Location: Givat Ram
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What to do and see in Givat Ram, Jerusalem District: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Religious pilgrims have been traveling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.
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1. Old City of Jerusalem
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,928 reviews
Characterized by narrow, winding streets and alleyways, this ancient part of the city is filled with shrines and attractions holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims including the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Reviewed By BoardingPass7860
Must see sights - Mount Of Olives, Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, etc. Bezalel Hotel had book that mapped out walking tour of the city from all different directions so you can explore all the must-see sights of the city on your own.
2. Temple Mount
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,572 reviews
A hill in the eastern part of Old Jerusalem is of special significance to the world's three major religions. It was reputedly the site of the first and second Jewish Temple, and since the 7th century has contained two Muslim shrines.
Reviewed By H75travel - Epsom, United Kingdom
Temple Mount and the Dome of the Roack are must sees when in Jerusalem, just make sure you time your visit right as there are limited visiting hours for non-muslims. There's only one entrance and to visit you must have your bag scanned and pass through airport type security. Come modestly dressed - arms, shoulders and legs covered for women. Undoubtedly the reason to come is the Dome of the Rock which is just stunning. I could have observed the building for a long time. It's very photogenic and the tile work beautiful. While you can't enter there are plenty of other places to explore, so make sure you save time.
3. Christ's Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 983 reviews
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the Christian Quarter of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. It is a few steps away from the Muristan. The site is venerated as Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary), where Jesus was crucified, and is said also to contain the place where Jesus was buried (the Sepulchre). A trend among visitors to the spot (standing outside the Church) is to applaud loudly during the ringing of bells. This is to recognize the unique beauty of the Church and its unique history.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The empty Tomb of Christ sits in the Rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This holy place venerated for centuries marks the location where Jesus lay buried for three days, and where He rose from the dead. The actual tomb (sepulcher) is enclosed in a magnificent 19th-century shrine called the Edicule meaning ‘little house’ in Latin. There are 2 separate chambers. The first is the Chapel of the Angel with a pedestal displaying a piece of the stone that was used to close the tomb. From there you’ll enter the actual tomb chamber through a low doorway. The chamber is lined with marble and decorated with holy artwork and candles. A rock bench on which the body of Jesus was placed is covered with a marble slab that is venerated. No matter the time of day, expect a line of pilgrims waiting their turn to enter Christ’s Tomb. Greek Orthodox priests monitor entry, and you won’t be given much time. No photography is allowed inside the Edicule. Our group waited in line a little less than an hour, and the visit was over in minutes. It’s emotionally overwhelming, and I didn’t really absorb what happened until I reflected on the experience afterwards. I would have loved to enter the tomb again (and again) but given the crowds and limited time, it wasn’t possible. A large restoration effort was completed in 2017 that cleaned the exterior of the Edicule and removed the iron girders that had held it together for 70 years. Hopefully the Christian denominations that share ownership of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can work together to preserve this treasure.
4. Golden Gate (Bab el Rahmeh, Sha'ar Harahamim)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Also known as Gate of Mercy or Gate of Eternal Life, Golden Gate is one of the four closed gates of Old City Jerusalem. The seven open gates are New Gate, Zion, Dung, Jaffa, Lions’ (St. Stephen's), Herod’s, and Damascus (Shechem).
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Referenced in the Bible's "Book of Acts" as the "Beautiful Gate", the double arches formerly led through the Eastern Wall directly into Temple Mount where the revered Jewish Temple stood. In 1541, the Golden Gate, one of eight gates, was sealed shut by Suleiman I, to prevent the prophesy of "The Messiah" returning to Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate. The Jewish Cemetery lies just across the Kidron Valley on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, where it is believed that the dead buried here throughout the past 3,000 years, will be the first resurrected. Interestingly, the Golden Gate has been recently opened on the interior of the Wall, which can be accessed from Temple Mount only by Muslims, for Islamic worship within a small area. This is a significant Gate to both Christians and Jews.
5. Church of the Pater Noster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By 182terrenceb - Monroe, United States
Beautiful church! The most interesting attractions are the “Lord’s Prayer” in many different languages from common languages to Latvian, Tibetan, Cherokee and others rarely spoken.
6. Herodyon National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By 722vital - Chicago, United States
Guide Helen Cohn with IsraelDaysOut picked us up at our hotel and guided us through Herodyon, pointing out West Bank and Territories sites en route. The depth and breadth of her knowledge about Herodyon as well as the current political situation was most enlightening.
7. Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
This Jordan Rive baptismal site is a special and sacred spot for Christianity. Here the Jordan River flows through the plains of Jericho, creating a thread life through the heart of the desert. Christian pilgrims come here to be baptized in the river, just as – according to tradition – John the Baptist baptized Jesus some two thousand years ago.
