When rambling around Jerusalem, it is very easy to pass the Lutheran church of The Redeemer. Most guides don’t describe it in much detail.
This little over one-hundred-year-old building is quite inconspicuous. In addition to a quiet, cool, and hip cafeteria, it offers only simple wooden benches for the tired wanderer, who can listen to the mass, spoken often only in German.
What makes this church exceptional is its tower. We recommend entering the church about 15 minutes before closing. You will not be seen as suspicious, and when buying a ticket, it is sufficient to promise that you will be out in a quarter of an hour. But don’t even think about it.
When you turn right after entering, go upstairs to the church tower. If you are in good shape, the 177 steps up should be easy, and you will soon find yourself on the roof of all of Jerusalem. You will see all the temples, the Mount of Olives, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque right before you. And suppose you don’t get deterred by the call of the guard from downstairs, who surely wants to close the church on time (but don’t worry, he’s up there in age, and 177 steps are, after all, 177 steps), you will hear, a couple of minutes after closing, the Muslim muezzin with Christian and Armenian priests start the call to prayers at the same time.
And here, in the light of a Jerusalem sunset, you understand that all people are brothers after all.
Jerusalem is mystical. There is something irrational in this city that goes beyond straightforward and logical comprehension. An aura pervades the streets and touches everyone on its most profound and rooted emotional level.
Jerusalem is best known, of course, for its international standing as a religious destination: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim worshippers each have their claim on parts of the city.
However, more people than ever are travelling to Jerusalem to find the unconventional. A change? Something different? Here are our top 11 things you can do in Jerusalem that will ignite your mind and awaken your soul.
Embrace the unknown and dive into a one in a lifetime experience. A kibbutz is the Hebrew word for "community", and its concept bloomed under the early century socialist ideals. It is a type of settlement and micro-universe where everyone collaborates for the common wellbeing, and all members equally share the daily tasks. Some work in the kitchen, some in the kindergarten, some others take care of the gardening.
Although less than before, there are still many kibbutzim in Israel and Jerusalem, and you can now volunteer for a few weeks or more. The idea is to experience first-hand this very particular way of life, soak the local culture and find new international friends. Be aware, though! The risk is that you will never feel ultimately at home again because part of your heart will be left in a kibbutz.
Israeli people care a lot about wellbeing. They are more and more addicted to yoga and meditation, which makes it no surprise why Jerusalem has been recognized as a wellness destination by tourists from all over the world.
Whether you are looking for a high-end spa or a hippy-chic retreat, there is something for everyone. Reconnect with your soul and give a treat to your physical, emotional and spiritual self.
Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center is one of our all-time favourites. Although it might look like a high-end spa, it is a veritable temple devoted to mindfulness, yoga and meditation. Feng-shui is the driving style, and all speak the language of zen. From the Turkish hammam to the yoga room, fresh juice and shakes bar, to the colour therapy approach.
If Bill Clinton and Tony Blair gave it a try, why not you?
Get inked in the oldest tattoo studio in the world. In Jerusalem, there is a unique, obscure place, just inside Jaffa Gate, in the ancient city. Razzouk Ink is a tiny tattoo studio surviving modern times since 1300. No, we haven't made a mistake with the date. The Razzouk family arrived in the holy land from Egypt during a pilgrimage five centuries ago. They have been tattooing drawings of faith and Christianity for 700 years to offer pilgrims permanent evidence of their devotion.
Upon entering the Razzouk Ink stone walls, you will discover a touching arrangement of black and white photos portraying articles of the family from around the world. Wassim Razzouk is the last link of an unbroken chain, and he offers tourists and pilgrims very simple tattoos – ranging from$50 up to $100 - that usually take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Razzouk studio is a perfect blend of modernity and historical legacy. The initial drawing will be stamped on your skin with a traditional wood stencil and then retraced with an ultra-modern tattooing machine.
The Eucalyptus restaurant, led by Chef Moshe Basson, offers a contemporary interpretation of biblical cuisine. The chef’s passion for religious culture and gastronomy led him to resurrect ancient recipes, combining to perfection the freshest ingredients of the tradition.
