This is why Jerusalem is the city break you need to go on this year
In association with Jerusalem Development Authority
WHEN Brits think of city-break destinations, the likes of Istanbul and Paris usually spring to mind.
But in the past couple of decades, Jerusalem has transformed itself into a real contender, a modern holiday spot with top-class restaurants, shopping, entertainment and hotels.
Bathed in year-round sunshine, steeped in history and culture, and just five hours away by plane, the city will keep holidaymakers of every persuasion entertained.
Here are the top ten reasons you should visit:
Restaurants
Jerusalem is a melting pot of nationalities and this makes for some great food.
Whether it’s Middle Eastern-style mezze and kebabs in market cafes, Mediterranean fusion or modern Israeli cuisine using ingredients from the Judean desert, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
The best time to try all that’s on offer is during the annual Jerusalem Open Restaurant Festival in November.
Family Friendly Nightlife
All of the museums and landmarks have child-friendly activities during the day, but after-hours entertainment isn’t just for the adults – the Tower of David Night Spectacular is an open-air sound and light show, played out on the walls of the ancient citadel, that tells Jerusalem’s long history.
For restless teenagers, midnight bike tours and evening scavenger hunts are on hand to burn up some energy.
Vineyards
Thanks to its year-round warm climate, wine-making has become a big business and the hills surrounding Jerusalem are dotted with vineyards.
Book a day tour for a Napa-Valley style crawl of the different wineries offering wine-tasting session.
The Old City
This ancient walled area occupies the site on which a city has stood for at least 3,000 years – and it’s chock-full of locations important to Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
These include the Via Dolorosa, the 2,000ft street that Jesus is said to have walked along to his crucifixion; and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he was crucified and buried.
This ancient walled area occupies the site on which a city has stood for at least 3,000 years – and it’s chock-full of locations important to Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
These include the Via Dolorosa, the 2,000ft street that Jesus is said to have walked along to his crucifixion; and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he was crucified and buried.
Ancient History
As it’s one of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem has enough fascinating history to keep buffs entertained for months.
Bloody battles, famous monarchs and Roman invasions – the city has it all.
At the Tower of David, a citadel built by King Herod then destroyed and rebuilt in the 17th century, archaeologists have recently found items more than 2,000 years old.
But even they look young next to the Broad Wall, a fortification that dates back to King Hezekiah, who ruled in the 8th century BC.
Biblical Sites Outside the Old City
Many of the best-known stories from the Bible were set in and around Jerusalem.
Just a short walk from the Old City is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have been betrayed by Judas after the Last Supper and then arrested before his crucifixion.
The Mount of Olives that it stands on is where the Bible says Jesus ascended to heaven.
Holocaust Museum
Yad Vashem, a 45-acre Holocaust memorial and museum, is the second-most-visited site in the city.
The must-see museum tells the story of the Holocaust through personal stories and possessions, with incredibly moving exhibits that include a huge pile of shoes from concentration camp victims and a train carriage used to transport victims to the camps.
Bar Hopping
After nightfall, parts of the city lined with outdoor bar tables could easily be mistaken for Lisbon or Rome.
The place to be is the 19th century Mahane Yehuda market - where the shops that sell food by day transform into buzzing bars.
Those who like their surroundings a little sleeker can head for cocktails at one of the glamorous city-centre hotel bars, like the Mamilla Rooftop bar which has exquisite views over the Old City.
Shopping
There are plenty of opportunities to blow what’s left of your holiday money.
Return to the Mahane Yehuda market, which is packed with locals browsing more than 250 stalls selling everything from street food to textiles.
Or try the First Station, an old railway station that has been developed into a culture, entertainment and shopping hub.
Culture
People come to live in Jerusalem from far and wide, and bring their own fashion, artistic and musical influences from around the world.
This is reflected in the city’s wide range of events and festivals, including the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Open House weekend, during which a host of private spaces – lofts, villas, plazas and gardens – open their doors to the public.
Alternatively, for an authentic Jewish experience, take part in a traditional Shabbat meal on Friday night in a Jerusalemite's home.
If you're heading to Jerusalem be sure to pick up a Jerusalem city pass (starting at 37 euros) which will give you free or discounted access to several popular attractions and includes public transport fares and airport transfers.