Jerusalem is a city where thousands of years of spiritual history meet a thriving contemporary cultural landscape. From the iconic sites of the Old City to art galleries, theaters, design centers, and music venues, Jerusalem offers a rich and multifaceted experience for culturally curious travelers. Alongside world-renowned landmarks such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the city is home to leading institutions including the Israel Museum and the Jerusalem Theater, creating a unique blend of history, spirituality, and artistic innovation. This guide also features our top hotel recommendations in Jerusalem.

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Planning your stay? Discover our top recommendations for boutique and design hotels in Jerusalem, featured at the end of this guide. For travel gear, explore our urban travel essentials for exploring the city in style and our long flight essentials to make your journey more comfortable.

ART MUSEUMS AND CENTERS

Israel Museum (Jerusalem / Givat Ram)
Why go: Israel’s largest cultural institution and one of the world’s leading art and archaeology museums, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and major collections spanning global and Jewish history.
Tip: The museum campus is extensive, so check the map and current exhibitions before your visit to plan your route through the galleries and outdoor sculpture garden.

The Israel Museum, founded in 1965, is a landmark institution that presents a wide-ranging collection from archaeological finds to contemporary art. Its most famous treasure, the Dead Sea Scrolls, is housed in the Shrine of the Book, alongside an exceptional collection dedicated to Jewish art and life. The museum also holds significant works from diverse cultures and historical periods, displayed across galleries, open-air installations, and a large sculpture garden overlooking Jerusalem. With its dynamic exhibitions and comprehensive educational programs, the Israel Museum offers visitors a deep and engaging encounter with the artistic and cultural heritage of Israel and the wider world.

Ticho House (Jerusalem / City Center)
Why go: A historic Jerusalem home turned cultural venue, showcasing the art of Anna Ticho alongside contemporary exhibitions in one of the city’s most atmospheric late-19th-century buildings.
Tip: The house is part of the Israel Museum but located off-site in the city center. Check current exhibitions and consider visiting the on-site restaurant, which is popular with locals.

Ticho House was originally built in the late 19th century and became the residence and clinic of Dr. Albert Ticho and his wife, artist Anna Ticho, after they acquired it in 1924. Anna Ticho, a prominent figure in Jerusalem’s early cultural scene, lived and worked here until her death in 1980, when she bequeathed the house, its library, and her art collection to the public. Today Ticho House operates under the Israel Museum, displaying Anna Ticho’s works and hosting rotating contemporary exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events.

Museum for Islamic Art (Jerusalem / Katamon Neighborhood)
Why go: One of the world’s most important collections of Islamic art and material culture, featuring rare artifacts, decorative arts, and an exceptional historic watch and clock collection.
Tip: The museum is located in a residential area of Jerusalem, so plan your route in advance and check current exhibitions and guided tour times.

The Museum for Islamic Art, founded in 1974 by Vera Bryce Salomons, is dedicated to presenting the artistic and cultural heritage of the Islamic world. Its collection spans from the 7th to the 19th century and includes ceramics, metalwork, textiles, jewelry, manuscripts, and arms and armor from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. One of the museum’s most notable sections is the Sir David Salomons Collection of antique watches and clocks, including rare pieces by master watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Through its permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs, the Museum for Islamic Art offers a rich and accessible exploration of the history and aesthetics of Islamic civilization.

Hansen House – Center for Design, Media and Technology (Jerusalem / Talbiya Neighborhood)
Why go: A 19th-century historic compound transformed into a major center for contemporary design, digital culture, and interdisciplinary creativity, home to exhibitions, studios, and public events.
Tip: Hansen House hosts changing programs throughout the year, including the annual Jerusalem Design Week in June. Check the schedule and Mamuta’s exhibition calendar before visiting.

