Light and Selichot in the Old City
Three days in Jerusalem: walls, quarters and the market. Pick one season – the Light Festival at night, or Selichot from Elul through Yom Kippur.
Festival dates
- Jerusalem Light Festival — Usually in June 2027, check the dates
- Selichot in Jerusalem — Usually from Elul through Yom Kippur, check the dates
Route map
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stops day by day
Day 1
- Tower of DavidA starting point by Jaffa Gate
- Jewish QuarterAlleys and rooftops
- Western WallOn a Selichot night the plaza fills with hymns
Day 2
- City of DavidDown into the ancient city
- Mount of OlivesView over the Old City
- Yemin MosheMishkenot and the windmill
Day 3
- Mahane Yehuda MarketA morning in the market and an evening at the stalls
Tips
- The Light Festival and Selichot are not the same season – the route fits one of them
- During the Light Festival you walk at night; on a hot day, stay in the shade
- For Selichot arrive early at the Wall plaza, and dress modestly
About this route
Three days in Jerusalem: walls, quarters and the market. Pick one season – the Light Festival at night, or Selichot from Elul through Yom Kippur. Catalog name: Light and Selichot in the Old City (אור וסליחות בעיר העתיקה). This is a 3-day route in Center. Recommended season: June for the Light Festival, or Elul through Yom Kippur for Selichot.
The first day includes Tower of David (A starting point by Jaffa Gate), Jewish Quarter (Alleys and rooftops) and Western Wall (On a Selichot night the plaza fills with hymns). The second day includes City of David (Down into the ancient city), Mount of Olives (View over the Old City) and Yemin Moshe (Mishkenot and the windmill). The third day includes Mahane Yehuda Market (A morning in the market and an evening at the stalls).
Style: Festivals, Heritage and Couple. Tips: The Light Festival and Selichot are not the same season – the route fits one of them. During the Light Festival you walk at night; on a hot day, stay in the shade. For Selichot arrive early at the Wall plaza, and dress modestly. Event: Jerusalem Light Festival. Light installations and night art in the Old City alleys. Seasonal event: Selichot in Jerusalem.
Questions
How many days?
3 days.
When is the recommended season?
Recommended season: June for the Light Festival, or Elul through Yom Kippur for Selichot.
Where does it start?
The route starts at Tower of David (A starting point by Jaffa Gate).