Overall Score
Yerusalem is an ancient city of the Middle East. The city has been the capital of the state of Israel since 1949. Israel gained full control over its territory in 1967. In relation to the three religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – Jerusalem is considered a sacred city.
Jerusalem is situated between the Middle Sea and the Dead Sea on the spurs of the Judean Mountains at altitudes of 650 to 850 meters above sea level.
The first known settlements were located at Jerusalim in the 4th century before our era. By the 11th century, the city had been taken over by the Jews and declared the capital of the Hebraic Kingdom. In the 6th century, the city was overrun by the forces of Babylon, and then under the rule of the Empire. From the 4th century to the 2nd century, Jerusalem was under the rule of the Maccabean Empire, Egypt, and the Kingdom of the Syriacs. As a result of the Jewish Rebellion of the 2nd century, the Jewish kingdom was for a short time restored, but in the 6th year of our era the Roman Empire, called Judaea, was established in its place. After the destruction of the Empire of Rome, control of Jerusalem passed to the Kingdom of Nazareth. Then the Christianization of the city began. Umar ibn Hattaab, the Arabian caliph, took over the city in 639. From that moment the Muslim influence began. In the 13th century Jerusalim was temporarily under the rule of the Constantines, but not until 1244, when it was invaded by Egypt. From 1517 the city was part of the Roman Empire. In 1917, it was under the rule of the United Kingdom.
Isusalim has a special place from the perspective of three religions. For the Jews, the Temple and the Wall of Lamentation, which is the western wall of the Temple of Jerusalem, are considered sacred. For the Muslims, the mosques on the Mount are part of the religious architectural complex of Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The sacred site for Christians of different religions is the Church of the Crucifixion, often called the Shrine of the Lord and a series of churches at the sites of Jesus sojourn.
The old city is considered the historic city of Jerusalem, enclosed by a solid wall. Here all historical events unfolded. This part limits the location of all the historic sites of the city. The Holy Places of Three Religions of the World are also located within the boundaries of the Old City.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 63 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Religious
- Population: 860,000 people
- GDP: $38,788 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 16 Mbps
- Best wireless: Orange
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: The going rate for tipping in Israeli restaurants and cafes is between 10-15% depending on how pleased (or not) you are with your waiter/waitress. 10% is usually the minimum, with 12% an average tip. Only where warranted of course, a generous tip is always appreciated.
- Apartment listings: HomeAway
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Cafe Rimon
- Best coffee: Aroma
- Best taxi: Gett
- Best coworking space: Jerusalem Startup Hub
- Online electronics shop: Zap
- Best hospital: Hadassah Medical Center
- Best short-haul air carrier: El Al
- Monthly costs for expat: $2800
- Monthly costs for family: $5900
- Monthly costs for local: $1700
- Meal: $18
- Small Cola: $3
- Beer 1 Pint: $9
- Coffee: $6
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