The Old City
The Old City has its special charm and is where you can meet the most authentic and colorful version of Jerusalem all within a tiny radius of only one square kilometer. Enjoy the variety of sacred sites to the three religions, vibrant colorful markets, picturesque alleys, crowds of tourists from Israel and worldwide, authentic restaurants, and spectacular views. You cannot enter The Old City by car. Therefore, it is recommended to find parking in the parking lots below Mamilla Boulevard, such as the Mamilla parking lot, the Alrov parking lot, and the Karta parking lot both located next to Jaffa gate.
If your children like to walk, a trip along the wall ramparts towards the Jewish Quarter is a fun and safe experience that can be an alternative to strolling around the Old City market. Another fun and attractive option is to ride the Western Wall train that departs every half an hour from the Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall, with audio guidance in various languages. If you prefer to walk, you can reach the Jewish Quarter via the road that bypasses the Armenian Quarter to Mount Zion and then to the Quarter.
The Western Wall and the "The Chain of Generations"
Approx. 1.5 hours
Our first stop is the Western Wall, where the Western Wall Heritage Foundation holds several tours. Next to the Wall, you can find the entrance to the "Chain of Generations" center. The Chain of Generations is an innovative subterranean performance in thousands of years old archaeological spaces. The performance comprises glass columns and combines innovative and unique lighting effects and holograms. The performance, an international award-winning unique masterpiece, unfolds through innovative technological means and is led by Eviatar Banai, the story of the Jewish people along the generations. It aims to connect the visitors to their roots and give them a deep and touching experience. The tour holds excellent educational value and is suitable for families. The tour takes about 40 minutes long and must be booked in advance.
Deepen your knowledge of the multiple sites you'll visit and download coloring pages and activity booklets for the children about various topics related to Jerusalem.
Davidson Archaeological Park
Approx. 1 hour
A short walk from the Western Wall is thhe Davison Archeological park that offers family a fun virtual reality tour that will give you a glmpse of how the temple looked at Biblical times. We encourage you from here to continue via the Jewish quarter for a short lunch break. Click here for places to eat at the Jewish Quarter.
Christian highlights of the Old City
Approx. 2 hours
After lunch walk a long towards the Christian Quarter and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The holiest place for Christians in the world. Here you will encounter the last 5 stations of the via Dolorosa. The place is magical even for those of you who are not religious or Christian. A 10-min walk from here is the Terra Sancta Museum that showcases archaeological and artistic heritage of Christianity in the Holy Land for more than 800 years.
Back to Mamilla avenue
Approx. 1 hour
After soaking in much history and culture it's time to head back via the Old city market back to Jaffa gate and Mamilla Avenue. Stroll along Mamilla Boulevard, window shop, relax at one of the Cafe's overlooking the Old City walls before you make your way back to your hotel.