Why visit
Jerusalem is one of the world's most important sacred-history cities, with the Old City, Mount of Olives, museums, markets, and neighborhoods carrying Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian heritage.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Jerusalem is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Israel. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Jerusalem, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Israel better matches the trip style.
Jerusalem at a glance
City population
972k
Elevation
786 m
2,579 ft
Time zone
UTC+2 (UTC+3 DST)
Asia/Jerusalem
Airport
TLV
Ben Gurion International Airport (41 km away)
Israel at a glance
Country center
31.5°, 35.1°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
20,770 km²
8,019 mi²
Country population
9.8 million
470/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Israeli new shekel (₪)
ILS
Dial
+972
Languages
Arabic, Hebrew
Demonym
Israeli
Internet
.il
UN
Member state
ISO code
IL / ISR
Where in the world
31.5° - 35.1°
Israel
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Jerusalem's Old City is divided into Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters.
- The city has been a sacred center for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for centuries.
- The walled Old City packs major holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam into less than one square kilometer.
- Tel Aviv has more vegan restaurants per capita than any other city in the world.
- The Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited places in Israel.
Bordering Israel
Traveler notes
- The Old City and its walls are UNESCO-listed
- Yad Vashem is the essential Holocaust remembrance site
- Mahane Yehuda Market is the city's everyday food hub
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Jerusalem
What currency is used in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem uses the Israeli new shekel (₪), ISO code ILS.
What languages are spoken in Israel?
The primary languages are Arabic and Hebrew.
What is the international calling code for Israel?
The calling code is +972.
When is the best time to visit Jerusalem?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Jerusalem?
Ben Gurion International Airport (41 km away) (IATA: TLV).
Other Asia destinations
Jaipur
Jaipur is the Pink City. Hawa Mahal's facade, Amber Fort on the hill, City Palace, and Rajasthani textile bazaars that anchor Golden Triangle trips.
Mumbai
Mumbai is India's financial and film capital. Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Dhobi Ghat's outdoor laundry, Colaba's colonial streets, and Bollywood studios.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Ganges-side ghats, dawn boat rides, evening aarti ceremonies, and Buddhist Sarnath nearby.
Pokhara
Pokhara is lakeside with Machapuchare rising behind. The Annapurna trek hub, paragliding capital, and quieter alternative to Kathmandu.
Dubai
Dubai is Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab skyline, Dubai Mall + Dubai Fountain, the Gold Souk, Jumeirah beach resorts, and desert safaris 40 minutes out.
Petra
Petra is the Rose City carved into sandstone. The Treasury (from Indiana Jones), the Monastery at the top of 800 steps, and the High Place of Sacrifice.