Visiting the Holy Sites in Jerusalem in One Day
Is it Possible to See Jerusalem's Holy Sites in One Day?
For those visiting Israel, a trip to the holy sites in Jerusalem is typically one of the highlights of their trip. But for travelers with limited time, I wondered if it is possible to see Jerusalem’s holy sites in one day. The answer is yes; it is possible to see the main holy sites of Jerusalem in one day.
Jerusalem is a holy city for followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The main sites that can be seen in one day include the Dome of the Rock, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Tower of David, as well as the various quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. For those interested in seeing any additional holy sites in Jerusalem, a second day would likely be needed.
It is important to remember that the Old City of Jerusalem is typically extremely crowded. During my visit, I spent time waiting in line to view some of the religious sites, specifically inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Video Highlights of Visiting Jerusalem's Holy Sites in a Single Day
Visiting the Holy Sites in Jerusalem in One Day - Table of Contents
- Is it Possible to See Jerusalem’s Holy Sites in One Day?
- Video Highlights of Visiting Jerusalem in a Single Day
- Is a Guide Needed to See the Holy Sites in Jerusalem?
- My Tour of Jerusalem
- The Best Views of Jerusalem – The Mt. Scopus Viewpoint
- Entering Jerusalem Through the Jaffa Gate
- The Tower of David
- Walking Around the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem
- The Corinthian Columns of Jerusalem
- The Hurva Synagogue
- The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery
- The Dome of the Rock
- The Western Wall
- Walking Around the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem
- Viewing the Stations of the Cross
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Jerusalem Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
Disclaimer: Buzzin’ Around the World strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on our research at the time of publication. We respect all applicable laws and fair use principles. If you believe any information is incorrect or violates regulations, please contact us at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Affiliate Links and Reviews: We use affiliate links to generate income and may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you use our links. We strive for honest and transparent reviews, even for products which we receive compensation.
Content Creation: Our content is based on our own travel experiences. All photos are our own unless otherwise stated. We sometimes utilize AI tools to assist with tasks like generating titles, summarizing content, and improving organization.
For more information: For more information, please click HERE to visit our private policy page. We can be reached at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Is a Guide Needed to Visit the Holy Sites in Jerusalem?
One of the things I am often asked by my readers is, “Should I take a tour or see the sights on my own?” My advice is that it is always better to hire a guide or take a tour, as a local expert will know the best places for photos and be able to provide the tourist with additional information. For Jerusalem, I highly recommend hiring a guide or taking a tour. The Old City of Jerusalem has many narrow streets that can be difficult to navigate.
For those who are on a strict budget, it is possible to see the holy sites of Jerusalem without a guide. Just know that you will likely miss out on quite a bit of information.
My Tour of Jerusalem with Bien Harim
During my visit, I booked a tour with the company Bien Harim. I used Bien Harim for multiple tours throughout Israel and found them to provide excellent service. My tour of the Old City of Jerusalem was paired with a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center. We spent the morning/early afternoon touring the Old City of Jerusalem and then drove to Yad Vashem, where we spent two hours visiting the Holocaust Remembrance Center. Photos were not allowed at Yad Vashem, but I highly recommend visiting this powerful museum.
The tour began with a representative from Bein Harim picking me up from my hotel. Bein Harim shuttles their clients to a central location where they meet their specific guides. Shuttling the passengers saves a lot of time as the buses focus on a specific region of Jerusalem instead of having to drive all over the city.
For this tour, our central location was the Mt. Scopus Viewpoint. Upon arriving at the viewpoint, I was introduced to our driver Sergei, and guide Udi. The rest of this page will highlight my experience touring the holy sites of the Old City of Jerusalem with Udi and Bien Harim Tours.
Best Views of Jerusalem - The Mt. Scopus Viewpoint
According to our tour guide Udi, the Mt. Scopus Viewpoint offers some of the best views of Jerusalem. This viewpoint served as the meeting point for our tour. While we waited for all of our tourmates to arrive, we had the option of taking photographs and purchasing breakfast and coffee.
Once everyone arrived, Udi had us sit in the shade and went over the day’s itinerary. He also spent some time pointing out the main holy sites of Jerusalem. Pictured below is the Dome of the Rock. The Dome of the Rock is the holiest site in Jerusalem for followers of Islam.
