Jerusalem Walking Tour: Parks and Vistas of the Old City

Begin at the (1) Old Train Station built during the Ottoman period. The adjacent, renovated (2) Khan Theatre compound (2 David Remez Street), has become a hot dining and entertainment area. Cross the street to (3) St. Andrew’s Scottish Guest House (1 David Remez Street), a small fortress-style building flying the Scottish flag and perched above (4) Hinnom Valley.

Back down the hill, cross the main artery of Emek Refaim Street to (5) Liberty Bell Garden (corner of King David Street and Bet Lehem Road). Stroll the trellised walk past the replica of the bell in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial and then to the intersection of King David and Keren Hayessod Streets. Cross to the east into the (6) Yemin Moshe neighborhood (King David Street) established by British Jewish philanthropist Moshe Montefiore to alleviate congestion and poverty in the Old City. Stop at the (7) windmill (Yemin Moshe neighborhood parking lot off King David Street) that has never worked due to the lack of wind on the site. Replicas of Montefiore’s carriages are on display in an adjacent pavilion. Down the stairs from the windmill is (8) Mishkenot Sha’ananim, one of the first buildings of the neighborhood. Today, it’s a guesthouse for visiting artists, writers, and other dignitaries.

Turn left along any of the pedestrian lanes that weave between the renovated stone buildings, keeping the Old City walls to your right. Once an artists’ quarter, this is now an exclusive and expensive neighborhood. After about 500 yards, exit the Yemin Moshe into a shaded park, with the Hinnom Valley and (9) Sultan’s Pool amphitheater (Hebron Road) on your right and the landmark (10) King David Hotel (23 King David Street) on your left. Continue strolling through the park in the same direction until you reach Emile Botta Street. The flag right in front of you marks the French consulate. Turn left on Emile Botta Street, proceed to the intersection with King David Street, and turn right.

Continue past the David Citadel Hotel and turn right again, into the (11) Mamilla neighborhood (Ha’emek Street) facing the Old City walls. This area is undergoing a controversial renovation plan that is converting the old buildings into luxury residential and commercial property.

Take the stairs to your left into the shopping promenade that leads directly to the (12) Jaffa Gate (Jaffa Road) and the (13) Tower of David (check for evening exhibits or performances).