Darija Stojanovic 
Howdy traveler! As the road takes you to the Holy Land, I’ll be your trip-planning gal for where to stay in Jerusalem!
I live close to Jerusalem and have visited this ancient city countless times, and I’m thrilled to share my experience with you!
The best area to stay in Jerusalem is the City Center. If the Old Town is the soul of the city, the City Center is its palpitating heart with many things touristy.
In this Jerusalem neighborhood guide, I share 6 areas for all traveler interests, accompanied by the best hotels. I compared hundreds of properties and cherrypicked the best-rated ones to save you time on planning!
In the end, all that’ll be left for you to do is book a room and hit the road! The important part is to book in advance because Jerusalem is packed with tourists all year round.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Book the best Jerusalem hotels now and get the adventure started:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown Jerusalem – where to stay for first-timers
- 2. The Old City – where to stay in Jerusalem for history
- 3. Musrara – best area to stay in Jerusalem for art lovers
- 4. The German Colony – where to stay for families
- 5. Mamilla & Yemin Moshe – where to stay for luxury
- 6. East Jerusalem – where to stay on a budget
- FAQs about where to stay in Jerusalem
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
This map will help you visualize the Jerusalem neighborhoods I talk about in this post:
1. Downtown Jerusalem – where to stay for first-timers
Downtown Jerusalem is my favorite place to stay whenever I visit Jerusalem, Israel! It’s ideally nestled between the Old Town and the Central Train Station, it has delicious bakeries, art galleries, quirky shops, and everything in between.
Major sites include Zion Square, the very center of the city abutted by vibrant Jaffa Street, Ben Yehuda Street, and Yoel Salomon pedestrian mall. All three are a must-visit during the day and evening, featuring fabulous attractions (think colorful umbrella streets, cute ceramics shops, and hipster eateries)!
Jaffa Street is the longest road of the three leading to the City Hall, just outside of the Old City. Hop on the light rail passing through Jaffa Street, and you’ll be in the Old City in minutes!
Take the light rail in the opposite direction, and you’ll shortly reach Machane Yehuda, probably the Middle East’s most popular market, in the Nachlaot sub-district! We always stop by Marzipan Bakery for fresh pastries (try their rugelach!). The smell coming out of this place is SO amazing!
There are many museums and institutions here commemorating Jewish history and culture. The two most important ones are The Friends of Zion, dedicated to non-Jewish communities who helped build Israel, and the Hebrew Music Museum, with super fun musical instrument displays.
Head to Sacher Park, west of the City Center, and have a lasagna at Gan Sipur Café! They have the best lasagna, plus a charming atmosphere! Verified by me and my foodie husband.
Other accommodation options in City Center
Things to do in Downtown Jerusalem
- Go souvenir shopping on Ben Yehuda Street
- Take a tour of Machane Yehuda Market
- Walk past Zion Square and Jaffa Street until you reach Old City
- Explore the Nachlaot architecture’s own unique charm
- Broaden your horizons at the FOZ Museum and Hebrew Music Museum
- Check out the local art galleries
- Have a picnic in Sacher Park and eat lasagna in Gan Sipur
2. The Old City – where to stay in Jerusalem for history
A history buff’s heaven, the Old City of Jerusalem is home to the most important religious sites for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. It’s located east of the City Center, only a short light rail ride away.
FUN FACT: The oldest part of Jerusalem was inhabited around 4,000 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world!
Stay here to explore the Old City’s four quarters in detail: Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian. Here’s a quick overview of the top landmarks:
- The Dome of the Rock, a 7th-century mosque with impressive tile work in Temple Mount
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christ’s tomb is
- Western Wall (+ tunnels), the last remaining part of the ancient Jewish temple
- Via Dolorosa, the road traveled by Jesus before the crucifixion
- Tower of David, the remains of the ancient citadel with spectacular light shows at night
- Old City Market, narrow labyrinth streets in the Arab and Christian quarter with small shops selling quirky souvenirs, ceramics, and anything in between
- Cardo, a lively street in the Jewish Quarter with Judaica shops, eclectic eateries, and artisan stores
When I walk around the Old City, I always enter through Jaffa Gate and exit through Damascus Gate or Lion Gate. Just grab a map and follow the attractions along the way, and you’ll see the major sites!
In 3000 years, Jerusalem was destroyed twice, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times! Unbelievable!
We have an entire article dedicated to Jerusalem’s TOP attractions! Check it out here for extra tips and ideas!
