Relaxing on the Jerusalem Tayelet

The Jerusalem Tayelet is one of the must visit places in any tour of Jerusalem, because of its stunning views  of the Old & New Cities, Mount Scopus & Mount of Olives and the dessert. See The Tayelet & Jonathan’s Essential Jerusalem Tour.

It is considered one of the best places to start any tour in Jerusalem. The panoramic viewpoint offers a sweeping view of the city and, in true Jerusalem fashion, is teeming with rich, thousands-year-old history.

The “Tayelet” is actually a popular Hebrew term for the promenade which actually comprises of several walkways: the Walter and Elise Haas Promenade, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Promenade and the Gabriel Sherover Promenade. Strolling on the parks and landscaped walkways, you can take in Jerusalem’s full splendor spread out at your feet.

Walk along leisurely or rest at any of the observation terraces, from where you can see the Temple Mount (with the golden Dome of the Rock glittering in the sun), the City of David, the Mount of Olives, and the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. On the other side of the Old City, you can see the buildings on Mount Zion — a mix of the ancient and the modern. The views are especially beautiful at dusk, where the white stones shimmer with a golden hue.

Jerusalem, Israel, Old Town, The Jewish Quarter, Wall
Temple Mount, with the Dome of the Rock on the foreground, as seen (probably) from the Tayelet

There’s more to the Tayelet than the stunning views — although the views are very much part of history. The high ridge which promenade runs is located in the south of the city. It is now called Armon Hanetziv, the “palace of the commissioner”, as it was built here by the British in the 1930s as the residence of the High Commissioner. However, its first mention may be in the Bible — “Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here…” (Genesis 22: 4-5). According to tradition, this is place from which Abraham saw the mountain where he was to bind his son Isaac. The mountain in question is the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah), which can clearly seen from here, especially when coming from the south.

Most standard visits to the Jerusalem Tayelet are a quick photo opportunity and explanation of the basics of the view & history, and it is absolutely worthwhile (not to be missed) even if that is all that you have time to do.

However, part of the magic of the Jerusalem Tayelet is to leave the top level/car park look out point and wander through the paths and gardens until you find a spot to sit, relax and really soak in the view. (There is not quite enough shade in the hottest parts of the day).

Joggers and runners can challenge themselves with some uphill work.

Unfortunately, there are no longer refreshments on site (apart from the ice cream van who has an absolute monopoly) so bring a picnic.

There is easy wheelchair access to the top level and also at the far end of the tayelet there is access to the lower levels.

Getting To The Jerusalem Tayelet

Take the 8 bus or taxi to get there.