The Atlas Obscura Guide To Jerusalem

22 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Jerusalem, Israel

Updated November 6, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Jerusalem

St. George and the Dragon tattoo motif as tattooed from a stencil block that dates to 200 or 300 years ago.

Jerusalem, Israel

Razzouk Ink

This family tattoo parlor has been inking religious pilgrims in the Middle East for 700 years.

Shrine of the Book

Jerusalem, Israel

Shrine of the Book

The home of the Dead Sea Scrolls is an abstract modernist dream.

The Western Wall Tunnel.

East Jerusalem, Israel

Western Wall Tunnel

Descend 2,030 years into the past in an ancient tunnel built to support Jerusalem's most famous wall.

East Jerusalem, Israel

Zedekiah's Cave

An ancient quarry rediscovered by a dog and claimed by biblical kings, a German cult, and the Freemasons.

The ladder in question.

East Jerusalem, Israel

Immovable Ladder on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

A "miracle" that seems to produce more holy fistfights than holy revelations.

Museum on the Seam

Jerusalem, Israel

Museum On The Seam

Sitting right on the border between East and West Jerusalem this modern art museum is in itself a symbol of Israel's hoped-for unity.

The Austrian Hospice.

Jerusalem, Israel

The Austrian Hospice

This unassuming oasis elevated just above the busy streets of Jerusalem offers one of the best views of the Old City.

See All 22 Things To Do in Jerusalem

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Jerusalem

Montefiore Windmill

Jerusalem, Israel

Montefiore Windmill

After over 100 years out of service this landmark windmill once again turns as a symbol of Jerusalem's self-sufficiency.

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Jerusalem, Israel

Sacred Spaces 6

Religion 5

Architecture 3

History 3

Museums 3

Biblical 2

Art 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Politics 1

Playgrounds 1

Libraries 1

Public 1

Ancient 1

Zoos 1

Churches 1

Erotic 1

Public Works 1

Collections 1

Sculptures 1

Animals 1

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Stories About Jerusalem

Podcast: The Immovable Ladder

The fight over an object in Israel no one is allowed to touch.

by The Podcast Team, Atlas Obscura

November 6, 2023

Podcast: The Golem

The story of a a strange but wildly popular playground sculpture in Jerusalem.

by The Podcast Team, Atlas Obscura

October 18, 2023

Unlike her contemporary Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, Empress Matilda would never rule as Queen of England and instead was known only as the “Lady of the English.”

The Forgotten Women Who Ruled the Medieval Middle East

A new book tells the tales of the queens of Jerusalem.

by Sarah Durn, Atlas Obscura

January 25, 2022

Podcast: Razzouk Ink

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team, Atlas Obscura

January 20, 2022

Issa Kassissieh on his holiday rounds. A large poster of him as a basketball player is visible on the wall.

Meet the Only Certified Santa in the 'Ho Ho Holy Land'

Issa Kassisieh has turned his centuries-old family home into a Christmas wonderland.

by Gitit Ginat, Atlas Obscura

December 23, 2019

The Western Wall and Dome of the Rock in the old city of Jerusalem. The remnants of a Roman theater have been found beneath the Wall.

Found: A Long-Lost Roman Theater in Jerusalem

Roman ruins emerge deep beneath the Western Wall.

by Vittoria Traverso, Atlas Obscura

October 16, 2017

Lists Featuring Jerusalem

The House of the Temple.

Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

Including Zedekiah's Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple