I have been to Israel twice and one of the hardest things while organizing my trips to the Holy Land was where to sleep in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a fairly large city (about 800,000 inhabitants) and with many different areas, each with its own character and charm and, each one, with pros and cons.
But one thing is certain, the options where to stay are not few and whether you are looking for a quiet apartment or a luxury hotel you will have many options to choose from.
To help you decide where to sleep, I wrote this guide, after having searched for me personally, in order to give you an overview of the various areas and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
- 1 - The Old City: the best place to sleep if you are visiting Jerusalem for the first time
- 2 - Machane Yehuda: The best area to stay in Jerusalem for nightlife
- 3 - Musrara: Where to sleep in Jerusalem on a budget
- 4 - German colony - The best neighborhood in Jerusalem to sleep with children
Where to sleep in Jerusalem: overview of the best areas
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world.
Il Downtown Triangle is the central business and entertainment district of Jerusalem. AND the neighborhood in the heart of the modern city and is full of tasty restaurants and charming cafes.
Head west and you will come to the mercato Mahane Yehuda. This market is one of the liveliest and most cheerful places in the city and is where it is located the best nightlife of Jerusalem.
Heading east through the city you get to Musrara. A charming neighborhood with a tumultuous history, Musrara is a haven for artists and creatives as well attracts the trendy population of Jerusalem.
Located south of Musrara is the Old City. The most iconic neighborhood in Jerusalem, the Old City is where you will find the most important sights in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall Dome of the Rock and Holy Sepulchre.
And finally, south of the city center is there German colony. This affluent neighborhood is well connected and is home to a wide range of restaurants and cafes, bars and boutiques.
Not sure yet where to stay in Jerusalem? Don't worry, by reading this article you will have a clearer idea.
1 - The Old City: the best place to sleep if you are visiting Jerusalem for the first time
By Sean Pavone /
La Old City it is the place where the most fascinating sites of Jerusalem are found such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Temple Mount with its Dome of the Rock.
Just under a square kilometer, this area is compact and easy to find your way around.
The Old Town is, without a doubt, a fantastic place to stay, which is why it was my choice during my first trip to Israel.
The Old Town is divided into four districts: the Jewish quarter, the Armenian quarter, the Christian quarter and the Muslim quarter. Each of these 4 neighborhoods is very different from the others.
Being very small, however, the options where to sleep are not many: the houses are narrow one on top of the other and there is not much space left for hotels.
Also, in the evening I would say it gets quite spooky: after dark, not much happens in the old town after the shops close and it can feel a bit 'creepy'. This is one of the reasons why many advise against it.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a place that is very close to places of interest, which is quiet in the evening and allows you to immerse yourself in the particular atmosphere of the city, this area is the best ever.
The best hotels in the Old Town
On my first trip, I booked the Youth Citadel Hostel, a hostel located in an old building, with a roof terrace (exceptional view), a common room and private rooms. The reviews lately aren't the best, but it's a great choice if you're on a budget: this hostel is in fact one of the cheapest choices in the Old Town. PS: it has a roof terrace with stunning views over the Old Town!
Hashimi Hotel is the choice that I recommend the most, it has a fantastic value for money.
This four-star hotel is located near the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. It is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and nightlife. It features comfortable rooms, a panoramic terrace and a delightful indoor restaurant.
New Imperial Hotel: located in a historic nineteenth-century building, within walking distance of Jaffa Gate and shops, cafes and restaurants, the New Imperial Hotel it is undoubtedly one of the options to consider. The breakfast is buffet style and its location is simply the best you can find.
See Hotels in the OLD TOWN
2 - Machane Yehuda: The best area to stay in Jerusalem for nightlife
La Ben-Yehuda pedestrian street it is considered the city center and is located to the left of the old city, opposite the Jaffa gate. This whole area is full of shops and restaurants and cafes, it is also the main area of the nightlife.
The area around the Machane Yehuda's new market it is one of the liveliest and most cheerful areas of the city. Machane Yehuda is probably one of the most famous markets in Israel: the whole area is an eclectic mix of clubs, cafes, restaurants and bars.