Hansen House was built in the late 19th century as a leprosy hospital and later restored and adapted into a cultural and creative center. Today it serves as a multidisciplinary hub dedicated to design, art, media, and technology, offering exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and community events. It also hosts the Jerusalem Design Week, which attracts more than 40,000 visitors each year and features over 200 designers participating in more than 40 exhibitions, installations, and thematic events, fostering international collaboration and experimentation. The site also houses the Mamuta Art and Research Center, which presents contemporary art exhibitions, screenings, and experimental projects. With its blend of historical architecture and forward-looking cultural programming, Hansen House is one of Jerusalem’s most dynamic venues for creative innovation and public engagement.

Jerusalem Artists’ House (Jerusalem / City Center)
Why go: A historic home of the original Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts, now a central venue for contemporary Israeli art with rotating exhibitions and public programs.
Tip: Exhibitions change frequently, so check the current schedule before visiting. The building’s architecture is also part of the experience, reflecting its early role in shaping Israeli art.

The Jerusalem Artists’ House occupies a landmark building that once served as the first home of the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts, founded by Boris Schatz in the early 20th century. Today it functions as a key center for contemporary art in Jerusalem, presenting solo and group exhibitions by both emerging and established Israeli artists. The venue hosts painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations, alongside artist talks, workshops, and cultural events that encourage public engagement with art. By integrating its historical legacy with an active contemporary program, the Jerusalem Artists’ House plays a significant role in the city’s artistic landscape.

Hamiffal – The Factory (Jerusalem / Near the City Center)
Why go: A grassroots art and culture initiative that transforms an abandoned 19th-century building into a collaborative space for contemporary art, community projects, and experimental creativity.
Tip: Hamiffal’s program changes frequently, with workshops, performances, exhibitions, and community events. Check the schedule before visiting.

Hamiffal, meaning “The Factory,” is a collective art project housed in a historic stone building that had stood abandoned for decades. Revitalized by a community of artists, it now operates as an open creative hub where art, social engagement, and public participation intersect. The space hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and cultural gatherings, emphasizing collaboration and experimental practice. By blending the building’s layered history with contemporary artistic activity, Hamiffal has become one of Jerusalem’s most vibrant and inclusive cultural venues.

Art Cube Artists’ Studios (Jerusalem / Talpiot Industrial Zone)
Why go: Jerusalem’s longest-running subsidized artist-studio complex, offering working spaces, a public gallery, and an international residency program for contemporary visual artists.
Tip: The complex combines private studios with a public gallery and rotating exhibitions; check the calendar for open studio events, exhibitions, and public programs before visiting.

Art Cube Artists’ Studios was established in 1982 by the Jerusalem Foundation as the first institution in Israel to provide subsidized, long-term studio spaces for Jerusalem-based artists. The complex includes approximately 26 subsidized studios for visual artists, a public gallery that hosts changing exhibitions and specially commissioned projects, and an international residency program in cooperation with Israeli and global art institutions. Through exhibitions, curatorial visits, public lectures, workshops, and open-studio events, Art Cube plays an active role in Jerusalem’s contemporary art life and supports both established and emerging artists.

Jerusalem Print Workshop (Jerusalem / Katamon-HaTzafon)
Why go: A premier printmaking studio and cultural space dedicated to promoting graphic arts through workshops, collaborations, and public exhibitions.
Tip: The workshop frequently hosts open-studio days, exhibitions, and graphic-arts events, check the website for current programs before visiting.

The Jerusalem Print Workshop was founded in 1955 and remains one of Israel’s oldest and most significant institutions for printmaking. It provides artists with professional resources such as etching and lithography presses, paper workshops and training, and collaborative printing facilities. The Workshop supports both established and emerging artists by offering technical assistance, project collaborations, and exhibition opportunities. Through public programs, open-studio events and exhibitions, the Jerusalem Print Workshop continues to foster a vibrant community around graphic arts in Jerusalem and beyond.

