10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Jerusalem, Israel - Updated 2024

Jovannie
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
non touristy things to do in jerusalem

Jerusalem is known as the holy city and the capital of Israel which is unique in every way. It holds religious and historic importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians which is almost one-third of the world’s population. It becomes more famous to tourists because of the beauty it holds. There are a lot of things to see in this place like The Old City of Jerusalem known to some as the capital of world religion, The Western Wall which is the oldest temple of Jews, the beautiful Church of the Sepulchre, and more. A lot of outdoor activities await you too, like long strolls, exploration of museums and temples, and tasting local cuisines. Jerusalem is a place that you shouldn’t miss for it will take you to heights you’ve never been to. In case you’re planning to jump the next flight towards this city, listed below are the best non-touristy things to do in Jerusalem.

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1. Get first-hand knowledge about guns

The two-hour shooting experience is one of the most fun activities you can squeeze in between sightseeing activities. Not only will you learn the nitty-gritty of handling a gun, but you will also know why they are known as the best counter-terror unit in the whole world. You’ll learn a lot of things during the two-hour training from professional instructors and staff. Are you ready to get your blood pumping? Don’t forget to try this one out.

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2. Sway your hips at the Jerusalem Pub Crawl

non touristy things to do in jerusalem | sway your hips at the jerusalem pub crawl
Source: www.viator.com

Jerusalem Pub Crawl is the perfect place for night owls and for travelers who live for the nightlife. It offers different pubs in Jerusalem offering the best drinks, music, and dance. You don’t even have to worry about waiting on a long line to get entry, isn’t it great? On top of that, you’ll get to know the usual spots for partying the locals of Jerusalem go. No one will even notice that you’re a tourist, you’ll blend in just right. Bring your best moves here at Jerusalem Pub Crawl for a night to remember.

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Book Tours : Jerusalem Pub Crawl

3. Experience Israel's world of cooking

Are you one of those people who are fond of cooking and into trying new exotic dishes? If yes, then, this hummus cooking workshop here in Jerusalem is something you should try. You’ll learn to make new cuisines different from what you already know including different meals and drinks. It’s a known fact that hummus is a vital ingredient to all Israeli cooking, you’ll learn the right way on how to include them into the dishes allowing you to make tasty food. It’s an experience you’ll surely love.

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4. Walk down the memory lane at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Source: Photo by Flickr user RonAlmog used under CC BY 2.0

One of the beautiful destinations to visit while in Jerusalem is the old Church of the Holy Sepulchre which has long been the major centre for Christians all over the world. The style of the whole church is a combination of the fourth-century layouts. Visiting this place will bring you back to the old days. It’s like walking down the memories of the past with you as the audience. In case you want to see scenic and historic sight in Jerusalem, this church is one of the places to visit.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Address: Jerusalem

Website: Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 9pm; Sun: 5am - 8pm

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5. Witness the old-world charm of Jerusalem at Ein Kerem Village

Ein kerem air
Source: Photo by user אסף.צ used under CC BY 2.5

Ein Kerem Village is a paradise on the slopes which you shouldn’t miss. It’s known as a scared biblical village boasting old and beautiful churches, eccentric little alleys homing cute art studios and cafes and a whole lot of Old World charm. Taking long walks and exploring everything the village has to offer is one of the best things to do during the day. Start your day with local cuisines and a little adventure in Ein Kerem where happiness is the only choice you have.

Ein Kerem Village

Address: Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 95744, Israel

Website: Ein Kerem Village

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6. Indulge in a shopping spree at Mahane Yehuda Market

Mahane Yehuda (I) (45298221191)
Source: Photo by user Emilio García used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The home of many tourists and locals alike, Mahane Yehuda Market is known as the heart of Jerusalem. It’s a bustling marketplace uniting the old and new Jerusalem. It offers a plethora of food selections, beverages, shopping, restaurants, and bars. While it is true that the place is bustling with tourists, it is still able to retain its authenticity which you’ll know by visiting the place. Mahane Yehuda is not just a place, but it’s the home of Israel’s culture.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Address: Agripas St 90, Jerusalem, Israel

Website: Mahane Yehuda Market

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:30am - 12am; Fri: 7:30am - 4pm; Sat: 8:30pm - 12am; Sun: 7:30am - 12am

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7. Test your sense of direction in Jerusalem's scavenger hunts

LG Scavenger Hunt--The New City, Jerusalem, Israel

Posted by Ellie Katherine on Friday, 8 September 2017

Looking for the easiest and fun way to know more about the history and neighborhoods of Jerusalem? Jerusalem scavenger hunts are both fun and knowledgeable activity you can join to while you’re in Israel. It’s a perfect activity to participate in for some family bonding. This scavenger hunts will surely bring out your competitive side and test your logic. It’s the best activity to indulge in during the day for you’ll be able to see the grandeur of the different neighborhoods and the streets of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt

Address: Mahane Yehuda (Shuk Dash), Old City, Nachlaot, Gush Etzion (Scavenger Hunt)

Website: Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt

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8. Enjoy exploring the world of graffiti at Mahane Yehuda

Spray-painted portraits at Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem
Source: Photo by user Yoninah used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you want to witness a whole new world of art, head straight to Machane Yehuda streets where an out-of-this-world graffiti will welcome you. Machane Yehuda is a whole different story at night, shops’ shields come with striking graffiti where you can take loads of pictures and post it in your social media account. There’s something unique with every graffiti you’ll see in the nook and crannies of the streets making the nights in Jerusalem something to look forward to. It’s a must-visit place, something you will want to see for yourself.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Address: Agripas St 90, Jerusalem, Israel

Website: Mahane Yehuda Market

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:30am - 12am; Fri: 7:30am - 4pm; Sat: 8:30pm - 12am; Sun: 7:30am - 12am

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9. Indulge in a festival full of colors and dreams


If you are an artist or an art enthusiast, you’ll surely love going to Jerusalem’s famous Bezalel Street Fair happening every Friday. It takes place in three locations- on the Bezalel Pedestrian Mall, on Rehov Schatz, and in the Gan Sheba which is the public park of King George. It’s going to be a fun exploration surrounding you with rich culture, authentic arts and crafts, and jewelry clothing for affordable prices. On top of that, it’s one of the liveliest events in Jerusalem with dance and music that will make you want to sway along.

Go to Bezalel Street Fair

Address: Betsal'el St 10, Jerusalem, Israel

Website: Bezalel Street Fair

Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

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10. Witness Israel's only dancing fountain


Teddy Park is a beautiful place to visit when you’re in Jerusalem. It’s at the foot of the Old City walls which is just across the street of Jaffa Gate. It holds Israel’s one and only sound and light fountain, a sight to behold especially at night where there’s a fountain show. The place runs for miles which makes exploring ideal and fun. On top of that, it has a visitors’ center which tells the tale of the development of modern-day Jerusalem.

Teddy Park

Address: Paul Emile Botta St., Jerusalem

Website: Teddy Park

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

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Seeing is believing

ISR-2013-Aerial-Jerusalem-Temple Mount 02
Source: Photo by user Godot13 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

To believe that Jerusalem is a sight to behold is to see the place like a native. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do if you ever decide to visit this place.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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