Western Wall
Western Wall
4.5
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred to the Jewish people.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,248 reviews
Excellent
8,763
Very good
1,856
Average
502
Poor
74
Terrible
53
Tessie Mayo
Brownwood, TX26 contributions
Oct 2022
There is truly no other place in the world like the Western Wall (Kotel), whether you're in the plaza or touring the tunnels, you will be amazed by what you see.
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
michael palmer
Northallerton, UK16 contributions
Dec 2022
The devotees to the western wall are focussed and committed - so be respectful - there are many tours and the joy of celebration for many is palpable - to experience the love of God collectively will be a profound moment.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SueDon
Avon Park, FL106 contributions
Nov 2022
Such a sober and spiritual experience. Our travel group was separated by males and females and we briefly stood in line to pray at the wall. I agree with other reviewers that this is definitely a must-see site in Jerusalem.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harry A
Long Island, NY34 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I was fortunate enough to live in Jerusalem for a couple of years while studying abroad, and I’ve visited the Western Wall often. Every time I visit is always inspiring and uplifting, which is why this is the first place I went to on my summer trip to Israel. Being in a place rich with so much holiness and history never ceases to amaze me. People of any faith (or no faith) are welcome, and everyone, no matter religious affiliation, will find something that fascinates them here.
Here are a few tips for new visitors to maximize your experience:
If you can, come visit on Friday night at around sunset. This is when the Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath) begins, and when thousands of Jews gather to welcome in the holy day with song, dance, and prayer. It is truly a sight to see, you will not be disappointed!
If you want to visit when it is not busy, come on weekdays in the late morning, early afternoon, or evening (early-mid morning and late afternoon gets a little busier, as well as during weekends). You can usually find a spot right by the wall to introspect, pray, or take pictures during these times. Be aware that during Jewish holidays, it can get VERY crowded.
There is a custom to put a handwritten note into the cracks of the wall when you visit. According to Jewish tradition, God reads these notes personally, and is inclined to answer any prayer or request written on it. You do not have to be Jewish to partake in this custom, anyone can do it. It is a super uplifting experience. Make sure to pre-write your note, though, since they do not have pens and paper available.
The bathrooms are newly renovated, very spacious, and very clean. Definitely use them!
A few other things to keep in mind:
Being that this is the holiest site in Judaism, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. This means that men must wear a head covering (any head covering works), and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Kippas and scarves are available for those who need.
There are usually a few beggars around. Some could get a little aggressive, but none are dangerous. If you do happen to have some spare change, however, you could really make their day. They really do need it.
All entrances to the Western Wall are guarded by heavy security. It doesn’t usually take long to get through, but be prepared to empty your pockets and have your bag searched before you enter.
I can’t recommend visiting the western wall enough. If you happen to be in Israel for any reason, go. It is a life-changing experience.
Here are a few tips for new visitors to maximize your experience:
If you can, come visit on Friday night at around sunset. This is when the Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath) begins, and when thousands of Jews gather to welcome in the holy day with song, dance, and prayer. It is truly a sight to see, you will not be disappointed!
If you want to visit when it is not busy, come on weekdays in the late morning, early afternoon, or evening (early-mid morning and late afternoon gets a little busier, as well as during weekends). You can usually find a spot right by the wall to introspect, pray, or take pictures during these times. Be aware that during Jewish holidays, it can get VERY crowded.
There is a custom to put a handwritten note into the cracks of the wall when you visit. According to Jewish tradition, God reads these notes personally, and is inclined to answer any prayer or request written on it. You do not have to be Jewish to partake in this custom, anyone can do it. It is a super uplifting experience. Make sure to pre-write your note, though, since they do not have pens and paper available.
The bathrooms are newly renovated, very spacious, and very clean. Definitely use them!
A few other things to keep in mind:
Being that this is the holiest site in Judaism, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. This means that men must wear a head covering (any head covering works), and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Kippas and scarves are available for those who need.
There are usually a few beggars around. Some could get a little aggressive, but none are dangerous. If you do happen to have some spare change, however, you could really make their day. They really do need it.
All entrances to the Western Wall are guarded by heavy security. It doesn’t usually take long to get through, but be prepared to empty your pockets and have your bag searched before you enter.
I can’t recommend visiting the western wall enough. If you happen to be in Israel for any reason, go. It is a life-changing experience.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fanouli
Karditsa, Greece79 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
What a disappointment this was! They didn't let us take any pictures not even far away from the wall or use in general our phones just to find out which way we should use to get out. People with an attitude told us that we couldn't write a prayer and put it in the wall. The wall itself is cut in the middle by plexiglass which ruins its view. I thought this would be a spiritual experience but it was nothing but it.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Geraldine L
3 contributions
Jan 2023
Having the privilege of having a tour guide like Batsheva made the experience enthralling and educational. I have taken this tour before and thanks to Batsheva"s clarity of presentation , I learned and absorbed so much more.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
C B
11 contributions
Jan 2023
You will get out of this experience what you bring to it. If you have an open mind and heart it will be meaningful. If not, it's just another wall.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane B
10 contributions
Nov 2022
I alw.ays go to the western wall while in Jerusalem. This time I went on Shabbat on Friday evening. It was awesome watching this area fill up with worshippers and fill the square. You won't see this anywhere else in the world
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bjørn Eriksen
Stavanger, Norway1,118 contributions
Jul 2022
After walking for hours through old Jerusalem we finally got here to the Western Wall. An amazing place with a lot of security and a place to stand in amazement.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KosherAndGlutenFree
New Jersey265 contributions
Dec 2022
The Western Wall is the remnants of a massive stone wall built (according to most opinions) by Herod the Great about 2000 years ago. The wall enclosed the Temple Mount, the top of a hill/mountain on which the Jewish Temple was constructed.
