Dome of the Rock

Ancient Shrine with Golden Dome

The Dome of the Rock stands in Jerusalem’s Old City as a striking structure built to honor significant religious history. Its golden dome reflects sunlight across the surrounding streets, drawing visitors from many backgrounds. The site holds importance for Muslims, Christians and Jews alike because it marks where key events are remembered. Architectural details show intricate tile work and calligraphy that have lasted centuries. People come not only to see its design but also to learn about stories tied to faith and community spanning generations.

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Place of Worship in Jerusalem

free

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 4.6

General Safety:	4
Accessibility:	7

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4/5

English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Jerusalem, including sites around the Dome of the Rock, making communication generally smooth for travelers.

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There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Dome of the Rock Summary

Famous for Islamic architecture and historic significance. Admire the golden dome and explore the surrounding sacred complex.

Israel – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type H Type C: Type H: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Israeli New Shekel (ILS) £1 ≈ ₪4.03
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas and tourist locations. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Israel. 10-15% is standard in restaurants, while taxi drivers usually do not expect tips.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is uncommon but not strictly regulated.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in public indoor spaces, with designated areas available.

Passover (March/April)	Public transport is limited. Book accommodations early.
Yom Kippur (September/October)	The country comes to a standstill.
Hanukkah (December)	Festivities and events occur in major cities.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 100 (Police), 101 (Ambulance), 102 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Gett, Yango
Other:	Israel offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Public transport is limited during Shabbat.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

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Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Dome of the Rock, Israel

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High season:	April - May, Sep. - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, June - Aug., Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Non-Muslims cannot enter the Dome itself; only the compound can be visited, via the Mughrabi Gate

Compound closed to non-Muslim visitors on Fridays and Saturdays; visiting hours are short and change often

Access for non-Muslims is also suspended during Ramadan's last days and on some Muslim and security-related occasions

Don't miss

✨ Admire the iconic golden dome and intricate mosaics
🎧 Join a guided tour exploring the Temple Mount history
🌇 Walk the expansive plaza for stunning city views

You've been here?

The Dome of the Rock stands as a stunning example of early Islamic architecture, completed in 691–692 CE. Its golden dome glimmers over Jerusalem’s Old City skyline and the building’s octagonal shape, adorned with colorful mosaics and calligraphy, reflects a unique artistic blend influenced by Byzantine and Persian styles.

This shrine is built on the Temple Mount, a site sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The rock at its center is traditionally believed by Muslims to be the place where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. For Jews and Christians, the site holds profound historic and spiritual significance as the location of the ancient Jewish Temples.

Visitors should know that non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Dome of the Rock itself but can admire its intricate exterior and explore the wider Temple Mount area during limited visiting hours. Security screenings and occasional political tensions may affect access, so visitors should stay informed and respectful of the religious sensitivities and local guidelines.

While the Dome’s radiant beauty and layered history make it unforgettable, its location in a politically and religiously complex area means visitors should approach with awareness and respect, taking safety precautions especially during times of unrest or religious holidays.

Why travel to Dome of the Rock?

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Al-Aqsa Mosque
2 Church of the Holy Sepulchre
3 Mount of Olives
4 Western Wall

🛍️Shopping

1 Mount of Olives Bazaar

🎈Events

Ramadan celebrations
Eid festivals

Explore on map

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Knowledge before you go

Wear modest clothing; cover shoulders and knees for respectful access.
Arrive early before midday crowds, especially during Ramadan or Jewish holidays.
Check the official website for current visiting hours and any temporary closures due to maintenance.
Explore nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard after sunset; it offers a quieter perspective of the Dome’s silhouette.

How to travel to Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is located within the Old City of Jerusalem. Visitors typically arrive via Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, then take a shuttle, taxi or bus to Jerusalem. Once in Jerusalem, the Old City is accessible on foot or by local bus. Access to the Temple Mount for non-Muslims is through the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall Plaza, after security checks.

Access summary

From Ben Gurion Airport (TLV): Train or shuttle to Jerusalem, then walk/bus; ~1–1.5 hours.
From central Jerusalem: Light rail or bus to Old City, then short walk; ~20–30 minutes.
From Tel Aviv: Frequent train or bus to Jerusalem, then local transport/walk; ~1–1.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Dome of the Rock

Jerusalem’s Old City and its surroundings offer varied accommodations from boutique guesthouses to mid‑range hotels, catering well to pilgrims and travelers interested in historical and religious tourism.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

ibis Jerusalem City Center

8.5

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

8.9

Grand Court Hotel

7.4

Orient Jerusalem by Isrotel Exclusive Collection

8.7

Prima Royale Hotel

8.1

ibis Styles Jerusalem City Center

8.7

Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel

8.1

Ramada by Wyndham Jerusalem

8.6

Jerusalem Gold Hotel

7.3

King David Jerusalem Hotel

8.6

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Dome of the Rock

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun cream

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Reusable water bottle

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Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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+28 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 28% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

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The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+11 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ILS) is 11% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock is generally safe for visitors, with a strong security presence and well‑trained local police. Tourists should stay in designated areas, avoid political demonstrations, keep valuables secure and follow official guidance during peak times.

Accessibility

The Dome of the Rock offers limited accessibility: ramps and elevators are available, but narrow stairways and uneven surfaces pose challenges. Signage is clear in multiple languages, yet wheelchair users may find crowding during peak times. Advance planning and assistance can improve experience.