48 Hours In Jerusalem: The Cool Guide

For a touch of class try the Mirror bar at the Mamilla Hotel, it’s got a sexy, exclusive feel with none of the snobbery, and a huge cocktail list.

Come nightfall, the stalls at Mahane Yehuda Market turn into pop-up bars and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot.

At nearby Haschena bar (literally means ‘neighbour’) is where the young, sexy crowd will be dancing into the early hours.

FYI: the big nights in Jerusalem are Thursdays and Saturdays.

Modern Hachatzer Restaurant for an Israeli twist on Mediterranean cooking. Think delicious meats, dips, breads desserts washed down with local wine and aperitifs. A perfect stop.

Or for a more casual bite to eat, try First Station. Originally a train station, but now a vibrant hub with exhibitions, colourful markets and plenty of places to grab some food.

And you can’t miss Bakery 1961 for delicious Israeli cakes, Halva, sweets, plus Boureskas, and pastries filled with cheese, potato and mushrooms.

The Mamilla Hotel is a great base. Close to the old city and home to the beautiful Mirror Bar, it’s trendy yet minimalist with an incredible restaurant. And if you’ve got the time, let yourself be pampered in its divine Akasha Wellbeing Centre.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, it’s Herbert Samuel you want. The rooftop restaurant has stunning views of the city.

On a budget? Post Hostels have private rooms and dorms available. Located just down the road from the old city, it has a relaxed vibe and is perfect for solo travellers.

Just minutes from the Jaffa Gate and the Old City you’ll find the Waldorf Astoria and it’s luxe all the way. A beautiful art deco hotel designed to reflect and showcase Israeli design and culture.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, split into four sections: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. Walking through the maze of ancient alleyways you’ll discover centuries old synagogues, churches and mosques. Key sites include: the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, the Temple Mount and Western Wall for Jews and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians. The Church of the Sepulchre is where Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead and a visit there is a mind-blowing experience.

The Israel Museum has over 5000 years of history within its walls, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to art by Israeli artists like of Anish Khapoor.

Sunrise is the time to watch Jewish men, women and children pray against the Western Wall, while those who have prayers in letter form roll them and place them in between the cracks of the ancient wall.

A visit to Jerusalem wouldn’t be complete without going to the Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre. A deeply moving experience, especially the Children’s Memorial.