Is it true that it's unsafe for single female travelers to walk around Jerusalem's old town? I read a lot about women being subject to harassment. Is it really that bad? If it's verbal harassment I suppose I can deal with it, but is it really dangerous for a woman to walk around on her own? I'm not planning on walking around after dark much, except that I have to leave my hotel in the old town in the middle of the night to catch a taxi or Nesher bus to the airport. I will have to walk to the Damascus or Jaffa gate at around 2. am. It's only about a five minute walk. Is it still risky?
1
shuffaluff
It is safe to walk around alone. I don't know where you have read about women being subject to harassment. But as with anywhere, use your common sense and don't go alone down dark alleyways, especially at night.
Women are advised not to walk alone on the Old City walls, but down at ground level there is nothing to worry about. You'd hardly be alone anyway, with all the other tourists (and residents) around.
It isn't risky even at 2 a.m. if you stick to the main streets. If you're nervous, do a trial run from your hotel to the Damascus or Jaffa Gate in daylight to work out the best route.
2
mesha
Where have you read this - we would be interested to read it also. Can you please give the source.
If you need to leave the hotel at night to get a taxi why not ask the hotel if there is someone who can accompany you to that point if you feel nervous or to help with
your luggage.
3
masauk
I agree, it is perfectly safe. Perhaps this is relating to more religous area's and dressing imodestly? like someone said its about using common sense
4
travelchik
i agree ywith everyone else--you shouldn't have a problem. i walk around by myself all the time, and while there are definitely people who make comments (i'm not always so good about covering myself up!) but i've never felt unsafe
5
jstirn
i walked around for many days by myself in 2004. one man yelled at me, just one man. and i was there in march of this year. no problems. so just one freak. but freaks can be anymore, not just in the old city of jerusalem.
julie
6
mesha
Listen the old city is heaving with tpourists and I mean heaving literally . . .
I haven't heard of any reports of any tourist being abused or threatened
or attacked in any way. The old walled city is Palestinian with a section
for Armenians. However, there is a small section that has been forcibly
taken over by Israeli Settlers (squatters) and some of these people are
aggressive. Maybe some religious fanatics around the Western wall if
they see a woman scantily dressed might shout something. Other
than that Ive never seen or heard of anyone being harrassed.
Again I'd like to ask for the source of this info so we can all be aware.
7
skydivingadam
I agree that you should not have any problems. The old city is almost completely empty at night. Although it does seem eery walking around at that time, I believe it is still rather safe. It is a good idea to know the route beforehand that you will take at night, in order to avoid getting lost. Have a great time!
Edited by: SkydivingAdam
8
catw
It's usually a good idea to avoid walking alone inside the Muslim quarter at night, because the streets are empty and there may be some teenagers who try and harass or pet you. Nothing bad but they're pestering you. On the side of Jaffa gate there are less problems as there are some hotels. I'd advise you to ask someone at the reception to walk you to Jaffa gate if your hotel is a bit far from that gate. If not, you'll be fine.
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