City of David National Park

Many of the Bible’s most significant chapters were written about the City of David, where some of the most important archaeological discoveries related to Jerusalem’s history have been uncovered. It was here that King David arrived and established the capital of the people of Israel, and some experts believe that his palace has been found on this very hill. On this same ridge, King Hezekiah expanded the city westward and enclosed it with a new fortification wall.

Here, Hezekiah also ordered the excavation of the Siloam Tunnel, an extraordinary engineering feat of the ancient world, carved entirely by hand with chisels and hammers.

The prophet Jeremiah walked these streets and encountered the king’s officials, whose names were later discovered on stamped seals found in the City of David. After the Babylonian destruction, the returning exiles rebuilt and revived the city, leaving behind impressive remains visible today at the Pool of Siloam and along the Pilgrimage Road, the route used by countless Jews ascending to the Temple. Deep beneath the surface, in the Herodian drainage channel, the last rebels hid from the Romans as the Second Temple fell. Dramatic findings uncovered in this tunnel shed light on Jerusalem’s final days.

Today, visitors can walk through the Siloam Tunnel, preserved exactly as it was carved thousands of years ago. You can follow the path of ancient pilgrims along Jerusalem’s grand avenues, and continue into the underground Herodian Tunnel, where extraordinary discoveries reveal the city’s last moments.

As evening descends over the City of David National Park, lights illuminate the ancient landscape and the Hallelujah Night Show thrills hundreds of visitors with a breathtaking display of fire and water. Presented against the backdrop of Hezekiah’s ancient fortifications, the show tells the moving story of the Return to Zion.

You are invited to explore the City of David National Park and discover the place where Jerusalem was born.

Articles and updates

All articles
Archaeology | 15 December 2025

A rare, 1,300-year-old lead pendant decorated with a menorah symbol was uncovered north to City of David

The excavation has been conducted in recent years by the Israel Antiquities Authority in cooperation with the City of David Foundation and the Company for the Restoration and Development of the Jewish Quarter. The find was discovered in the Davidson Archaeological Park of Jerusalem. Only one other ancient lead pendant bearing the Menorah symbol is known in the world

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Archaeology | 21 October 2025

an Assyrian inscription from the First Temple period was discovered

Rare evidence for royal Assyrian court communication to the king of Judah - The rare historical evidence was discovered next to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, in an Israel Antiquities Authority excavation and the City of David Foundation.

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Archaeology | 30 August 2025

The largest dam in ancient Israel was uncovered in the City of David

A monumental dam excavated in the Siloam Pool in the City of David has now been dated in a joint study by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Weizmann Institute of Science, to the reign of the kings of Judah, Joash or Amaziah. Its construction may have been a creative solution to climate crisis , about 2,800 years ago, according to the researchers. The research, published Monday in the prestigious scientific journal PNAS, will be presented at the upcoming “City of David Studies” conference in early September.

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Leading Experiences

Hallelujah Night Show
City of David National Park

Hallelujah Night Show

The popular night show offers visitors a a unique light show projected onto the antiquities with pyrotechnics that combine effects of fire and water.

From 51 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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City of David Self Guided Visit
City of David National Park

City of David Self Guided Visit

Embark on a self-guided tour of the City of David and uncover the ancient secrets of Jerusalem. Explore hidden shafts and discover the Gihon Spring.

Duration: an hour and a half

From 16 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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Biblical City of David Guided Tour
City of David National Park

Biblical City of David Guided Tour

Walk in the footsteps of the kings and prophets, through underground passageways and in the waters of the Siloam tunnel (Hezekiah’s tunnel) by flashlights.

Duration: 3 hours

From 38 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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Western Wall Cornerstone – Guided
City of David National Park

Western Wall Cornerstone – Guided

You're invited to travel back in time 2,000 years, to the hidden world under the giant stones of the Western Wall.

Duration: 2 hours

From 36 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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Pilgrimage Road Route – Independent Entry New
City of David National Park

Pilgrimage Road Route – Independent Entry

A self-guided visit (without a guide) along a newly opened route, following the main street of ancient Jerusalem.

Duration: 2 hours

From 28 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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The Pilgrimage Road – Guided Tour New
City of David National Park

The Pilgrimage Road – Guided Tour

Join a guided tour along a new route, opening for the first time to visitors, following the main street of Ancient Jerusalem.

Duration: 2 hours

From 38 NIS per ticket
Ticket prices may vary depending on discounts and ticket selection)

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Essential information

  • Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Last entry to the water system (Shiloah Tunnel): hour and half before closing

Public transportation to the City of David

Line 1- Central Bus Station to the Western Wall

Line 3- Central Bus Station to the Western Wall

Line 38- The Jewish Quarter (takes a circular route that goes by the Western Wall)

Line 2- From Kikar Tzahal/ Yitzchak Kariv Street (Superbus company bus that takes a circular route)

Cabs

Cabs are allowed entry through the Jaffa Gate at any time.

Private vehicles

Please note that it is difficult to find parking near the Western Wall and the City of David. We recommend parking in nearby parking lots and walking to the site.

  1. The Karta and Mamilla parking lots (paid parking): Navigate with Waze.  Walking distance to the City of David is approximately 20 minutes. A cab is recommended.
  2. Mount Zion/ David’s Tomb parking lot:Navigate with Waze
  3. . Walking distance to the City of David is approximately 9 minutes. Please note that parking spots are extremely limited.

On Foot

From the Western Wall, at the Dung Gate, turn left and then right. It is a 2-minute walk to the City of David. Navigate using Google Maps.

 

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