Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour: The Four Quarters
Introduction to Jerusalem’s Old City, its history and culture. We explore the Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian quarters, passing through Jaffa Gate and the Tower of David, visiting the Western Wall with views of the Dome of the Rock, and ending outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 30m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
"I Love Jerusalem" Sign, Tzahal Square, end of Jaffa Street Nearest public transport: העירייה tram stop; שער שכם tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Jerusalem guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
If we had to choose the most important city in the world, what would it be? A capital of a great empire, like London, Paris, New York or Beijing? Perhaps, but to over half of the world’s population it has to be Jerusalem. The most important city for the Jews and the Christians, and considered to be the third most significant site for the Muslims, the city is so charged with history, meaning and symbolism that it often ignites the unfortunate human tendency for conflict. Today it is placed in a vulnerable limbo between the Israeli and Palestinian claims, fascinating with its iconic monuments and atmosphere swathed in myth.
The history of the Old City of Jerusalem is rich and complex, spanning over 3,000 years. Originally inhabited by the Canaanites, the city was conquered by King David in the 10th century BCE and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. The city was subsequently conquered by numerous other empires, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, each of which left their own indelible mark on the city’s history and culture. Today, the Old City is home to some of the most significant religious and historical sites in the world.
On this tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all four quarters of the city and experience the rich history and culture of each. In this tour we will walk through parts of the Armenian Quarter, where visitors can experience the rich history and culture of the Armenian people and the Armenian Orthodox Church. From there, visitors will proceed to the Jewish Quarter, home to numerous historical and religious sites. Next, visitors will touch on the Muslim presence in the city and explore the Christian Quarter, with the most important site of Christianity: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. This tour of the Old City of Jerusalem is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave visitors with a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
The tour ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Highlights
- 1
Jaffa Gate
One of the main stone portals in the historic fortifications of Jerusalem's Old City.
- 2
Tower of David
An ancient citadel showcasing the city's millennia-long history, located near the Jaffa Gate.
- 3
Armenian Quarter
Discover the unique history and culture of the Armenian people and their Orthodox Church.
- 4
Jewish Quarter
The historic area of the Old City, home to numerous synagogues and archaeological sites.
- 5
Western Wall
The holiest site in Judaism and a remnant of the ancient wall of the Second Temple.
- 6
Christian Quarter
Home to about 40 Christian holy places, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
7Church of Holy Sepulchre
Christianity’s most important site, where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
Map
"I Love Jerusalem" Sign, Tzahal Square, end of Jaffa Street Nearest public transport: העירייה tram stop; שער שכם tram stop
Our customers said about us
Jerusalem
5.0Jennifer
Wonderful tour with Gary!
We went on a tour that ended up being us and Gary, our amazing tour guide. He was so knowledgeable and kind, answered all of our questions and more, and clearly knew the city like the back of his hand! Would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to visit Jerusalem. It was a great afternoon.
Jerusalem
5.0David knows his stuff!
If you want a guide to be able to answer all our questions in addition to the tour, then David is your guy. Thank you again David!
Jerusalem
5.0Lincoln
Excellent tour
I learned so much aboutJerusalem, and the history of Christianity , Muslim and Judaism. Gary was such a excellent guide , I really enjoyed the tour and would recommend everyone to join this tour.
Jerusalem
5.0Ashutosh Soman
Captivating narration by Gary
Gary the Guide was best with ample knowledge of the city and has a great scene of humor! He's very knowledgeable and even though I asked too many questions, he patiently answered them! 10/10 would do another tour with him again!
Jerusalem
5.0Paurnima
Great city with great storyteller
I highly recommend everyone to do this tour with Gary. He was very knowledgeable and answered all questions we had about this place. Plus he told us lots of stories to put things into perspective. This is a complicated place, Gary made it interesting.
Jerusalem
5.0Debbie
David is an inspiring guide
We took a tour of the old city with David during the very busy Passover holiday. He is clearly very knowledgeable and even under the trying circumstances was engaging and very enthusiastic. His love of the city was evident, I wish we could have had more time together. Guess we'll have to come back.
Jerusalem
5.0Chloe
Excellent tour of the Old City!
I highly recommend visiting Jerusalem with Tzachi Samiya. He was clearly an expert not just in the history but also in today's goings ons, showing and teaching us about the big hits but also several hidden gems. He was extremely generous with his time and happy to adapt the tour based on our interests.
Jerusalem
4.0Jackie Aveling
Insightful Old city and Christian tour of Jerusalem with Seth
Seth has great knowledge and thoughtfully prepared visuals to aid our understanding of the history. He also gave us understanding of the modern day life in the old city. He is both passionate and knowledgeable about history. I found him very amicable and patient with all the questions.
Jerusalem
5.0Dana
Old City and Christian Jerusalem
A very thorough introduction from the kind David. I did the Old City Tour and it was so nice I decided for the Christian walk too. Thanks
Jerusalem
5.0Jon
Aviel is the best
Aviel gave us the most sincere and detailed introduction to Christian sites in Jerusalem we could have hoped for. It all just clicked. Plus he was just the nicest chap to chat with. Thanks!