The New Gallery – Artists’ Studios Teddy (Jerusalem / Teddy Neighborhood)
Why go: A contemporary art hub combining studio spaces for artists with rotating exhibitions and public programs, fostering creative work in a collaborative environment.
Tip: The gallery space and artists’ studios are active and host exhibitions, open-studio events, and cultural gatherings, check the current calendar before visiting.

The New Gallery – Artists’ Studios Teddy was established to support artists with working studios while offering a public gallery venue for their work. The complex provides visual artists with dedicated studios and opportunities to exhibit, experiment, and collaborate. Through exhibitions, open-studio days, and community-oriented events, the New Gallery supports both emerging and established artists, contributing to Jerusalem’s contemporary art scene and offering visitors a direct look at artistic creation.

Koresh 14 Gallery (Jerusalem / Musrara Neighborhood)
Why go: An independent contemporary art gallery showcasing exhibitions by Israeli and international artists, known for its experimental and cutting-edge curatorial program.
Tip: The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions and occasional events, check the website for the latest opening hours and show schedule before visiting.

Koresh 14 Gallery offers a platform for contemporary artistic expression in Jerusalem’s Musrara neighborhood. The gallery focuses on presenting diverse media including painting, photography, video, and mixed-media works by both emerging and established artists. Through its exhibitions, Koresh 14 aims to engage audiences with new ideas and contemporary issues, providing a space where art and dialogue intersect in Jerusalem’s vibrant urban context.

THEATER AND PERFORMANCE VENUES

Jerusalem Theater (Jerusalem / Talbiya Neighborhood)
Why go: The city’s main performing arts center, presenting leading theater productions, international dance companies, and concerts across multiple genres.
Tip: If visiting in June, check the program for the Israel Festival, which is hosted at the theater and features multidisciplinary performances from Israel and abroad.

The Jerusalem Theater is a major cultural institution offering a rich program of plays from established theaters, independent productions, and fringe ensembles. Its stages also host dance performances by prominent Israeli and international companies, as well as concerts ranging from classical music to contemporary styles. Each June, the theater is a principal venue for the Israel Festival, which presents an extensive lineup of existing and original works across theater, dance, music, and performance art.

Machol Shalem Dance House (Jerusalem / Talpiot-Industrial Zone)
Why go: A leading center for contemporary dance and performance art in Jerusalem, combining production studios, live shows, international residencies, and cutting-edge digital presentation of dance.
Tip: The center hosts frequent public performances, dance festivals, and open-studio events — check the schedule before visiting to catch a performance or workshop.

Machol Shalem Dance House (MASH) champions the independent dance scene in Jerusalem and beyond. Each year it commissions original dance productions, hosts over 100 dance performances and public events, and runs a residency exchange program for local and international choreographers and artists. Its annual highlight is the Jerusalem International Dance Week, featuring showcases and choreographic competitions that connect Israeli choreographers with global dance professionals.

Hazira (Jerusalem / Yemin Moshe–Tzimuki Area)
Why go: An active cultural center and artist community promoting contemporary art, public engagement, and social discourse through exhibitions, events, and collaborative projects.
Tip: Because Hazira’s program is dynamic and often includes temporary exhibitions or community gatherings, check their current schedule in advance.

Hazira is a nonprofit cultural initiative based in Jerusalem that supports artists, curators, and cultural workers through exhibitions, public events, and collaborative projects. The center aims to bridge art and society: it hosts visual-arts shows, talks, community events, and interdisciplinary activities that foster dialogue and participation. Through its commitment to inclusivity, creative experimentation, and engagement with social issues, Hazira contributes to Jerusalem’s vibrant and evolving contemporary art scene.

Between Heaven and Earth (Jerusalem / City Center)
Why go: A cultural initiative that brings together artists, dancers, musicians, poets, and spiritual leaders to explore contemporary creativity rooted in Jewish culture and open dialogue.
Tip: Programs vary throughout the year, often centered on contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performances. Check the schedule for events and showcases by participating ensembles.

