Jerusalem, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, has been a crossroads of faith and empire for more than 3,000 years. Within its stone walls, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim histories layer into a dense tapestry of sacred places, markets, and quiet courtyards.

Beyond the Old City’s gates, modern Jerusalem buzzes with galleries, inventive kitchens, and a trailblazing food market. From the Israel Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls to panoramic views on the Mount of Olives, the city balances ancient memory with contemporary life.

Practical notes: Check current travel advisories and local guidance before you go. Dress modestly at holy sites (shoulders/knees covered), and remember that many places close from Friday sunset to Saturday night for Shabbat. Book popular restaurants and tours in advance, especially in spring and fall.

Jerusalem

Why go: Walk the Via Dolorosa, touch the Western Wall, descend to the City of David tunnels, and sip mint tea in the Old City’s alleys. Then flip to modern Jerusalem—sip craft cocktails, taste Kurdish-Iraqi stews, and join locals in the shuk.

• Top sights: Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount of Olives, Temple Mount/Haram al‑Sharif (access varies), Israel Museum (Shrine of the Book), Yad Vashem, City of David, Mahane Yehuda Market, Tower of David Night Spectacular.
• Eat & drink highlights: Azura (slow-cooked Middle Eastern stews), Machneyuda (creative market-to-table), Mona (seasonal Mediterranean), Hachapuria (Georgian khachapuri), Kadosh (legendary pastries), knafeh at Jafar Sweets, and craft brews at BeerBazaar.
• Fun facts: The Old City is divided into four quarters; parts of its current walls date to the 16th century Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Jerusalem’s light-rail makes it easy to hop between neighborhoods.

Where to stay: Base yourselves in the City Center/Mamilla for easy walks to the Old City and the market. Compare apartments and hotels here:

• VRBO: apartments in Jerusalem — great for couples wanting a kitchen near the shuk or Mamilla.
• Hotels.com: hotels in Jerusalem — browse boutique stays in Rehavia, Mamilla, and the German Colony.

Getting there from Poland: Fly into Tel Aviv (TLV) from Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk. Expect ~4 hours nonstop when available, or 6–8 hours with one connection; round-trip fares for spring/fall typically run ~$250–$600 per person in economy (book early for better prices). Compare options via Omio flights.

Airport to Jerusalem: From Ben Gurion Airport, take the high-speed train to Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon Station (~25–30 minutes; about 6 USD per person). Taxis and shared shuttles are also available; allow extra time for security checks when departing.

Day 1: Arrival, First Glimpse of the Old City

Afternoon: Arrive in Tel Aviv and ride the train to Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon. Drop bags and stretch your legs along Mamilla Boulevard toward Jaffa Gate. If time permits, pop into the Tower of David Museum for context before sunset on the Old City ramparts.

Evening: Enter the Old City as the stones glow gold; pause at the Western Wall to feel the atmosphere after dusk. Dinner options: Azura in the Iraqi market for kubbeh soup and sofrito; or The Eucalyptus for modern “biblical cuisine” (think local herbs, figs, and wild barley). Nightcap at Gatsby, a speakeasy with inventive cocktails, or sample Israeli microbrews at BeerBazaar in the shuk.

Day 2: Old City Essentials + Market Tastes

Morning: Join a private orientation walk to unlock the city’s layers: Jerusalem : Private Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour). Your guide can tailor stops to your interests—Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the souks of the Christian and Muslim Quarters.

Breakfast/coffee: Fuel up beforehand at Kadosh (try the pistachio croissant) or Tmol Shilshom for shakshuka in a book-lined café.

Afternoon: Taxi or light-rail to the Israel Museum; see the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls) and the detailed Second Temple Model for superb context. Late lunch at Modern (inside the museum; seasonal Israeli plates) or return to town for a classic hummus bowl at Hummus Ben Sira.

Evening: Dive into the city’s food culture with a guided tasting through Mahane Yehuda: Private Guided Tour to the Culinary World of Jerusalem Market. Sample Kurdish kubbeh, Yemenite jachnun, boutique tahini, and the “Etrog Man” elixirs.

Dinner ideas after the tour: Machneyuda (book well ahead) for a rollicking chef-led menu; or Yudale across the street for small plates and a lively bar vibe.

Day 3: Masada and the Dead Sea

Spend the day in the Judean Desert on this classic excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem. Ascend Masada by cable car to explore King Herod’s palaces and Roman-era ramparts, then continue to the Dead Sea to float in hyper-saline waters and slather on mineral-rich mud. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable bottle; facilities at Ein Bokek make changing easy.

Dinner back in the city: Keep it casual with Hachapuria (buttery khachapuri, spinach or sulguni), or go for seafood and great Israeli wines at Satya. For dessert, try warm knafeh at Jafar Sweets near Damascus Gate.

Day 4: Bethlehem Highlights + Memory and Viewpoints

Morning: Cross to the West Bank on a streamlined guided visit: Travel to Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem. See Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity; your guide helps navigate lines and logistics so you can focus on the story and the art.

Brunch back in Jerusalem at Café Yehoshua in Rehavia (excellent eggs, salads, and breads).

Afternoon: Visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust History Museum) for a powerful, reflective experience; plan 2–3 hours. Alternatively, ride up to the Mount of Olives for sweeping views over the Old City and a walk down past the Jewish Cemetery and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Evening: Stroll along the illuminated walls from Jaffa Gate, then dine at Mona (seasonal Mediterranean in a historic stone house) or Anna (Italian with local produce in the Ticho House). For live music and a nightcap, try Sira or the Yellow Submarine venue.

Day 5: Ramparts, Souks, and Farewell

Morning: Walk a section of the Old City’s Ramparts (Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate is a scenic, manageable stretch). Coffee at Tmol Shilshom or a quick bourekas at a shuk bakery.

Afternoon: Last-minute browsing in the Christian Quarter for olive-wood carvings and ceramics; lunch on silky hummus and warm pitas at Lina or Abu Shukri. Head to Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon for the train to Ben Gurion Airport (~25–30 minutes); arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure due to robust security.

Evening: Fly home, hearts and camera rolls full.

Getting around: The light-rail runs north-south through the city; taxis and rideshare apps fill the gaps. Inside the Old City and central neighborhoods, walking is the best way to soak up texture and detail.

Booking checklist for two: Flights from Poland via Omio flights, a central stay on VRBO or Hotels.com, and the tours above (Old City private walk, Mahane Yehuda tasting, Masada & Dead Sea, and Bethlehem).

This 5-day Jerusalem itinerary blends sacred landmarks, market flavors, and a dramatic desert day trip—ideal for a couple who wants depth without rushing. You’ll leave with context, tastes, and views that linger long after your flight home.