Jerusalem in comparison to Tel Aviv has more cultural and historic significance, and truly one of my regrets is to not spend more time here. You really do need more than 3 days here, especially when most of the other attractions in Israel are closer to Jerusalem than TLV. After all, this IS the birthday and final resting place of Jesus and home to some of the most sacred sites of some of the world's largest religions.
Transportation
Both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are very walkable cities and if you are tired you can always just grab a taxi. Prepare to be paying tourist price as not all of them uses the meters.
Accommodation
When I travel I tend to go for the smaller independent hotels first, so I feel the money is actually going back to the local economy. On this occasion I have opted to stay at the Damson Boutique Hotel near the market. Although the service has been impeccable, for the purpose of visiting as a tourist, I think it is better to stay near the Old City next time as most tours start from that side of town.
Restaurants
Compared to Tel Aviv, I certainly feel bit more disparity in Jerusalem. However that also means there are that much more diversity in the culinary scene in this ancient city.
Machneyuda
One of the most popular restaurants in the entire country, this hotspot serves up food from the nearby market in a lively, happening atmosphere. They were playing Moulin from Disney as we were walking it.
With Assaf Granit, one of Israel's top chefs running the show, this rustic haven for foodies offers a changing market-to-table menu with all its ingredients sourced from the nearby Machne Yehuda Market. The open kitchen gives you a front seat to the action, and the lively, spirited vibes are like no other.
Reservations strongly recommended weeks in advance.
Azura This is just a casual cafe with some local baked goods right outside the Machneyuda Market. Great to have a light lunch and soak up the atmosphere.
Attractions
Jerusalem honestly has so much to see and if you are not well versed in the history and politics of Israel, I strongly recommend you to go on some guided tours.
Machneyuda Market
Mahane Yehuda Market, often referred to as "The Shuk", is a marketplace (originally open-air, but now partially covered) in Jerusalem. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the market's more than 250 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables; baked goods; fish, meat and cheeses; nuts, seeds, and spices; wines and liquors; clothing and shoes; and housewares, textiles, and Judaica.
Old City
Surrounded by ancient walls, the Old City is home to holy sites such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock Islamic shrine, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which dates to the 4th century. Shops and markets selling prayer shawls, rosaries, and ceramics fill busy alleys, while food stalls serve falafel, pita, and fresh-squeezed juice. In a medieval citadel, the Tower of David museum chronicles the city’s history. There is a evening show at the Tower of David which is pretty cool too.
This is again one of the things you should do with a guided tour. However if you have the opportunity, do visit it at night between 6:00pm to 9:00pm when there are less tourists. You really get to feel the spirituality and the sacredness of these sites.
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
The Israel Museum is an art and archaeological museum in Jerusalem, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.. It was established in 1965 as Israel's largest and foremost cultural institution, and one of the world’s leading encyclopaedic museums.
Surrounding Areas
Dead Sea
As I am travelling by myself, I thought the easiest is to just take the Jerusalem Walking tour in conjunction with the Dead Sea transport. I was driven to the Kalia Beach and spent half a day there. It was pretty touristy but definitely still worth doing.
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