The best areas to stay in Jerusalem are the center of Jerusalem (West Jerusalem), the Old City, East Jerusalem, Yemin Moshe, the German Colony, Ein Karem or the area near the Central Bus Station. Are you interested in knowing how each one is?
Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is situated between the northern shore of the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean and the Judean mountains. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, as settlements from the 5th millennium BC are dated.
It is the cradle of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, a visible aspect in each of its streets full of sacred corners, from which emanates a special energy and mysticism, even for non-believers. These religions coexist in this Israelite city, forming one of the most multicultural mosaics in the world.
Despite being one of the holy cities par excellence, paradoxically it has been the center of numerous wars and conflicts throughout history, since it has been conquered up to 50 times.
Not surprisingly, it has great meaning for Christians, as it was the place where Jesus Christ was crucified to later resurrect. It also has it for Muslims, as it is the third sacred city of Islam; and for the Jews, since it is the city that King David endorsed in 900 B.C.
The old city, declared a World Heritage Site, extends within the walls of the ancient wall. It is accessed through eight doors, the most popular being Damascus and Jaffa, and treasures the most overwhelming and significant buildings and places for Christianity, Judaism and Islam such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa , the Western Wall, the Dome or the Alqsa Mosque.
The rest of the streets of the holy city are full of biblical corners like the Mount of Olives; the basilica of Gethsemane, where it is said that Jesus prayed after the Last Supper; the Cenacle, where the Last Supper took place; Hagia Maria Abbey, which witnessed the Dormition of the Virgin Mary; or the church of San Pedro in Gallicantu, dedicated to the repentance of Peter.
Outside the old part of this city, which lives collected in itself, modernity acquires its maximum expression in the Jerusalem Triangle, especially in Safra Square, in the Nahalat Shiv’a neighborhood or Zion Square , since they are full of modern cafes and have a very lively atmosphere.
One of the conquerors of the city, Saladin, said that Jerusalem is “Nothing. Everything.” Reason is not lacking, because it is a powerful and mystical city, where energy and magnetism take hold every day, causing all possible emotions in the traveler, less indifference.
A destination that is set in the soul and must be visited at least once in a lifetime. For those who have made the decision and are looking for information about what are the best areas to stay in Jerusalem, we provide all the details.
The best areas to stay in Jerusalem
Jerusalem has not only been the desire of numerous peoples and cultures throughout history, but also a place of pilgrimage for Jews, Muslims, Christians and travelers, while it treasures historical jewels that hide the most universal stories, distill mysticism and A unique energy
It is a special city, and is used to receiving crowds. Therefore, prices in Jerusalem are expensive, especially if we compare them with neighboring cities.
The offer of accommodation in this holy city is generous, although it tends to concentrate on the old city and its surroundings.
Thus, the most expensive neighborhoods to sleep in Jerusalem are the ancient city, Yemin Moshe or East Jerusalem. Ein Karem maintains the average price, but has some more affordable accommodations.
Jerusalem Downtown
Also known as West Jerusalem, it forms a triangle bounded by the streets Jaffa, Ben Yehuda and King George, which is very close to the old city. It is the most modern and westernized area of the holy city, in fact, among its streets is the Downtown Triangle, which is the financial district. It also has an extensive offer of restaurants, shops, cafes and places where leisure is guaranteed.
Ben Yehuda Street forms the pedestrian area of the area. It is one of the most bohemian, because it is the place chosen by numerous street artists and musicians to make their art known to the world. It is also dotted with a good number of local shops, being an ideal place to buy souvenirs and typical products.
Jaffa Street is one of the liveliest and connects with the old city area. Zion Square is the heart of this area, which is full of modern cafés with terraces. The Safra square is also a stopping point, because here is the City Hall building.
As regards tourist attractions, it houses several such as the Ades or the Italian synagogue, the botanical gardens, the great market of Mahane Yehuda; the door of the Tower of David, which formerly gave entrance to the old city, and the Independence Park, the largest in the city.
Culture lovers are in luck, because the heart of the city treasures several museums, the most acclaimed being that of Israel, devoted to Jewish history and culture; Yad Vashem, dedicated to the overwhelming history of the Jews and the Holocaust; of the Biblical Lands, in which the most relevant stories of the Bible are exposed; and Islamic Art, which allows you to delve into the history of the Middle East.
This part of the city is very well connected, since here you will find the central bus station and the Malha train station, which has connection with bus lines 18 and 77 that go to the center of the holy city.
It is the best area to stay in Jerusalem for travelers who want to be close to the main points of interest or have access to all services. The offer of hotels is quite wide, although they have high prices. In fact, the cost of a 3-star hotel ranges from $ 80 to $ 90 a night.
Hotels in Jerusalem City Center
Jerusalem Old City
It is within East Jerusalem, embraced by medieval walls and accessed through eight doors, which have earned it the nickname “city of eight doors.”
It is divided into four perfectly defined neighborhoods: the Jew, the Armenian, the Christian and the Muslim. All of them are covered by a network of narrow streets full of stalls and carts of fruits, bread, hummus and other local products, such as chilabas and menorás, whose walk constitutes an authentic experience.
The old city is the most special and historical area of Jerusalem, where every corner has a history behind. In addition, it treasures the most significant buildings and places in the city, which make up its essence, such as the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock or the Holy Sepulcher.
Here is also the Via Dolorosa, with the fifteen stations of the Viacrucis through which Christ made the journey with the cross behind him.
On Saturdays its streets have a great animation, in which travelers and locals meet, especially Jews who enjoy Shabbat, which is the equivalent of Christian Sunday. David St, is one of the main and very unique streets, because in it the western influences coexist with the oriental ones.
