8:30, 12:00, and 2:00. According to the website, the tour allows a maximum of 50 participants. You do not need reservations - just show up and tell the guard at the entrance you are coming for the tour. You must bring your passport to enter the building, and you will walk through an x-ray machine. I had a bag with food and water and that was no problem. Our tour was led by Moshe, originally from Philadelphia, so he spoke perfect American English. The tour lasted an hour, and we learned about the Israeli election process, walked into the main chamber where the Knesset members meet, and saw other interesting artifacts and art work. Bathrooms are available. This is not a *must do* for first time visitors to Israel (I’d suggest the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem way ahead of this) but if you’ve been to Israel before and are looking for something new for an hour or so, this is a nice addition. It took about 20 minutes to walk from Ben Yehuda.
Less"Parliament is a fine building"
Israel has a unicameral Parliament. Think of the United States without a Senate, or States. The Knesset has 120 members; this is the Legislative branch. There is also a Cabinet; this is the Executive branch. The Courts form the Judicial branch. The President is largely ceremonial. The Local and Regional governments handle lower-level issues....
MoreIsrael has a unicameral Parliament. Think of the United States without a Senate, or States. The Knesset has 120 members; this is the Legislative branch. There is also a Cabinet; this is the Executive branch. The Courts form the Judicial branch. The President is largely ceremonial. The Local and Regional governments handle lower-level issues. The Knesset is elected by nation-wide elections. The Knesset first met in 1949; it had no permanent home until 1966. The Knesset was constructed following a philanthropic donation by James "Jimmy" de Rothschild. The Knesset is a fine building, but please check that it is open when you want to attend.
Less"Accessible and Fascinating"