Udi also pointed out the holiest site for members of the Christian Religion. This site is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built on the site where Jesus Christ was crucified and entombed.
Before we departed for the Old City of Jerusalem, Udi pointed out the Mount of Olives. For followers of Judaism, the Mount of Olives is the location where they believe the Messiah will appear. The Mount of Olives is also important to Christians because they believe it is the location where Jesus Christ ascended into heaven.
Entering Jerusalem Through the Jaffa Gate
Once everyone arrived for our tour, we left the Mt. Scopus Viewpoint and drove to the Old City of Jerusalem. Sergei dropped us off near the entrance to the Jaffa Gate, and Udi began leading us on a walking tour of the Old City.
Udi told us an interesting story about the Jaffa Gate. Built-in 1539 by the Ottoman Empire, the wall was breached in 1898 by the Ottoman authorities ahead of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany’s visit to the Old City of Jerusalem. In addition to breaching the gate, part of the moat surrounding Old Jerusalem had to be filled in as well.
The Tower of David
After entering through the Jaffa Gate, Udi led us to our first stop, which was the Tower of David. The Tower of David, also sometimes referred to as the Citadel, has been a strategic defense point for over 3,000 years. The current structure dates back to the Ottoman period, although it was built atop earlier portions of a fortress that dates back to the 1st Century BC.
During the period of Herod the Great, three massive towers were built. One of those towers, the Phasael Tower, is still standing today. With limited time, we did not tour the Tower of David. Instead, we stopped for photos and a brief information session from Udi.
Walking Around the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem
From the Tower of David, our tour continued with a walk through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Jewish Quarter consisted of narrow streets lined with brick walls. Our main stops in the Jewish Quarter would be the Hurva Synagogue and the Western Wall.
The Corinthian Columns of Jerusalem
As we passed through the Jewish Quarter on our way to the Hurva Synagogue, we stopped at the Corinthian Columns of Jerusalem. These columns were created by the Romans and lined a street known as Cardo Maximus. Today, Cardo Maximus is lined with shops and houses.
Hurva Synagogue of Jerusalem
After passing the Corinthian Columns of Jerusalem, we arrived at the Hurva Synagogue. The Hurva Synagogue was built in 1864 and stood until it was destroyed during the 1948 Arab/Israeli War. Following the war, plans were made to rebuild the synagogue. It took a while, and the Hurva Synagogue was rebuilt in 2010. Excavations of the area have found that multiple synagogues have been in the general area, with the earliest dating back to the 2nd Century.
Behind the Hurva Synagogue is the Sidna Omar Mosque. The mosque was built around 1400 and has been closed ever since Israel took over the Old City of Jerusalem.
Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery
Our next stop was a viewing point of the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery. Udi explained that the cemetery faces the Mount of Olives because followers of Judaism believe that the Messiah will appear at the Mount of Olives and then begin walking towards the Old City of Jerusalem to begin the resurrection.
According to Udi, Jewish tradition states then when the Messiah appears, the bodies of the deceased will be brought back from the dead and reunited with their souls. It is because of this belief that the Mount of Olives Cemetery is the most important Jewish cemetery in the world. Many Jewish people desire to be buried in the Mount of Olives Cemetery because they believe they will be one of the first to be resurrected.
Today, there are between 75,000 and 150,000 tombs in the Mount of Olives Cemetery.
Dome of the Rock
After passing by the Mount of Olives Cemetery, we walked towards the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. The Dome of the Rock is the holiest site in Jerusalem for followers of Islam. They believe that this was the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. Udi explained that we could only look at the Dome of the Rock from the outside as non-Muslims are not allowed inside.
Western Wall
As soon as we were done learning about the Dome of the Rock, we continued walking towards the Western Wall. This wall is known by many names, including the Western Wall, Wailing Wall, or Kotel, and is the holiest site in Jerusalem to members of the Jewish faith. The Western Wall is the last remaining original wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, which enclosed the Temple Mount and dates back to 19 BC.
Udi explained that it is important to be respectful when visiting the Western Wall as there will be people actively praying. He also recommended that we burrow a Yamika before approaching the wall. Near the entrance to the Western Wall, there is a bin of white Yamikas for tourists.