By day, Machane Yehuda is fun to visit: you can see and buy fresh produce, colorful fruit and vegetables, dried fruit and honey sweets.
If it's a bustling market during the day, at night Machane Yehuda turns into one of the nightlife areas of Jerusalem. All around the market there is a practically infinite choice of bars, restaurants and clubs. That's why this is the right choice where to sleep in Jerusalem for nightlife.
Machane Yehuda is also very well connected to the Old City via Yaffo street by light train.
The best hotels in Machane Yehuda
Abraham Hostel Jerusalem: Voted one of the best hostels in Jerusalem, this hostel was my choice the second time I was in Jerusalem. I chose it because it is a great place to stay if you don't want to spend too much and its location is really great, a stone's throw from the market and 3 tram stops from the Old Town. Very nice comfortable atmosphere, offers both dorms and private rooms, free breakfast and wi-fi.
Ben Hillel Boutique Hotel: a 3 star property located with 16 soundproofed rooms offering a perfect balance between comfort and style. A stone's throw from the Machane Yehuda market this hotel is located in a optimal location to visit Jerusalem.
Avital Hotel: this charming two-star property is located near the Mahane Yehuda market and is within walking distance of the center and the Old Town. This property boasts nine recently renovated apartments and equipped with kitchenette, TV and private bathroom. There is also an indoor bar.
3 - Musrara: Where to sleep in Jerusalem on a budget
Gods (Wikicommons)
Musrara is a historic district that was formed towards the end of the XNUMXth century. Each building here looks different, offering a unique touch you won't find elsewhere.
There are currently a number of art schools in the area that host concerts and public exhibitions: Musrara is indeed the favorite neighborhood for artists of all kinds. There are also local art galleries and many places to eat.
Musrara is a quiet place to stay, boasting small hotels and hostels. Some hostels in the area also include a free breakfast, ideal for those looking for a place to stay on a budget.
Musrara is well connected to the city center and the attractions of the Old Town.
The best hotels in Musrara
Brown Villa: And if you are looking for a boutique experience, this is a wonderful hotel complete with a spa and a beautiful terrace.
The Post Hostel: this is my favorite hostel in Jerusalem and my recommendation on where to stay in Musrara (sadly it was sold out when I wanted to book it myself). It's an elegant, urban hostel that offers a myriad of amenities: a rooftop terrace, an open lounge area, and a well-equipped kitchen. Breakfast is also included.
Jerusalem Hotel: Thanks to its excellent location, this hotel is an excellent base for your stay in Jerusalem. It is close to restaurants and shops, as well as sightseeing, art and culture. This hotel boasts 14 recently renovated rooms with air conditioning and flat screen TVs. There is also a restaurant and lounge, perfect for relaxing after a long day in the city.
4 - German colony - The best neighborhood in Jerusalem to sleep with children
La German colony is a wealthy neighborhood located in the south of Jerusalem. It is a prestigious neighborhood with an abundance of restaurants and boutiques, as well as hip and trendy clubs.
The German Colony district is also known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles. With Ottoman-style palaces and buildings lining the streets, architecture and design enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to explore this charming village.
This area is home to Emek Refaim Street, a trendy street full of charming boutiques, restaurants and markets.
The German Colony is well connected to the Old Town, which is why it is ideal for those traveling with children.
The best hotels in the German Colony
For a complete luxury experience, theOrient Jerusalem by Isrotel Exclusive Collection is located in the center of the district on Emek Refaim Street and is a five star hotel. It offers two swimming pools, spa, restaurant and bar. some rooms have an exceptional balcony.
Another notable hotel in the area is the Splendid Villa Ba'Moshava, located in a historic building in the center of the German colony of Jerusalem, offering a garden for relaxation, comfortable rooms (some with balcony), wi-fi and breakfast (offered in a nearby café). Every day there is Happy Hour with an open buffet!
The Templer Inn: a B&B offering accommodation units with kitchenette, private bathroom and seating area. It is located in an exceptional location and offers a garden, a terrace and free wi-fi.
See Hotels in the GERMAN COLOGNE
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