Ramparts Walk Jerusalem
Walk atop ancient walls for unparalleled views of Jerusalem's Old and New Cities, a journey through history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Ramparts Walk Jerusalem
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk atop ancient walls for unparalleled views of Jerusalem's Old and New Cities, a journey through history.
"The Ramparts Walk offers a breathtaking, historical perspective of Jerusalem unlike any other."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for the best experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. There are limited spots to refill along the walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northern Ramparts Walk
Starts at Jaffa Gate
Panoramic views of the Old City and New City. A great introduction to Jerusalem's scale.
Southern Ramparts Walk
Starts near Zion Gate
Offers unique perspectives of the Old City's rooftops and historical sites.
Overlooking the Temple Mount
Southern Ramparts Walk
Catch glimpses of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque from a unique vantage point.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ramparts Walk
Navigating the Ramparts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for the best experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. There are limited spots to refill along the walk.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The ramparts are extensive. Decide if you want to do the north, south, or both sections.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Entry fees apply. Consider purchasing tickets in advance or as part of a combo if available.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for the best experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. There are limited spots to refill along the walk.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The ramparts are extensive. Decide if you want to do the north, south, or both sections.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Entry fees apply. Consider purchasing tickets in advance or as part of a combo if available.
📸 Capture the Views
The photo opportunities are incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ramparts Walk for its breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem's Old and New Cities, offering a unique historical perspective. Many highlight it as a must-do activity for understanding the city's layout and grandeur. However, some find the walk physically demanding due to stairs and uneven surfaces, and note that ticket prices can add up.
"Excellent must visit attraction on your trip to Jerusalem! For 25 shekel you can walk on top of the old city walls and see views into the Muslim and the other 3 quarters of the old city.
So much work went into making this and you will be working hard and climbing a lot to make the journey but worth it! Best of all it was quite empty and not packed with tourists."
Y B
"The Ramparts Walk is divided into two separate walks, totally just under two miles: the north side walk and the south side walk. Both are included in the admission ticket and both have their differences. The north side walk is the longer of the two and covers a far greater area, from the Jaffa Gate (on the west side of the Old City) to the Lions Gate (on the east side, approaching the Dome of the Rock). The south side walk is shorter but ends at a more convenient location, the Western Wall (or Kotel as it is known in Hebrew). The south side walk begins at the Tower of David (on the west side of the Old City, beside the Jaffa Gate) and continues around to the south side of the city, ending off between the Zion and Dung Gates.
For those wishing to explore the Old City at ground level while already up on the ramparts, there are several places along the walks where one can descend. However, re-entry is only possible at the starts of both walks so be sure to plan accordingly. Plaques set up along the walks made identification of landmarks and sites easy with explanations in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
From the north side walk, one passes over the Christian Quarter with the numerous churches and other Vatican buildings seen, sometimes below the wall! These include views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of Flagellation, among many, many more. The walk carries on into the Muslim Quarter, where mosques and minarets, as well as schools and playing fields, can be seen from a unique angle. Crossing over the New Gate, the Damascus Gate, the Herod’s Gate and finally the Lions Gate, the north side walk covers a great deal of area and comfortable shoes should be worn as the rock walltops are uneven and can be difficult to walk on for some. The walk ends just after the Lions Gate, approaching the Dome of the Rock mosque and either one can descend and explore or one can turn back (turning back and descending at the Damascus Gate is a great way to see a lot on the way back, including an Arab souk)."
Louie Farhat
"You cannot go around the whole jeurslaem but only half to Jewish temple Mount, as the Muslims reserved them the right to be the only ones to enter temple Mount, so the walk ends right next to this. The price was OK, the place was disgusting and neglected specially in the Muslim quarter. I wish someone would do something about this as it looks really bad on Jerusalem."
Nunes Andy (Samuel)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ramparts Walk can be accessed from several gates in the Old City. The most common starting points are Jaffa Gate for the Northern Ramparts and Zion Gate for the Southern Ramparts. You can reach these gates by walking from the New City or using local buses.
Parking directly within the Old City is very limited. It's best to park in designated lots outside the Old City walls, such as the one near Jaffa Gate, and then walk to the entrance.
Yes, several bus lines stop near Jaffa Gate and Zion Gate, providing convenient access to the entrances of the Ramparts Walk.
The walk involves many stairs and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. Some sections might be more accessible than others, so it's advisable to check specific access points.
Using a map of the Old City is highly recommended. Look for signs pointing to Jaffa Gate or Zion Gate, which are the main entry points for the ramparts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required to walk the ramparts. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entry points, such as Jaffa Gate or Zion Gate.
Opening hours vary seasonally and can change. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date 'ramparts walk Jerusalem hours' or 'ramparts walk Jerusalem opening hours'. Generally, they open in the morning and close before sunset.
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to check the 'ramparts walk Jerusalem tickets' information closer to your visit for current pricing.
While some attractions offer online booking, it's advisable to check if 'ramparts walk old city Jerusalem' tickets can be purchased in advance online to save time.
Yes, guided 'ramparts tour Jerusalem' options are available, offering historical context and insights. You can often book these through local tour operators or at the entrance points.
📸 📸 Photography
Every section offers unique photo opportunities! The Northern Ramparts provide expansive views of the New City, while the Southern Ramparts offer closer perspectives of the Old City's rooftops and courtyards. 
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden hour glow.
You can capture external views of religious sites like the Dome of the Rock from a distance. However, be mindful of privacy and respect for sacred spaces.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive historical and religious areas like Jerusalem's Old City. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A zoom lens can be useful for details. Comfortable carrying your gear is key.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Walking the full 'ramparts walk Jerusalem' can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. You can also choose to walk just the Northern or Southern sections, which take about 1-1.5 hours each.
You'll get incredible aerial views of the Old City's diverse neighborhoods, ancient rooftops, and key landmarks. You can also see parts of the New City.
Restroom facilities are not consistently available along the entire walk. It's advisable to use facilities at the entry points or nearby attractions before you begin.
The Northern Ramparts offer views towards the New City and Mount Scopus, while the Southern Ramparts provide vistas of the Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives, and the Jewish Quarter.
Yes, you can typically exit the ramparts at various gates along the way, allowing for flexibility in your exploration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and make it a game to spot different landmarks from above. The historical aspect can be brought to life with simple stories about knights and ancient cities. It's a great way to get some exercise while exploring the Old City Ramparts Walk together.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the Old City. Walking the ramparts is a fantastic self-guided experience that offers immense historical context and breathtaking panoramas without the cost of a private tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Northern and Southern Ramparts
The Southern Ramparts Walk, often accessed from Zion Gate, offers a different perspective. This route overlooks the Jewish Quarter, the Temple Mount area (with glimpses of the Dome of the Rock), and extends towards the Dung Gate. The views here are more focused on the historical and religious heart of the Old City, providing a profound connection to its layered past.
+1Both sections are roughly 1-1.5 hours long, and many visitors choose to walk one or both depending on their time and interest. The Old City Ramparts Walk is a must-do for anyone wanting to grasp the city's layout and historical significance from above.
Historical Significance of the Walls
Each gate and section of the wall tells a story. From the iconic Jaffa Gate, a major entry point for centuries, to the historically significant Zion Gate, the ramparts have witnessed countless events. Understanding this historical context enhances the experience of the Jerusalem Ramparts, transforming a scenic walk into a journey through time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit