Day 1: The Best of Jerusalem in 24 Hours
The Old City — All Four Quarters
Enter through Jaffa Gate and descend into the Old City — one square kilometre containing 4,000 years of history and three of the world's great religions. Walk through the Armenian Quarter's quiet lanes to the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall — the holiest site in Judaism. Touch the ancient stones and place a prayer note. Then walk the Via Dolorosa through the Muslim Quarter to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried.
Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif
Visit the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif (free, non-Muslim visitors enter through the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall, limited hours). The golden Dome of the Rock is one of the most recognisable buildings on earth. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam, stands at the southern end. Non-Muslims cannot enter the buildings but can walk the vast, peaceful plaza. Lunch at Abu Shukri in the Muslim Quarter — legendary hummus (₪30).
Mount of Olives Sunset
Taxi (₪30) to the Mount of Olives for the most iconic view in Jerusalem — the Old City, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Judean Hills glowing at sunset. Walk down through the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before his arrest. Return to the Old City for dinner at Armenian Tavern in the Armenian Quarter (₪60–100 mains) — set in a medieval vaulted cellar with traditional cuisine.