Before we approached the wall, Udi reminded us that there are specific sides of the wall for women and men. According to the beliefs of Orthodox Jews, men and women should pray separately in the synagogue. This belief also pertains to the Western Wall, although non-Orthodox Jews have tried for years to end the segregation.
It is customary when visiting the Western Wall to write a prayer on a piece of paper and put it in the cracks of the wall. Jews believe that this prayer will be given special attention as it will ascend to heaven through the Temple Mount.
One of our tour members asked Udi what happens to the prayers left in the Western Wall. Udi explained that they are gathered and buried on the Mount of Olives, which keeps in line with Jewish traditions.
Anyone is allowed to put a prayer in the Western Wall, whether they are Jewish or not. Below is a photo of the prayer that I put in the Western Wall.
Also located near the Western Wall are a variety of prayer books. I even found a vending machine near the Western Wall that sold prayer books. Udi told us that the prayer books are left throughout the area by the Western Wall to show that Jews are now allowed to pray openly without any opposition.
Before leaving the Western Wall, Udi led us inside the Western Wall Tunnel. In its entirety, the Western Wall is just over 1,600 feet in length. Of that 1,600 feet, only 200 feet are exposed. The rest of the Western Wall is underground and can only be seen through the Western Wall Tunnel.
During our tour, we didn’t have time to explore the Western Wall Tunnel.
Walking Around the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem
It was now time to leave the Jewish Quarter and enter the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. As we entered the Muslim Quarter, we began to see beautiful Arabic calligraphy written on the walls.
As we continued walking through the Muslim Quarter, we came across some fountains for washing. Before prayer, Muslims typically wash their hands, mouth, face, and feet.
The Muslim Quarter is the largest of the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. Although the buildings around Jerusalem all look similar, it was easy to tell that we were in the Muslim Quarter based on the signs and decorations.
After walking through a Muslim market, Udi explained that we were now going to see some of the Stations of the Cross. While we wouldn’t have time to see all 14 Stations of the Cross, we would be able to see quite a few.
How to See the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem
There are 14 Stations of the Cross that follow the journey of Jesus Christ from the time he was sentenced to death until his body was placed in his tomb. Udi told us that we wouldn’t be able to see all of the Stations of the Cross, but he would point out as many as he could on our way through the Muslim Quarter towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The 14 Stations of the Cross
- Jesus is condemned to death
- Jesus takes up his Cross
- Jesus falls the first time
- Jesus meets his Mother
- Simon helps Jesus carry the Cross
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
- Jesus falls for the second time
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Jesus falls for the third time
- Jesus is stripped of his garments
- Jesus is nailed to the Cross
- Jesus dies on the Cross
- Jesus is taken down from the Cross
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
The 5th Station of the Cross - Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
The 5th Station of the Cross was the first of the stations we visited. Udi explained that it was at this location that Jesus stumbled and braced his hand on the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Seeing Jesus struggle to carry the cross, Simon of Cyrene offered to help Jesus carry it. Jesus accepted the help and Simon and Jesus together carried the cross.
The photo below shows the area in the Muslim Quarter where artwork and writing marks the 5th Station of the Cross. All of the Stations of the Cross are marked with a Roman numeral numbered 1 through 14.
The location where Christians believe Jesus braced himself by touching the wall is still accessible today. You can see in the photos below how many people have touched the stone wall.
The 6th Station of the Cross - Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Just a few hundred yards away is the 6th Station of the Cross. Christians believe that at the 6th Station of the Cross, a woman named Veronica comes out of the crowd and offers Jesus her vail to wipe his face.
The 7th Station of the Cross - Jesus Falls for the Second Time
Our final stop before reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the 7th Station of the Cross. In this location, Christians believe that Jesus fell for the second time.
The location where Jesus fell for the second time is covered by a small church. Entry is free, although there is a donation box that asks for a small donation.
We were unable to see the 8th Station of the Cross due to limited time. The final Stations of the Cross, stations 9 through 14, are all located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which would be the final stop on our tour of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The final stop on our tour of the holy sites in Jerusalem was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site in Jerusalem to members of the Christian faith and marks the location where Jesus Christ was crucified and entombed. Like all of the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem, there is no admission to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The original Church of the Holy Sepulchre was constructed in 335 AD and destroyed in the 11th Century. The current structure was built in 1048 and restored in 1810.
