10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Jerusalem, Israel

  • Day 1: The Western Wall
    12 minutes (2.4 km) from city centre

    The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most sacred spots in the world for Jewish people. Visitors can leave a written prayer in the wall's crevices and witness many joyful occasions.

  • Day 2: Yad Vashem
    14 minutes (4.2 km) from The Western Wall

    Yad Vashem, a museum devoted to the Holocaust and its victims, is not suitable for younger children but is an educational representative of the terror war’s destructiveness. It includes an extensive art collection centered on the Holocaust and separate monuments commemorating the different victims.

  • Day 3: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
    25 minutes (9.1 km) from Yad Vashem

    The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is an animal attraction that provides both and enjoyable visit and significant knowledge about animal conservation from the scriptures. It has a large variety of animals, including many that are growing extinct.

  • Day 4: The Israel Museum
    19 minutes (6.4 km) from Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

    The Israel Museum has a comprehensive collection of Jewish art and archeology. The Dead Sea Scrolls, representing the oldest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible, are kept in the museum. Children can also participate in arts and crafts activities in the Youth Wing’s Art Garden

  • Day 5: The Mount of Olives
    12 minutes (3.3 km) from The Israel Museum

    The Mount of Olives is significant to all three of the Abrahamic religions due to its association with many stories from the Bible. It provides a magnificent view of Jerusalem’s Old City, with many Jewish tombs of the past just a stroll away.

  • Day 6: Mahane Yehuda Market
    13 minutes (3.2 km) from The Mount of Olives

    The Mahane Yehuda Market, known as "The Shuk", is an outdoor market that sells everything from food and clothes to cosmetics and Judaica. The auctioned fresh produce here is best to taste, it is an exquisite way to find out about Israeli culture,

  • Day 7: City of David
    16 minutes (3.9 km) from Mahane Yehuda Market

    The City of David is an archaeological excavation site with enriched features such as ancient tunnels, the famous Gihon Spring and nature trails. Children may find it confusing, and thus arrangements are for visitor-friendly guides in the English language.

  • Day 8: The Church of Holy Sepulchre
    11 minutes (2.5 km) from City of David

    The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a Christian church situated in the historic Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. Traditional claim cites that it is the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and the location of the tomb in which he was placed after his death.

  • Day 9: Jerusalem Archaeological Park
    18 minutes (2.8km) from The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

    The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is an extensive park of which a few entire previous city following various civilizations can still be seen. Participants here can find relics of ancient Roman architecture, such as the Southern Wall’s remains and the Herodian quarter street, genuine arched alleys of the Crusader Era.

  • Day 10: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
    1 hour and 4 minutes (95.7 km) from Jerusalem Archaeological Park

    Ein Gedi Nature Reserve boasts an oasis in the middle of the desert, facilitating magnificent natural scenery such as clear waterfalls, fire-red mountains, and dominant cliffs. Children and adults alike can explore pools that are behind the falls' brims and hike or walk on observation paths.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • The Western Wall (45 min, Free)
  • Yad Vashem (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Jerusalem Biblical Zoo (3 hours +, 49 ILS/Adult, 38 ILS/Child)
  • The Israel Museum (2-3 hours, 54 ILS/Adult, 27 ILS/Child)
  • The Mount of Olives (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Mahane Yehuda Market (2-3 hours, varies depending on purchase)
  • City of David (2-3 hours, 55-65 ILS/person)
  • The Church of Holy Sepulchre (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Jerusalem Archaeological Park (2-3 hours, 28 ILS/Adult, 14 ILS/Child)
  • Ein Gedi Nature Reserve (4-6 hours, 29-54 ILS)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 335-432 ILS per person

Transportation:

It is recommended to rent a car to visit both Jerusalem and other exciting destinations nearby, as it can be challenging for travelers to get around without a car. Alternatively, visitors can also opt for public transportation (JBus) and taxis to explore the city.

Average cost:

  • Car Rental: approximately 150-200 ILS/day
  • JBus: 5.90 ILS per ride (buyable in groups)
  • Taxis: 12 ILS per km + initial charge of 13.10 ILS

Travel time:

  • Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: 1 hour 10 minutes (83.1 km)
  • Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem: 51 minutes (46.7 km)

Useful Tips:

There are several other family-friendly spots to visit in Israel if you have more time. Consider adding a trip to the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, or Tel Aviv. And if you have less than ten days, consider spending fewer days in Jerusalem to explore more destinations, or you can skip any activity that doesn't interest your family. Moreover, carry enough water & snacks to stay hydrated and energetic during your sightseeing day trips.

Airports:

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is the main airport of Jerusalem, situated 47 km from the city center. A short taxi or train ride connects to the downtown area.

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