Shopping & districts
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem is the eastern half of the city, internationally recognized as Palestinian territory but under Israeli administration since the 1967 war. For a traveller, it means the historic core of Jerusalem: narrow market streets, the Old City's Muslim Quarter, and some of the most significant religious sites in the world, all within walking distance of each other. It's a place to walk, browse the souq-style shopping lanes, and see layered history rather than a single sight.
Getting there
From central Bethlehem, East Jerusalem is roughly 10km away, but the route crosses a checkpoint between the West Bank and Jerusalem, so travel time is unpredictable and can be considerably longer than the distance suggests. Options include shared taxis, buses, or a private driver; allow extra time for the crossing itself.
How long to stay
Plan on at least half a day if you want to walk the market streets and take in a couple of the nearby sites without rushing. A full day gives more breathing room, especially if you plan to enter religious sites that have their own access points.
When to go
The area gets busy around midday and especially around Friday prayers, when access to some sites is restricted or crowds build near the mosque areas. Early morning is quieter for walking the market lanes and streets.
Combine with
- Muslim Quarter (0.3km) — the market streets themselves, easy to combine on the same walk.
- Pool of Bethesda (0.3km) — a short walk away.
- Dome of the Rock (0.6km) and Moriah (0.6km) — both within easy reach on foot.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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