City of David National Park
City of David National Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Rediscover Biblical Jerusalem.The story of the City of David began over 3,000 years ago,Today, the story of the City of David continues. Deep underground, the City of David is revealing some of the most exciting archeological finds of the ancient world. While above ground, the city is a vibrant center of activity with a visitor's center that welcomes visitors for an exciting tour to the site where much of the Bible was written.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
1,150 reviews
Excellent
852
Very good
208
Average
52
Poor
20
Terrible
18
RonFr
Shoham, Israel20 contributions
Oct 2022
I recently did the tour of Old Jerusalem and was amazed by the experience. The highlight for me was walking in the narrow Hizkiyho cave, walking in the shallow water (can easily be bypassed). Overall, I highly recommend this tour to travelers of all ages interested in learning more about the history of this amazing city.
While it's possible to do it on your own, I would recommend going with a guide for an enhanced experience.
While it's possible to do it on your own, I would recommend going with a guide for an enhanced experience.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ailsa E
Northampton51 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We have just got back from doing this and loved it. We took shorts and flip-flops./sliders to change into at the visitor centre, and left our stuff in the lockers, do the water tunnel, which was an amazing experience. We were in it on our own and used phones as light, and I would strongly advise turning the lights off and standing still just to get a sense of how isolated you are in the centre. We then walked back to the start along the drainage channel, which ends up at the new excavations by the car park
Written 21 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GranZorro
Zug, Switzerland1,423 contributions
Nov 2022
The story of the discovery of Kind David's city - below the walls of the Temple Mount - is in itself a fascinating feat of archeological "detective work".
The tour through the excavations and the tunnels is not only an extraordinary experience, but it also confirms the biblical narrative concerning both the site itself and Jerusalem in general point by point.
Take the 3 hours or more needed for this visit and go. Highly recommended.
The tour through the excavations and the tunnels is not only an extraordinary experience, but it also confirms the biblical narrative concerning both the site itself and Jerusalem in general point by point.
Take the 3 hours or more needed for this visit and go. Highly recommended.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James W
2 contributions
Oct 2022
excellent, i would suggest this trip for all . it was an amazing experience.asdfklajsdhflkajsdhflkajshdflkjashdflkjhasdflkjhasdklfjhalkdsfjhlakdsjfhlkdsajhlkasjdhflkasjdhflkajsdhflkjahsdflkjahsdklfjhalkdsjfhalksdjhflkasdjhflkasjhdflkasjdhflksajhdflkjasdhflkjashdflkjhasdfasdf
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia12,154 contributions
Nov 2022
The City of David National Park demonstrates the evolution of David's city from the earliest times. Archaeologists are still discovering clues to the early city. The remains of the early city can be found near the Western Wall, near the Dung Gate. There are quite a few stairs to climb, but it's worth the effort. By the way, David's son, Solomon built the Temple.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David J
3 contributions
Oct 2022
One of the highlights of our time in Jerusalem. If you are interested in history, especially biblical history, don't miss this. We had a good tour guide that explained things well and left time for questions. Hezekiah's tunnel is a must see. We shoes that you can walk a good distance in water. The water can get up to mid thigh in places. Once out of the tunnel, you have 3 choices to get back to the top. Take the tram. We did not due to Sukkot crowds. It would have taken longer. The 2 options for walking back up are strenuous. The drainage tunnel has a lot of low ceilings so, you are bent over for a good portion of that walk. However, the overall experience is fantastic.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NyFunnygirl
White Plains, NY293 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We had an excellent tour of the site. It is relatively new in its expanded form. We did the dry tunnels, though there is an option to go through the longer wet ones. Lots of stairs and uneven terrain so be prepared. History and archaeology was knowledgeable presented by our guide.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LiziLon
Shoam Israel78 contributions
Aug 2022
The show has no purpose. It has no historical sequence, it focuses on a very limited historical period (the destruction of the First Temple until the establishment of the Second Temple) without giving an overall picture of the origin of the Jewish people (even in brief flashes).
I saw a number of free light shows in Jerusalem (mainly at the light festivals in the summer). Each of them was much better than this performance which costs quite a bit and gives a pinch
I saw a number of free light shows in Jerusalem (mainly at the light festivals in the summer). Each of them was much better than this performance which costs quite a bit and gives a pinch
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Londoner16
London, UK77 contributions
Aug 2022
We booked the evening son et lumière show "Hallelujah" at the City if David. It's very expensive, and not really worth it. First they show you the archeological excavations themselves, but the explanations are brief and uninformative. Nothing is said about dates or historical context. Then there is a projection of a story on the walls of one part, where you sit in an amphitheatre. The visual special effects are quite impressive, but that's the only good thing about it. It's a quasi-historical quasi-mythical account of a Jewish return from Persian exile to rebuild Jerusalem, with backward references to the biblical story of David. But again historical explanation is lacking and it's quite confusing. The narrative is low-grade and patronising, as well as propagandistic (the modern resonances of a Jewish return from exile to rebuild Jerusalem, in the teeth of hostile forces who don't want the Jews there, are not exactly subtle). Well worth missing.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly
Warren, MI84 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We had an excellent tour guide for the underground tunnel tour at City of David. Yehuda was informative and entertaining. Most of the tour is in fairly large underground spaces or outside at overlooks. At one point in the tour there is an option to split into the dry tunnel or the wet tunnel. Before you choose a tunnel, there is a short film about how the tunnel was made and how it was discovered We chose to do the dry tunnel since it was a shorter walk in closed quarters and enjoyed the quick hop back into history. Both tunnels ended back at the Pool of Siloam together. It is not a wet pool but a historically significant one nevertheless. We chose the shuttle back to the visitor's center but there were other areas that one could walk through and explore as well if you want to make a whole day of the experience.