It is one of the preferred neighborhoods to stay in Jerusalem for those who wish to sleep in special places and be centrally located. Fortunately, in the area and its surroundings there are a good number of hotels, although it is true that prices are high. Thus, a 3-star hotel costs an average of $ 90 a night.
Jerusalem Old City Hotels
Yemin Moshe
This neighborhood extends outside the walls of the old city, whose construction responds to the need to house the increasingly large number of people living in the old part.
With character and foodie, it is covered by narrow cobbled streets, dotted with stone houses and beautiful green spaces. In addition, it gives spectacular views of the walls of the old city, making it an excellent option to stay in Jerusalem, especially for those who wish to sleep in authentic places.
In addition to being very close to the old city and the German colony, it keeps some interesting places such as the Montefiore windmill, one of the first buildings that were built in the neighborhood; Mishkenot Shaananim, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the old city walls and where the strictest Jewish traditions prevail; or the gate of Zion.
The offer of accommodation is not as copious as in other areas of the holy city, but there are options. Of course, they have high prices. Roughly, a 4-star hotel ranges from $ 120 to $ 130 a night.
Accommodations in Yemin Moshe
East Jerusalem
Also called Oriental Jerusalem, it includes the old city and, therefore, the most important tourist places such as the Mount of Olives, the church of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Holy Sepulcher, the Mount Zion, the Damascus gate, the tomb of King David, the church of St. Peter of Gallicantu, the Church of the Dormition or the tomb of the Garden, which is believed to have been the grave of Jesus of Nazareth.
There are also some interesting museums that we advise you to visit such as Rockefeller, which holds a very important collection of ancient objects.
It is excellently communicated with the rest of the neighborhoods of Jerusalem through the HaNeviim station, from which the buses that go to Bethlehem and to the southern districts of the city leave; Nablus Road, which connects with the north of the city and Ramallah; and Sultan Suleiman, whose buses make the journey to the eastern neighborhoods, Jericho and Bethany.
It is also connected by some light rail lines. For example, the 4-City Hall- for very close to Mount Zion; while the 5 -Damascus Gate- in the tomb of the Garden.
It is a neighborhood to consider to stay in Jerusalem if you want to be near the sacred places or feel the beating, mysticism and energy that this holy city distils.
As we have said, prices are high and in this area too. The hotels of medium and high category predominate. Thus, a 4-star hotel does not cost less than $ 130.
Hotels in East Jerusalem
German Colony
This neighborhood is located southeast of the urban center. It was created by German Protestants in 1873, but during World War II they were expelled. Little, or rather nothing, remains of the environment and the original character it distilled. Now, it is residential and the most commonly heard language is English, rather than Hebrew.
The restored houses of the 19th century and the Ottoman-style buildings predominate, and has a good number of cafes, boutiques and restaurants, which have turned it into the fashionable neighborhood. It also has relevant cultural places such as the Islamic museum, the Jerusalem theater or the Natural Sciences museum.
Emek Refaim Street acts as a backbone and, in addition, concentrates the commercial offer, a good amalgam of coffee shops, restaurants, shops and even a cinema. There are also some green spaces that invite you to stroll like the HaMesila park.
Staying in Jerusalem in the German Colony means sleeping in one of the most modern, cosmopolitan and lively areas of the Hebrew capital. Luckily, the arrangement of hotels is very generous and it is possible to find many types and categories. The prices are high, in fact, a 3 star hotel hardly drops from $ 100 a night.
German Colony Hotels
Ein Karem
It is a town and is located on the outskirts of West Jerusalem and very close to the center. It is framed by hills dressed in cypresses and olive trees and decorated with beautiful stone houses, art galleries, cozy cafes and restaurants, which act as a powerful magnet for locals and travelers.
It constitutes an ideal enclave for the practice of activities in contact with nature. The main claim is Ein Kerem Wadi, a small valley overflowing with nature and flowers, whose walk is almost obligatory.
It is also a point of reference for the most devout or travelers interested in the history of religions. The reason is that here are some places of religious importance for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
These places include the church of the Visitation, the church of San Juan, the Mosque of Amar, the convent of Gorny or the monastery Soeurs de Notre-Dame de Sion or the fountain of the Virgin. In addition, its surroundings hold the honor of being the birthplace of Saint John the Baptist.
Ein Karem is a good place to sleep in Jerusalem, especially for those looking to enjoy quiet places and combine the enjoyment of activities in contact with nature with a visit to sacred places.
Luxury and boutique hotels with high prices predominate. However, with luck and by booking in advance, you can find some 4-star hotels for around $ 80 a night.
Accommodations in Ein Karem
Central Bus Station
Jaffa Street is the main artery of Jerusalem and one of the longest, since it crosses the city from east to west, that is, from the old city to the urban heart.
Together with King Jorge and Ben Yehuda Street, it forms the Downtown Triangle, which, as we have said, is the financial district, which integrates a good number of office buildings, shops and hotels.
In this artery is Central Bus Station, the main one in the city, which is the entry and exit point for both travelers and locals. In addition, it has access to the light rail.
In addition to not being too far from the old city, it treasures some interesting places such as Sion Square, the Davidka monument or the Mahane Yehuda market, one of the largest in the city, where it is possible to find all possible products in its more than 250 positions. Of course, you will have to put your negotiation skills into practice, because bargaining is an art here.
It is a very chosen area to stay in Jerusalem by travelers looking to sleep in neuralgic areas, move on foot or plan to make excursions to nearby cities.
As it is a central street, it has a good number of hotels, but with prices not suitable for all budgets. Staying in Jerusalem in this area costs an average of $€ 100 a night.
Hotels near to Central Bus Station