About
Jerusalem is the capital and largest city of Israel, set in the Jerusalem District of the country. It is a place where three faiths meet: Judaism, Christianity and Islam each count numerous religious and historical sites here as sacred. The city is also known as Yerushalayim in Hebrew and Al-Quds in Arabic, and visitors will hear and see both names.
What a visit offers
Jerusalem serves as the political, cultural and religious centre of Israel, so a stay here combines government, museums, worship and daily city life. Many travellers come to walk among the sites that matter to the three religions, and the city rewards slow exploration, since the sacred places sit close to one another and to ordinary neighbourhoods.
Plan your time
- Religious sites: The city holds places important to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Visitors are encouraged to check the rules and customs for each site before going.
- Historical sites: The layers of the city's past are visible throughout, from its old quarters to its modern districts.
- City life: Beyond the sacred sites, the capital offers its cultural and civic life, which gives the trip a sense of how the country works today.
Because Jerusalem is both a holy city and a working capital, a visit can feel both reflective and busy. Allow enough time to move between its different quarters, and look up current guidance on access to particular sites before you set out.
