Hostels in JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

Jerusalem – World’s Holiest City

Jerusalem, the largest city of Israel, is considered holy by Judaism, Islam as well as Christianity. This City of Gold is a jostling amalgamation of the riches and wonders of yesterday and today.

History
The city’s history goes back to the 4th century B.C when it was established by Eber and Shem, Abraham’s ancestors as stated in the Bible. Not until being conquered by David for being united with Israel, the city remained independent under the control of Jebusites. During the course of history, the city has suffered 52 attacks, 23 sieges, 44 times of being captured and recaptured as well as complete destruction for a couple of times. It has been ruled by Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans and British during its history. After declaring independence in 1948, the city has been the centre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which so has not been resolved at all.

Popular Places and Attractions
Old City is Jerusalem’s cultural and historical centre. It is divided into Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Muslim quarters. The Holy Sepulchre Church is located here and is believed to be the site of crucifixion, burial as well as resurrection of Jesus. Mount Moriah, Western Wall, Miraj Dome, St. John’s Church, Al-Aqsa Mosque, St. Anne’s Church and the Flagellation monastery, where the Roman soldiers had flogged Christ, are few other cultural landmarks of Jerusalem’s Old City.

The Via Dolorosa, also referred as the way of Cross, is believed to be the route followed by Jesus during his crucifixion. Several stations have been put along the way for marking different events of his journey. The Israel Museum, Citadel, Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, Biblical Zoo, Wohl Archaeological Museum, Ophel Archaeological Park and St. James Cathedral are just few of the innumerable popular city landmarks. There is no dearth of religious buildings in the city which shall definitely prove to be a treat for any history lover.

Getting Around
Egged buses, taxis, sheruts and walking are the various options available for exploring Jerusalem. Although egged buses remain the most convenient option, walking tours along with a guide would be more rewarding.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, cafes and pubs are the usual places for entertainment in Jerusalem. The city also has a happening folk-music tradition which can be experienced at its Symphony Orchestra. The clubbing venues are marked by disc spinning DJs, trip-hop and techno enthusiasts and all around entertainment by fire eaters and trapeze artists. Tours to Jerusalem’s countryside, Western Wall, Mini Israel and Ramparts can be taken for having some peaceful yet intriguing time. There is also a movie theatre called Time Elevator which can be visited for watching a three-dimensional simulation of Jerusalem’s over 2000 years of history.

Accommodation
Hotels, youth hostels, B&B’s (bed and breakfast), budget hotels, inns, guesthouses and apartments are available for looking after tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The New Shekel (ILS) is the official currency of Israel. Acceptability of credit cards and U.S Dollar traveller’s cheques is also considerably good. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in authorized banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Accurate exchange rates can be known from internet and television news.

Group accommodation in Jerusalem | Youth hostels & discount hotels