Jerusalem Travel Blog

You don’t have to drive too far out of Jerusalem to get a completely different view of Israel.  Many Israelis view Jerusalem as a separate entity from the rest of the country, so it’s worth descending from the hilltop city to get a different perspective. One of the most dramatic directions...

Everyone knows all about Jerusalem’s multitude of holy sites; historical places and interesting museums, but few people know that less than an hour’s drive away, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day touring boutique wineries and goat cheese farms set in scenery that rivals that of Provence or...

Think of the Middle East and the first thing that probably comes to mind is heat, desert, camels…it’s doubtful you’ll be thinking about a rain hat or a heavy coat, but that’s what you’ll need to bring along if a trip to Jerusalem in the winter is in your future. Jerusalem...

Jerusalem can be an intense experience.  When you feel the urge to get away for a day or two, consider taking a road trip to some of the fascinating and scenic places that are accessible on all sides of the holy city. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the scenery changes as you drive down off the...

Looking for some free summer entertainment? Besides all the festivals that make up the summer cultural season in Jerusalem, the holy city is the place to be for free (or almost free) concerts to suit every taste.   Meir Banai performs in Jerusalem. © Judy Lash Balint The added bonus with Jerusalem’s...

Jerusalem in the rain. Photo: Epublicist The heavy rain pouring down Jerusalem streets this morning made me think about how visitors to the holy city in the winter time should prepare for the trip. Chances are you’ll be leaving a bitterly cold climate in the eastern US or Europe and landing at...

Hanukkah is over, but the Holy Land is, after all THE place where the Christmas story began, so if you’re traveling to Jerusalem over the Christmas-New Year’s holiday, here’s a rundown of family activities to enjoy. Take a tour to nearby Bethlehem–about 10 minutes from Jerusalem...

Sightseeing is great–but sometimes don’t you just feel like taking a break to get away from it all without going too far?  The Judean desert just east of Jerusalem is the perfect place for a change of pace and scenery. Wadi Kelt, near Jerusalem Head out via the tunnel near Hebrew University’s...

This year’s Blog Action Day topic is water–a topic that’s been on the agenda for Jerusalem since the city was founded by King David more than 3,000 years ago. Despite its strategic location as a city on the ridge that divides the Judean hills from the desert, Jerusalem has only one...

Well, of course I knew I lived in the best city in the Middle East, but now the powers-that-be at Travel and Leisure Magazine have named Jerusalem as the #1 city in Africa and the Middle East. (The last time Jerusalem made #1 was back in 2000). Beating out Cape Town, Tel Aviv, Amman, Marrakesh and Petra,...