Reviewed By lesj835 - Murrieta, United States
We visited on a Saturday afternoon as part of a 3 bus tour group from the U.S. Having previously visited the beautiful Jordan River Village (where I erroneously thought Christ was baptized), this place pales by comparison. However, it is not without its interest. First, if this is in fact near the actual site where John the Baptist immersed Jesus, how cool is that? Secondly, Jordan is right across the river. Armed guards of both countries abound. Our group had many rebaptized at the aforementioned Jordan River Village. Why not here? Apparently other countries are dumping their raw sewage in the river. Might this account for the huge infestation of flies? Whatever their attraction for this site, they were massed. And hungry. I made the mistake of being attired in my typical So Cal shorts & sandals. And got bit.
8. Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center - The Shroud Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The Holy Shroud Exhibition in the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center is open since 2006, with a permanent exhibition of the Holy Shroud of Turin, with historical, scientific and religious narratives. A very important visit in the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Reviewed By stevensD5413ZW - Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories
The only place to stay in Jerusalem, especially for those who are on pilgrimage, is the Notre Dame Center on Paratrooper Road. A large and well-maintained luxury hotel, Notre Dame Catholic center is the place for pilgrims. It is located across from the new gate of the old city of Jerusalem. I have been to the hotel no less than 14 times over the last decade and every experience has been as good or better than the last. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is amazing. The food is delicious. Let me especially mention a few people who are outstanding: Front desk— Abeer, Noor, Waled, George; Dining Room: Waled, Samer Housekeeping: everyone, esp. Tatiana. These are just a few of the many that work here. It is not only the ones I names but the many many more I haven’t mentioned here that are all excellent. All of them are excellent. You will cherish her stay at the Notre Dame Center. All of them work under Joseph’s find direction. And overseeing all the operation is Father David and Father Juan. If you’re lucky the one and only Father Kelly will be around as well. There’s no place like Notre Dame in Jerusalem. Highest recommendation. Sincerely, Doctor Steven Smith, United States (Mundelein Seminary, Chicago) PS every year we bring a large group of seminarians, approximately three dozen. It takes a great deal of coordination, organization, and drive to take care of that many people in a large group. They do it for MANY groups simultaneously every day.
9. French Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
10. Kennedy Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Located on a mountaintop and surrounded by 51 graceful columns, this 60-foot-high monument is in tribute to President John F. Kennedy.
Reviewed By Ivisitedtheplace - Israel, null
This is a significant and visually and architecturally striking monument and memorial which is located in an out-of-the-way place. It is at least a 10 minute drive from the city. It is in the forest on top of Mount Aminadav. There is no public transportation- only either by car or walking/hikingor organized tour bus (taxi too). There is a park ranger information service and "facilities" there, underneath. Commemorating President Kennedy and his memory are important to Israel and the Jewish people. Mountain vistas and panoramas are an important part of the Israeli landscape. Jerusalem is of central importance to Israel and the Jewish people. Hiking and traversing scenic trails in the forests and mountains of our country are national pasttimes for us. Spending quality time with close nuclear and extended family is also of cardinal importance in our lifestyle- we do that with picnics and barbeques. So there you have it- and this place has it all. I was here with a tour group of 15 Americans We arrived first to visit the Kennedy Memorial, an unusual shaped circular edifice with a sudden flat and cut-off ceiling. Of course the meaning of the architecture is of a strong giving and supporting gigantic tree, cut off in its prime, as happened in our history (you can see my recent posted photo of the portrait of President Kennedy that hangs in the White House- from when I visited inside there). The building was actually open and we went inside the structure. It is not bright inside at all (maybe that’s intentional- to emphasize the tragedy and loss). It is open at the top, reminding me of when I visited the Pantheon in Rome. There in the center is a place for an “eternal flame” (exactly analogous to the one that I see and review and post photos when I visit John F. Kennedy Grave Site at Arlington National Cemetery). Alas, the light was extinguished and not tended at all... a somber and sober sign for our trying times?). Some children were wildly running up and down the sides of the structure while we were there. There are trees at the site which were planted by various central Kennedy family members. I looked at them. These trees serve as a demonstration of the strength and resilience and permanence of American-Israeli friendship, brotherhood and strong mutual commitments. We saw what seemed to be that much of the high school population of the country descending from massive gigantic tour buses and embarking on the scenic trails. The views from the vantage points are nice. There are water springs and wells and and some ancient caves too. There are a tremendous amount of abundant picnic areas and many many picnic tables throughout the area of the Kennedy Memorial and the adjacent forests. It seemed that many of the local population were using them. I do recommend coming and visiting here (if you have the time and a way to get here)- to honor our former President and to enjoy the mountains and forest and maybe even hiking and barbecue picnic. So through a technical complication, all of my 47 photos of this attraction were deleted and are not (yet) reposted. But that doesn't change the fact and the truth that “I visited this place.”