INSIDER’S TIP: Climb to the rooftop terrace of Austrian Hospice to admire stunning views of Jerusalem, then sit in its garden to freshen up! I can never get enough of this place!
NOTE: The only reason why I wouldn’t recommend the Old City for first-time visitors is because Downtown has many more restaurants, shops, and cafés where you can relax in the evening or at night.
Other accommodation options in The Old City
Things to do in the Old City
- Take a unique dual-narrative tour of the Old City
- Find out about Crusader architecture at St. Anne’s Church
- Meet the Orthodox Jews on a tour
- Have lunch in the Armenian Tavern (open on Saturdays!)
- Take a tour of the Tower of David
- Check the gift shop at the Temple Institute Museum
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3. Musrara – best area to stay in Jerusalem for art lovers
If you’re an art lover looking for where to stay in Jerusalem, Musrara is the place for you!
This small area is known for the social protests that took place here in the 1970s. It’s located between The Old City and the City Center, and nowadays, it’s a peaceful space filled with art galleries.
This area has its own unique charm and architecture, combining Arab and Jewish influences as both communities took part in building this neighborhood.
Popular attractions include the Muslala Cultural Center with urban exhibitions, the Museum of Underground Prisoners commemorating Jewish underground organizations and their prisoners, and the Musrara School of Art (no wonder why they have those beautiful graffiti everywhere).
Musrara is a residential district, so you’ll mostly find budget-friendly bed and breakfasts here. For luxury options, check out the City Center or Mamilla, both a short walk away.
Other accommodation options in Musrara
Things to do in Musrara
- Be in awe of the impressive architecture and street art
- Visit the Museum of Underground Prisoners
- Mingle with the students and see their art at the Musrara School of Art
- See unique artwork at the Musrara Mix Festival taking place in May
- Explore the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity bordering Musrara
4. The German Colony – where to stay for families
A cosmopolitan neighborhood in southern Jerusalem, the German Colony was home to the German templars in the 19th century. Today, its vibrant streets are filled with upscale cafés and green spaces.
Emek Refain is the heart and soul of the German Colony neighborhood, where you’ll find shops, cinemas, eateries, and open-air fairs all year round.
The Museum of Natural History in the German Colony is a gem for kids with educational shows and dinosaur replicas, while the Hansen House is a nice place for music and art shows!
As you stroll past the charming streets of the German Colony, you’ll see historic buildings built by Templars, Ottomans, and modern-day Israelis.
The abundance of parks (like the Beit Elisheva Park, Mood Groove Garden, or the Community Garden) makes the German Colony great for families or anyone who’d like a relaxed stay. You’ll still be less than 30 minutes away from the Old City on foot and around 10 minutes by car.
Other accommodation options in The German Colony
Things to do in The German Colony
- Explore the eclectic Emek Refaim Street
- Have fun with the family at the Museum of Natural History
- Go on a relaxing walk in the nearby Peace Forest
- See a cool exhibition at the nearby Museum of Islamic Art
- Drive to the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
5. Mamilla & Yemin Moshe – where to stay for luxury
Welcome to Mamilla and Yemin Moshe, Jerusalem’s prime destinations for luxury! Many Jerusalem hotels with 5 stars, like Mamilla Hotel, King David Hotel, and Waldorf Astoria, are here! These are, hands down, some of the best luxury hotels in Israel!
The Alrov Mamilla Avenue is the hotspot for upscale shopping and chilling out in cafés with Old City views. I love walking past the avenue on my way to the Old City, and I suggest you do the same itinerary!
However, it’s not all about luxury and glamor here. Walking south on King David Street, you’ll reach the Montefiore Windmill, a famous landmark in the bohemian Mishkenot Shaananim neighborhood (with an AWESOME Old City viewpoint!).
Wealthy Sir Moses Montefiore built this Windmill so the residents could mill flour in the first Jewish neighborhood outside the Old City walls.
Did you know that Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of Jerusalem: The Biography, one of the most iconic books on Jerusalem, is related to Sir Moses Montefiore?
My personal highlight of the area is The First Station, a 19th-century train station repurposed into an urban pedestrian mall featuring fancy shops, a small Luna park, and quirky souvenir shops. It’s open during the Sabbath, too!
Other attractions include the Begin Museum, commemorating one of Israel’s most beloved leaders and soldiers called Menachem Begin, and the Liberty Bell Park, perfect for children to run free. Finally, I recommend Zappa at the Lab venue for music shows.
