A Shabbat in Jerusalem
Friday at the market, candle lighting, the Kotel at night, and the parks and promenades that stay open when everything else shuts.
What this assumes: Friday and Saturday. Buses and the light rail stop well before sunset on Friday and restart after dark; ticketed sites are closed.
- Friday morning
Mahane Yehuda before the rush
The market is busiest late Friday morning. Stalls wind down from about 15:00 and close before Shabbat, with no uniform time.
- Friday afternoon
Candle lighting
Check this week's time before you plan the afternoon — everything stops earlier than visitors expect.
- Friday night
The Kotel
The plaza fills after candle lighting and it is open all night. Walk; there is no transport and taxis are scarce.
- Shabbat morning
Haas Promenade
Parks and promenades stay open when everything ticketed is shut. This one has the view across to the Old City.
- Shabbat afternoon
Liberty Bell Park
Shade, benches and room for children, a short walk from the German Colony.
- Motzei Shabbat
The First Station
The city restarts about an hour after Shabbat ends: restaurants, music and the promenade along the old track.