It is to the credit of Jerusalem's municipal planners – and in general, they need all the credit they can get – that they elected to leave an enormous plot of useful land in the city center, right next to the business district, as a public park for the enjoyment of all Jerusalem's citizens. Thus was founded Gan Ha'atzmaut (Independence Park), a vast expanse of rarely seen grass and rolling hillocks in the heart of Jerusalem.

The park, bounded by Agron Street, King George Street, Hillel Street and Menashe Ben Yisrael Street, serves as a meeting and relaxation place for Jerusalemites of all stripes, and it sees use all through the day and night (at night, however, it is probably best avoided, like most large, poorly-lit parks).

City events are often held in the park, including concerts (the Student Day shows draw thousands) and rallies (including the Jerusalem Open House's gay pride rallies). On a sunny day, it's the perfect spot for a picnic or an outdoor lunch brought from one of the many nearby restaurants.