Top 5: Spring activities in Jerusalem

When the rain lets up, Spring will be upon us; here are some great outdoor activities in the capital to prepare for.

Cypress trees 521 (photo credit: MELANIE LIDMAN)
Cypress trees 521
(photo credit: MELANIE LIDMAN)
The blossom trees and sweet scent in the air are proof that Spring is here. While the rains may be heavy this weekend, the sunnier days are just around the corner so it’s time to prepare for enjoying the Jerusalem outdoors.
1. Ramparts Walk
Ramparts Walk, atop the grand Old City walls built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is best enjoyed on a clear day and in the mild, warm weather of Spring.
The walk offers you the opportunity to take a peek into the day-to-day life and hustle and bustle of the Old City and provides spectacular views of the charming neighborhood of Yemin Moshe, west Jerusalem and the Judean Desert.
Divided into a northern and southern section, it's possible to walk on most of the wall except for the Temple Mount area and takes around two and a half hours altogether.
Be sure to bring a camera along as the walk offers a different, memorable perspective.
Entrance from Jaffa Gate (northern part) and near the Tower of David (southern part)(02) 627-7550
2. Tisch Family Zoological Gardens
Situated on beautiful, tranquil grounds, the Biblical Zoo makes a great day out for those who want to enjoy a quiet picnic as well as for families with kids. Children will love the frequent train rides and the petting zoo with goats, chickens and other animals. The zoo conserves various species mentioned in the Bible as well as endangered species from all over the world. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and enjoy a long, leisurely stroll through the grounds.
Agudat Sport HaPoel Street, Malha
(02) 675-0111
3. Bezalel fair
This vibrant arts and culture fair takes place every Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on the quaint pedestrian roads of Bezalel Street and Shatz Street in town.
The fair gives a platform to emerging and established artists and is a fun place to browse the selection of paintings, ceramics, woodwork, photography, hand-made clothing, home-made food, jewelery and other original items on offer.
You’ll want to round off the experience with a cup of coffee in one of the trendy coffee shops on the strip. The fair is weather dependent but generally takes place in the months of Spring with its perfect weather conditions.
Bezalel and Shatz Streets
052-479-4141
4. Café Itamar
This indoor and outdoor restaurant with an adjoining nursery is both charming and laid-back. The café is not a far drive from the city center, making it an easy and welcome escape for urbanites in need of quiet and nature.
The menu is kosher dairy and includes fresh, creative Israeli breakfasts, salads, pastas and fish. Café Itamar is a great place to linger over a meal and you can also get in the Spring spirit and buy plants, flowers, herbs and pots on your way out.
Farm 46, Moshav Ora
(02) 643-0017
5. Sacher Park
The biggest green space in Jerusalem, Sacher Park sprawls between the areas of Nachlaot, Rehavia and Givat Ram. In particular, the area around Rechavia is clean, green and lush and you can really get a feel for Spring with the blossoms and magnificent spring flowers in bloom. Sacher Park is a great place for a picnic and barbecue and there are a number of facilities for the more active including basketball courts, football pitches, tennis courts, a skateboarding area, a bike path and children’s playgrounds.
Ruppin Street, Rechavia
iTravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to stay in Jerusalem.