Jerusalem Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem is a blessed city that carries deep meaning for followers of different faiths; for Muslims, it is the first qiblah and a stop on the journey of the Mi’raj. If you are planning a trip to Jerusalem, knowing about the significance of the site, the structures within al-Haram ash-Sharif and the etiquette of the visit before visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque will make your journey far more meaningful. In this guide we have gathered the essential topics you need to know, from Al-Aqsa Mosque to the streets of the Old City and from the Ottoman heritage to Hebron (Al-Khalil) and Bethlehem. If you are considering a guided programme, you can also take a look at our Jerusalem tours page.

Why Is Al-Aqsa Mosque So Important?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first qiblah of Muslims, the stopping point of the journey of al-Isra and al-Mi’raj, and one of the three mosques to which the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended travelling for a visit. This site, which is mentioned in the Holy Quran and whose surroundings are described there as blessed, is regarded as the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi).

The first qiblah

For sixteen or seventeen months after the Hijrah, Muslims performed their prayers facing Jerusalem (al-Bukhari, Muslim). Later, with verse 144 of Surah al-Baqarah, the qiblah was turned towards the Kaaba. For this reason, Al-Aqsa Mosque is also referred to as “the first qiblah”. Masjid al-Qiblatayn, which is visited in Madinah, also carries the memory of this change.

Al-Isra and al-Mi’raj

The first verse of Surah al-Isra states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was taken by night from Masjid al-Haram to Al-Aqsa Mosque, whose surroundings have been blessed. In the Islamic tradition, it is accepted that the journey of the Mi’raj (the Ascension) also began from here. It is also narrated that on this night the Prophet led the prophets in prayer as their imam at Al-Aqsa Mosque (Muslim).

The hadith of the three mosques

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Journeys are to be made only to three mosques: Masjid al-Haram, this mosque of mine and Al-Aqsa Mosque.” (al-Bukhari, Muslim). In a narration from Abu Dharr, it is also stated that the second mosque built on earth after Masjid al-Haram was Al-Aqsa Mosque (al-Bukhari, Muslim).

What Is There in the al-Haram ash-Sharif Compound?

The name Al-Aqsa Mosque refers not only to a single building but to the entire walled compound of al-Haram ash-Sharif. This wide courtyard contains mosques, domes, sabils (public fountains), madrasas and minarets. Every place within the compound where prayer is performed is regarded, in the broad sense, as part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Qibli Mosque

The Qibli Mosque (al-Masjid al-Qibli), located at the southern end of al-Haram ash-Sharif and known for its lead-covered dome, is the main mosque where Friday prayers are held. When the name “Al-Aqsa Mosque” is used in the narrow sense, it is mostly this building that is meant. Built during the Umayyad period, the building took on its present form through earthquakes and repairs carried out in different periods.

The Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock, which has become the symbol of Jerusalem with its golden dome, was built during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan over the rock (as-Sakhrah) from which the Mi’raj is believed to have begun. The octagonal building is one of the oldest surviving monuments of Islamic architecture. Its exterior was covered with tiles in the time of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (Kanuni), and this decoration has been preserved and renewed in later restorations.

Are the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque the same building?

No, these two buildings are often confused, but they are different from each other. The octagonal building with the golden dome is the Dome of the Rock, while the grey-domed building where Friday prayers are held is the Qibli Mosque. Both are located within the compound of al-Haram ash-Sharif, known as Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Marwani Mosque

The Marwani Mosque, located in the south-eastern corner of al-Haram ash-Sharif below the level of the courtyard, is a large underground space built with stone pillars and arches. This vaulted structure, which dates back to the Umayyad period, was reopened for worship through recent works and is one of the important areas where prayers are performed at busy times.

The Buraq Wall

Part of the western wall of al-Haram ash-Sharif is known as the Buraq Wall because, in the Islamic tradition, it is accepted as the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) tied the Buraq, which he rode on the night of the Mi’raj. On the inner side of the wall, within the boundaries of al-Haram ash-Sharif, there is a small Buraq Mosque. Since access to the outer face of the wall is arranged separately, it is useful to find out about the visiting options from your guide.

