Walking Jerusalem's Old City and Beyond
Travel advisory: conditions in Israel and the West Bank can change quickly, and governments assess the situation differently. Check your own government’s current advisory, such as the US State Department or UK FCDO , before you go, and note advice differs for the West Bank and areas near Gaza.
Much of Jerusalem’s Old City is closed to vehicles by design - the alleys are too narrow and stepped - so walking is the default way to see it, not an add-on activity.
The four quarters
One route links the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian Quarters: the Roman Cardo and Hurva Square in the Jewish Quarter, the covered markets of the Christian Quarter, Bab al-Silsila and the Cotton Merchants’ Market in the Muslim Quarter, and St. James Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter. Cobblestones are slick in places and there’s no wheelchair or stroller access on most alleys. Western Wall Plaza (free, 24/7, gender-segregated, modest dress required) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (free, open roughly 05:00-20:45 in summer) both sit right along this loop.
Old City Ramparts Walk
The Ramparts Walk follows the top of Suleiman the Magnificent’s 16th-century Ottoman walls in two sections - North (Jaffa Gate to Lions’ Gate via Damascus Gate) and South (Jaffa Gate to Dung Gate). It costs 25 ILS adult or 15 ILS child/student/senior, the ticket is valid two days, and it’s closed Saturdays. Expect narrow stone stairs.
City of David
City of David traces ancient Jerusalem’s tunnels and water systems, including Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a First Temple-period channel from around 701 BCE that you wade through in the dark - water shoes and a flashlight are essential, and it’s closed Saturdays with advance booking required.
Mount of Olives
A walk up the Mount of Olives gives a panoramic view over the Old City and takes in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, both free. The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest and largest active Jewish cemeteries in the world, sits on the eastern slope and calls for quiet, dignified conduct rather than casual sightseeing.
Ein Kerem
Southwest of the center, Ein Kerem centers on the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation, with shaded lanes, galleries and cafes - a half-day walk with a slower pace than the Old City.
Practical notes
Wear shoes with real grip for the uneven stone. Carry water and sun protection year-round. Dress modestly throughout the Old City - shoulders and knees covered. If you’d rather have context as you walk, search Old City walking tours on GetYourGuide .
For sights that sit outside these routes, see things to do in Jerusalem .