Jerusalem’s attractions are largely religious sites such as churches, mosques and shrines. These are interwoven with historical stories of religious significance. Only in Jerusalem can you visit the Virgin Mary’s tomb, the site where Jesus ascended to heaven and the place where Abraham offered his son for sacrifice. To complement the city’s religious grandeur, Jerusalem has many fascinating museums tracing the city’s history, with Yad Vashem being the most popular.

Burnt House
This quarter of the city was set on fire by the Romans in 70 BC and the Second Temple was destroyed. The house contains many interesting artefacts, including evidence of a laboratory used to make incense for the Temple rites, spearheads, a coin mould, a woman’s arm bone and stone vessels. Phone: +972 2 628 7211.

Chapel of the Ascension
A significant religious spot for Christians, the chapel is said to be the site where Jesus ascended to heaven. The Crusaders commemorated this spot by building the octagonal chapel which became a mosque once the Crusaders were expelled in 1187. Close to the chapel, the tomb if Pelagia can be found. Pelagia was an early Christian saint. Phone: +972 2 628 4373 http://www.jerusalem-mission.org/convent_ascension.html

Dome of the Rock
Visible on nearly every postcard depicting a view of the city’s skyline, Jerusalem’s iconic golden dome is an attraction not to be missed. Built in 691 AD by Abd el-Malek, the Dome is very important to both Muslims and Christians as it is said to be the site where Abraham offered his son for sacrifice as well as being the location where Mohammed ascended to heaven. Despite the Dome’s Islamic origins, it was converted into a church after the arrival of the Crusaders and the interior now houses both Islamic and Christian features. Phone: +972 2628 3393.

Holy Sepulchre
One of the most important Christian sites in the city, the Holy Sepulchre is the site of many prominent liturgies in the Christian calendar and is accessible to worshippers of all the different faiths which hold this site to be sacred. Formerly the site of Constantine’s 4th century basilica, the current structure was built by the Crusaders. Features include various chapels, Golgotha and the Tomb of Christ (Anastasis). Phone: +972 2 627 3314.

Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and Culture
There is a huge Armenian population in the Holy Land which has inhabited the area since the 3rd century. Jerusalem’s modern day Armenian communities are largely descendants from the refugees who arrived here to escape the 1915 massacres. The museum is a tribute to Armenian heritage, art and culture and houses everything from decorated tiles and ceramics to religious artefacts. Phone: +972 2 628 2331.

Tomb of the Virgin Mary 
Built to house and protect the 1st century tomb of the Virgin Mary, this is just one of a series of churches that have been built on this site. Religious manuscripts recorded Mary’s funeral and it is said that the Virgin was taken from her tomb into heaven after falling into an eternal sleep. The crypt is situated beneath the church and is can be reached by descending a set of 50 steps. The tomb of Queen Melisende and a chapel dedicated to Mary’s parents can also be found down here. Phone: +972 2 628 2936

Yad Vashem
One of the most popular and visited museums in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem is a moving and educational account of the Holocaust, which resulted in the death of almost six million Jews. The Israeli Parliament established the museum in 1953. The site includes an art museum which features works that depict the suffering of the Jews in the concentration camps and ghettos. There is also a research facility that holds information about those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Phone: +972 2 644 3400;

Enjoy the lovely views of the city from the walking trails around Haas Promenade in East Talpiot, while the Mount of Olives also offers vistas that should not be missed.

Pick up souvenirs at Damascus Gate, the traditional entrance to the Muslim Quarters and an ancient marketplace since Roman Times

Gorge on ruggalah, Jerusalem’s delicious pastries, renowned for their unique taste. Alternatively, try a bagel from the Holy Bagel Factory on Jaffa road; this type of fresh bread has Jewish origins, making Jerusalem home to some of the best bagel bakeries around.

Stock up on religious literature, with the city’s bookstores literally crammed with everything from Bibles to devotional books and evangelical literature in English, Hebrew and a variety of other languages.

Paint your own pottery at Kad v'Homer, a pottery shop that lets you choose an item for decoration, with items ranging from Judacia to nameplates and cookie jars. Once painted, the shop will take care of the firing and glazing so your item is ready for collection a few days later.