Mount Zion, another one of the most sacred places for Jews, is located just outside of the Old City, also bordering the Yemin Moshe area!
Other accommodation options in Mamilla & Yemin Moshe
I’d also like to recommend a hotel where I once stayed with my husband, the Brown JLM. Everything was perfect here, from the location near the City Center to the staff, rooms, and even bathrooms!
Things to do in Mamilla & Yemin Moshe
- Walk and shop in the Alrov Mamilla Avenue
- Roam around King David Street
- Capture the beauty of the Montefiore Windmill
- Visit the Liberty Bell Park
- Explore the Menachem Begin Heritage Center
- Catch a sunset from the Bible Hill
6. East Jerusalem – where to stay on a budget
The East Jerusalem neighborhood encompasses the North and East of the Jerusalem Old City.
Just outside the Lion’s Gate (East of the Old City), you’ll find the tomb of the Virgin Mary and Gethsemane, a small Biblical garden where Jesus is believed to have been arrested. The area is also known for the Mount of Olives, the oldest cemetery in the world that is still active!
Did you know that a burial place in Mount of Olives costs more than $30,000? This is one of the most expensive cemeteries in the world!
When you leave the Muslim Quarter through the Damascus Gate (North of the Old City), you’ll step into a typical busy Arab neighborhood with shops, fresh bread stalls, and the crowd mingling in all directions.
Other attractions in East Jerusalem include the City of David (ancient Jerusalem neighborhood), the Church of All Nations (where Jesus used to pray), the Museum of the Seam (socio-political art museum), and the Garden Tomb (another possible place of Jesus’s tomb and resurrection).
East Jerusalem is best for budget travelers because it’s part of the Palestinian Territories, and life there is much cheaper than in Israel! What’s best, I’ve been here dozens of times and never felt unsafe!
Other accommodation options in East Jerusalem
Things to do in East Jerusalem
- Climb the Mount of Olives
- Discover the amazing Church of All Nations
- Visit the historic site of the City of David
- Check out the socio-politico contemporary art at the Museum on the Seam
- Walk around the Valley of Jehoshaphat
- Learn new things about Palestine at the Rockefeller Archeological Museum
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $100 |
| 📍 Best area: | The Old City |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Mamilla Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | My Jerusalem View |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hashimi Hotel |
FAQs about where to stay in Jerusalem
🧭 Where should I stay in Jerusalem, east or west?
East Jerusalem is home to the major sites for tourists, it’s cheaper, and has fewer late-night dining options. West Jerusalem is modern, more expensive, and offers more nightlife opportunities. Pick your favorite!
🏙️ How many days do you need for Jerusalem?
I recommend spending between 3 and 4 days in Jerusalem to experience all the magic the city offers.
🇮🇱 What should you not miss in Jerusalem?
You can’t miss the Old City for its important historic landmarks. Mahane Yehuda Market, Jaffa Street, Israel Museum, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center are other important attractions.
❓ What area is best to stay in Jerusalem?
Downtown is best for first-timers, Old City for history buffs, and Mamilla for luxury! Jerusalem is a captivating city with so much to offer to different travelers, so pick your area depending on your interests!
✅ What is the safest part of Jerusalem?
All of it! I’ve been to Jerusalem many times and felt safe everywhere, from the Old City to Downtown to East Jerusalem. So don’t worry about safety! Police are present everywhere to do that part for you.
🚶🏻♀️ What is the best way to see Jerusalem?
Walking! Especially the Old City! And if you visit other areas like Downtown or go further West, use light rail and buses. A car is always a good idea for traveling long distances, especially if you’re visiting with a family.
Conclusion
I hope my Jerusalem neighborhood guide helped you decide where to stay in Jerusalem! This multifaceted city is full of history on every corner, but it’s also modern and has something to offer to all types of travelers!
During my trips to Jerusalem, Israel, I visited all the areas I mentioned above, but I’m always eager to see more of this magical city! Now, here are 2 of my favorite Jerusalem hotels:
- Mamilla Hotel – one of the best Jerusalem hotels with posh amenities and a perfect location
- Austrian Pilgrim Hospice – the most charming accomodation to stay in Jerusalem with a European flair
Again, my friendly reminder to book your stay in advance to secure the best deals!
Finally, feel free to ask me anything about Jerusalem in the comments! I’ll be quick to answer!
Have a pleasant stay in Jerusalem,
Darija
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Excellent text, and very educational.