Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Jerusalem, Israel
Nature & Parks in Jerusalem
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36 places sorted by traveler favorites
Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations
Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves
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What travelers are saying
- ScenicSightsWauwatosa, WI755 contributionsIt's like a small pocket park with lots of incredibly old olive trees. You can walk around it really quickly and the Basilica is next door. Quite lovely though crowded.Written 19 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShaiJerusalem, Israel12 contributionsFantastic zoo. Huge. Interesting. So many animals. The recommendation for a 2-3 hours visit is a joke - you can spend them an entire day easily and still not see everything. An absolute must. Ticket prices are very expensive but well, you are in Israel, everything is.Written 22 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brun066Florence, Italy11,675 contributionsThis is exactly what Herodion is talking about: a huge earthwork, implemented by the will of Herod "the great" (reigning from 37 to 4BC), with the aim of regularizing the shape of a pre-existing hill, to the point of making it a work almost totally human. Then the hill was further raised, and a fortress-palace was built on its summit, with walls between 15 and 20 meters high, but which after the addition of earth around their base emerged "only" 10 meters. The message being launched is that of an autocracy that fears no rivals.
Inside the fortress, there was everything necessary to ensure a luxurious life for the ruler and his court: an aqueduct from the Bethlehem area, which fed the baths and cisterns; the baths and cisterns themselves; luxurious halls; dormitories for the servants, cellars and kitchens. With regard to this whole complex, it is necessary to work with imagination on the ruined walls, on the underground paths, on the dusty plateaus, to imagine the original appearance.
At the base of the hill, flat, another Herodion, with buildings, terraces, basins and gardens, arranged over a very large area, and whose remains are (once again) a pale echo of how it must have appeared originally .
Overall, this is the most instructive visit that can document the splendid and ephemeral life of the Kingdom of Judea at the time of its vassalage to the Romans.Written 4 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Linda YFrisco, TX5,649 contributionsThe Haas promenade offers a sweeping view of Jerusalem. If you’re after a daylight view, try to go on a clear, sunny day. We visited around noon, and with the sun to our back, the contrast of blue sky against the white buildings was spectacular! A plaque points out the major landmarks. The old and the new, with several thousand years of history in between – stretched out in front of you!Written 1 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KirillOussovJohannesburg, South Africa596 contributionsWe found this place by luck. It is a natural untouched beach and pristine Dead Sea water. There are layers of mud covering the beach and you could cover your body with it, instead of using those mud packs from the shop.
The water in the sea is much less salty than in the resorts, where the water is much thicker. It is also much cooler.
The beaches on this side are wild and very stretched so you barely see anyone. So we bumped into a few nude people, who were having a mud treatment and swimming in the sea. So if this is your thing, you might consider coming here for that.
On the caution side, there is a layer of self formed salt crystals in the mud in the sea, so be careful when you walk on the beach or in the water. After 5-10m from the coast line, the mud changes to sand.
Lastly, the beach that I am referring to is located on the road from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea resorts, right after the police block. You will see a parking space on the right hand side.
Please take note that there is quick sand in the area approximately 5 km from my reference point, so don't go too far.
Enjoy it!Written 17 June 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sebastian L26 contributionsHigh diversity of different, amazing forms. Incredible scenery given the illumination. Some interesting information provided by guide. Easy access from Jerusalem.Written 25 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brun066Florence, Italy11,675 contributionsDuring our visit to Jerusalem we visited the upper Kidron Valley twice, in the part bordering the city.
In truth, while today this name is given to the entire valley, up to the Dead Sea, it seems that in the past Kidron Valley was considered precisely only the one closest to the city
However, the first time we only overlooked the valley by walking along the east wall of the city. The second time we spent a good part of an afternoon on our route: we took the bus from the Lions' Gate and got off at the Mount of Olives (which closes the valley to the east) at the bus stop at the Chapel of the Ascension. From here we gradually descended towards the valley floor, visiting the accessible sights, finally from the valley floor we walked to the entrance of the "City of David".
After the walled city of Jerusalem, there is no other place so evocative in the nearby area. The Kidron Valley right in correspondence with the center itself (and even further upstream) is called by the Hebrew Bible "Valley of Josaphat", regarding which - apparently starting from the fourth century AD. C. - the tradition is formed that in it will take place, at the end of time, the return of the prophet Elijah, the arrival of the Messiah, the War of Gog and Magog and Judgment Day. Due to this tradition, a wide part of the valley is dotted today with tombs. However, the tombs are not only Jewish, since for centuries they have been juxtaposed (on the side of the valley closest to the city) with Muslim cemetery areas.
Descending, we visited in succession the little church called “Dominus flevit” (The Lord cried); the olive grove (now fenced off) which is traditionally identified with the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus' last prayer and Judas' betrayal took place; the adjacent so-called “Church of All Nations”, which since the 1920s stands on the believed place of Jesus' prayer, where from the 4th century AD. C. churches follow one another, then destroyed by earthquakes or other events. Afterwards, we thoroughly visited the church (run by Orthodox Christians) built on the supposed tomb of the Virgin Mary.
We were also aware that in the valley floor there was a bridge, now disappeared: from it it's said that the High Priest drove the "scapegoat" towards the wilderness, to make him take away the sins of the population, on the day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
We didn't visit the so-called ancient Jewish tombs of Absalon, Benei Hazir and Zechariah. Nor was the Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, which was closed.