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello! I would like to take my 87 years old mother to visit the City of David National Park and it's tunnels and undergrounds. Is it senior friendly or too much adventurous? Thank you!
bchemp2000
Coleman, Canada
Hello.do you have the Aharon Horovitz book "City of David: The story of Ancient Jerusalem" ad how much is it in US dollars ?
rjaffelieb
Jerusalem, Israel193 contributions
Look at the City of David website, they have an online store and it's very good. His book is there as are many others. Let me know if this is not enough.
DianeDiane
New York City, NY1,871 contributions
Is it better to reserve a tour or go on your own to the City of David including tunnels? If we go on our own - is information supplied about what we are to see when we get our tickets?
Fane Babanul
Rishon Lezion, Israel1,963 contributions
The guided tour cost per person is less than 60 SHEKEL, worth every agora.
Book in advance, through the CITY OF DAVID web site.
Bob R
Rehovot, Israel87 contributions
To do the "From the City of David to the Western Wall", do i need to do the organized tour (only at 11 am) or is it open from till 5 pm?
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,591 contributions
You do not need an organized tour. You can visit on your own. Make sure you have a map of some sorts - paper or on your iPhone. You can download Jerusalem city guide from Tripadvisor. If you feel uncomfortable in foreign cities on your own then get and organized tour.
Barbara W
New York City, NY1 contribution
About how much is the taxi fare from the Primo Kings hotel ? In american dollars. How long is the trip? Is there a place to get a snack like pizza?
Colin R
Oxfordshire, UK59 contributions
There's a coffee bar at the site but that's about it - coffee, cold drinks, crisps etc. But, as others have said, you're a 5 minute walk from the Old City (albeit up hill) where there's a vast array of places to eat. Try some local humous
Rosemarie P
Tamarac, FL38 contributions
Last year I visited the site and had a wonderful time. I purchased the tickets in advance, on-line. I also had great help with answers to my questions through email.
This year, the site is not working properly and I am unable to complete the purchase. I've also not been able to get a response to several emails. Others have left comments on the site, trying to get answers to questions, but no one is responding.
I am leading a group of 10 to Israel later this year and would really like to nail down some main attractions. Is any one else experiencing this? Is there another email address where the staff might respond?
Thanks for your help.
manisfeld
Northbrook, IL320 contributions
Rosemarie: The best suggestion I can give so to call them directly at +972 2-626 8700.
I most definitely highly recommend that when booking tickets you also book a guide.
ISL_USA
Massachusetts153 contributions
What would be that closest and fastest place to eat in case we have about 1/2 hour or less before the guided tour ?
Yair Z
Jerusalem, Israel
Dear ISLBoston,
There are available food courts in the Rova -the Old City. Located 10 minutes away the City of David.
Alternitively,you can find places to eat in First station (Tahana Rishona) located off Emek Refaim st.
The free shuttle bus is located in the Parking lot of the First station and will get you to the City of David.
CITY OF DAVID NATIONAL PARK (Jerusalem) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about City of David National Park
- City of David National Park is open:
- Sun - Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- We recommend booking City of David National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 City of David National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience City of David National Park:
- City of David and Underground Jerusalem Day Tour (From S$117.32)
- Discover the Secrets of the Underground Jerusalem with a private tour (From S$1,316.90)
- Jerusalem: The Center of the Universe - Walk the "Holy City" with GaryTheGuide (From S$692.06)
- City of David and Underground Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv (From S$130.50)
- City of David & Underground Jerusalem Day Tour from Tel Aviv (From S$130.50)
- Hotels near City of David National Park:
- (0.25 km) Litov Kotel Hotel - A Jewish Orthodox Hotel
- (0.41 km) The Sephardic House
- (0.70 km) Christ Church Guest House
- (0.75 km) Ecce Homo Convent
- (0.45 km) La Maison d'Abraham
- Restaurants near City of David National Park:
- (0.35 km) The Quarter Cafe
- (0.44 km) Holy Cafe
- (0.85 km) The Eucalyptus
- (0.63 km) Armenian Tavern
- (0.84 km) Versavee