Cheap Flights to Jerusalem (JRS)

Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and Dead Sea in Israel. The city is considered to be holy by followers of the three Abrahamic religions, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Among the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is where Jesus was crucified and rose again, where Prophet Mohammad proceeded to heaven, and where Jews constructed the First Temple to safeguard the Ark of the Covenant. The center of the city is demarcated as the Old City and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring four traditional quarters, namely, Christian, Muslim, Armenian and Jewish. With an array of religious and historical sites, Jerusalem is a top destination for tourists worldwide.

Things to do in Jerusalem

Temple Mount

Also known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the site is a centuries old pilgrimage site for Muslims, Jews as well as Christians. The plaza is situated in the Old City and is among the holiest sanctuaries in the world. Three imposing structures stand on the plaza, the al-Asqa Mosque, Dome of the Chain and the Dome of the Rock, as well as 4 minarets. As per legends, it is believed to be the site where Prophet Mohammad proceeded to Heaven and where Abraham offered his son to God as a sacrifice. It is considered to be the site where Solomon built the First Temple for the Ark of the Covenant.

Wailing Wall and Jewish Quarter

Also known as the Western Wall or the Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall is what remains of Jerusalem’s First Temple. An Israeli landmark, it is the holiest site in Judaism. A site of pilgrimage for the Jews since the Ottoman era, the wall marks the western border of the Haram al-Sharif. The wall is referred to as the Wailing Wall due to the Jewish practice of weeping at the destruction of Jewish Temples. In the Old City is the Jewish Quarter, stretching from the Western Wall Plaza to the Zion Gate. The quarter is also considered a religious site and constitutes many points of interest. The Jerusalem Archeological Park is where history enthusiasts can explore the remains of Old Jerusalem unearthed by archeologists.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Christians. It is believed that the Church is built on the very site where Christ was crucified. Roman Empress Helena handpicked this site during her visit to the Holy Land. The site was announced as the Calvary (or Golgotha) of the gospels to the Byzantine world. The interior of the church is adorned with holy relics and has been a major pilgrimage destination for the Christians since the 4th century.

Best time to fly to Jerusalem
The best time to take flights to Jerusalem is April to May and October to November when the weather is mild, and the city is not overcrowded. However, you may cross-check your travel dates with major Jewish celebrations such as the Sukkot, High Holy Days, and Passover according to the Jewish calendar.

Airports
The nearest airport to take Jerusalem flights from is Ben Gurion Airport, which is located roughly 45 kms northwest of the city. Israel’s busiest international airport offers cargo services in addition to scheduled flight services. Ben Gurion Airport is a hub for Arkia Airlines, El Al, and Israir Airlines. Major Airlines such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air lines, Finnair, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air France offer flights to Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Athens, San Francisco, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and more.