But even so, we returned to the city overwhelmed by the memories present in this valley, or that are connected to it.Written 26 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - tensi78Lod, Israel2,383 contributionsThursday noon is a right time-came just in time for butterflies exhibition,before it closes for the day.And aquarium is very lovely-not as big as i thought,but a lot of sea inhabitants to see,especially different fish.Some nice worker gave us a bit of useful information. About hour and half total time ,worth the moneyWritten 20 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- I visited this place🇺🇸🇳🇱🇬🇧🇨🇭🇦🇪Israel13,945 contributionsPROS
* Nice hiking in the scenic Jerusalem hills- numerous trails
* Close to the city
Very popular with the local natives
* Many options for enjoying nature, for picknicking for hiking for bicycling for camping and for playing
* Visit terraced farming villages from 2000 years ago
* Learn about ancient agricultural and architectural methods
* Visit (and even enter) ancient caves and natural spring water pools
CONS
* Can be crowded
* Minimal- if any- public transportation access
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
.... with four boys ages 5 to 14. It was hot and sunny- we started on the surround and circle Mount Strong hike, which is on a wide jeep road but it has total sun exposure. We didn't have the time nor supplies (and the boys didn't have the interest nor resilience) to complete the loop of more than two hours, so we did enjoy our adventure, but we turned back.... full disclosure- the same thing happened two other times in the past year- failed attempts with young charges.
ADVICES
This is certainly a well-organized and well equipped and famous nature reserve. As such, it is a good holiday spot and a good place for hiking in nature, but not far from the city of Jerusalem. I certainly endorse and recommend a visit to here.Written 2 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - david snetanya, israel513 contributionsThere is probably no better relaxation from the city's hustle and bustle than going to a park in the heart of the city. The Jerusalem Botanica Garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility, featuring over 6000 species of trees, plants, shrubs from the Middle East to Europe, arranged along winding trails and resting points to admire the scenery. Very well signed as well, taking the visitor around circular paths, including a lovely greenhouse that exhibits desert vegetation. A real pleasure for individuals and families alike. A tip for visitors arriving by cab. Make sure that you have arranged a pick-up back, or have a Get Taxi application on your phone, as the entrance is pretty distant from the main road. The admission fee for senior citizens is INS 25, ( 40 for adults).Written 24 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Temper43 - AlfredoPanama City, Panama1,303 contributionsInteresting cave or former quarry of stone for the rest of the Old City in Herodian times, due to Covid 19, sometimes it maybe closed and they are also doing some restorations, it is a huge site, and in the past they did concerts thereWritten 7 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rina H.Mevaseret Zion, Israel523 contributionsWe were in inbal hotel went for a walk. Great location, in the other side is the windmill of mishkenot Shaan animals. Needs to improve accessibility for wheelchairsWritten 5 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- glennharroldScotland, UK3,107 contributionsScenic views and panoramas of Jerusalem - handy to get your bearings of the city and see iconic landmarks high up on the hill. Gardens uneventful tho!Written 29 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LipaTel Aviv, Israel11 contributionsAn extraordinary countryside experience sandwiched between busy main roads. A piece of wild land has been carved out, partly for gazelles and partly for people. Once you are in the valley it is hard to believe that you are surrounded by the city. If you want to see gazelles go early in the morning or in the evening. The gazelle section is separated from the people section. The Visitors Centre is staffed and helpful, with maps in Hebrew English and other languages. One warning: the path marked on the map as a cycle path only exists in part, and even that part is not for the fainthearted, either in terms of the surface or the slope!
I only discovered this park about two months ago, and have been at least six times since: it is only a 10 minute trip along cycle paths from my home in central Jerusalem. Apart from the gazelles there are other forms of wildlife, many different species of birds, plants… And yesterday I nearly cycled over a baby tortoise or possibly a turtle.Written 19 June 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - rmitgoteamNaples, FL1,063 contributionsThis is a small park situated along a quiet stream with lots of picnic tables sitting under shady trees. It seems to be a popular spot for families. We visited to see the ruins of a Crusader fortified farm called Acqua Bella that dates from 1160. The front wall standing 12m high is pretty impressive. There are more rooms and ruins to explore inside although the site itself is not large. Since the ruin is located within the national park, you have to pay the full entrance fee of 22 shekels per person to see it. It’s a 15 minute walk along the stream to reach the ruin. The ruin was empty when we were there on a weekday afternoon so we had the whole place to ourselves. There’s lots of parking and toilets too.Written 18 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jerusalem
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
- West Bank Tour from Jerusalem
- 3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem
- 2-Day Petra Tour from Jerusalem
- Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Tour from Jerusalem
- These places are best for nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Garden of Gethsemane
- Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
- Herodyon National Park
- Israel Aquarium
- Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
- Garden of Gethsemane
- El Mar Muerto
- Tayelet Haas Promenade
- Soreq Cave
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
- Herodyon National Park
- Garden of Gethsemane
- El Mar Muerto
- Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
- Herodyon National Park
- Garden of Gethsemane
- El Mar Muerto
- Tayelet Haas Promenade
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Jerusalem:
- Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
- Herodyon National Park
- Garden of Gethsemane
- El Mar Muerto
- Tayelet Haas Promenade