Between Heaven and Earth is a Jerusalem-based cultural center focused on fostering exchange between diverse artistic and spiritual communities. The initiative promotes contemporary creativity through dance, music, poetry, and collaborative cultural projects that cross traditional boundaries. One of its central participants is the Kaet Ensemble, a male contemporary dance group known for exploring movement through a modern lens inspired by Jewish study and tradition.

MUSIC VENUES

Yellow Submarine (Jerusalem / Talpiot Neighborhood)
Why go: A leading nonprofit music center that serves as a rehearsal hub, performance venue, and recording studio for musicians across genres.
Tip: The venue hosts regular concerts, festivals, and showcases. Check the program in advance, as performances range from jazz and world music to indie, rock, and electronic.

The Yellow Submarine is a multidisciplinary music center dedicated to supporting Jerusalem’s musical community. It provides rehearsal spaces, a professional recording studio, and a stage for live performances by emerging and established artists. The center also produces concerts, music festivals, workshops, and development programs for young musicians. With its combination of creative facilities and a diverse concert calendar, the Yellow Submarine plays a central role in the city’s contemporary music scene.

Zappa Jerusalem (Jerusalem / Talpiot Neighborhood)
Why go: A leading live-music venue in Jerusalem, located in a restored British Mandate–era building and known for intimate concerts by top Israeli and international artists.
Tip: Shows often sell out quickly, so book tickets in advance. The venue offers kosher food and drinks during performances.

Zappa Jerusalem is part of the national Zappa live-music chain and serves as one of the capital’s premier concert venues. Set inside a historic Mandate-period structure, it hosts performances across a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and world music. The venue combines high-quality acoustics with a close-up concert atmosphere, making it a popular destination for music lovers seeking an engaging night out in Jerusalem.

HISTORICAL AND RELIGIOUS SITES

Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center (Jerusalem / Mount of Remembrance)
Why go: Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and one of the world’s most important institutions for Holocaust research, documentation, and education.
Tip: The visit is emotionally intense and requires time. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended, and photography is restricted in several areas.

Yad Vashem was established in 1953 as the State of Israel’s center for Holocaust remembrance, documentation, and research. The museum complex, including the main historical museum designed by architect Moshe Safdie, leads visitors through a comprehensive historical narrative using photographs, personal objects, testimonies, and archival materials. Key sites within the campus include the Hall of Names, the Children’s Memorial, and outdoor monuments dedicated to Jewish communities destroyed during the Holocaust. With its extensive archives, educational programs, and memorial spaces, Yad Vashem offers a profound and essential encounter with the history and memory of the Holocaust.

Western Wall (Jerusalem / Old City)
Why go: The holiest site in the world accessible to the Jewish people, and a central place of prayer, reflection, and historical memory for millions of visitors each year.
Tip: The plaza is open daily and free to enter. Modest dress is required, and mornings are generally quieter before larger tour groups arrive.

The Western Wall, often called the Wailing Wall, is the last remaining section of the retaining walls that surrounded the Second Temple complex built by Herod the Great more than 2,000 years ago. After the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the wall became the closest accessible point to the original Temple’s Holy of Holies, which made it a focal site of Jewish prayer and longing throughout centuries of exile. For generations, Jews gathered here to mourn the loss of the Temple and to express hope for return and rebuilding, which gave rise to the name “Wailing Wall.” Following the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, the plaza in front of the wall was opened and expanded for worship and public gatherings. Today, the Western Wall remains a powerful symbol of continuity, faith, and Jewish connection to Jerusalem, drawing visitors from all cultures and backgrounds.

City of David (Jerusalem / Outside the Old City Walls, Silwan Area)
Why go: The most significant archaeological site for understanding ancient Jerusalem, offering excavations, underground tunnels, and artifacts dating back more than 3,000 years to the time of the early Israelite kingdom.
Tip: Much of the visit takes place in underground passages with uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are essential, and advance registration is recommended.

