Make plans. There are very few times of the year when it is simply easy to visit Jerusalem successfully. Heat in the summer, cold in the winter, large crowds and difficult public transportation all make careful planning very worthwhile to make the most out of a Jerusalem visit. Speak with a tour agency about possible organized tours or make yourself a sensible itinerary.
Visit the Old City. Any visitor to Jerusalem would be remiss to get to the city without seeing its historical and religious epicenter. The Old City is the cluster of buildings, religious edifices and ruins enclosed within the partially rebuilt walls of Herod's Jerusalem. The Old City is easy to access, free to visit and historically thrilling, so don't miss out.
Consider the museums. While most people think about Europe as the best place to see museums, Jerusalem has some museums the likes of which cannot be found elsewhere. Check out the Israel Museum, which houses the famous Dead Sea Scrolls; Yad Vashem, the largest Holocaust memorial museum in the world; and the smaller religious museums of the Old City.
Tour the new city. Taking a look at the new, or modern, Jerusalem gives a visitor an appreciation for the living history of the city and provides an understanding of daily life in the city. Check out the German Quarter, the American Colony and parts of East Jerusalem to take in the city's everyday diversity, its foods and its rich culture.
