Jerusalem Travel Budget
Daily costs in Jerusalem are given in Israeli shekels (₪) and cover a wide range depending on travel style.
- Budget (₪250-350/day): Hostel dorm bed in the Old City or Downtown runs ₪120-180. Meals mean falafel, shawarma, or hummus plates from ₪25-45 each, keeping food to roughly ₪90-120/day. A Rav-Kav card covers light rail and buses at about ₪5.5 per ride, or ₪20 for a day pass. Many top sights, like the Western Wall, Mount of Olives viewpoints, and Old City walking, are free.
- Mid-range (₪700-1,000/day): A 3-star hotel or boutique guesthouse in Mamilla or the German Colony costs ₪450-700. Sit-down restaurant meals average ₪150-220/day. Add ₪40-60 for transport, including occasional short taxi hops. Paid attractions such as the Tower of David Museum or Israel Museum run ₪54-70 per entry, and a City of David ticket is about ₪55.
- Luxury (₪2,200+/day): Five-star hotels near Mamilla or the King David area start around ₪1,500-2,500 per night. Fine dining easily reaches ₪350-500 per person per day. Private drivers or taxis add ₪150-300, and guided private tours of the Old City or Yad Vashem start near ₪600 for a half-day.
Tip: Friday afternoon through Saturday evening is Shabbat, when many restaurants, shops, and buses pause, so budget cash and plan meals ahead.