Jerusalem

Orientation

Jerusalem has been a foundation of the Jewish religion since the time of King David, a thousand years before Christ. Today, it is the spiritual centre of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Tourist hotspots in Jerusalem include the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest church where Jesus was crucified and entombed; and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism.

City Facts

• Jerusalem Population: 600,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Israel Population: 6,077,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: New Shekel (ILS)
• Time Zone: GMT +2 hours
• Languages: Hebrew
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

The weather is likely to be sunny all year around, but the rainfalls can usually be expected in November to February – Jerusalem's winter, when temperatures range between 5°C to 13°C (40°F to 55°F). Summer is usually very dry, with temperatures of up to 31°C (88°F).

Travel Tips

Customs

Jerusalem goes into “shut-down mode” on Shabbat, which is approximately from 5pm every Friday to the same time on Saturday. 80% of the population is Jewish, and the majority of the remaining population is Arabs.

Dining

Local Israeli cuisine has a lot to offer, including the fifteen-dish Palestinian hors d'oeuvres, the biblical dishes and the delicious hummus. International-styled cuisine is served mostly by restaurants in the western part of Jerusalem, while Middle-Eastern foods are served in the eastern part of the city.
Visitors should note that opening hours of restaurants may change during religious festivals like Ramadan. Due to religious reasons, some restaurants do not serve alcohol.

Tipping Advice

A 15% tip is now expected by restaurant water and taxi drivers in Israel.

Transportation

Bus and coach services are available in Jerusalem, costing between 5 to 10 ILS. Car rental services are also available.

Arriving by Air

There is no airport in Jerusalem, so visitors traveling by air should use the Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel-Aviv.

Getting Around Jerusalem

The local bus system and the small train network are both economical options that travel across Jerusalem. Visitors on remote journeys may consider hiring rental cars.

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