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Places to visit near Jerusalem offer a wide mix of ancient ruins, religious landmarks, desert landscapes, and cultural hubs, all within a short distance from the city. You do not need to go far to experience dramatic changes in scenery, history, or pace. From sacred towns like Bethlehem to natural wonders near the Dead Sea, each spot adds a new layer to your time in Israel. These destinations are easy to access by road and are ideal for half-day or full-day trips. Whether you enjoy archaeology, nature, or faith-based travel, you will find something memorable just outside Jerusalem.
10 Must-See Places To Visit Near Jerusalem
Explore these top-rated places to visit near Jerusalem for a mix of history, nature, and culture, all easily reachable in a day or less.
1. Bethlehem
Photo: Victor Lauer / Shutterstock
Among the most iconic places to visit near Jerusalem, Bethlehem draws global interest for its deep religious and historical roots. When you arrive, the Manger Square stands as the centre of the town’s life, always active with events, local vendors, and pilgrims. The Church of the Nativity, built over the cave believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, holds the UNESCO World Heritage title and still preserves parts of its original fourth-century structure. The Grotto of the Nativity, beneath the altar, remains open to public entry without additional fees. A short walk away, step into the peaceful Milk Grotto Chapel or browse the bustling Old Market lined with olive wood handicrafts. A
Distance From Jerusalem: 9.1 km
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM (closed on Sunday mornings)
Major Attractions: Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, Milk Grotto, Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel
2. Jericho
Photo: Ameer Qaimari / Shutterstock
Jericho is among the most archaeologically significant places to see near Jerusalem. Located in the Jordan Valley, it lies where the dryness of the desert meets cultivated land fed by natural springs. At Tel Jericho, also known as Tell es-Sultan, you walk through excavation zones that reveal fortified walls, tower bases, and early urban planning dating back over 9,000 years. The Mount of Temptation rises dramatically to the west, and a modern cable car takes you up to the clifftop. From there, the path leads directly to a centuries-old Greek Orthodox monastery carved into the rockface, with uninterrupted views of the Judean Desert stretching far below.
Distance From Jerusalem: 42.9 km
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM
Cost: ₪15 / ₹340
Major Attractions: Hisham’s Palace, Mount of Temptation, Tel Jericho
3. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Photo: Yair Aronshtam / Shutterstock
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is one of the most naturally rich tourist attractions near Jerusalem, especially if you want to escape into greenery without going far. Located west of the Dead Sea, this protected area offers freshwater streams, shaded walking trails, and desert wildlife you rarely find elsewhere in the region. One of the most-walked paths here is the trail to David’s Waterfall. It follows a steady climb through caves and fig-covered rock walls and ends at a steady waterfall surrounded by natural pools. Another option is the Arugot Stream trail, which allows you to walk directly through shallow water and quieter canyons.
Distance From Jerusalem: 81.6 km
Cost: ₪28 / ₹635
Major Attractions: David’s Waterfall, Arugot Stream, wildlife trails
4. Masada
Photo: Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock
Masada is among the historical attractions near Jerusalem, perched above the Judean Desert with a commanding view of the Dead Sea basin. This ancient fortress was built by Herod the Great around 30 BCE and served as a royal refuge. It later became the final stronghold during the Jewish revolt against Rome. You can reach the summit either by a 15-minute cable car ride or by hiking the Snake Path, a steep 2-kilometre climb best attempted early in the morning. At the top, you will find well-preserved ruins, including the Northern Palace, Roman-style bathhouses, and storerooms carved into the rock.
Distance From Jerusalem: 101.8 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₪31 / ₹700
Major Attractions: Herod’s Palace, Masada Museum, Snake Path
5. Dead Sea
Among the most striking natural places to visit near Jerusalem, the Dead Sea offers a setting that feels otherworldly. The shoreline is lined with smooth salt formations, and the water’s high mineral content makes it impossible to sink. Most people spend their time relaxing directly on the beach, using provided loungers or applying the grey mud found near the shore, which many believe helps improve skin conditions. Most visitors combine the experience with a walk along the nearby promenade or a light meal from local kiosks.
