The whole esplanade is closed to tourists on Fridays, Saturdays and certain holidays, so one should always check by phone in advance. On weekdays it is open from  08:00 to 10:00 and from 12:30 to 1400. Allow time for the extra security check. As of the present writing (March 22, 2005), one is not permitted inside the buildings. This may soon change.

• Modest dress is required. If necessary, the guard will lend you a piece of cloth. You may leave it at any exit gate.
• Only Muslims are permitted to pray or sing on the esplanade. One is not to open or read from a Bible.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
• No physical contact between the sexes is allowed.
• Inside the buildings, one is to remain standing.
• One should not open diagrams of the area, e.g., of the Temple.
• Entrance to the esplanade is free, but one must buy a ticket to enter the buildings.
• One may photograph for as long as one has a camera.
• Before entering the Dome of the Rock or the al-Aksa mosque, one must leave shoes and all portable belongings outside. Ask a friend to guard them.
• During Ramadan one is not to eat or drink in the area.
• Rest rooms are available inside the Ablution Gate, west of and down from the Dome of the Rock. They are the oldest public rest rooms in existence, built in 1194. They are well maintained. A small fee is charged.

© 2003 Near East Tourist Agency (NET)

Text © 2003 Stephen Langfur