West Jerusalem

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