Jerusalem is a great city for pedestrians, but it's cruel for the motorist. First-time visitors to Jerusalem who think renting a car might be a great way to breeze through all the sites and landmarks are in for a bit of a surprise - the Old City is not car-friendly, and parking ain't easy.

Fortunately, the city government has actually implemented a plan to address that. The Old City has been closed off to all non-residential vehicular traffic, and to compensate, parking rates have been slashed at three lots within walking distance of the Old City, and a retooled local bus line, the 38, has been inaugurated to take tourists from the lots straight into the Old City's heart.

Here's the deal: parking is free at the Old Train Station parking lot. At the Karta lot, it's 15 NIS per day for residents and 25 NIS for visitors. At the Alrov Mamilla lot, the right next door to Karta, the first two hours are free. And to top it all off, reduced price tickets for the 38 bus will be available at the lots, completely eliminating the need to walk (good for parents with small children). When buying bus tickets at the lots, 25 NIS will allow parents and up to five children to ride the bus all day. Solo travelers can ride the 38 all day for only 10 NIS.

Not bad, Municipality!

Photo of buses parked outside of Zion Gate courtesy of jonjanego from Flickr under a Creative Commons license.