1. Tour, Tour, Tour

The best part of Sukkot is checking out the sukkas that are built throughout the city. Jerusalem residents don’t just build sukkas on their balconies, but use front lawns, back lawns and even general communal areas to build their big and beautiful sukkas. Walking around the city is a great way to have a free and fun, even educational, Sukkot experience.

A great option to add to your journey is a free tour of the Old City. Checkout a Sandman tour, which gives free 3-hour tours around the Old City, just make sure to give your tour guide a nice tip! The tours start at the Jaffa Gate and run at 11am and 2:30pm, daily (look for the red signs). If you take the tour on Monday, make sure to first schedule in the unique experience of the priestly and historical prayer, Birkat Cohanim. The exclusive experience takes place at the Kotel (Western Wall) October 5th at 9am. Watch thousands of people recite and receive the priestly and historical blessing.

If you want a more challenged walk, hang out at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory that will have special hikes and a night safari, not to mention at Magic Flight workshop. For more info go to www.jbo.org.il/Eng%20index.htm. And if you’re still not done walking, check out the Sukkot march, October 6th at 2:30pm. You can make a day of it by starting at Gan Sacher where the parade begins at 10am. Make sure you really do walk there since most streets will be closed off to cars. The march kick offs from the park and goes into the city center. For detailed information call 106.

2. Eat Out Just Because You Can

There is nothing like going out to dinner or lunch, even breakfast, during Sukkot, just because you can. This time of year most restaurants and cafes build extra large sukkas to make sure their guests have plenty of space to eat while they eat plenty of food. Take a stroll down Emek Refaim and pick from a huge selection of eateries along the way. Or if you are in town, make sure you check out all the restaurants before making the big decision where to eat. Check out www.eluna.com for kosher restaurant suggestions and discount coupons!

3. Night Time Activities

Along with eating out, you can also experience the special night fun that takes place during Sukkot. On October 7th make your way to the Red Bull Festival at Gan Sacher. No, it’s not a free night of chugging red bull, but rather an event for everyone, with a flying car competition, attractions, market and more. Best of all the entire event is free.

Music is always a great way to add to your Sukkot experience. Check out Israel’s famous Moshav band playing at The Lab October 6th at 9pm. For tickets call 02-629-2000 or 1-700-700-920. Another great treat is the Matisyahu concert taking place at Sultan’s pool. The concert will be October 7th and doors open from 7pm. Hurry to get your tickets since the show is bound to sell out. You can purchase them at www.klaimonline.co.il/default.asp.

4. Big Sukka, Little Sukka

Every year the Jerusalem municipality outdoes itself with a gigantic sukka set up in the main Safra square. It’s worth the trip and grabbing the digital camera to check out the sukka and even bring a bite to eat inside. And from big to small, just a 10 minute walk you can make your way to the Avi Chai center and check out this year’s contest of model sukkas. Not only can you tour the exhibition but you can also vote for your favorite piece, giving one of the sukka builders the opportunity to win NIS 1,000! The display will also take place in the coming weeks after Sukkot. For more about the contest go to jerusalemblueprint.com/articles/view.aspx?id=556.

5. Museum Galore

There is never enough time to enjoy a good museum—that is until you have some time off at Sukkot. Many of the museums have special events for Sukkot and even special prices.

In the Old City you can check out the Old Yishuv Court Museum where they will have special scavenger hunts and games in the courtyard. Sure it’s supposed to be for kids, but fun like this has no age limit. For more details and registration for a tour contact: 02-627-6319.

Always a treat is the Night Spectacular at the Tower of David. This is an impressive light and sound show showing the history of the Jewish people on the backdrop of the Tower of David walls. Make sure to bring warm jackets since the showing takes place outdoors and it gets pretty cool at this time of year. During the day you can check out a new exhibit, “Jerusalem in Caricatures” that will be showing until the end of October. The caricatures are inspired sketches of Jerusalem daily life. For more info: Oct 4-8 Sunday-Thurs 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm. Adults 50 NIS and Child 40 NIS. For details call 02-626-5333.

Just as the tradition of Sukkot, if you have not yet made a trip to the Israel Museum, then now is as good a time as ever to make it your custom. The classic museum will keep you busy for hours and make you want to come back for more each time. Best of all anyone under 18 is free during Sukkot (additional charge for special workshops). Check out the Second Temple model and special toy exhibit. For more info go to www.english.imjnet.org.il/htmls/article_354.aspxc0=13596&bsp=12651&bss976=13596.

Finally, take a break from city life and head down to the Ein Yael Mountain Air Festival and take it in. From archery competitions to costume festivals, fencing, ancient music and dancing, handicraft workshops and tours of the Roman villa, you can really make a full day of the event. The festival takes place from Oct. 6th-8th from 10am-5pm. For more info contact 02-645-1866.