The Calvary - The Location of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
It was difficult to get good photos inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the church is an active place of worship. I tried my best to get a few photographs without disturbing the people who had come here to pray.
Our first stop was the Calvary, which marked the location where Jesus Christ was crucified. Marked by an altar, the Rock of the Calvary is the most visited location inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Next to the Rock of the Calvary is a mosaic that shows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Stone of Anointing
After visiting the Calvary, our next stop was the Stone of Anointing. Christians believe that Jesus’ body was prepared for burial on top of this stone.
Visitors are able to touch the Stone of Anointing, where Christians believe Jesus’ body once laid.
Behind the Stone of Anointing are three mosaics that show the process of the burial of Jesus Christ.
The Tomb of Jesus Christ
The final location that we visited in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the location where Jesus Christ was entombed and resurrected. There were no photos allowed inside the tomb, but I was able to take a few photos of the exterior.
The larger of the two domes at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located above the tomb of Jesus Christ. The dome opens up towards the sky, and sunlight shines directly down on the tomb of Jesus.
I had to wait about 30 minutes for my turn to enter the Tomb of Jesus Christ. As stated earlier, there are no photos allowed inside the tomb, and there are ushers located outside and inside the tomb to keep the crowds of people moving.
During our tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Udi stayed near the Stone of Anointing to answer any questions. I did explore additional parts of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but without having the expertise of my guide, I decided not to include them in my descriptions.
Jerusalem Tours and Packages
In my opinion, the best way to see the holy sites of the Old City of Jerusalem is to take a tour. Below, I have linked a few tour packages. These packages offer group tours and private tours of the holy sites of the Old City of Jerusalem. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Jerusalem Old and New Holy Sites Tour from Jerusalem - $112.00 Holy Jerusalem Tour- Western Wall, Church of Holy Sepulchre, Yad Vashem |
 Old City of Jerusalem - Half-Day Tour for Individuals - $107.72 This tour is unique in that it totally connects the tourist with this ancient city full of contrasts and spiritual heritage. |
 Old Jerusalem Holy City Tour - $40.00 Experience the rich history of Jerusalem with a tour packed with amazing sites, stories and spectacles that will bring a new meaning to almost every page in Biblical history. Leave political opinions and preconceptions behind as you begin this truly inspiring and revealing tour of an extraordinary city. |
 Private Guided Tour in old city Jerusalem - $200.00 Stroll back in time to learn the city’s centuries-old stories, take a foodie tour for a taste of the town. Visit 4 quarters ( Jewish, Armenian, Muslim and Christian ) with knowledgeable and licensed tour guide. If you don’t have enough time to get to know this city, your personal guide will show you the main sights of old city of Jerusalem. During the tour you will learn a lot about Jewish religion, traditions, history of the town and of course will try national food. |
 Jerusalem Old City -private tour - $425.00 Flexibility ! Privacy ! Comfort ! |
Buzzin' Around the World's Affiliate Partners
Affiliate Partner of the Month - Viator
Viator is my favorite website for booking tours and packages. With over 300,000 unique tours to choose from, everyone should be able to find something on Viator that interests them. I like Viator because anytime I have an issue with a tour company, Viator has intervened and helped on my behalf. I highly recommend using Viator for booking your tours and vacation packages.
Book Through the Link Below to Help Buzzin' Around the World Earn Commission
Earn $200 in Travel Rewards with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card is one of the few rewards cards that does not charge an annual fee. Cardholders can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent while enjoying 0% APR for 15 months.
Currently, Capital One is offering a signup bonus of 20,000 points (worth $200 in travel rewards) when the cardholder spends $500 in the first three months. If you are interested in this card, I would appreciate it if you would sign up with the link below, as I earn a referral bonus of 10,000 points. Those points are worth $100 in travel rewards and will help me continue to bring great content to Buzzin’ Around the World.
Once again, the Capital One VentureOne card is one of the few reward cards without an annual fee and is the perfect card for someone who is just starting to get into the travel points game.