The restaurant is set in an ancient stone building with a huge scenic balcony, where you can enjoy the purple sunsets as they hit the old city's walls every evening.
Try one of the tasting menus, such as the King of David Feast, or order à la carte. Favourite dishes include the Salomon Steak or the Jerusalem Sinya – a minced lamb or beef, paired with slow-roasted garden vegetables, tahini and freshly baked pita bread.
Nothing feels as sacred as walking down the Mount of Olives after sunrise.
Located next to the old city of Jerusalem, it is a landmark for both Jews and Christians and the location of many biblical events. An outstanding panoramic view of the city completes the charm.
Mount of olives is a kaleidoscope of faiths and religion. The terraced graves of Judaism lie on the left, while ahead Islam's gilded Dome of the Rock flashes in the sunlight. The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene and the Church of Dominus Flevit complete the scenery.
Finally, at the foot of the mountain, you encounter the peaceful Garden of Gethsemane, the holy site where Jesus was arrested. Its gnarled olive trees have lived there for more than 1,000 years.
You might think that Jerusalem is all about spirituality and mysticism. But remember that we are talking about a city of contrasts.
Although the old city is almost completely closed at night, people agree that the Holy City is also one of the best nightlife capitals and thousands of young people gather in the local cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The Little Pinkas', for example, is a popular bar located in a unique building with great live music events, or The Sira' (literally 'The Ship', 4 Ben Sira Street) is a dance bar like no other and a popular hipster hangout.
Besarabia is a New York-style bar with live music where you can sip a handmade liqueur made of unusual ingredients like horseradish and pomegranate and dance the night out at a Balkan-themed party.
One of the most sensational experiences in Jerusalem is probably also the most basic one.
A stroll in Yehuda Market will awaken your sleepy soul. Located between Jaffa Road and Agrippas Street, it is the largest and busiest market in Israel, and it is a veritable melting pot of colours, cultures and perfumes.
The market hosts hundreds of stands and shops selling vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, baked goods, candy, eggs, household appliances, toiletries and much more.
What we love about this market is the lively, noisy and colourful atmosphere of shops like Babar that sells cheese from all over the world or the spices dealers who compete to gain visitors' attention.
The smells, the voices, the picturesque characters, everything in Yehuda market will tickle your senses.
In the hidden alleys of the old town, art is blooming. During weekdays and nights, the Yehuda market is a busy melting pot of shoppers and seller. But every Saturday, the Jewish rest day, Jerusalem's streets are quiet and silent. The perfect moment to admire the flourishing street art and graffiti.
All designs must receive approval from the municipality as well as nearby residents and businesses. Still, you will be able to FEEL modern Israeli society with its tensions and social debates like feminism, politics, violence. An opportunity not to be missed to appreciate Jerusalem "behind the scenes" and feel the young and punchy vibes of this secular and immortal city.
December in Israel is magical. The seven-night festival of Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century.
The holiday spirit is felt all over the city and marked by an abundance of iconic events and, of course, food. Streets are pervaded by the heavenly fragrance of the traditional Israeli jam doughnuts (sufganiyot). Indulge at Roladin Bakery, Alrov Mamilla Avenue or Mamilla Mall and taste the beauty of the Hannukah.
Unicorns, wishes and giant disco balls in the sky. Jerusalem's old city switches into a glowing wonderland every year in June for the annual light festival. Streets come alive with stunning 32 installations created by artists from Israel and around the world to dazzle the visitors.
Between 1000 and 1,000,000 people are expected every year in the old city during the eight-day festival. Installations go from massive kaleidoscopes, interactive performers to VJ performances projected on the exterior walls of the holy city.
Not all experiences are positive in Jerusalem. Have you ever heard of Jerusalem syndrome? It is a rare phenomenon where foreign visitors get so overwhelmed by the historical and religious richness of the city that they start to experience hallucinations and delusions. No need to be scared, though. The phenomenon is seen in only a hundred tourists, with over three and a half million visiting Jerusalem every year.
Images from Unsplash