City of David

City of David-Ancient Jerusalem

Ir David, Phone: 02-626-8700 or *6033 (within Israel)

The activities I have done in the City of David with my kids have been a huge success, including the water tunnels and archaeological dig. The City of David was built over 3,000 years ago, when King David left the city of Hebron for a small hilltop city known as Jerusalem, establishing it as the unified capital of the tribes of Israel. Years later, David’s son, King Solomon, built the First Temple next to the City of David on top of Mount Moriah, the site of the binding of Isaac, and with it, this hilltop became one of the most important sites in the world.

Today, the City of David is an exciting ancient attraction with a vibrant visitor’s center that welcomes visitors for an exciting tour to the site, archaeological digs, jeep rides, segway tours, safari tour and water hikes. These activities are great for ages 5+ and especially for teenagers.

Main Visitor Center Hours
Winter 8am-5pm, Friday 8am-2pm
Summer 8am-7pm, Friday 8am-4pm

Enchanted Jerusalem: A Nightime Experience

The evening experience begins with a night-time overlook of the city at the “Hatzofeh” lookout point. An impressive 3D movie of Jerusalem’s glorious history is followed by a night-time guided tour of the City of David site, accompanied by stunning lighting displays that highlight the newest archaeological discoveries from the Biblical Period. The tour continues to the Royal Quarter (Area G) where a new and artistic light show is screened against the backdrop of the antiquities, telling the story of the City of David through sounds and lights.

Thursdays at 6:00pm in Hebrew, 9:00pm in English
Length of tour: One hour and 30 minutes.
Cost: 35 NIS per adult and 25 NIS per child.
Advanced reservations recommended.

City of David Tours & Water Tunnel
Hebrew: 10:00am, 2:00pm  Friday: 10:00am (winter)
Hebrew: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm Friday 10am, 11am, 12pm (summer)
English: 10:00am, 2:00pm, Friday: 10:00am (winter)
English:  10:00am, 4:00pm, Friday: 10:00am (summer)

Entrance to Warren’s Shaft and Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel is permitted until one hour prior to site closing time. Tickets can be purchased up to two hours prior to site closing time. Lockers available at visitors center for dry clothes, shuttle available from Shiloach back to the Visitors center for a fee (usually 5 NIS/person). 

Mount of Olives: Just Dig It
9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm
Call to confirm times of English and Hebrew Tours

Reservations required. 2 Hours. Fun for the whole family especially 5 yrs +. Sift through earth from the Temple Mount and help the archaeologists find remnants from the time of the Temple including pottery, jewelry, weapons and more.  Wear sneakers and clothes that can get muddy and dusty. The site is not stroller accessible. Drinks and snacks for sale on site. The site is covered and protected from the sun.

Hasmonean Aqueduct Tour
Hebrew: Friday only: 10:00am (winter & summer)

Tour begins at Haas Promenade and lasts 1.5 Hrs. The aqueduct is dry, but is not recommended for those that are claustrophobic. Entrance is not allowed with baby carriers. Please bring flashlights (or purchase them at the site).

Segway Tour (Ages 18+ and less than 250 Lbs)
Hebrew: 10:00am (winter & summer), 4:00pm (summer)  Friday: 9:00am, 11:30am
English: 1:00pm

Meet at Peace Forest Educational Center. Can be reached via Naomi Street (off of Derech Hevron) Tour is 1 hr.

4×4 Ranger Tour
Hebrew: 10:00am  4:00pm (summer) Friday: 9:00am, 11:30am
English: 1:00pm

Drivers must be over 21 and have a valid driver’s license.
The tour is appropriate for children ages 3 yrs and up (in car seats).
The tour leaves from the Emek Zurim National Park. Parking is available in the Beit Orot / Mormon University parking lots.

Ticket Prices: For reservations please call *6033  Child is 5-18
National Park Includes Warren’s Shaft and Hezkiyahu’s Water Tunnel
Adult: 25 NIS
Student: 21 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 13 NIS

3D Movie (Must be purchased with national park entrance)
Adult: 10 NIS
Student: 10 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 10 NIS

Guided Tour including 3D Movie 
Adult:60 NIS
Student: 45 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 45 NIS
 
Shiloach Pool
Adult:12 NIS
Student: 12 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 6 NIS
The general admission fee to the City of David National Park includes entry to the Shiloach Pool and the Herodian Road.

Mount of Olives Archeological Experience
Emek Tzurim
Adult: 15 NIS
Student: 15 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 12 NIS

4X4 Ranger tours
360NIS per ranger for 3 people
300NIS per ranger for 2 people

Armon HaNatziv 
Hasmonean Water Tunnel
Adult:35 NIS
Student: 25 NIS

Segway
170 NIS Per Person 

Segway Group Tour Guides 
Up to 2 hours – 370NIS 
Up to 3 hours – 475NIS 
Full day – 790NIS 

Prior registration for tours is advised as space is limited. Call 02-6262341 or *6033

How To Get To The City of David Visitors Center…
By Car
Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate and exit through Dung Gate and make a left. Take the first right and the Visitors Center will be on the left hand side. There is a paid parking lot across the street from the visitors center.

By Bus
1,2

How To Get To The Emek Tzurim National Park…
By Car
Take Route 60 past the Old City towards French Hill. Make a right when you see the Hebrew University Sculpture. Drive straight and stay in the right lane. When you see a tunnel stay to the right and DO NOT enter the tunnel. Make a right at the Mormon University sign. Park on the street and enter the valley at the City of David sign. Look for the black tent at the bottom of the steps. (This path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible). 

By Bus:
19, 28, 26, 23, 4, 30, 48

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