FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: ILS 250/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Apr, Oct, Nov
✓

Quick Answer

Stay in City Center (Downtown)

Provides access to affordable hostels and is a hub for public transport and budget-friendly food options.

See full Jerusalem neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Jerusalem

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

🏨
1

City Center (Downtown)

The bustling heart of modern Jerusalem, full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

Our top picks in City Center (Downtown)

🏨
Brown Machne Yehuda$$

Modern hotel with a rooftop bar, located a short walk from Mahane Yehuda Market.

Book Now
🏠
Hanegev Hostel$

Well-regarded hostel offering clean dorms and private rooms in a central location.

Book Now
🏨
Grand Court Hotel$$

Offers good value with a central location and amenities like a pool.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe, but be aware o...Budgetnightlifebudget
View Hotels in City Center (Downtown)
🏨
2

Old City

A living historical and religious epicenter with ancient stones and bustling markets.

Our top picks in Old City

🏨
Gloria Hotel$$

Offers stunning views over the Old City rooftops and is conveniently located near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Book Now
🏨
Austrian Hospice$$

A tranquil oasis with beautiful architecture and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.

Book Now
🏨
The David Citadel Hotel$$$

Luxury option just outside the Jaffa Gate, blending modern comfort with historical proximity.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe due to heavy se...Mid-rangefirst-timersculture
View Hotels in Old City
🏨
3

Nachlaot

A picturesque labyrinth of narrow alleys, charming courtyards, and bohemian character.

Our top picks in Nachlaot

✨
Hillel 11$$

Charming boutique hotel with a courtyard, offering a peaceful retreat in a lively area.

Book Now
✨
Alegra Boutique Hotel$$

Elegant boutique hotel located in a historic building with a focus on art and design.

Book Now
🏠
The Jerusalem Hostel$

Popular hostel offering dorms and private rooms, great for budget travelers and meeting others.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe during the day....Mid-rangesolo travelerscouples
View Hotels in Nachlaot
View all hotels in Jerusalem

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1City Center (Downtown)
BudgetThe bustling heart of modern Jerusalem, full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
nightlifebudget
Old City
Mid-rangeA living historical and religious epicenter with ancient stones and bustling markets.
first-timersculture
German Colony
LuxuryA charming, upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a vibrant culinary scene.
couplesfoodies
Nachlaot
Mid-rangeA picturesque labyrinth of narrow alleys, charming courtyards, and bohemian character.
solo travelerscouples
🏨

Find budget-friendly hostels in Jerusalem

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Backpackers in Jerusalem

🛏️

Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Jerusalem. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

🚶

Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

🆓

Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

💧

Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

🗺️

Find free walking tours in Jerusalem

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Jerusalem

1

City Center (Downtown)

Budget

The bustling heart of modern Jerusalem, full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

nightlifebudgetsolo travelersfirst-timers
  • +Convenient access to transport and amenities
  • +Lively atmosphere
  • +Wide range of dining and shopping
  • -Can be noisy and crowded
  • -Less charm than older neighborhoods
🏨 Brown Machne Yehuda🏨 Hanegev Hostel🏨 Grand Court Hotel
2

Old City

Mid-range

A living historical and religious epicenter with ancient stones and bustling markets.

first-timersculturefoodies
  • +Unparalleled historical significance
  • +Incredible atmosphere
  • +Central to major religious sites
  • -Can be extremely crowded
  • -Aggressive vendors in the market
🏨 Gloria Hotel🏨 Austrian Hospice🏨 The David Citadel Hotel
3

German Colony

Luxury

A charming, upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a vibrant culinary scene.

couplesfoodiesluxury
  • +Excellent restaurants and cafes
  • +Pleasant atmosphere
  • +Good public transport links
  • -Can be expensive
  • -Less historical immersion than the Old City
🏨 Harmony Hotel🏨 The American Colony Hotel🏨 Brown JLM
4

Nachlaot

Mid-range

A picturesque labyrinth of narrow alleys, charming courtyards, and bohemian character.

solo travelerscouplesculturefoodies
  • +Authentic local feel
  • +Close proximity to Mahane Yehuda Market
  • +Unique architecture
  • -Can be confusing to navigate
  • -Limited large hotels, more guesthouses/apartments
🏨 Hillel 11🏨 Alegra Boutique Hotel🏨 The Jerusalem Hostel

Daily Budget (Budget)

ILS 250/day

The Post Hostel Jerusalem dorm bedILS 80
Falafel from a street vendor in the Old CityILS 20
Walking (free) and occasional light rail ticketILS 10
Explore the Old City: Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, walk through the marketsILS 0
Visit the Tower of David Museum (entry fee applies to special exhibits, general exploration often free or low cost)ILS 40
Wander through the Mahane Yehuda MarketILS 0
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Jerusalem

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🍜

The First Station

This beautifully restored historic train station now buzzes with life, offering a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, and artisan shops. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a drink in a unique, lively atmosphere.

foodTalbiya
🚶

Ein Kerem

FREE

Wander through the charming cobblestone alleys of this picturesque ancient village on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Discover hidden courtyards, art galleries, and peaceful churches offering a serene escape from the city bustle.

streetEin Kerem

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Jerusalem

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Jerusalem Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Jerusalem on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
2

Jerusalem Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Jerusalem with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Jerusalem: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Jerusalem's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Jerusalem: Scenic Excursion

Escape Jerusalem for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Jerusalem Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Jerusalem's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Jerusalem

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.

⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Jerusalem

Backpackers in Jerusalem: FAQ

What is the best area in Jerusalem for backpackers?
City Center (Downtown) is our top pick for backpackers in Jerusalem. The bustling heart of modern Jerusalem, full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It is a budget-friendly area known for nightlife, budget, solo travelers.
Is Jerusalem safe for backpackers?
Jerusalem is rated "Safe" overall. Most tourist areas are safe, with good lighting and people around. Stick to well-trafficked streets, especially if alone, and be aware of your surroundings. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Jerusalem for backpackers?
Expect to spend around ILS 250 per day in Jerusalem as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Jerusalem?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Jerusalem?
The most affordable hostels in Jerusalem are typically found in City Center (Downtown). Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

Found your hotel in Jerusalem?

We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.

Find cheapest price
Booking.comExpediaSecret EscapesVoyage Privé+25 more including members-only

More Jerusalem Guides

Full Jerusalem guideAreas to avoidBest time to visitMore cities in Israel👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers

Plan Your Perfect Jerusalem Trip

Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.

Day-by-day planHotel picksTour recommendationsBudget breakdown