1. Sandemans Free Tour — Machane Yehuda
Reliably good, and popular with locals rather than only with visitors.
Good to know: Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
The 8 Best Tours in Jerusalem (2026)
The best tours in Jerusalem in 2026 are Sandemans Free Tour, City of David Underground and Western Wall Tunnels. Below are all 8, hand-picked and written up with what each one is good at, who it suits and what to know before you go.
2. City of David Underground — Old City
One of the strongest options in the city for what it does.
Good to know: Worth booking ahead in high season.
3. Western Wall Tunnels — German Colony
Well run, fairly priced and worth building an afternoon around.
Good to know: Bring cash as a backup.
4. Machane Yehuda Food Tour — Nachlaot
A local favourite that genuinely holds up to the hype.
Good to know: Check opening hours before Shabbat — many places close early Friday.
5. Old City Rooftops — Rehavia
Reliably good, and popular with locals rather than only with visitors.
Good to know: Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
6. Ramparts Walk — Talpiot
One of the strongest options in the city for what it does.
Good to know: Worth booking ahead in high season.
7. Yad Vashem Guided — Ein Kerem
Well run, fairly priced and worth building an afternoon around.
Good to know: Bring cash as a backup.
8. Mount of Olives Sunrise — City Centre
A local favourite that genuinely holds up to the hype.
Good to know: Check opening hours before Shabbat — many places close early Friday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tour in Jerusalem?
Sandemans Free Tour is our top pick in Jerusalem for 2026. That said, the leading few are close — read the "best for" line on each, since the right choice depends on whether you're travelling as a couple, a family, solo or in a group.
Do I need to book ahead in Jerusalem?
For the most popular entries, yes — especially Thursday and Friday nights, and throughout the Jewish holiday periods when the whole country travels. Midweek and off-season you can usually walk in.
Are these open on Shabbat?
It varies. In Jerusalem, many businesses close from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, though this differs sharply between Jewish and Arab neighbourhoods. Check directly before you plan a Saturday around any single entry.
How current is this guide?
It shows the month it was last updated at the top. Places in Jerusalem close and change hands quickly — if something here looks wrong, tell us and we'll take another look.
How many of these are walkable from each other?
More than you'd think — Jerusalem is compact. Each entry lists its neighbourhood, so you can group two or three into a single outing rather than criss-crossing the city.