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East Jerusalem

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
capital
—°14
East Jerusalem (Palestinian Territories)
ℹ️

Practical info — East Jerusalem

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Old City early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, making sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
  • Be prepared for strict security checks at major religious landmarks such as the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif.
  • The East Jerusalem bus network operates mainly from the terminals around the Damascus Gate.
  • Haggling is a standard practice and expected in the lively souqs of the Old City.

🍽 Food

🍽
Hummus & Falafel

Grab a fresh, authentic plate at one of the traditional eateries near Damascus Gate.

🍽
Jerusalem Bagel (Ka'ak Quds)

Buy this long, sesame-covered bread from street carts, best enjoyed dipped in za'atar.

🍽
Knafeh

Try this warm, sweet cheese and pastry dessert at a local sweet shop in the Old City.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Old City Souqs

Browse for spices, lively ceramics, and traditional olive wood carvings in the bustling market streets.

🛍
Salah Eddin Street

Explore East Jerusalem's main commercial artery for clothing, books, and everyday items.

🧘
Mount of Olives Viewpoint

Features a striking and peaceful panoramic view of the Old City, especially beautiful at sunrise.

🧘
Austrian Hospice Rooftop

A quiet escape from the busy Via Dolorosa, providing great views for a small entrance fee.

East Jerusalem stands as the historical and cultural soul of the region, housing some of the most sacred sites in human history. At its core lies the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, enclosed by majestic Ottoman walls. Within these walls, one finds the Dome of the Rock with its iconic golden roof, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most significant site in Christendom. Covering approximately 70 square kilometers, East Jerusalem also encompasses landmark locations like the Mount of Olives and lively neighborhoods such as Sheikh Jarrah. It serves as the political and intellectual hub for Palestinian society, characterized by bustling souks, traditional artisan workshops, and prestigious cultural institutions. The city's landscape is an intricate mosaic of Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, and Islamic architecture, offering a profound sense of continuity that draws millions of pilgrims and visitors from across the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111215182225272726231814
Rain mm8862372151102144683

Geography

Population
428,304 (2025)
Coordinates
31.78330, 35.23330

Facts

  • Old City: UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981
  • Major mosque: Al-Aqsa (third holiest site)
  • Historic gate: Damascus Gate is the main entrance
  • Location: east of the 1949 Green Line
  • Cultural hub: Orient House (closed in 2001)
  • Landmark: Mount of Olives with panoramic views

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town East Jerusalem (14)

Burnt House🏛 museum

This museum displays artifacts from the time of Jerusalem's destruction.

Pontifical Biblical Institute🏛 museum

Museum of biblical archaeology housing ancient manuscripts in Jerusalem.

Hulda Triple Gate🏺 historical

Triple gate in the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Lithostrotos🏺 historical

Stone pavement in Jerusalem, traditionally where Jesus was tried by Pilate.

💶

Robinson's Arch🏺 historical

Remnants of a massive ancient arch at the Temple Mount.

Palestinian national theater / Al-Hakawati🎭 culture

Palestinian National Theatre hosting performances in East Jerusalem.

Syriac Church of St. Mark⛪ religious

Syriac Orthodox church in the Armenian Quarter, traditionally the site of the Last Supper.

Small Kotel⛪ religious

Shorter section of the Western Wall in Jerusalem, used for prayer.

Dung Gate📍 landmark

Gate of Jerusalem's Old City, leading to the Western Wall.

Garden of Gethsemane🌳 park

Ancient olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

Burial Cave🌿 nature

Ancient burial cave identified as the Field of Blood (Akeldama).

Menachem Begin Heritage Center🏛 museum

Museum documenting the life of former Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I plan for East Jerusalem?
At least 2 to 3 days to see the Old City and key sites.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) are well-suited.
What is the best way to get there?
From Tel Aviv airport by bus or shared taxi.
What should I try?
Be sure to try hummus and fresh knafeh.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is culturally rich, but the Old City is sometimes hard to navigate with a stroller.
East Jerusalem: where is it located?
East Jerusalem is located in Palestinian Territories.
East Jerusalem: what is there to see?
Highlights include Burnt House, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Hulda Triple Gate.
East Jerusalem: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
East Jerusalem: why is it worth visiting?
East Jerusalem stands as the historical and cultural soul of the region, housing some of the most sacred sites in human history.
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