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Jerusalem is a city of great historical significance. From sacred temples to modern culture, there are many things for you here!
If traveling on the cheap sounds like your idea, then read our top secrets that will make it an affordable trip all around without sacrificing any adventure or cultural insightfulness along the way.

Don’t Pay Full Price for Guided Tours

Jerusalem guided tours offer various experiences in the sacred city of them all. From full-day introductory tours to package tours, religious-themed tours, culinary tours, and more. Jerusalem is considered the holiest city of three major religions, with a long history and rich culture. There’s something for everyone here!

The best way to experience it, however- other than just walking around freely or stopping by some sites on your trip, like the Western Wall (Judaism’s holiest site) – is through an organized tour that will give you insight into this rich place for generations before us!

The guide will bring the stories to life so you can experience them like never before and make your visit to the Holy City unforgettable. Places such as the Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, the Cardo, Mount Zion, the Room of the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, City of David, the Mount of Olives, and more.

So, what trick will allow you to pay less for a guided tour? It’s very simple; all you have to do is look for coupon codes of the tour operator that many coupon websites publish on the Internet. For example, Bein Harim Tourism offers 15% off Jerusalem Tours. The tour company offers 15 different Jerusalem tours, so you will probably find one that suits you and pique your interest.

Plan a Self-Guided Tour

Instead of paying for a guided tour, you can plan a self-guided tour of the city. This can save you money and also give you the flexibility to see the sights you want to see at your own pace. Some ways to plan a self-guided tour include:

  • Using online resources: There are many online resources, such as guidebooks and travel blogs, that can provide you with information about the sights and landmarks in Jerusalem.
  • Downloading apps: There are many apps available for smartphones and tablets that provide information about the city and its landmarks.
  • Research before your trip: Look up the landmarks and sights you want to see before your trip and make a plan of where to go and what to see.

Eat Middle Eastern Food and Don’t Skip the Market

Street food in Jerusalem is tastier and budget-friendly than what you’ll find at more expensive cafes or restaurants. One way to sample this incredible variety of dishes would be by stopping off at one (or two) popular street stalls like Shlomo Falafel & Ja’far Sweets, which have been around for over 60 years!

While the food in grocery stores, supermarkets, and restaurants is similar in price to what you would pay in main European cities, every big city in Israel has its market where you can buy food, mainly native dishes, for ridiculously low prices.

The primary market in Jerusalem, the Machane Yehuda Market, is a labyrinth of hundreds of stalls selling pretty well everything you can think of at amazingly affordable prices. And of course, don’t forget to haggle.

Visit Off Season

Jerusalem is a beautiful city that changes with the seasons. January and February are ideal months to visit, as they offer cheap rates on accommodations while still being warm enough for most people who come from colder climates like Europe or North America without having too much trouble adjusting their temperature to not get cold during your stay here!

Stay in One of the Hostels Jerusalems Has to Offer

Hostels might not sound like the type of accommodation you would choose for your vacation as your first choice. Still, some hostels in Jerusalem are leading the region and, in some cases, regarding the level of hospitality and the value they offer.

You’ll find urban hostels offering high-quality accommodation with an excellent atmosphere for a third of the price of hotels. In some cases, the hostels will provide a higher level of service and hospitality than the hotels, so you will save money and get a higher value.

Find Deals on Accommodations

One of the most significant expenses on a trip is accommodation. To save money on this, try looking for deals on accommodation. Some ways to do this include:

  • Booking in advance: The earlier you book your accommodations, the better the chances of finding a good deal.
  • Staying in budget-friendly accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals can often be more affordable than hotels.
  • Negotiating rates: If you’re planning on staying in one place for an extended period, try negotiating a better rate with the accommodation.
  • Use online platforms: There are many online platforms, such as Airbnb and Booking.com, that offer deals on accommodation.

Travel By Public Transportation

Israel’s excellent public transport infrastructure is both affordable and effective. Buses in Israel are very clean, well maintained, operate with a high frequency between and inside the main cities, and are very fair priced. Another option is to take shared taxis (Shirut), which are also run both within and between cities. The main advantage of Shirut over a regular bus is that the Shirut driver can drop you off wherever you want along the route and not necessarily at specific stations.

Take advantage of Free or Low-Cost Attractions

Jerusalem offers many free or low-cost attractions that you can take advantage of during your trip. Some examples include:

  • The Israel Museum: This museum offers free admission on certain days of the week, and has a wide range of exhibitions showcasing Jewish art, archaeology, and more.
  • The Bible Lands Museum: This museum has a collection of artifacts from the ancient Near East and is often free or low-cost to enter.
  • The Old City of Jerusalem: The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a wealth of history and culture to explore. Many of the sites within the Old City, such as the Western Wall, are free to visit.
  • The Yemin Moshe neighborhood: This picturesque neighborhood offers great views of the city and is a great spot for a stroll.

In Conclusion

A trip to Jerusalem does not have to break the bank. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can have an affordable and memorable trip without sacrificing adventure or cultural insightfulness.

Consider looking for coupon codes for guided tours, sampling street food and shopping at the markets, visiting during the off-season, staying in a budget-friendly hostel, using public transportation or alternative options such as bike-sharing or walking.
Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions, find deals on accommodations, and plan a self-guided tour. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy everything Jerusalem has to offer while staying within your budget.