As a meeting place between cultures for thousands of years, Jerusalem has a lot to offer any tourist. The old city, which has been settled for thousands of years, holds most of the interesting historical and archaeological sites. Despite this, the sprawling newer neighborhoods, many times the size of the old city itself, hold many other sites of interest.

Here are ten of the most interesting tourist attractions:

1. Robinson's Arch and the archaeological garden. A large complex at the south-west corner of the Temple Mount complex. Visitors can walk along the 2000-year-old Roman road that runs down the southern end of the Western Wall and climb the steps that lead up to the Hulda Gates in the southern wall. Also includes an excellent museum and extraordinarily well-preserved ruins from the Crusader period.

2. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Originally constructed over a thousand years ago and added to over the years since, this building is a hodgepodge of architectural periods and styles. Most of the sites identified as connected with Jesus' death are inside this complex. The church is of interest to non-Christian tourists as well; the artwork and architecture is worth a look. Often crowded during Christian holidays. In many places there is almost no lighting - bring a flashlight.

3. The Western Wall. Also called the Kotel ("the wall" in Hebrew), it's regarded as the holiest site accessible to Jews. Usually crowded. Visitors are required to dress modestly.

4. The Jerusalem Museum. A world-class museum, with pieces from artists such as Duchamp, van Gogh, Magritte, Warhol, Monet, Rodin and many more. The museum also has an extensive archaeological collection and many pieces of Jewish art. At the moment, the main areas of the museum are closed for renovations and are only expected to reopen in 2010, but several areas remain open, among them the sculpture garden, the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited, and the main temporary exhibition gallery.

5. Mahane Yehuda, also known as the Jaffa shuk. An open-air market in the New City, located on Agrippas street, right off of Jaffa road. Clothing, produce, spices and much more are available for the best prices here, and is worth a look even for visitors who don't intend to shop.

6. The Museum of Islamic art. Also located in the New city, it has an impressive collection of Islamic art and cultural artifacts.

7. The Tower of David. Constructed by the Ottomans along with the rest of the old city walls, the Tower of David is a formidable fortress that guards Jaffa Gate. Now a museum, visitors can explore it and learn about Jerusalem's history. It has an amazing view.

8. The botanical gardens. Right next to the Givat Ram campus of Hebrew University and across the valley from the Israel Museum, these gardens simulate the climate and flora of many different climates. There are streams, meadows, herb gardens, forests and occasional sculpture exhibitions - not to mention an excellent restaurant.

9. Yad Vashem. The official holocaust museum, built to commemorate the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust as well as the non-Jews who risked their lives to help them. Has a number of exhibits and houses extensive archives.

10. The Sherover Promenade (the Tayellet). A large park on the hill directly to the south of the Old City. Provides one of the best views of the city - visitors can see the old city, the Dome of the Rock and, on clear days, the hills of Jordan.

Learn more about this author, Caterina Rhode.
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