Ottoman Heritage in Jerusalem

Jerusalem remained under Ottoman rule for about four centuries, and traces of this period are clearly visible in the city’s present-day fabric. For visitors from Türkiye, walking through the Old City is like turning the pages of a shared history.

The walls from the time of Suleiman the Magnificent

The walls surrounding the Old City were largely rebuilt in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The gates set along the walls provide access to the different quarters of the city. Some of the sabils (public fountains) built in the Old City in the same period can still be seen.

Damascus Gate

Damascus Gate, known in Arabic as Bab al-Amud, is one of the most magnificent gates in the walls and reflects the architectural taste of Suleiman’s era. Entering through the gate, you reach the lively markets of the Muslim Quarter; from here you can walk to the gates of al-Haram ash-Sharif.

The Four Quarters of the Old City

The Old City within the walls is traditionally divided into four quarters. Each quarter has its own distinctive character and places to visit.

• The Muslim Quarter: The largest quarter of the Old City; it is known for its historic markets, caravanserais and the gates that open onto al-Haram ash-Sharif.
• The Christian Quarter: The Church of the Resurrection (the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) is in this quarter. It is narrated that when Umar came to Jerusalem, he prayed outside the church rather than inside it, so that Muslims would not later turn it into a mosque; the nearby Mosque of Umar keeps this memory alive.
• The Armenian Quarter: Located in the south-west of the Old City; it has a quiet character with its historic churches and monasteries.
• The Jewish Quarter: Located in the southern part of the Old City, close to the western wall of al-Haram ash-Sharif.

Because finding your way through the narrow and similar-looking streets of the Old City can be difficult, it is recommended that you tour it with a guide, especially on your first day.

Adding Hebron (Al-Khalil) and Bethlehem to Your Route

The Ibrahimi Mosque (Hebron)

The Ibrahimi Mosque, located in the city of Hebron (Al-Khalil) to the south of Jerusalem, stands over the cave that is accepted as containing the graves of the Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac) and Yaqub (Jacob) and their wives. The city takes its name from Ibrahim, who is known by the title “Khalilullah” (the Friend of Allah). As visiting options and entry arrangements can change depending on the conditions in the area, the programme needs to be confirmed according to the current situation before setting off.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem, accepted as the birthplace of Jesus (Isa), is a city that is also mentioned together with Mary (Maryam) and Jesus in the Islamic tradition. Opposite the Church of the Nativity in the city centre, there is a mosque bearing the name of Umar. Like Hebron, Bethlehem is usually added to the route as a day trip from Jerusalem.

Etiquette, Clothing and Safety When Visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque

What should you keep in mind when entering Al-Aqsa Mosque?

Al-Aqsa Mosque should be entered with the same good manners shown when entering any mosque: being in a state of wudu if possible, moving calmly and not raising your voice are the basic rules. Clothing should be loose and covering, and women need to wear a headscarf. As identity checks may be carried out at the entrances, always keep your passport with you.

• Take off your shoes when entering the Qibli Mosque and the Dome of the Rock; keep a shoe bag with you.
• When taking photos, do not disturb those who are praying or other visitors.
• Do not neglect to pray tahiyyat al-masjid (the prayer greeting the mosque) and to make supplication.
• As the gates of al-Haram ash-Sharif and its opening hours can change, plan your visit together with your guide.

Why should safety and entry conditions be confirmed in advance?

Conditions for entering Jerusalem and its surroundings, security procedures and the arrangements for access to al-Haram ash-Sharif can change from period to period. For this reason, information should be obtained only from official sources and from the current travel warnings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rely on the same sources for requirements such as passport validity and a visa or travel permit. Checking the conditions again close to your travel date and staying in touch with your tour company is the soundest approach.

Duration, Season and Route Suggestions for a Jerusalem Trip

How many days are enough for Jerusalem?

