Star Escapes: Find out why celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and more are drawn to Jerusalem

By Suzanne Wintrob

Alex Rodriguez was clearly enamoured by his first visit to Jerusalem on a trip to Israel during fianceé Jennifer Lopez's 2019 world tour.

"Jerusalem, you are unforgettable. What a perfect finale to our first trip to this beautiful land," the former baseball player wrote as he took to Instagram to share a photo of himself and his love, with the glorious skyline behind them.

Yet that's no surprise, given the city's incredible beauty, rich history and a boundless energy that never fails to surprise first-time visitors.

Kim Kardashian was wowed when she and Kanye West toured the vibrant city ahead of eldest daughter North's baptism.

And like Alex and J.Lo, they were quick to discover Jerusalem is constantly on the go, boasting a dynamic cultural life where music and culinary delights take centre stage.

Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta, were so enamoured by their visit that they ended up spending thousands of dollars at a local jewelry store in the breathtaking Mamilla Mall.

True Grit star Hailee Steinfeld did some introspection at the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum (Prince William did the same on his 2018 Jerusalem trip) and she later had a blast at the renowned Machane Yehuda fruit and spice shuk and aboard an ATV in the Judaean hills.

Whether you’re greeted by "Shalom Aleichem" or "As-salamu Alaykum," may peace be upon you as Hello! invites you on a tour of the exquisite City of Gold.

Scroll through the gallery – or click through if you're on desktop – to learn about some of the best things Jerusalem has to offer visitors.

Photo: © Instagram/@arod

Jerusalem is the meeting point of the three major monotheistic religions – Judaism, Islam and Christianity – so many come to draw inspiration from the city's undeniable spiritual aura. Since municipal law requires every building be faced with identical off-white stone as a nod to ancient times, Jerusalem literally shimmers in the sunshine and every step feels like walking through history.

Discover the Old City by winding along the cobblestoned streets to the Armenian Quarter or through the alleyways of the colourful Arab market overflowing with trinkets, woven goods and fragrant spices. (Listen for the sonorous sound of the moazin calling worshippers to prayer.)

Photo: © Noam Chen/IMOT

After some quiet meditation at the Western Wall (don't forget to squeeze your handwritten note to God into the cracks of the massive stones) or at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, tuck into a divine falafel and hummus plate at Abu Shukri near the Via Dolarosa. Or park yourself in the Jewish Quarter's public square with mint tea and a slice of poppy cake from Boutique Central bakery and watch the world go by.

Later, stroll or Segway along the Haas Promenade for breathtaking views of the Mount of Olives (resting place of Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg) and the gold-topped Dome of the Rock.

A trip to the Israel Museum is a must for archaeological finds, Israeli art and a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Photo: © Blaine Harrington III/Getty Images

Food and coffee rule in this country, and Jerusalem certainly holds its own. A typical Israeli hotel breakfast buffet – or any bistro brekkie, for that matter – delivers endless varieties of vegetables, cheese, smoked fish, egg-and-tomato shakshuka, pastries, dried fruit and crusty bread that will fill you up for hours.

At the swanky Orient Jerusalem hotel, for example, the mouth-watering spread is divided into themes representing the city's diversity: "Machane Yehuda" for halva, homemade jams, olives and pickles; "Mea She’arim" (a popular Hasidic neighbourhood) for herring and chopped fish choices; "The Old City" for cheese-filled bourekas and za'atar-topped pitas; and "The Jerusalem Hills" for salty, strong and creamy cheeses galore.

If a mid-day snack is in order, sweet lovers flock to French patisserie Café Kadosh (which translates to "Holy Café") for buttery croissants or Marzipan bakery for gooey chocolate rugelach.

Photo: © Suzanne Wintrob

Though dinner choices abound in this cosmopolitan city – from sushi to pizza and everything in between – why choose what you can eat at home? Check out Eucalyptus in Jerusalem’s Artists Quarter, where each delectable dish stems from a Biblical scene, with spices and herbs culled from the surrounding Judaean hills. At The First Station – a converted 19th-century train station with eateries, cute kiosks and entertainment – Adom buzzes for fish masabbaha and seafood. And after taking in the exciting sights, sounds and aromas of Machane Yehuda by day (sign up for a chef-guided food tour!), hang around after dark as vendors shutter their stalls to reveal fascinating murals while crowds amp up the ambiance over flaky Yemenite jachnun, frothy café hafuch or ice cold Dancing Camel beer.

Photo: © Suzanne Wintrob

Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie and Mariah Carey have all tucked in at the luxe David Citadel Hotel, as have a bevy of world leaders including former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Designed by Canadian-Israeli architect Moshe Safdie with recently renovated interiors by Italian designer Piero Lissoni, the 20-year-old Jerusalem icon is shaped like an opera house and pampers guests with bespoke furnishings, Frette linens and Bvlgari toiletries. If the 1,600-sq.-ft. Royal Suite (where Kim, Kanye and North laid their well-coiffed heads) with butler service is taken, opt for a terraced suite with an Old City view overlooking the Tower of David and the hotel’s magnificent outdoor pool.

Photo: © David Citadel Hotel

Jerry Seinfeld was one of the first guests at the Orient Jerusalem, which opened several years ago in the upscale German Colony 'hood and – like most of city's hotels – incorporates Jerusalem stone with modern touches for an old-meets-new look and feel. From the sun-filled lobby to the stylish rooms and rooftop infinity pool and bar, every experience brings with it spectacular views.

Hailee Steinfeld stayed in a luxury suite in the Orient's main building while visiting Jerusalem with her parents. For something completely different, book into one of the Orient's two adult-only heritage buildings dating back to Templar times, where a dreamy four-poster bed, standing tub and a personal valet await.

At the hotel's signature Carmel Forest Spa, lovers adore the couples massage experience including a private hot-tub session with floating rose petals, flutes of wine and an invigorating Turkish steam.

Photo: © Orient Jerusalem

Actress Sharon Stone has unwound at the gorgeous Mamilla Hotel (during Hello!'s visit, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion was having lunch at the hotel's delicious Happy Fish restaurant!).

Dating back to the 19th century, it's located just steps from the Jaffa Gate and the light-rail tram that swings through the city centre and beyond. From your very own personal hosts to sleek suites, a cigar lounge and a pulsating rooftop bar and restaurant that’s hypnotizing at sunset, Mamilla sparkles.

After shopping for local fashion and jewelry in the striking pedestrian mall below, find serenity at Mamilla's Akasha Spa boasting a Watsu therapy pool with underwater music and a magical treatment combining warm basalt stones with cool marble to release tension, open blockages and eradicate toxins.

Photo: © Mamilla Hotel

Trip tips

Head to Zion Square for lively street music performed by Hasidic rockers who are YouTube sensations

Trek the 4.5-kilometre Ramparts Walk high above the walled Old City and count the seven gates

Most streets in Jerusalem (and throughout Israel) are named for military, political and cultural heroes as well as historical battles and defining moments so you can absorb history as you walk!

Jerusalem's official languages are Hebrew and Arabic, but English, French and Russian are widely spoken, too

The JLM CityPass offers unlimited rides on local public transportation, entrance to three top tourist attractions, bus ride from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport and more

With many spots in the city holding religious significance or populated by religious residents, dress modestly or carry a scarf or hat for quick cover-up

Looking for easy day trips? Check out funky Tel Aviv, float in the Dead Sea or climb Masada at sunrise

Photo: © Israel Ministry of Tourism