Visitor Information--Theres a Ministry of Tourism information desk (tel. 03/971-1145) in the Arrivals Hall of Ben-Gurion International Airport. The staff will provide city maps, brochures (which you must buy), and answer your questions. A hotel reservations desk nearby can also help you find a room for the night.

The Municipal Tourist Information Office (tel. 02/625-8844) is on the right side of Safra Square, Jerusalems Municipal Government Center at the end of Jaffa Road just west of the Old City. Its open Sunday to Thursday 9am to 4pm; Friday 9am to 12:30pm. Here you can pick up free tourist publications, travel information, lists of private rooms for rent, and advice on hotel rooms and tours.

In the Old City, theres a Tourist Information Office just inside Jaffa Gate, a few steps down on the left (tel. 02/628-0382). At press time, the hours were Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm; Friday from 8am to 1pm; in summer, there may be Saturday hours. This is a privately run office that sells maps and booklets, but there is a shelf with free tourist brochures. The Information Office will also rent a recorded walking tour of the Old City for NIS 40 ($8.80) per day plus a security deposit.

The Christian Information Center (tel. 02/627-2692) at the far end of the square inside Jaffa Gate offers all kinds of useful information, including about tours, Christian hospices, and religious services. Its open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 1pm.

If youre surfing the Web, the Ministry of Tourism is at www.infotour.co.il, and the Municipality of Jerusalem site is www.Jerusalem.muni.il.