Three to four days are usually enough to pray several prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque and to explore al-Haram ash-Sharif and the Old City without rushing. If you would also like to add Hebron and Bethlehem to your programme, setting aside a day or two more allows for a comfortable pace. Those who wish to pray the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque can plan their programme so that it includes a Friday.

What is the best season to visit Jerusalem?

Thanks to their mild weather, the spring and autumn months are generally considered the most comfortable time for a trip to Jerusalem. In the summer months the daytime heat can be tiring, while in the winter months the weather is cool and rainy. Although the month of Ramadan has a special beauty with its spiritual atmosphere, crowds increase during this period and the visiting arrangements may differ.

Which routes can a Jerusalem tour be combined with?

In some programmes, a visit to Jerusalem can be planned together with historical and spiritual stops in Jordan. The sites accepted as containing the graves of the Companions martyred in the Battle of Mu’tah and of great Companions such as Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah are the highlights of such routes. However, since border crossings and itineraries depend on the conditions of the time, combined routes need to be assessed according to the current situation at the planning stage.

For those who wish to trace the heritage of Islamic civilisation in different parts of the world, cultural tours are also a lovely option. If you are planning a journey to Makkah and Madinah, you can also explore our Umrah tours page.

Up-to-Date Notes for Those Planning a Journey to Jerusalem in 2026–2027

The most important preparation for a journey to Jerusalem is finding out about the current conditions before setting a date. Because the security situation and transport options in the region change frequently, at RotaNur we recommend planning Jerusalem programmes in the 2026–2027 period with a flexible schedule and by regularly following the travel warnings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Checking these warnings again at the booking stage and a few days before the journey is the soundest approach.

Programmes Organised with an Overland Crossing via Jordan

Some Jerusalem programmes are organised with a flight to Jordan followed by an overland crossing via the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge. On this route, procedures at the border crossing can take time, and the crossing’s operating arrangements can change from period to period. For this reason, you should not squeeze another visit into the day of the crossing, you should also confirm the entry requirements for Jordan separately, and you should leave spare time for the return journey. In programmes that include accommodation on the Jordanian side, clarifying hotel and transfer details in advance also makes the journey easier. When conditions allow, the same route also makes it possible to visit the graves of the Companions in Jordan.

Planning Notes by Season

• September–November 2026: The mild autumn weather is well suited to walking in the Old City; however, in this period too, you should check the travel warnings again before setting off.
• December 2026–January 2027: The three sacred months begin; the blessed nights (kandil) of Raghaib, Mi’raj and Bara’ah fall in this period. Those who wish to spend a blessed night at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which carries the memory of the Mi’raj, should take into account the growing crowds and possible changes to the entry arrangements.
• Second half of January 2027: The mid-year school holiday in Türkiye offers a convenient window for families. As Jerusalem is cool and rainy in the winter months, take clothing suitable for layering and waterproof shoes.
• February–March 2027: The month of Ramadan is expected to begin in the first half of February and end in early March. During this period, the crowds at Al-Aqsa Mosque increase and entry conditions may differ.
• April–May 2027: The mild weather provides a comfortable setting for sightseeing and is also well suited to adding day trips such as Hebron and Bethlehem. Again, finalise the programme according to the current situation.

As the conditions for entering Al-Aqsa Mosque can change from period to period, the visit to al-Haram ash-Sharif should not be tied to a single day or a single prayer time. Spreading your visits over several days gives you the chance to make up for it on another day if entry is not possible on one day. For those aiming to pray the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, having a spare visiting day in the programme in addition to the Friday is also part of this flexibility. On guided programmes, our expert guides update the daily schedule according to the situation on the ground.

You can follow the current programme options on our Jerusalem tours page and, when conditions are suitable, reach us 24/7 through our contact page to plan your journey together.

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A journey to Jerusalem goes far more peacefully with good preparation and accurate information. At RotaNur, we are happy to answer your questions about Jerusalem and our cultural routes; for information, you can reach us via our WhatsApp line or our contact page.

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