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Western Wall

Landmarks ·Jerusalem ·Open now
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#1Landmarks in Israel#1Landmarks in JerusalemTravelers' Choice 2025
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About

Western Wall (Wailing Wall): Temple Mount retaining wall in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter, holiest place where Jews may pray outside the Temple Mount.

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Why go

  • The underground tunnel that runs for more than 200 metres along the wall and can be walked.
  • The Little Western Wall, an 8-metre section that shows much of the original Herodian stonework.
  • The whole wall, which forms the western border of al-Haram al-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary.

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • The prayer sectionThe exposed 57-metre stretch of the wall, dating from the end of the Second Temple period. It is part of a 488-metre retaining wall on the Temple Mount's west side.Faces a large plaza in the Jewish Quarter, near the Temple Mount's southwestern corner. On the map
  • Prayer notes in the cracksWritten prayers, wishes and thanks pushed into the gaps between the stones. The notes are removed and buried unread on the Mount of Olives.In the cracks between the stones of the prayer section.Twice a year, before Passover and Rosh Hashanah On the map
  • The stone north of Wilson's ArchA stone 13.55 metres long that weighs 250 to 300 tonnes. Enormous stones lie beneath the wall and can be seen on the tour.Just north of Wilson's Arch. On the map
  • The underground synagogueThe underground synagogue that lies closest to the Temple site, where Jews may pray.Underground, on the tour of the Western Wall tunnels. On the map
  • The GrotteA small underground chamber that lies even closer to the Holy of Holies. Few can enter at once.Underground, closer to the Holy of Holies than the synagogue. On the map

Know before you go

  • Open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
  • Entry to the square is free of charge.
  • Visitors pass metal-detector security checks to reach the plaza.
  • Men are asked to cover their heads, though a kippah is not required.
  • Free white cloth kippot are handed out at the ramp to the men's area.
  • Prayer areas are separated by gender, with men on the left and women on the right.
  • Photography is generally allowed right at the wall, except on high holidays and the Sabbath.
  • No food or drinks are sold on the plaza.
  • Tours of the underground tunnels must be booked in advance.
  • In low season, visitors may join an excursion without a reservation.
  • The whole esplanade officially serves as a synagogue, hosting religious and secular events.

Tips for your visit

  • The plaza is open to the sun, which is strong and glares off the stones.
  • In fall and winter, bring an umbrella; the plaza is open to the weather.
  • Stairs near the public toilets lead to a shaded rooftop overlooking the plaza.
  • Water fountains on the plaza let you drink and refill bottles with cold water.
  • Free prayer books and paper notes are handed out at the plaza entrance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk through the Old City.
  • Phone reception works on the plaza but not inside the Western Wall Tunnels.
  • The esplanade is fully paved and slopes gently toward the wall.

Best time to visit

  • On every feast and festival the foot of the wall is often densely crowded.
  • Pilgrims and visitors, including non-Jewish ones, come to pray there daily.
  • Special events are held at the wall each month.

With kids

  • The underground tour shows enormous stones lying beneath the Western Wall.
  • A live 360 guided tour of the wall's tunnels is offered online.
  • Anyone can watch the wall live online from anywhere in the world.

Interesting facts6

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  1. It is one of four supporting walls of the Temple Mount that still stand.

    General Visitor Information | Western Wall Heritage Foundation
  2. 60 metres

    The wall once rose to about 60 metres. Its highest exposed point today is 40 metres above the bedrock of the eastern hill.

    General Visitor Information | Western Wall Heritage Foundation

  3. Original Herodian stones are recognisable by drafted, etched margins around their edges.

    General Visitor Information | Western Wall Heritage Foundation

  4. Most of the wall is hidden behind medieval residential buildings in the Muslim Quarter.

    Western Wall - Wikipedia

  5. The presumed site of the Holy of Holies lies just above and behind the prayer section.

    Western Wall - Wikipedia

  6. Coins struck under Valerius Gratus were found at the base of the foundations.

    Mur des Lamentations - Wikipedia

Shorts

How to get there

  • 7 minOn footFrom the City Hall light rail station, walk to Jaffa Gate: about 7 minutes.
  • 20 minOn footFrom Jaffa Gate or Zion Gate, walk to the wall: about 20 minutes.
  • 5 minCarPublic transport or taxi drop-off is about a 5-minute walk from the plaza.
  • 20 minParkingParking lots are up to 20 minutes' walk from the plaza.
  • BusBuses run to the Misttor, one of the three entrances to the square.
  • On footOne entrance is from El-Wad-Straße, an extension of the Via Dolorosa.
  • On footA third entrance comes via Kettenstraße, between the two quarters of the old town.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access Wheelchair access to the plaza is only through Dung Gate.
  • Toilets Public toilets are on the plaza.

Sources: Western Wall - Wikipedia · Jerusalem/Old City - Wikivoyage (see) · Western Wall Jerusalem – History, Meaning, Live… · General Visitor Information | Western Wall Heri… · Visitor Service - The Western Wall, Jerusalem · Klagemauer - Wikipedia · Mur des Lamentations - Wikipedia · checked 18 Oct 2026

Where
Western Wall Plaza Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

Is the Western Wall free to visit?

Yes. Entry to the square is free of charge. The site is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

Where is the Western Wall?

The address is Western Wall Plaza in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. It lies near the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount.

Is the Western Wall a synagogue?

Yes. The whole esplanade officially serves as a synagogue. It hosts religious and secular events.

Is the Western Wall wheelchair accessible?

Partly. Wheelchair access to the plaza is only through Dung Gate; the esplanade is fully paved and slopes gently toward the wall.

Can I see the Western Wall from home?

Yes. Virtual tours are offered, and anyone can watch the wall live online from anywhere in the world. The site also offers a live 360 guided tour of the tunnels.

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