The City of David is considered the earliest core of Jerusalem, identified with the ancient city captured by King David around the 10th century BCE. Excavations have uncovered fortifications, homes, water systems, and public structures that illuminate daily life in biblical times. One of its most famous features is Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an extraordinary water channel carved during the 8th century BCE to protect Jerusalem’s water supply during wartime. The site also includes Warren’s Shaft, the Gihon Spring, and remnants of monumental buildings from various historical periods. Together, these findings make the City of David a key location for exploring the archaeological, historical, and cultural foundations of ancient Jerusalem.

Mount of Olives (Jerusalem / Eastern Ridge Overlooking the Old City)
Why go: A major historic and religious landmark with deep significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, offering one of the most iconic panoramic views of Jerusalem.
Tip: The hillside is steep. Wear comfortable shoes or consider taking a taxi or tour to reach the summit, especially in warmer months.

The Mount of Olives has been a central site in Jewish history since biblical times. It forms the eastern boundary of ancient Jerusalem and is mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible, including during the period of the ancient Kingdom of Judah. The mount has served as a major Jewish burial ground for over 3,000 years, with graves dating back to the First Temple period. Jewish tradition also associates the site with future redemption, viewing it as the place where the resurrection will begin in the messianic era.

For Christians, the mount is linked to key events in the life of Jesus, including the Garden of Gethsemane and the Ascension. The area is home to important churches such as the Church of All Nations and the Chapel of the Ascension.

Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem / Temple Mount–Haram al-Sharif)
Why go: One of the most significant and recognizable religious landmarks in the world, and a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.
Tip: Access for non-Muslims is limited to designated hours and areas. Dress modestly and check current entry regulations before visiting.

The Dome of the Rock, completed in 691–692 CE during the Umayyad Caliphate, is among the oldest surviving Islamic monuments. Its iconic octagonal structure, detailed mosaics, and gold-plated dome make it one of Jerusalem’s most striking architectural symbols. Standing prominently on the Temple Mount–Haram al-Sharif, the building reflects the artistic and cultural achievements of the early Islamic period and remains one of the city’s most photographed and historically significant landmarks.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem / Christian Quarter, Old City)
Why go: One of Christianity’s holiest sites, traditionally identified as the location of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and a major pilgrimage destination for millions worldwide.
Tip: The church can be crowded throughout the day. Early morning visits offer a quieter atmosphere for exploring its chapels and historic spaces.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was first built in the 4th century CE under Emperor Constantine and has undergone multiple reconstructions over the centuries. Shared today by several Christian denominations, it contains a complex of chapels, relics, and architectural layers that reflect its long and intricate history. The structure encompasses sites venerated since antiquity, including Calvary (Golgotha) and the traditional tomb of Jesus.

Via Dolorosa (Jerusalem / Old City)
Why go: One of the most important pilgrimage routes in Christianity, traditionally marking the path Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion.
Tip: The route passes through busy Old City markets and narrow streets. Visiting early in the morning or joining a guided walk can offer a more focused experience.

The Via Dolorosa, meaning “Way of Sorrow,” is a historic street in Jerusalem’s Old City that follows the traditional path of the Stations of the Cross. The route begins near the Lions’ Gate and concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, passing through a series of fourteen stations that commemorate events recorded in Christian tradition. Today it remains both a functioning thoroughfare and a significant spiritual path, drawing pilgrims and visitors who follow its course through the intertwined layers of Jerusalem’s religious and historical landscape.

AND BEYOND

National Library of Israel (Jerusalem / Givat Ram)
Why go: Israel’s central library and one of the world’s leading repositories of Jewish heritage, now housed in a major new architectural landmark designed by Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with Mann-Shinar Architects.
Tip: The library offers exhibitions, tours, cultural events, and access to rare collections. Check the program in advance, as many activities require registration.

The National Library of Israel, founded in 1892, serves as the primary institution for preserving the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the broader region. Its new building in Givat Ram, designed by the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron with Israeli partners Mann-Shinar Architects, spans about 45,000 square meters across ten levels. The architectural design combines textured concrete walls, a dramatic curved roof, and a central vertical void that visually links the public reading room with the library’s extensive collections below.

Jerusalem Cinematheque (Jerusalem / Below the Old City Walls)
Why go: A leading center for film culture in Israel, offering Israeli and international screenings, retrospectives, and events, with panoramic views of the Old City.
Tip: If visiting in July, check the schedule for the Jerusalem Film Festival, the Cinematheque’s flagship annual event and one of Israel’s most important film festivals.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque is a major cultural institution dedicated to the appreciation and study of cinema. Located near the Old City walls, it provides a distinctive setting for film screenings across several theaters and maintains one of the country’s most significant film archives. Its year-round program includes Israeli and international films, classic cinema, retrospectives, and special screenings, along with educational initiatives for students and film lovers. Each summer, the Cinematheque hosts the Jerusalem Film Festival, presenting premieres, documentaries, restored classics, and competitions that draw filmmakers and audiences from around the world.

Manofim Festival (Jerusalem / Citywide Contemporary Art Festival)
Why go: Jerusalem’s major annual festival for contemporary art, bringing together artists, galleries, and cultural institutions for exhibitions, performances, and public events across the city.
Tip: The festival takes place each autumn in multiple neighborhoods. Check the program in advance to plan exhibitions, open studios, and tours.

The Manofim Festival is a grassroots citywide initiative that highlights Jerusalem’s contemporary art scene. Held annually, it activates galleries, studios, cultural centers, and public spaces through a broad range of events including exhibitions, performances, open studios, tours, and community projects. The festival supports both emerging and established artists, encouraging collaboration and dialogue across the city’s diverse cultural landscape. By connecting audiences with artistic activity throughout Jerusalem, Manofim enhances the visibility of contemporary art and contributes to the city’s cultural vitality.

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design (Jerusalem / Mount Scopus Campus)
Why go: Israel’s leading institution for art, design, and architecture education, renowned for shaping generations of influential artists and designers since 1906.
Tip: The annual graduate exhibition, held each summer, is open to the public and offers an excellent opportunity to discover emerging talent across all creative disciplines.

Founded in 1906 by Boris Schatz, the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is Israel’s premier center for higher education in the visual and applied arts. Its programs span fine arts, architecture, photography, animation, industrial design, visual communication, and more, supported by distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. A major event in the academy’s calendar is the end-of-year graduate exhibition, where students present innovative projects that reflect current trends and future directions in creative fields.

Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem / City Center)
Why go: Jerusalem’s most famous market and a lively cultural landmark, known for its fresh produce, specialty foods, local eateries, and vibrant atmosphere from morning until late at night.
Tip: Visit during the day for traditional market life and return in the evening when the area transforms into a bustling nightlife hub with bars, street food, and live music.

Mahane Yehuda Market, often called “The Shuk,” is one of Jerusalem’s most dynamic destinations. Founded in the late 19th century, it has grown into a central marketplace offering fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, baked goods, cafés, and restaurants reflecting the city’s diverse culinary traditions. In recent years the market has also become a cultural hotspot, featuring contemporary street art, guided food tours, and nighttime events. With its mix of local vendors, gourmet stalls, and energetic evening scene, Mahane Yehuda offers visitors an authentic taste of Jerusalem’s daily life and evolving food culture.

Are you planning a trip to Israel and seeking the best cultural gems, from its northernmost points to its southernmost corners? Look no further! Explore the comprehensive Culture Treasure travel guide to Israel for insider tips on top galleries, museums, and theaters in the country’s most unexpected destinations. Discover Israel’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary creative scene. Make your visit truly unforgettable with our expertly curated recommendations.

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