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Budget travel is what one has to consider sometimes, especially when it’s in a city such as Jerusalem. With lots of interesting attractions to see and its importance to so many religions around the world, Jerusalem can be expensive, but like any other expensive destination, one can visit this holy city on a budget. Here’s how.

Brief Information About Jerusalem

With archaeologists suggesting inhabitation of the city between 4500 and 3500 BCE, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. This long existence of the city, however, is filled with conquests, destruction, and conflict. Throughout its existence, Jerusalem has been invaded and captured several times, and destroyed up to two times. The Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Romans, Persians, the British, and other empires all captured and had their share of Jerusalem. The instability of the city did not end in the ancient periods but made its way to modern times. Presently, it is being claimed by Israel and Palestine, and that disagreement still sparks conflict to this day.

Jerusalem is highly significant and holy to the Abrahamic religions, and pilgrims that subscribe to these faiths come from all over the world all year round to visit the place where it all started from.

Related: Visit Caesarea, A Location In Israel Full Of History

With 4.47 million tourists visiting Jerusalem in 2019, the city is one of the most visited in the world. This increased number of tourist visits makes it a very expensive city as everything is in high demand. However, there’s always a place for budget travelers, and for those who fall in this category, here’s how to visit this great city on a budget.

Look For Affordable Accommodations In Jerusalem

One of the most important things to consider when on a budget is accommodation and when it comes to Jerusalem, this is the first step to saving money while touring the city. With people coming from all over the world to visit at all times, accommodation can be priced high, which may leave budget travelers straining their wallets. Hostels are great, to begin with, and Jerusalem has a lot of them.

A hostel offers the opportunity to share a space with other budget travelers, and in most cases, this type of accommodation is just as comfortable as a hotel. The only thing one might not have is privacy, but Jerusalem features hotels that come with a wide variety of amenities to keep guests as comfortable as they would be in a hotel. Many hostels in Jerusalem are surprisingly cheap, and with some going for as low as $30 per night, one can easily stay a long time in Jerusalem without having to worry about spending too much on accommodation.

Some of the most affordable hostels in Jerusalem include:

  • Abraham Hostel - free Wi-Fi, facilities for disabled guests, and non-smoking rooms
  • Stay Inn Hotel - English Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, and family rooms
  • Jerusalem Hostel - Free Wi-Fi, family rooms, and daily housekeeping

Take Affordable Adventures In Jerusalem

After getting affordable accommodation, the next thing to do for a budget-friendly experience in Jerusalem is by taking affordable adventures. There are lots of things to do in the holy city but that does not mean one has to go check out every single thing the city has to offer. For travelers on a budget, here are some budget-friendly or free things to do in Jerusalem:

Visit Mahane Yehuda Market

Visiting a market is a great way to witness the lifestyle of a place, and in Jerusalem, the Mahane Yehuda Market is the go-to destination to get this experience. It is more than just a market but an attraction that one can visit for free. All one has to do is browse through the different sections of the market and check out the local products displayed on several stalls.

Eat Street Food

Restaurant food may be expensive, but not street food. With just a little money, one can go through Shamai street, Mahane Yehuda Market, or Agripas Street and get a good taste of the city.

Visit The Garden Tomb Of Jesus

Many interesting things are free to visit, and that is the case with the Garden Tomb of Jesus. This tomb is the actual burial place of Jesus, and it is characterized by beautiful olive trees and ancient structures. There are guides available to give visitors free tours and the history of the attraction.

Related: What To Know About The Ancient Tunnels Under Jerusalem

Get Around The City Using Public Transport

One more thing that might put a strain on travelers’ wallets in Jerusalem is getting around. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the city easily, but it may not be affordable for many budget travelers. The best way to get around Jerusalem on a budget, therefore, is to take public transport and walk to some locations around the city. With the flexibility of taking public transport and walking, one can save a lot of money which can then be used to get more experience in the city.