West Jerusalem

Visitors tend to focus, naturally enough, on the historical and religious sights on the eastern side of town, especially in the Old City; but West Jerusalem houses the nation's institutions, is the repository for its collective memory, and—together with the Downtown—gives more insight into contemporary life in Israel's largest city. The world-class Israel Museum and Yad Vashem are located here, as well as poignant Mt. Herzl and the picturesque neighborhood of Ein Kerem. These attractions, which are spread out, are most easily accessed by car or by a combination of buses and short cab rides.