The ramparts walk follows the top of the sixteenth-century walls that enclose the Old City, giving you a very different angle on Jerusalem from the crowded lanes below. Two separate sections can be walked, one running from the Jaffa Gate area along the northern wall and another going south from the Jaffa Gate area toward the Old City’s southern gates. From the narrow walkway you look down on rooftops, courtyards, church domes, minarets and the green of the Mount of Olives beyond. The walk is a good way to understand how the four quarters sit together, and it is far quieter than the street level. Sections are one way, with steps and uneven stone underfoot, and you can leave at points along the route. A ticket is needed, and it is worth checking which sections are open on the day you go.
Why go
The walls were rebuilt in the 1500s under Suleiman the Magnificent, and the walk lets you trace the line of that work while seeing the Old City from above. The vistas over the Western Wall plaza, the Christian Quarter’s domes and the Mount of Olives are among the best you can get without leaving the Old City.
How to visit
Tickets are sold near the Jaffa Gate area, and the walk is not suitable for people who struggle with steps or heights because there are narrow sections with drop-offs. Opening hours change with the season and sections can close for events or conditions, so check before you set out. Late afternoon gives soft light, and the summer midday is hot and shadeless. A guided tour with the ramparts included, such as the private tour offered with this stop, adds context for those who prefer a guide.
Pair it with
The Tower of David Museum beside Jaffa Gate, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and a coffee in the Christian Quarter once you come down. Keep your bag zipped, as the walkway is shared with other visitors, and bring water in warm months.
What to expect
The experience
A raised walkway on top of the Old City walls with steps, narrow stretches and wide views over rooftops and domes.
Best time
Late afternoon for softer light, or morning in warm months.
How long
One to two hours depending on the section.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, check which sections are open and avoid it if you dislike heights.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want views and a sense of the Old City layout.
- Families
- Better for older children, as there are steps and drops without full railings.
- Couples
- A late afternoon walk with the city lights coming on is a romantic choice.
- Pair with
- The Tower of David Museum and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Time needed
- Allow one and a half hours.
Good questions
Which sections of the ramparts can I walk?+
Typically there is a northern section and a southern section, each starting near the Jaffa Gate area. Check which are open on your day, as sections can close.
Do I need a ticket?+
Yes, the walk is ticketed. Tickets are sold near the Jaffa Gate area, and a guided tour with the walk included is another option.
Is it suitable for children or older visitors?+
It involves steps, uneven stone and some drops, so it suits fit walkers best. Hold small children by the hand.
When is the best time to go?+
Late afternoon gives lovely light and cooler air in summer. Avoid the middle of a hot day because there is little shade.
How long does it take?+
Most people take one to two hours depending on the section and how often they stop for photos.
