I am currently in the middle of a 5 week’s stay in Jerusalem and what I am most excited about (probably a New Yorker is a naturalist.
to me) about this exciting place access to beautiful public places. I am always amazed at how beautiful the city offers and how welcome they are everywhere (I look at you and your high chairs, Paris). Jerusalem is not just an ancient city full of untouched ruins and tourist-filled museums – there are many beauties that children can see, experience, and experience. From food to the daily commute to the Mediterranean to the puppet theaters, my guide can only record what the city has in store for visitors, but hey- it is a start.
Staying
For a more authentic experience (not to mention one that might be easy for kids) try staying in an apartment. Airbnb has many great options, just do the right diligence for your neighbors before choosing one. My favorite is Market Courtyard as they provide accommodation/hotel. The rooms have kitchens and are located across from the Machne Yehuda market and are close to all transportation. And it is a walking distance to the Old City, and they have a site manager to help you with any questions, laundry, etc. If you feel like you want to waste water, try the King David Hotel or Mamilla Hotel.
Food
Machne Yehuda, also known as Shuk, is a large open marketplace where retailers sell everything from olives to cheese to fish to cakes. On Friday afternoon, just before Shabbat started, vendors got into the car and shouted their prices over each other, and tried to finish their goods before the end of the day – it was an experience. Don’t be too shy to trade or taste before buying. For restaurants in Shuk, try Azura and Rachmo. Adult tip: at night when the market is closed, a few live bars offer a quiet place to hold a glass of wine.
Favorite Jerusalemite hummus Pinati, and for some good street food try Shalom Falafel and Sabich I’ll Tasbich. See Darna for real Moroccan vines or the famous Eucalyptus. Touro offers a very special place – located quietly away from the Yemin Moshe area, this restaurant has amazing views of the Old City. Freshly squeezed juice, cakes, and Turkish coffee are readily available everywhere.
To do
Dedicating a day to explore with a tour guide is worth it. A good guide can provide insight into the place and history, and take care of all the transportation. Mabat tours (while less expensive) are great and can make customized tours to suit your interests, be it religious, historical, child-friendly, and so on.
With children
Although it is hot and dry most of the year, Jerusalem has some amazing wildlife, and the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens are a delight. Biblical Zoo, Monster park, Railway Theater (which includes animated shows), and the Bloomfield Science Museum are also great places for children to explore and interact with. First Station is a great place during the day, parents can enjoy fresh juice from there: bar while the kids run, check, make big blankets and check out the kids ’shops around. And if you haven’t gotten enough at Shuk, you can visit the farmer’s market here every Thursday and Friday.
There are several public parks in the city for kids to play and relax- and the place is not too bad. Pick up a coffee at Aroma and drive to Liberty Bell Park or Independence Park (neighboring The Old City).
With more than 10 children
Ammunition Hill, an important battlefield since the 1967 war, provides a glimpse of modern-day Jerusalem. The museum on site has a video showing a large Jerusalem model, so you can get your bearings properly, as well as an open leg extension and a mini snack bar. Keep in mind that although it is the best place to visit, Yad Vashem, the Israel Holocaust Museum, only allows children over 10 years of age.
Journey of the Day
Jerusalem is a 45-minute bus ride from one of the world’s highest beaches; Phone. Aviv. (bonus: you pay for the bus and it costs 18 NIS or about $ 5). Buy market paddles, bring a picnic, and plan a day camping. Fishman Beach offers seats and umbrellas for a fee (approximately 15 NIS each) although the seafront near Yafo will have fewer crowds. Try Tel Aviv Port, a boardwalk with lots of restaurants, shopping, dinner ice cream, or the popular Manta Ray.
Apps
WiFi is available almost everywhere, including on many buses. Use WhatsApp or Viber to send text and call for free. Although the whole world speaks English, some things are hard to explain, so download Google Translate to help (Note: this app provides gluten intolerance in many languages). There is a useful Jerusalem Light Rail app and Moovit provides transportation directions and instructions. This Easy Money app helps if you have math challenges like me.
Remember
Jerusalem completely closes all public transportation and almost all shops, restaurants, etc. from Friday afternoon to Saturday at about 9:30 pm except for the Muslim and Christian Quarter of the Old City, and a few selected areas. However, the whole country remains open. Take this opportunity as an opportunity to have a free day, or if you feel empowered – rent a car (about $ 40 / day) and take a day trip to the Dead Sea, Masada, Negev, Galilee, Golan Heights, or Tel Aviv.
Do your homework
Simon Montefiore gives the history of Jerusalem from King David to the 1967 War in his book, Jerusalem: A Biography. Your experience will be greatly enhanced with a little basic understanding of this complex area.
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POSTED IN: TRAVEL · TAGGED: EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL, FAMILY TRAVEL, ISRAEL WITH KIDS, JERUSALEM