A Perfect Day in Jerusalem

An intoxicating fusion of colors, scents, and sounds, the Mahane Yehuda Market is Jerusalem’s biggest and oldest shuk. The stalls here sell everything from fresh produce to bread and babka, and in recent years, Mahane Yehuda has also become a hub for top chef street food restaurants. 

Arguably Israel’s most magnificent cultural asset, the Israel Museum is consistently ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. Housing encyclopedic collections with works dating from prehistory to the present day in archaeology, fine art, and Jewish art, this is the place to get schooled on Israel’s 5,000-year history.

The beautiful building where the Jerusalem Artists House resides was built in 1890 by the Turks. It was later purchased by the Jewish National Fund, with the adjacent building, for the Bezalel School of Art, which settled in the building in 1908. Later, it was established as the Jerusalem Artists House. The Jerusalem Artists House exhibits temporary exhibitions various halls and the first floor has a gallery with a store and a restaurant.

With three Jerusalem chefs running the show, this rustic haven for foodies offers a changing market-to-table menu with all ingredients sourced from the nearby Machne Yehuda Market. The open kitchen gives you a front seat to the action, and the lively, spirited vibes are like no other. This restaurant was the inspiration for two of the most-talked about restaurants in London, The Palomar and The Barbary. Both are known for bringing this ‘Machneyuda’ genre of energetic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to the city.

When Azura opened in Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem in 1952, it was a kind of small niche that served meatless dishes, a product that was once considered a luxury. Since then the restaurant has had a serious case of wanderlust, changing locales several times before returning to Mahane Yehuda. Azura's big break occurred in the first decade of the 2000s, when Jerusalem's largest local market became a culinary attraction. Oh, how the queues have grown since then! Politicians, actors, and frequent victims of the paparazzi now come to Azura to fall in love with their kibbeh, red beets, boiled potatoes, hummus, kebabs, rice, and beans, all made the old-fashioned way. The lines are always long, but the service is always strong. Plus, it's the kind of no-hassle place where you guzzle down and get out. Although the experience is relatively short, every bite is enjoyable, as is the friendly service and extra special Jerusalem atmosphere.

Mamilla Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World features a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking Jerusalem's Old City. This stylish hotel was designed by architect Piero Lissoni and is 10 minutes’ walk from Jaffa Gate.

The hotel offers a choice of restaurants, including the trendy Mirror Bar with live music and the seasonal brasserie with city views. Mamilla Café restaurant serves local specialities.

Rooms at Hotel Mamilla are equipped with LCD TV, pure Egyptian cotton bed linen and modern-style décor. Some bathrooms feature a transparent glass wall that can be switched on and off.

The modern Akasha Wellness Centre includes a spa and an indoor swimming pool. A sauna, fitness room and massages are also available on site.

Set within the Mamilla shopping area, the property is a 20-minute walk from the Western Wall, while the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is 750 metres away. Ben Gurion Airport is 48 km from the Mamilla Hotel.

With its swimming pool, gourmet restaurants, landscaped gardens and a high-tech fitness centre, The American Colony Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World offers a tranquil atmosphere in the heart of the vibrant city of Jerusalem. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.

Rooms at The American Colony are located in 4 buildings; the Main House, the East House, the Palm House and the Cow Byre. Luxurious and spacious rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TV and Italian "Frette" bed linen. The modern bathrooms are equipped with designer amenities.

You can enjoy a selection of international and local savoury products in the garden, in the bar and or in the patio.

The hotel wellness centre includes an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and a well equipped fitness room. The business centre is at your disposal for free.

The American Colony Hotel is less than 2 km from the Old City. The nearby light-rail can take you to Jerusalem's modern city centre. Free on-site parking is available.

The Sultan’s Pool is an outdoor amphitheater located just outside the Old City walls in Jerusalem. It is used for concerts, for the yearly Opera Festival, and for other outdoor events, including the Hutzot Hayotzer Arts Festival. Featuring the hottest artists from Israel and abroad, Sultan’s Pool is one of the best summer venues for concerts under the sky. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman in 1536, playing at this historical venue is a dream for every Israeli artist. With a breathtaking view and atmosphere, it is a special unique place to see a show.

Ticho House was one of the first houses in Jerusalem built outside the Old City walls, and it’s filled with the atmosphere of old Jerusalem and the art of Israel’s beloved painter Anna Ticho (1894 -1980). Today the house hosts exhibits of leading artists, alongside chamber performances by immigrant and veteran Israeli artists.

In the center of Jerusalem, amidst the ancient sites and modern business district, lies Independence Park. The public park attracts Jerusalemites and visitors of all stripes to enjoy a respite from the city, or attend a concert or rally. The expansive green space is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, attend an event or walk through on your way to a nearby restaurant or site.

At this Jerusalem landmark of science and technology, each exhibition comes with interesting explanations, gadgets, and science toys to play with. Throughout the week, the museum offers scientific demonstrations, guided tours, workshops, and activity corners.

Established in 2011 as part of the Zappa group of concert halls, Zappa Jerusalem features the best musical acts from around Israel and abroad - boasting two different levels for seating areas and a lively bar area. The kitchen features a Kosher menu, allowing guests to enjoy a meal before the show with specific options for dietary needs. So don your dancing shoes and grab a drink, a show at Zappa is a must-see.

Often regarded as Jerusalem’s most beautiful neighborhood, Ein Karem is comfortably seated at the foot of the Jerusalem Hills. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, you’ll find a peaceful haven surrounded by rich green forests and charming immaculate streets. Known in the Bible as the birthplace of John the Baptist, this exquisite village is home to the Church of St John the Baptist, Visitation Church, the Notre Dame de Sion convent, the Greek Orthodox St. John convent, the Al Moskovia Russian monastery and Mary’s Well. If you’re here for music, the Eden-Tamir Music Center hosts chamber concerts, piano concerts and more. If art is more your taste, a simple stroll will lead you to countless galleries and the famous twelve stained-glass windows of the Hadassah Hospital Synagogue. If you find yourself suddenly craving a fine dining experience, Ein Karem is one of the best neighborhoods in the Jerusalem culinary world, hosting a delicious variety of Moroccan, French and Italian cuisines. And once you’ve finished your meal, why not explore the night life a little and see the many bars that this memorable region has to offer.