Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith

Jerusalem, Israel
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

The past and present collide at every turn in Jerusalem. On this self-guided audio tour along the ancient ramparts (old city walls), you’ll experience breathtaking views over both the Old City and modern Jerusalem, while literally straddling the boundary between them. As you traverse these Ottoman walls, built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s, you’ll find out how these fortifications have seen three millennia of history. I’ll also tell you how they continue to unite and divide this extraordinary city. The tour starts at Jaffa Gate, from where you’ll walk atop the massive stone walls of the David Citadel. You’ll marvel at the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque from an exclusive vantage point while learning about Temple Mount’s significance to three major faiths. The tour ends back at Jaffa Gate, where you’ll hear about the forgotten Ottoman clock tower that once stood proudly over the entrance.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

  1. Old City of Jerusalem
    Pass by
    Walk atop the massive Ottoman walls that encircle Jerusalem's ancient heart, built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s. Experience breathtaking panoramic views over three millennia of history where past and present collide at every turn in this extraordinary sacred city.
  2. Mount Zion
    Pass by
    Marvel at this sacred hill from your elevated position on the ramparts, where you can see the Dormition Abbey and the traditional site of the Room of the Last Supper. Discover how this holy site connects Christians and Jews through its biblical significance and centuries of pilgrimage traditions.
  3. Dung Gate
    Pass by
    Pass above this ancient entrance that provides access to the Western Wall and Jewish Quarter below. Learn how this gate, despite its humble name, serves as a crucial connection point for Jewish worshippers visiting their holiest prayer site.
  4. Pass by
    Admire this magnificent Islamic shrine and the golden Dome of the Rock from an exclusive vantage point high on the city walls. Experience the unique perspective of Temple Mount's significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam while understanding the complex religious dynamics of this sacred space.
  5. Armenian Quarter
    Pass by
    Explore views over this historic quarter that houses one of the oldest Armenian communities in the world. Discover how this ancient Christian community has maintained its unique culture and traditions within Jerusalem's Old City for over 1,500 years.
  6. Jewish Quarter
    Pass by
    Stroll above this rebuilt quarter and see the massive Herodian stones at the base of Temple Mount that have survived since the time of Jesus. Experience how this area represents both ancient Jewish heritage and modern renewal following the 1967 reunification of the city.
  7. Pass by
    Walk to the historic Lions' Gate where you'll stand at the spot where Israeli paratroopers broke through during the Six-Day War in 1967. Learn about this dramatic moment in modern history while examining the stone lions that give this eastern entrance its distinctive name.
  8. Damascus Gate
    Pass by
    Pass by this magnificent northern entrance, considered the most beautiful and elaborate of all the Old City gates. Marvel at the impressive Ottoman architecture and bustling atmosphere that makes this the main gateway between the Old City and modern Jerusalem.
  9. Pass by
    Enjoy views of this distinctive museum building that houses some of the most important archaeological discoveries from the Holy Land. Explore how this landmark represents the scholarly pursuit of understanding Jerusalem's complex layers of history and civilisation.
  10. Ramparts Walk
    Pass by
    Experience the complete circuit of these historic fortifications that offer unparalleled views and access to Jerusalem's defensive architecture. Discover arrow slits, bent entrances, and strategic outposts while walking in the footsteps of sultans, pilgrims, and warriors who have traversed these walls for centuries.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Jaffa Gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour starts at Jaffa Gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$9.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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