One of the best ways to tour the Old City of Jerusalem is from above via the South Ramparts Walk, from Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall.
After about five years of work, the full North Ramparts Walk route is now open. It stretches about 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from Jaffa Gate to Lions’ Gate, with a bird’s-eye view of the Christian and Muslim Quarters and the Mount of Olives. Infrastructure such as balustrades and lighting have been installed.
North Ramparts walkers also will see the Temple Mount, Santa Ana Crusader Church, A-Sahara neighborhood, Rockefeller Museum, Mount Scopus, Mount of Olives and the Kidron (Jehoshaphat) Valley.
The Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage spent ₪11 million ($3.2 million) for the project, undertaken by the East Jerusalem Development Company (PAMI).
“For years, the Old City of Jerusalem has not realized its tourist potential. The new section will allow the millions of tourists in Jerusalem to experience the city on a route that allows both a view into the Old City and from the walls outward,” said Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage Ze’ev Elkin.
“This project joins tourism projects that will increase the number of visitors each year such as the cable car, accessibility of the Old City alleys and the renovation of the Old City’s urban space,” said Elkin.
The walks are not accessible to people with disabilities or to wheelchairs and strollers.
The South Ramparts Walk is open Sunday-Thursday, 9-4 (July-August to 10pm) and Friday and holiday eves to 2pm. The North Ramparts Walk is open Sunday-Thursday and Saturday from 9-4 (summer to 5pm). Each side takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Ticket is valid for both sections, for two days. Fees: adult ₪20, student/retiree ₪10, child/soldier ₪8. Purchase tickets online or at box offices at Cannon Plaza (the back entrance of the Tower of David, to the right of Jaffa Gate square); on the left-hand side after entering Jaffa Gate; or at Roman Square.
If you don’t have a guide, download a free audio guide in the “Vocal Tours in Jerusalem” app for Android or iOS.
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