Rising directly east of the Old City, the Mount of Olives is central to the final week of Jesus's life. At its base sits the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed the night before his crucifixion, featuring ancient, gnarled olive trees that are scientifically dated to be over 900 years old.

• What Tourists Actually Search For (Tips & Hacks):

  • The "Walk Down" Strategy: The number one logistical hack is regarding the massive, steep hill. Independent travelers heavily search how to avoid climbing it. The golden rule is to take a taxi or bus to the very top (near the Chapel of the Ascension) and slowly walk downhill, hitting the Dominus Flevit Church and ending at the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom.

  • The Church of All Nations Silence: The church located directly inside the Garden of Gethsemane enforces a strict rule of absolute silence. Guards will aggressively shush or even escort out tour groups that are talking too loudly. Guides must do all their explaining outside the gates before entering.

  • Safety at Sunset: Travelers frequently search if the Mount of Olives is safe at night. The consensus advice is to visit during the day or early evening for sunset photos over the Dome of the Rock, but to avoid wandering the unlit paths alone after dark.