TEL AVIV
Jerusalem's Diverse Communities Through Local Eyes
Discover the unique side of Jerusalem! Step away from the usual tourist trails in the Old City and explore the hidden streets and corners of Jerusalem’s new city through the eyes of locals.
This tour exposes you to the diverse cultural landscape of Jerusalem, taking you to three distinct city centers- each showcasing a different facet of the city’s diverse population: Muslim, Ultra-Orthodox Jewish, and Modern Jewish neighborhoods. Throughout the tour, you’ll also encounter other communities, highlighting the remarkable variety of cultures that call this city home.
Your journey begins with a train ride from Tel Aviv, later you’ll meet up with fellow travelers in Jerusalem and start with a visit to the Ultra Orthodox area, where you will witness the preparations for Shabbat and get a rare insight into their unique way of life.
The tour continues with a visit to two close-knit yet distinct communities—Christian Ethiopians and Russians—offering a rare glimpse into their lives.
Just steps away, you will find one of the best hot spots of the bars and night life scene of Jerusalem, then a few more steps away we will get to an area popular among young people of the Arab community, with stylish wine bars, cozy cafes and artisanal bakeries.
The tour wraps up in the Modern Jewish City Center, at a vibrant bar area that is popular among locals and especially for a Friday afternoon hangout.
This experience is perfect for adventure-seekers looking beyond historical landmarks. Dive into Jerusalem’s vibrant contemporary life, experiencing the city’s diverse communities firsthand. From Arab Muslim culture and Ultra Orthodox pre-Shabbat buzz into Hipstery vibes the modern secular Jewish city center, you’ll have fun exploring the hidden local gems and daily rhythms of the city.
Highlights
- Set aside the usual Jerusalem tour and explore the city from a new perspective
- Experience the lively afternoon vibe as locals start their weekend
- Discover diverse communities living side by side
- Visit neighborhoods rarely included in guided tours
- Focus on modern life in Jerusalem New City, not the Old City or historical sites
Map
Tour Itinerary
Day TourFriday10:30 – Tel Aviv Pick up point:
Meet at Tel Aviv HaHagana Train Station
10:45 – Board on the train to Jerusalem
11:22 – Arrive in Jerusalem train station
11:35 – Take the Jerusalem light train (tram) together with the guide
11:45 – Jerusalem Pick up point:
Davidka Square – meeting point for those who join in Jerusalem
12:00 – Ultra Orthodox city center – a glimpse into the life of this community
12:30 – Discover two special and small communities: Christian Ethiopians and Russians
13:00 – Sample the vibrant bar scene and night life of Jerusalem
13:30 – Explore the area of the New Gate – popular among the Arab community
14:15 – Return to the City Center, to a vibrant bars area, popular for Friday afternoon hangout
Tour concludes.* Return to Tel Aviv is independent, by public transport.
* We recommend you to stay longer in Jerusalem to explore more by yourself. Participants will get a detailed Whatsapp message with the best recommendations of the locals of how to send your Friday in Jerusalem.NB: All times are approximate
Good to Know
- Pick-up is available from the location of your choice – Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
- This tour takes you to places you didn’t visit with any other tour you have done before.
- The tour includes using public transport - convenient train and tram - together with the tour guide. It’s best to be prepared with an installed App (such as HopOn) to pay for the rides. Otherwise, it’s possible to purchase tickets at the station using a credit card.
- Return to Tel Aviv is independent, by public transport. The guide will provide you with all the necessary information about it.
- To download the HopOn app for using public transportaion in Israel, you can use the following links: Appstore / Googleplay
- What should I wear for the tour? Dress normally as you usually like to. We don’t go into holy places or areas that require a specific dress code. Keep in mind that Jerusalem is a bit cooler than Tel Aviv, so even in summer you might want to have long sleeves for the late afternoon/evening time, and during winter you should get warm clothes.
- Things to bring: Hat and sunscreen, Water and snacks, Rav-Kav.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
- Guided tour in Jerusalem
EXCLUDED
- Transportation: Train ticket from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (25 ILS), Tram ticket in Jerusalem (6 ILS), Transport back to Tel Aviv (independently by public transport)
- Lunch
PICK A DATE
FAQ'S
What should I wear for the tour?
Dress normally as you usually like to. We don’t go into holy places or areas that require a specific dress code. Keep in mind that Jerusalem is a bit cooler than Tel Aviv, so even in summer you might want to have long sleeves for the late afternoon/evening time, and during winter you should get warm clothes.
Can I stay in Jerusalem after the tour?
During the tour the guide will point out recommended bars and restaurants to go out to dine and drink after the tour ends. If you choose to stay, though there is no formal public transportation such as train and bus, there is a shared taxi service (Sherut) that runs 24h and costs 35 ILS PP (cash only). The guide will explain to you about this option.
Where does the tour end?
- The guided tour concludes at the Sira Pub at Jerusalem City Center. From there you can easily get back to Tel Aviv by public transport.
How do I get back to Tel Aviv by public transport?
Buses run very frequently from Central Bus Station, however the service stops before Shabbat starts, so make sure you know when the last bus is. Want to stay later? No worries, a Sherut (shared-taxi) is running 24/7, departing from the city center (exact information will be sent to participants by WhatsApp).
Where is the meeting point in Tel Aviv?
The guide will wait for you with a sign and an Abraham Tours green t-shirt at the entrance of HaHagana Train station, outside, just before the security check
Where is the meeting point if I join from Jerusalem?
At the “Davidka Square”
What if I am not available on the dates available on the website?
If you are a group of people you can contact us and request any date that suits you and your friends. With a few adjustments, the tour can be done on any weekday.
The selected tours will be reserved for you for 30 minutes. If you do not complete the reservation, after 30 minutes, the tours will be released for purchase by others.