
Hezekiah's Tunnel Jerusalem
Walk through a 2,700-year-old water tunnel, an ancient engineering marvel that supplied Jerusalem during sieges.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Hezekiah's Tunnel Jerusalem
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a 2,700-year-old water tunnel, an ancient engineering marvel that supplied Jerusalem during sieges.
"An unforgettable adventure through a wet, dark, and ancient marvel of engineering!"

🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
You'll be walking through water, so waterproof shoes or sandals are a must. Bring a change of clothes!
🔦 Bring a Waterproof Flashlight
The tunnel is dark! A good flashlight is essential for navigating and seeing the details.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Waterway
City of David, Jerusalem
Walk through a 2,700-year-old water tunnel, a marvel of ancient engineering that supplied Jerusalem during sieges.

The Siloam Pool Connection
End of Hezekiah's Tunnel
Emerge from the tunnel to discover the historic Siloam Pool, a significant biblical site.

Engineering Marvel
Hezekiah's Tunnel
Experience the incredible feat of ancient engineers who dug from both ends, meeting with minimal offset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Wet Adventure
Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
You'll be walking through water, so waterproof shoes or sandals are a must. Bring a change of clothes!
🔦 Bring a Waterproof Flashlight
The tunnel is dark! A good flashlight is essential for navigating and seeing the details.
📱 Protect Your Phone
Use a waterproof case or bag for your phone and other electronics. Water levels can vary.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.
The three millennia old tunnels under ancient Jerusalem, Israel
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
You'll be walking through water, so waterproof shoes or sandals are a must. Bring a change of clothes!
🔦 Bring a Waterproof Flashlight
The tunnel is dark! A good flashlight is essential for navigating and seeing the details.
📱 Protect Your Phone
Use a waterproof case or bag for your phone and other electronics. Water levels can vary.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.
💧 Embrace the Wetness
It's a water tunnel! Getting wet is part of the authentic experience. Enjoy it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and immersive experience of walking through Hezekiah's Tunnel, calling it a historical marvel and an unforgettable adventure. The engineering feat is consistently praised, though some find the water and darkness a bit challenging. It's a must-do for those seeking a tangible connection to ancient Jerusalem.
"Very unique experience. It took about 40 minutes to complete the walk. I went in June and the water was not cold and was knee high in depth. Like everything in Jerusalem, there were way too many people."
Peter Williams
"I was alone and fortunate to be the first person through for the day. The decent to the tunnel through the old city of David was a fun trek. The trip through the tunnel was fantastic. Water was between knee and waist deep. I made it through in 15 minutes, and at the end the lock to the gate was broken (someone overnight had tried to pick it with wood). They had to bring in a grinder to cut the lock! Quite the experience. A must do for anyone who is OK with tight spaces, darkenss, and getting wet. Bring a headlamp as you don't want to reply on your cellphone light."
Joe Greene
"Outstanding experience - both historically and adventurous. You can buy water shoes and lights at the entrance, do not bother to bring them."
AZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hezekiah's Tunnel is located within the City of David National Park in Jerusalem. You can reach it by public transport, taxi, or by walking from the Old City. Many guided tours also include this site.
There is parking available near the City of David entrance, but it can fill up quickly. It's often easier to use public transportation or a taxi.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Dung Gate of the Old City to the City of David, where the tunnel is located. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
Many visitors opt for guided tours that include Hezekiah's Tunnel, as guides can provide historical context and ensure a smooth experience.
Due to its nature as an ancient water tunnel, it involves walking through water and uneven terrain, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Hezekiah's Tunnel is typically included with admission to the City of David National Park. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official City of David website for current rates.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
The opening hours are generally aligned with the City of David National Park. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can change seasonally.
Yes, you can explore Hezekiah's Tunnel independently after purchasing your entry ticket to the City of David. However, a guide can enhance the historical understanding.
There are no strict age restrictions, but the experience involves walking in water and potentially low ceilings, so it's best suited for those who can navigate such conditions.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
The walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the pace and how often you stop to admire the surroundings.
The water depth can vary, but it's generally ankle to knee-deep. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared to get wet.
The tunnel is quite dark, and some find it a bit eerie, but it's generally not considered scary. Bringing a flashlight is highly recommended.
Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes or sturdy sandals. Bringing a change of clothes and a towel is a good idea.
Yes, you can take photos, but be sure to protect your camera or phone from water. The low light conditions can make for dramatic shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants within the City of David complex and in the surrounding areas of Jerusalem offering various cuisines.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the tunnel itself to maintain its historical integrity. There are designated areas for this.
You can find a range of options, from traditional Israeli snacks and falafel to more formal dining experiences in the nearby neighborhoods.
The City of David often has a cafe or small eatery on-site where you can grab a quick bite or refreshments.
Jerusalem is a city with a large Jewish population, so kosher food options are widely available throughout the city, including near the City of David.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique textures of the rock walls, the play of light and shadow, and the sense of ancient history make for dramatic photos. Capture the water flow and the narrow passages.
The low light can be challenging. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode can help. A flashlight can also be used to illuminate subjects.
A waterproof camera or a well-protected smartphone is ideal. Avoid bringing expensive DSLRs unless you have a robust waterproof housing.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb them.
Wide-angle shots can capture the scale of the tunnel, while close-ups can highlight the ancient carvings and water flow. Silhouettes against the light at the exit can also be striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to make history come alive, but be mindful of the dark and narrow passages, which might be a bit intimidating for very young or timid children. Bringing a waterproof bag for electronics is crucial, as little hands might be tempted to splash. Consider the City of David's other attractions which might be more accessible for younger children if the tunnel proves too challenging.
💧 Adventure Seekers
Embrace the wetness and the challenge. Bring your best waterproof gear, a reliable flashlight, and an adventurous spirit. The minimal offset where the two digging teams met is a fascinating detail to look for, showcasing the precision of ancient engineering. This is an experience that truly engages the senses.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and imagine the historical context. Consider joining a guided tour that focuses on the historical and archaeological significance to gain the most comprehensive understanding. The tunnel is a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the lives and challenges of ancient Jerusalem's inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Genius of Hezekiah's Tunnel
This incredible water system diverted water from the Gihon Spring, located outside the city walls, to the Pool of Siloam within the city. This ensured that Jerusalem would have a vital water source even if the spring was cut off by enemies. The tunnel's construction involved meticulous planning and execution, showcasing advanced knowledge of surveying and rock excavation techniques.
Today, walking through Hezekiah's Tunnel offers a tangible connection to this ancient history. The experience of wading through the cool water, surrounded by the rough-hewn rock, allows visitors to imagine the challenges and triumphs of those who built and relied on this vital lifeline. It's a journey back in time, highlighting human ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Navigating the Water Tunnel Experience
Beyond footwear, consider bringing a change of clothes, especially if you plan on continuing your explorations in Jerusalem afterward. Waterproof bags or cases for your phone, camera, and any other valuables are also highly advised. The tunnel is dimly lit, so a reliable flashlight or headlamp will greatly enhance your experience and safety.
While the tunnel is an incredible historical site, it's important to be aware of the conditions. The passages can be narrow, and the ground uneven. However, for those prepared, it's an unforgettable journey that offers a unique perspective on Jerusalem's ancient past.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit