Car & Van Hire - Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a name synonymous with religion. This city features sacred sites for all three of the Abrahamic religions. It has long been considered the capital of the mythical Holy Land, and as you walk through its streets, you're sure to feel the weight of history in every step. Jerusalem is also a great destination for foodies, with delicious falafel, hummus and other treats available on every corner.

No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without a day on the Temple Mount, a holy site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. This has been a sacred place since the first century BC when the Second Jewish Temple was built here. Highlights include the Al-Aqsa Mosque, said to be a site founded by the Prophet Muhammad, and the Kotel, also known as the Wailing Wall. In a good luck tradition, visitors write their wishes on a piece of paper and slip it into a crack in the wall. Will your wish come true?

Jerusalem is also home to the very sombre site of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre. This massive museum covers 45 acres and is the world authority on the events of the Holocaust. It is a deeply emotional place to visit, but many travellers choose to come here to pay their respects to the victims.

The Middle East is known for its markets. For the best example in Jerusalem, head to Mahane Yehuda. Open every day except Saturday, this is your one-stop shop for everything from food and spices to fancy clothes and handicrafts. Haggling is the name of the game, so take this chance to polish your skills at negotiation and snap up some bargains.

Car hire in Jerusalem is a great way to get around and see more of the Holy Land. Bethlehem is a popular destination for a day trip. This city, known across the world as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, has an eclectic collection of religious buildings to explore. One of the oldest Christian churches in the world, the Church of the Nativity, can be found here. It is said to be built on the exact site of Jesus' birthplace. Its complex includes three monasteries from different denominations: Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Greek Orthodox.

For a great day out, use a car or van hire in Jerusalem and head to Masada, high on a mountain top overlooking the Judean Desert. This is yet another of Israel's sacred sites, said to be the place where the Jewish people began their revolt against the Roman Empire. You can wander around the ruins and admire the stunning views over the surrounding sands.

Traffic in the centre of Jerusalem is often heavy and hard to avoid. Road closures are quite common, and queues often form around police or military checkpoints. There are three things you can do: look for indirect routes to your destination, don't drive during rush hour (07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 19:00), and always allow yourself extra time.

Remember that the weekend in Israel runs from Friday to Saturday, so don't be surprised if you see particularly heavy traffic on a Sunday morning as people return to work. In some Orthodox communities, residents close roads during Shabbat (from nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday). You'll generally only see this in residential neighbourhoods, so it won't usually be an issue.

On-street parking is generally free in Jerusalem unless the curb is marked with blue and white stripes. In this case, you'll need to pay. If a curb is painted with red and white stripes, parking is strictly prohibited. There are also some large car parks that visitors can use. You can pay for parking either at a parking meter or by downloading an app.

Police and military checkpoints are a regular part of life in Jerusalem. If you are driving into the West Bank, you will need to go through checkpoints. You may also be randomly checked from time to time. When driving in the desert, you might notice road signs warning of tanks crossing and find yourself sharing the road with military vehicles. This is not a cause for concern; it is normal here.

There are only three places in Israel where you will need to pay a toll. The one that you are most likely to encounter is on Highway 6, running from the north to the south of the country. Tolls here are electronic, and you can pay after you finish your journey.

One thing that visitors to Israel find difficult is the lack of speed limits on road signs. You may be driving for quite some time before you see a sign that clearly displays the speed limit. Watch out for road signs with a red circle and black house - this indicates that you are entering a residential zone, and you should slow down. The speed limit in residential zones is usually 50 km/h.