(So this is not the wall of the Temple, but rather a wall that surrounded the area where the temple was built)
Since observant Jews generally do not go to the Temple Mount for fear of stepping on sacred ground, the Western Wall represents the physical location Jews can go to that is closest to the site of the Temple.
After Israel captured this area of Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967 in the Six Day War, they rebuilt the area with a huge public plaza which you see today.
In order to get to the plaza and the wall, you will need to go through an x-ray machine.
There are separate areas by the wall for men and women,
To be respectful, one should not come in revealing clothing.
It is common practice to write a small note with one's wishes and place the note in the crevice between stones in the wall. (I always do!)
You will likely also see many people praying next to the wall,
The plaza is also one of several locations of the Israeli Army Induction Ceremony, where new Israeli army soldiers are handed a gun and a bible.
I don't know when those are held, but i have seen one and it is a sight to behold.
(So this is not the wall of the Temple, but rather a wall that surrounded the area where the temple was built)
Since observant Jews generally do not go to the Temple Mount for fear of stepping on sacred ground, the Western Wall represents the physical location Jews can go to that is closest to the site of the Temple.
After Israel captured this area of Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967 in the Six Day War, they rebuilt the area with a huge public plaza which you see today.
In order to get to the plaza and the wall, you will need to go through an x-ray machine.
There are separate areas by the wall for men and women,
To be respectful, one should not come in revealing clothing.
It is common practice to write a small note with one's wishes and place the note in the crevice between stones in the wall. (I always do!)
You will likely also see many people praying next to the wall,
The plaza is also one of several locations of the Israeli Army Induction Ceremony, where new Israeli army soldiers are handed a gun and a bible.
I don't know when those are held, but i have seen one and it is a sight to behold.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Avmar
Miami, FL3 contributions
Is there wi-fi at the western wall in Jerusalem?
Is there wi-fi service at the egalitarian section of the western wall?
DrJazz123
Montreal, Canada22 contributions
How do I book a guided tour of the Western Wall and the underground tunnels ?
David G
Gedera, Israel1,367 contributions
Educated guess - Ask the hotel that you are staying at for recommendations - e-mail them in advance , OR there is a ministry of tourism office 20 meters inside from the Jaffa gate ( of the old city ) , where you can ask in person for details etc
Massimo Valentino
Gorgonzola, Italy1 contribution
Hi. How much time is recommended to plan for a good visit to the Western Wall?
Maurisans
Este, Italy47 contributions
Se non ci sono particolari ricorrenze religiose non molto, 15-20 minuti. L'ingresso è controllato con varchi con metal detector e militari, e può capitare che si faccia un pò di coda.
nanon74
Lyon, France119 contributions
Pour voir le Kotel, les femmes doivent porter un foulard sur la tête comment doit être ce foulard
?
Mss
Paris, France16 contributions
c'est surtout par respect pour le lieu et pour les femmes religieuses qui fréquentent le kotel et y prient. même s'il n'existe pas une "loi" ou une obligation impérieuse qui y contraint.
tucsonfolks
tucson az212 contributions
will be staying at inbal Jerusalem. want to go to Friday night sabbath at the western wall .
so do people walk to this?? is it safe for two older ladies to walk to this?
(have no sense of geography in Jerusalem yet.)
thank you so much!
judy in az
guybeau2016
Athens, Greece158 contributions
Yes. Keep in mind that women and men are separated.
Somasundaram G
Johannesburg, South Africa11 contributions
Hi ,
I am Tamil ( Hindu) from India, can i touch the wall and pray ?
Sunshine34500
West Orange, NJ2,086 contributions
Absolutely.
Aspergillius
Carlsbad, CA
Is there wifi and mobile phone reception at the wall?
Vasant Sanzgiri
Mumbai, India192 contributions
I am not sure about wifi but the signal on the mobile phone is good.
Aspergillius
Carlsbad, CA
Is there wifi available at the wall?
Pmussert
13 contributions
No you should use your own cell
Juju
New York City, NY1 contribution
Good Morning!
Thank you guys for the previous input regarding my trip in January to Israel-Jordan and Egypt.
I was wondering if anyone can indicate a tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem all day tour that it’s not a rush kind the tour and also a all day tour to the Red Sea and Masada, all the tours that I’ve been checking seems a little on the rush side .
Thank you again .
Zickles
Brisbane, Australia46 contributions
Sorry, I just saw your question now. If you still need help let me know.
Western Wall, Jerusalem
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Wall
- Western Wall is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Western Wall 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 169 Western Wall tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Western Wall:
- (0.06 km) Chain Gate Hostel
- (0.19 km) Appartement Penthouse David
- (0.19 km) Abrahams Tent Jewish Hostel
- (0.19 km) Litov Kotel Hotel - A Jewish Orthodox Hotel
- (0.22 km) Cozy, illuminated vacation rental apartment in heart of the Jewish quarter
- Restaurants near Western Wall:
- (0.21 km) The Quarter Cafe
- (0.12 km) Simcha Hall at the Kotel
- (0.29 km) Holy Cafe
- (0.38 km) Abu Shukri
- (0.41 km) Bassem’s Gallery & Cafe
- Attractions near Western Wall:
- (0.01 km) Chabad Of The Western Wall
- (0.01 km) Believeland Tours
- (0.06 km) America Israel Tours
- (0.14 km) Elinor - Guida turistica in Israele
- (0.08 km) The Western Wall Tunnels