Jerusalem

This solemn memorial is Israel's tribute to the millions of Jewish victims of the Shoah and an intense, thought-provoking experience for visitors. The conceptual design conveys a striking feeling of how enormous the disaster was. The exhibits mix historical displays with personal testimonies and remains. Yad Vashem also hosts an important research centre.

This museum boasts a rich and informative series of exhibits, and it's very helpful in understanding the past and present of Jerusalem. The collection of Dead Sea Scrolls, hundreds of manuscript copies of the Bible found in Qumran, is astonishing. Moreover, you'll view the biggest exhibition of biblical archaeology in the world, a selection of modern artwork, and a stylish, impressive garden of contemporary sculpture.

At the City of David, you can explore the remains of the oldest part of Jerusalem and walk through the meanders of a subterranean stream. The archaeological site spans two levels: an aboveground area and underground excavations. It is much older than Jerusalem's Old City, with the ancient Canaanites building it near the waters of the Gihon Spring before 2,000 BCE. The biblical King David later conquered it and made it the capital of his domain. Located in the underground part of the site, Hezekiah's Tunnel was used to channel water from the spring. The half-hour walk inside will take you past many archaeological remains, including a millennia-old pool that was said to have healing powers. If you plan to walk through the water, be sure to bring your swimsuit and suitable shoes.

The Jerusalem Season of Culture is a rich and fascinating festival that takes place every summer and lasts for an entire month. With its complexity and long history, Jerusalem becomes a vibrant, bustling stage for a wide range of events that gather musicians, DJs, visual artists, chefs, and many more. One of the main goals of the festival is to bring together people of all religions and nationalities, creating a forum for potential conflict resolution.

The past of Jerusalem is hugely fascinating, but the present is at least equally as important. Located on the very border between West and East Jerusalem, the Museum on the Seam provides great food for thought on contemporary social issues in the land. It has hosted exhibitions from some of the most important artists of our time (Bill Viola, Wim Wenders, and Anselm Kiefer, to name a few). Since the exhibitions are often strongly connected to ongoing debates, they can be controversial; however, it is worth paying a visit to the museum, marked as a must-see destination by the New York Times.

Lesser known by tourists, Ades Synagogue boasts typical, well-kept interiors, with chandeliers and a walnut ark inlaid with mother-of-pearl. If you're visiting in winter and you're interested in Jewish religious culture, come early on Saturday (Shabbat) morning and listen to bakashot, songs based on Kabbalistic poetry.

According to the Bible and the Gospels, this is one of the holiest places in Jerusalem. The hill offers a beautiful view over the city and the Dome of the Rock — especially beautiful in the morning, with the sun on visitors' backs. The backstory is rough — allegedly, Jesus prayed here the night before he was killed while his disciples were sleeping. Some believe that at the end of days, God will stand there to redeem the dead.

The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, a Byzantine-style Catholic church located on Mount Zion, offers stunning views of the City of David and the village of Silwan, a Palestinian community. The current building, which has some interesting decorations such as stained glass windows, was completed in the 1930s on the site of earlier churches, including a Byzantine monastery. Inside, visitors can admire mosaics and remains from previous churches. According to tradition, the church marks the spot where the Apostle Peter wept in regret after denying Jesus before his death. The Roman stairs next to the church are believed to have been used by Jesus on his way to Gethsemane.

The Herodian Quarter Museum is a small but surprisingly well-preserved mansion from two thousand years ago. The house of a wealthy Jewish family until Titus's destruction in 70 AD gives a taste of what life of the richest was like in Jerusalem at the time. Tours and audio guides are available.

The Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre comprises remains from the Second Temple era, 2,000 years ago. You'll admire columns, gates, streets, and the typical Jewish baths (mikve'ot). Audio guides and educational videos will help you understand the site's history.

If you feel in need of a break from cultural sightseeing, find some natural beauty and light-hearted entertainment in this 62-acre-big zoo. Children will enjoy exploring the zoo and seeing the animals up close. The facility hosts a variety of endangered species. The zoo's main theme is peculiar: it focuses on animals mentioned in the Bible — you're in the cradle of Western religion, after all.

The Herodyon National Park, not to be confused with the Herodian Quarter, is located on the top of a hill, and showcases what remains of Herod the Great's megalomania for palaces. It is the best place to combine a relaxing nature hike, some archaeological sightseeing, and a stunning natural environment: on sunny days, the Dead Sea sparkles in the distance.

For an off-the-beaten-path, adventurous, and possibly spiritual hiking trip, head to the Monastery of Saint George in the West Bank. Hidden in the rocky landscape and hanging solitary in the deep gorge of Wadi Quelt, it is a breathtaking destination. Hermits founded it in the 5th century, and it spreads over three floors, boasting a beautiful mosaic and a reliquary inside. The monastery is also well-known for its hospitality and friendliness towards female pilgrims.