Distance From Jerusalem: 60 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: ₪50 / ₹1,130 (spa)
Major Attractions: Ein Bokek Beach, Dead Sea mud, luxury spas
6. Ramallah
Photo: Annik Susemihl / Shutterstock
The city has developed rapidly in the past decade, with modern buildings rising beside older limestone houses. In the city centre, Al-Manara Square marks the commercial core, surrounded by banks, small shops, and open-air fruit stalls. The nearby Yasser Arafat Mausoleum is part of a larger complex that includes a museum, official residence, and library. You will also find dedicated cultural venues in Ramallah, such as the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre and the Franco-German Cultural Centre. These spaces run scheduled programmes throughout the year, including photo exhibitions, theatre workshops, and independent film screenings, many of which are open to the public without charge.
Distance From Jerusalem: 19.7 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Arafat Mausoleum, Dar Zahran Heritage Building
7. Beit Shemesh
Beit Shemesh remains one of the most overlooked yet historically rich places to visit near Jerusalem, offering a mix of natural wonders and biblical relevance. Located in the Judean lowlands, it is surrounded by natural reserves and archaeological landmarks that appeal to those interested in biblical history and geology. One of the key attractions is the Soreq Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve, also known as Avshalom Cave. The site is fully lit inside, with a 250-metre walking platform that lets you view thousands of active stalactites and stalagmites in a controlled climate. The visit includes an introductory film explaining the cave’s formation and ongoing conservation work.
Distance From Jerusalem: 31.7 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (Avshalom Cave)
Cost: ₪22 / ₹500
Major Attractions: Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve, Tel Beit Shemesh
8. Abu Ghosh
Photo: Dmitriy Feldman svarshik / Shutterstock
Abu Ghosh remains one of the easiest places to visit near Jerusalem, especially if you want a short trip with both historical depth and culinary appeal. Located just off the main highway to Tel Aviv, the village has long served as a strategic pass and still holds traces of its Crusader past. The Benedictine Monastery is built over an ancient spring and welcomes visitors during posted hours. Inside, you will see Romanesque arches and faded frescoes that date back over 800 years. A short drive uphill brings you to the Church of Our Lady of the Ark, a lesser-visited but well-kept site that sits on one of the area’s highest points.
Distance From Jerusalem: 13.8 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Benedictine Monastery)
Major Attractions: Benedictine Monastery, Abu Ghosh hummus trail
9. Latrun Monastery
Photo: Gil Cohen Magen / Shutterstock
Latrun Monastery is one of the most peaceful and historically layered places to visit near Jerusalem, offering a quieter kind of experience compared to larger tourist sites. Located along the main road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, it is home to a community of Trappist monks who continue to follow a schedule of silence, prayer, and wine production. Inside the Latrun Monastery grounds, you will find a Romanesque-style church, a peaceful garden area, and a small store where monks sell their wine made from local vineyards. The church, built with thick stone walls and coloured glass windows, is open to the public at specific times, though services remain private.
Distance From Jerusalem: 28 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 PM & 2 PM – 5 PM
Cost: ₪10 / ₹225
Major Attractions: Trappist Monastery, wine cellars, memorial site
10. Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park
Photo: Zhukovskyi / Shutterstock
Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park ranks among the most archaeologically diverse places to visit near Jerusalem, especially if you are interested in underground architecture and multi-era settlements. The site covers what were once two ancient cities, Maresha from the First Temple period and Beit Guvrin from the Roman era. The place is a vast network of man-made caves carved into the soft limestone. These are bell caves, burial chambers, olive presses, and columbaria used for raising pigeons. Many of these caves are accessible on foot, and the paths between them are marked with information panels explaining their use and excavation history.
Distance From Jerusalem: 51.4 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₪28 / ₹635
Major Attractions: Bell caves, Roman amphitheatre, Sidonian burial caves
The places to visit near Jerusalem take you beyond its historic core to ancient fortresses, desert springs, monasteries, and underground cities—all reachable within a couple of hours. These destinations offer rich stories, scenic landscapes, and cultural depth, making them more than just side trips. Whether you’re after a quick escape or a full-day adventure, plan your journey with TripXL and uncover the remarkable experiences waiting just outside Jerusalem.
Cover Photo: RnDmS / Shutterstock
