Useful Information
| Language | No problem at all comunicating in English |
| Cost | Accommodation was quite expensive (100€ for an economy double room per night) Food was moderately expensive (25€ per person for a meal in low budget restaurant) Transfers by train/tram/e-scooter were quite cheap |
| Currency | Withdrew Israeli Shekels from ATMs using my Revolut card just to have some cash for buying from small shops Card payments are accepted almost everywhere |
| Moving around | Train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Used bus, tram and e-scooter to move in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv |
| Safety | Felt somewhat safe moving around (before the war breaks out) The police/IDF presence is very strong Avoid riots and public unrest You can feel the electrifying atmosphere in Jerusalem Try to avoid trouble and provocations |
| Time of Visit | March 2022 was my time of visit |
Day 1: Jerusalem
I had 4 days to split between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I opted for visiting Jerusalem first so that I can be closer to the airport before it’s time to catch the flight back to Athens. After landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv I rushed to take the train to Jerusalem and explore the city that same day. This convenient train service operates every 30 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes. If you’re arriving on a Friday, be mindful of Shabbat, which begins at noon and lasts until Saturday evening. Train schedules may be affected during this time.
In Jerusalem, staying near the Old City is highly recommended. Once you pass through one of the gates, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of history and culture. On your first day, you can focus on the Christian Quarter, visiting iconic sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, and the Western Wall. For a memorable evening experience, consider attending The Night Spectacular, a captivating light show at the Tower of David.
Day 2: Jerusalem
After waking up in Jerusalem, the first thing to do would be a visit to the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter these sacred site of the Dome of the Rock, so we were only able to admire them from the outside. Please be aware of the opening hours and the designated gate for entry, as they may vary depending on your religion.
Afterward, you should explore the Muslim Quarter where you might have the best fallafel of your life from the food stalls. Then, you can proceed towards the Lion’s Gate and exit the Old City. From there, you can continue walking to visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and the Garden of Gethsemane. Your journey should culminate with a climb up the Mount of Olives, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunset view of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Day 3: Tel Aviv
After a satisfying breakfast, you should start early and catch the train to travel to Tel Aviv. Staying near Jerusalem Beach offers a convenient location for exploring the city. If the weather permits you can spend some time swimming or enrolling in beach activities. If it’s too cold for you, a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian-friendly beach would be ideal.
Then you should explore the charming Old Jaffa, an historic port city. Old Jaffa is located only 2.5 km away from Jerusalem Beach, an ideal distance for travelling by e-scooter to enjoy the views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Next, you can venture to Neve Tzedek, a vibrant artistic neighborhood with numerous inviting cafes. To conclude your day, you can then visit the bustling Carmel Market. This colorful outdoor market is a great place to discover local street food and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4: Tel Aviv
Spend the rest of your time by enjoying a leisurely walk along the beach or visiting one of the so many museums. The airport is easily reachable by public transportation. Be careful, it is very important to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight, as security procedures are thorough and may include a brief interview with airport personnel.
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