About Jerusalem

For visitors wanting to experience the heady blend of ancient biblical culture and vibrant Israeli city, Jerusalem budget travel offers the chance to enjoy a thrilling city that is full of world-class attractions and highlights, for the holiday of a lifetime.

Jerusalem Budget Travel

Below is a list of Jerusalem's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Dome Of The Rock

View all activities in Jerusalem

Airports

Jerusalem airports include the following:
• Ovda International Airport
• Ben Gurion International Airport

Birdlife

Jerusalem birds are typical of Israel’s bird population in general. Israel's location on the migration route from Europe and Western Asia to Africa is responsible for the very large variety of species found in the country. Raptors such as eagles, falcons, hawks, sparrowhawks, kestrels and long-legged buzzards are common, while songbirds such as sylvia warblers and goldcrests nest in Israel throughout the year.

Conservation

Jerusalem conservation is fairly progressive, with a number of initiatives put into place to counter the effects of urbanisation. One of these projects includes the introduction of electric cars, which will cut down on carbon emissions and aid cleaner air in general within the city.

Culture

Jerusalem culture includes the following aspects:
• Cuisine includes a diverse range of influences, with kosher meals factoring very highly in most eating establishments
• Sports is a popular past time, with many Israelis enjoying watching and playing sports
• Music takes its influence from traditional and Western styles
• Pop culture is popular with the youth and progressive Israeli people

Customs

Jerusalem customs regulations permits the following imports:
• Tobacco:200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200gof pipe tobacco
• Alcohol: 1 litre
• Perfume: 2 bottles
• Toilet water: reasonable amount
• Gifts: valued USD 150

Health

Jerusalem health info for travellers includes the following:
• The most common health risk is travellers tummy from rich foods or tap water
• Health facilities are advanced in the major cities, but not in rural areas
• Pack a basic first aid kit with medication for upset stomachs, nausea and other minor ailments
• Check with your doctor about any health risks or disease outbreaks that may have occurred recently before leaving for your trip

AIDS

Being a largely Jewish country with a strong devout moral code, Jerusalem HIV/AIDS is not hugely endemic; however there is a small risk. To ensure that you stay safe from sexually transmitted diseases on your Israel budget safari, follow basic precautions and avoid unprotected sex at all costs.

Vaccinations

Jerusalem inoculations include the following:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Tetanus
• Yellow fever
• Rabies

Languages

Jerusalem languages include the following:
• Hebrew
• Arabic
• English
• Russian

Malaria

While malaria in Jerusalem is not a risk, there may be a malaria risk within the Middle East in general. Travellers who are visiting malaria-risk countries before or after travelling to Israel should consider malaria medication.

Money

Jerusalem money and banking info is as follows:
• Most establishments accept payment in US dollars
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops
• Cash machines are found in most supermarkets, banks and other commercial buildings

People

Jerusalem people include the following groups:
• Jews
• Arabs
• Druze
• Bedouins
• Circassian

Phrase

Jerusalem local phrases include the following:
• Hello - shalom
• What is your name? - aych korim lachca?
• Nice to meet you - nayim mayod
• How much does this cost? - Kama ze o'le?
• The bill, please - cheshbon, bevakasha
• Excuse me - s'leecha

Vaccinations

Jerusalem inoculations include the following:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Tetanus
• Yellow fever
• Rabies

Plants

The main Jerusalem plants you may come across include large numbers of flowering plants and trees that dot the city, adding a splash of green against the urban environment. In biblical times, Jerusalem was surrounded by forests of almond, olive and pine trees, but over time these forests were destroyed. Farmers are now trying to recreate these areas, which are protected by terraces.

Religion

Jerusalem religion includes the following:
• Jewish
• Muslim
• Christian
• Other

Safety Tips

Jerusalem safety tips include the following:
• Generally, Jerusalem is a safe city to visit.
• Israeli authorities strictly enforce security measures and going through customs can take a very long time ' especially for US visitors.
• There is a strong risk of terrorism ' stay away from protests or any large gatherings that may become violent and use caution at all times.
• Car break-ins and purse snatchings in cemeteries, beaches and national parks occur regularly throughout the city ' ensure that valuables are safely kept out of sight, and do not leave valuables in the car at any time.

Transport

Jerusalem local transport includes the following options:
• Bus
• Taxi
• Car
• Hitch hiking

Travel Books

Jerusalem travel books include the following:
• Frommer's Israel by Robert Ullian
• Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories by Amelia Thomas, Michael Kohn, Miriam Raphael and Dan Savery Raz
• Fodor's Israel, 7th Edition by Fodor's
• The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Israel

What To Buy

What to buy for holidays in Jerusalem:
• Spare batteries for torches and camera
• Guide books and Israeli phrase books
• Thick socks for hiking boots
• First aid kit for travel purposes
• Large refillable water bottle, or plenty of bottled water

What To Pack

What to pack for safari in Jerusalem:
• Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
• Bathing suit and towels
• Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals
• Camera with spare batteries and memory card/film
• Guide book and phrase book
• Basic first aid kit
• Suitable attire for visiting of religious sites with headscarves for women

When To Go

Best time to visit Jerusalem is as follows:
• Israel is great to visit pretty much all year round, with a mild Mediterranean climate that brings mild weather throughout the year
• Spring (March, April and May) is generally the best time, with temperatures within the average of the low 20’s (F)
• Autumn (October and November) is a bit warmer and also pleasant, with temperatures reaching around the high 20’s (F)
• Average summer (July and August) temperatures in the center of the country are over 30C and closer to 40C in the South and Galilee
• September and October are the busiest months in the Jewish calendar with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur bringing the country to a standstill
• April is also busy with Passover bringing many Jewish tourists to the country

Wildlife

The city has a zoo and national parks and reserves are found in the city and surrounds, which is the only place you will encounter Jerusalem wildlife. Typical species found in these reserves includes Arabian oryx, Egyptian mongoose, Cape Hares, badger and the highly endangered hyena.