City in Jerusalem District, Israel
Jerusalem
Ancient holy city of the Old City, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa. Intense, hilly and conservative; Shabbat closes much of the west, and security tension is higher than elsewhere.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$4,260–6,880Comfortable, one person · ₪13,000–21,000Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Air quality17 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet281 MbpsFixed broadband, Israel medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe nationwide; many people filter it for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$98–196Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGettWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere, but small cash helps in Old City markets and for tips.Details
Where to stay in Jerusalem
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old City / Muslim and Christian Quarters | Holy sites, markets and hostels; steep, crowded |
| Downtown / Ben Yehuda / Nachlaot | Restaurants, nightlife and light rail; walkable |
| German Colony | Cafés, quieter streets, good for longer stays |
| East Jerusalem | Arab neighbourhoods with hotels and cheap local food |
Apps that work in Jerusalem
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gett | Metered taxis; accepts cards and English |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wolt | Widest choice, English app |
- Maps: Waze or Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Home Front Command: Rocket alerts and shelter instructions
- Moovit: Bus and train routes, live times
- Rav-Kav Online: Paying bus and train fares
- Taxis: Use the meter or Gett. Sherut shared taxis serve some routes; none run on Shabbat except Arab-run taxis.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Israel.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere, but small cash helps in Old City markets and for tips.
- Currency: Shekel (ILS). US$1 ≈ ₪3.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs; standalone private cash machines charge higher fees. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Restaurants expect 10–15% (12% is standard), often in cash; ask if you want it on the card. Taxis: round up.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; Bit and PayBox need an Israeli bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need an ETA-IL before travel: ₪25, valid two years, apply only on the official site.
- You get a paper entry card, not a passport stamp; keep it until departure.
- Expect long security questioning, especially with Arab heritage or travel to Muslim countries.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
Plugs
Type C, H · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from carrier shops and convenience stores; passport needed. Airport kiosks cost more. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Israel
Going to Jerusalem solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.