Bed and breakfast, airbnb and holiday homes in Jerusalem

Visit Jerusalem, The Holy City!

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount Zion and Dome of the Rock are among the world-world-famous religious sites which make up the appropriately named 'Holy City'. No matter what your beliefs, these spiritually rich attractions offer up a surreally enticing experience to all who visit them. Throughout the many years of this city's history, Jerusalem has rebuilt itself countless times through conflict, but the age-old beliefs of these religions have endured and evolved to present the Jerusalem we see today. This city is a melting pot of the country's broad ethics and beliefs, meaning there is no better place to reserve your accommodation in Israel than right here in Jerusalem.

When to visit?

Thanks to Jerusalem's middle eastern position, the city can get extremely hot in the summer months, when alongside the high temperatures, holiday-makers from across the globe choose to visit the Holy City. Therefore, for a moderate climate, but minimal crowds, opt to visit between April and May, and October through to December, when you can enjoy everything Jerusalem has to offer in a cooler, and more relaxing environment.

How to get there

Located in the middle of Israel in the Middle East, the quickest way to reach Jerusalem from the UK is by air. Direct flights are available from London Heathrow and Luton Airport, while you can catch a connecting flight from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Bristol with a stopover in Frankfurt of Brussels. Direct flights take approximately 5 hours while connecting flights vary around 7 hours of total travel time. If you are not a fan of flying, Jerusalem's isolated position means it harder to visit without air travel, though with some in-depth planning, it could be possible. One option is to travel from the UK to Cyprus by ferry and train, then jump aboard a cruise from Cyprus to Israel. Take a look at some holiday villas in Cyprus to break up this time-consuming trip, and take a few days to rest in the Eastern Mediterranean sun before continuing to Jerusalem. The Bauhaus city of Tel Aviv is less than an hours drive west of Jerusalem, and Ben Gurion Airport is the primary travel hub for both cities. If you are already holidaying in this cosmopolitan hive, and you fancy a day trip which is steeped in religious history, make the most of the Israeli public transport, by hopping abroad a bus outside your holiday letting in Tel Aviv and finding yourself in the Holy City in almost no time at all.

Where to stay

The Old City

Unsurprisingly, the Old City is where you can discover Jerusalem's most momentous attractions, from the Church of the Sepulcher, and Dome of the Roc, to the Western Wall, all of which date back to the early centuries. The area is just one kilometre in size, meaning if you choose a family-run guesthouse in Jerusalem's old town, you are guaranteed to wake up in a room with a view of the city's most culturally and historically precious landmarks. Though this area may be compact, it is made up of the Christian Quarter, The Jewish Quarter, The Muslim Quarter and The Armenian Quarter; therefore, though small in size, The Old City is the most diverse neighbourhood in Jerusalem.

The City Centre

The city centre of Jerusalem is the go-to area for all things contemporary, whether you want to indulge in a designer shopping experience in Mamilla Mall, or you want to sample some falafel, among many other traditional eateries along Ben-Yehuda Street. Reserve a holiday apartment rental which overlooks the bustling Zion Square, then stay out from sunrise to sunset and beyond. When dusk arrives in the city centre, Jerusalem's modern heart truly comes alive, and you can continue to be transported back in time, only this time to the more recent 1920s, as these cobbled streets are illumined by speakeasies, along with around-the-clock flavours from the vibrant Machane Yehuda Market.

The German Colony

Established in the 19th century by the German Temple Society, this prestigious neighbourhood is a maze of glorious temples, beautiful mansions and palm-tree kissed boulevards. If you desire a luxury rental in Jerusalem, look no further than an apartment in one of the striking architectural wonders where the locals similarly reside, whether it is a room in a stately home or a timeless Israeli mansion. You do not need a kitchen if you are staying in a self-catered rental in The German Colony, as you can hit up Emek Refaim Street for breakfast, where you can find Lechem V'od, a French-inspired cafe which serves up a range of baked goods for you to start your day the right way.

Musrara

As the centre of Jerusalem's art and culture, Musrara is a maze of Victorian townhouses which form a cocktail of unique architecture which is a favourite among artists, writers and musicians in the area. The best way of securing accommodation at a great price is to choose a youth hostel or another cost-effective holiday rental in Musrara so you can enjoy the attractions which mirror the neighbourhoods creative residents, whether you want to admire the art in the Eden Fine Art Gallery or enjoy a concert into the early hours, whatever your creative heart desires, you can find it right here in Musrara.

Yemin Moshe

The cobbled street and stony paradise of Yemin Moshe is undeniably Jerusalem's best- kept secret, as these traditional Israeli streets intertwine to reveal quaint gardens, exclusive restaurants and the jewel of the neighbourhood's crown, the Montefiore Windmill. Reserve a luxury apartment rental with its private pool in Yemin Moshe, and enjoy breakfast from your bedroom with a heightened view which overlooks Jerusalem's Old City.

Ein Kerem

The quaint hilly region of Ein Kerem is the ideal place to choose a bed and breakfast, which acts as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the historic centre and Old City. There is nowhere in the city quite as therapeutic as the verdant landscape of Ein Kerem, and choosing a holiday home with a garden in Jerusalem's emerald utopia is the best way to carry the calmness of this area right into your accommodation.

What to do in Jerusalem

Wander through the Old City

Spending at least a few hours discovering the Old City is unmissable from any itinerary, as this area is a tiny trove of Jerusalem's most celebrated attractions. Begin at the Western Wall, which has been a sacred Jewish site of prayer since 19BC, then make the short journey to the Dome of the Rock, an Islamic shrine which is a homage to Byzantine, Abbasid, Umayyad and Ottoman architecture. You cannot leave the Old City without paying tribute to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is said to contain the sites where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and resurrected.

Climb the Mount of Olives

Towering adjacent to Jerusalem's Old City, the Mount of Olives holds significance for both Jewish and Christian religion, as the site has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3000 years, while the mountain is referenced in a number of Biblical events throughout the Gospel, making this a pilgrimage site for thousands of visitors every year.

Walk along Via Dolorosa Street

This holy street is believed to have been on the path which Jesus of Nazareth walked on the way to his crucifixion, meaning today it is noted as a site for Christian pilgrimage. Beginning in the Lions' Gate in the Muslim Quarter, visitors walk the distance of around 600 metres, marking the nine Stations of the Cross along the route.

Visit The Israel Museum

Renowned as Israel's most important cultural institution, The Israel Museum is enough to fulfil anybody's culture fix, exhibiting an extensive collection of archaeology from Jewish life, and artefacts from across the Holy Land, along with Israeli Art, European Art, Asian Art and African Art, among contemporary pieces. The Archeology Wing similarly tells the story of the ancient land in which the museum stands upon, allowing visitors to indulge in the endless information of Jerusalem's rich history.

Shop in the Mahane Yehuda Market

Commonly nicknamed "The Shuk", the Mahane Yehuda Market is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, who flock to enjoy the authentic goods offered from one of the 250 vendors. Explore the extensive selection of fresh fruits, baked treats, meats, cheeses and liquors, among a range of textiles and furnishings, because if you are going to find a unique souvenir from anywhere in the city, it is going to be from here.

Explore the City of David

Whether you are an archaeology buff or not, the City of David is a must-visit for visitors to this age-old city. As the oldest part of Jerusalem, its history dates back to the Canaanite period, when David brought the Ark of the Covenant over 3000 years before us. In the City of David, there is also the opportunity to walk, or rather, swim, through Hezekiah's Tunnel, which is an iconic attraction in Jerusalem, despite the promise that you will get wet.