Staying overnight in Jerusalem- What would you do?

[dcbiker97]

We'll be overnighting in Ashdod in Oct. 2021 (was supposed to be 2020), and instead of going back to our ship, we decided to overnight in Jerusalem so that we can experience the city after tours leave. We have two days of private tours booked with GTI, including a full day in Jerusalem. What would you do in the evening? Walk around the Old City? Dinner recommendations? We're staying within walking distance of the Jaffa gate if that helps.

Edited July 27, 2020 by dcbiker97

[John Bull]

We overnited in Jerusalem a few years back, same as you intend.

 

We went to the walled city in the evening - big mistake, it was dead, deserted, everything closed and shuttered. We struggled to find somewhere to eat on the walk back to our hotel.

Despite being a jumble of poorly-lit alleyways we didn't feel at all unsafe. Just bored.

So unless things have changed (which I doubt), don't make the same mistake - instead perhaps head for the modern city centre, or ask hotel staff.

 

The walled city is vibrant, historic, iconic, and fascinating during the day - but it's very easy to get lost in the maze of alleyways..

We took a free (just tip the guide) walking tour of the walled city, which covered all the important sights. After the tour we explored by ourselves and were totally lost in less than five minutes  

 

https://www.neweuropetours.eu/sandemans-tours/jerusalem/free-tour-of-jerusalem/

 

JB 

[sugarbird]

The night spectacular sound and light show is outstanding--I believe it is by 1 of the gates to the old city

[Travelling2Some]

It is surprising but very true that the Old City is quiet and deserted at night.  Pretty much everything shuts down.  We enjoyed the Machane Yehuda market the evening we stayed over.  We stayed at Harmony Hotel in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, which is about half way between the Jaffa Gate and the market (walkable to both).  The Nahalat Shiva neighborhood is charming and also lively at night. 
The light show that the other poster spoke of is held at the Tower of David a/k/a The Citidel, which is right inside the walls in the area of the Jaffa Gate.   I would check for recent reviews of the market as I don't know what effect COVID has had.  Here's the website:  https://en.machne.co.il/

 

[AussieVisi2r]

I overnighted a few years back. 
We hired a driver. On day one went out to the Dead Sea, wadi David and Messada. Amazing. 
then back to Jerusalem for the night. 
Day two did a huge tour of Jerusalem including walking the Stations of the Cross. 
brilliant two days.