10 Best Places for Family and Bar Mitzvah Photos in the Old City of Jerusalem

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10 Best Places for Family and Bar Mitzvah Photos in the Old City of Jerusalem

By Yahal | Pais Photos
Bar Mitzvah Photographer Jerusalem | Old City Jerusalem Photographer

Hello, I’m Yahal from Pais Photos, a professional photographer in Jerusalem.
Today I want to share my 10 favorite places for family photo sessions and Bar Mitzvah photography in the Old City of Jerusalem.
These locations are full of light, color, and history — perfect for Western Wall Bar Mitzvah photography or beautiful family portraits.

Bar Mitzvah boy sitting on a stone bench in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Jaffa Gate

A classic starting point for Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem Old City.

Jaffa Gate is where I like to start my photo sessions.
In the morning, the area is calm and quiet, and the light feels soft and natural.
It’s an open and relaxed space that helps families settle in before we move deeper into the Old City.

The place itself is beautiful. The stone walls, the large gate, and the historic stones all work perfectly together.
I like to place the family in the middle of the gate, take a few shots walking forward,
and capture small, natural moments — a smile, a glance, or simple movement.
There’s no need to pose too much. The background already does the work, and it always looks great in photos.

I always recommend coming early. Later in the day, the area gets busy with tourists, groups, and vendors,
and it’s harder to find a quiet spot.
In the early morning, everything feels calmer — the light is soft, the colors are warm, and the atmosphere is just right for photos.
That’s why I almost always start here — Jaffa Gate gives every session a perfect and relaxed beginning.

You’re welcome to see more photos taken at Jaffa Gate in our Old City gallery.
You’ll see how this spot brings a unique atmosphere and light you won’t find anywhere else.

Family photo session at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Family walking toward Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Tower of David

Just a few steps from Jaffa Gate, you’ll find the Tower of David, one of the most iconic locations for Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem.
We don’t go inside the tower itself, but it looks amazing in the background of the photos.
When possible, I like to stop here for a short photo session — like the one shown below.
It always comes out natural, emotional, and full of that authentic Jerusalem atmosphere.

The ancient stones and the unique shape of the tower add depth and character to every shot.
As a professional photographer in Jerusalem, I often use this spot for family photo sessions and Bar Mitzvah portraits in the Old City of Jerusalem.
It’s simple, beautiful, and always one of my favorite moments in the session.

Mother lifting her daughter with the Tower of David in the background, Jerusalem.

Jaffa Promenade

Natural light, old stones, and green views — perfect for family photo sessions in Jerusalem.

About a five-minute walk from Jaffa Gate, the Jaffa Promenade offers a perfect mix of green areas and old stone walls.
It’s one of those locations where nature and history meet, creating a calm and natural setting for photos.
The soft green grass adds life to the images, while the historic Jerusalem stones in the background remind you that you’re right in the heart of the city.

I often use this spot for family photo sessions in the Old City of Jerusalem and Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem.
It’s ideal for relaxed, real moments — families walking together, laughing, or just being themselves.
The mix of light, texture, and space gives every photo a simple and authentic look.

The best time to shoot here is early in the morning, before the sun gets too strong and the crowds arrive.
At that time, the light is soft, the colors are warm, and the city still feels quiet.
It’s one of my favorite places as a professional photographer in Jerusalem to start a day of Bar Mitzvah photography or family portraits.

Mother hugging her son on the grass in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Family walking on the grass at Jaffa Promenade in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Father holding his young daughter’s hand and looking at her on the grass in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The Special Stairs

the best place for Professional photographer in Jerusalem, can get

Just a few steps from the Jaffa Promenade are what I call the Special Stairs — one of my favorite spots for family photography and Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem.
This location always works.
The stairs create a strong, classic background that brings everyone together in one frame.
It’s perfect for family photo sessions in the Old City of Jerusalem or Bar Mitzvah portraits that feel real and timeless.

When everyone sits together on the stairs, it creates a classic family photo that tells a story.
At this location, I captured one of my favorite shots — the same photo that’s now the main image on our website and represents my work as a professional Bar Mitzvah photographer in Jerusalem.
I stop here during every session because the results are always warm, emotional, and real.
The Jerusalem stone in the background adds texture and history, giving each photo that authentic Old City feeling.

Happy family in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, Pais Photos

Two brothers jumping in the air on the stone stairs in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Brother and sister placing their hands on their Bar Mitzvah brother’s head on the steps in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Between Zion Gate and the Stairs

After the Special Stairs, we walk toward Zion Gate, through a wide alley with beautiful Jerusalem stone and soft natural light.
This area is one of my favorite places for family photo sessions in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The warm tones of the stone and the open space make it ideal for real, natural photos.

Here, I focus on authentic moments — walking together, laughing, holding hands.
As a professional photographer in Jerusalem, I use this spot to capture movement and emotion in a relaxed, natural way.
It’s perfect for Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem and family portraits that show real connection, not poses.

The mix of old walls, history, and space gives the photos a feeling that’s both timeless and alive.
Every session here reminds me why I love being a Bar Mitzvah photographer in Israel —
the light, the stone, and the people all come together to tell a story.

Zion Gate

Zion Gate is a known stop in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The old stone walls give strong character and texture to the photos.
Since cars pass through, we work fast — just a few seconds for the right shot.
It’s not an easy spot, but we know how to make it work.

King David’s Tomb Area

We sometimes stop by the King David’s Tomb area if we’re on schedule before moving to the next part of the session.
It’s a quiet and authentic corner of the Old City of Jerusalem, with a narrow alley and beautiful stone arches that work perfectly for photos.
The light here is soft, and the old stones add that real Jerusalem texture to every shot.

As a Bar Mitzvah photographer in Jerusalem, I use this location for simple portraits and natural family moments.
It’s not part of every session, but when time allows, it’s worth the stop.
There are restrooms nearby, which can be helpful for families during the shoot.
The arches, the stone, and the light come together to create calm, natural photos that match the rhythm of the day.

HaMaalach Street

HaMaalach Street is a narrow alley in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, with a beautiful stone arch above.
It’s a perfect spot for individual portraits, couples, or quiet family moments.
The Jerusalem stone gives the photos a clean, classic background with real character and depth.

The light here can be tricky — the sun hits the alley directly during part of the day.
It’s best to shoot here around midday or on a cloudy day.
Using a flash helps balance the light and keeps the photo natural and soft.

As a professional photographer in Jerusalem, I often stop here during family photo sessions or Bar Mitzvah photography in the Old City of Jerusalem.
You don’t need much posing — a short walk, a quick glance, or a small smile can make the perfect shot.
It’s a simple, timeless place that always delivers beautiful, authentic results.

Bar Mitzvah boy in HaMalakh Street, Jerusalem’s Old City.

Girl looking at the camera while playing with her dress on HaMalakh Street in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The Arched Alley

After HaMaalach Street, we move deeper into the Jewish Quarter and pass through a beautiful alley with soft stone arches and natural light coming from above.
It’s a little darker here, but with the right camera settings and a bit of flash, it’s easy to create amazing photos.
This spot adds real depth and character — the kind of look that makes Jerusalem photography special.

The arches create a natural frame around the people, which works perfectly for Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem or family photo sessions.
It’s one of those quick stops that doesn’t take long, but always delivers strong, authentic photos.
As a Bar Mitzvah photographer in Israel, I use this location often for quiet, real moments that show the unique charm of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Western Wall Viewpoint

At the end of the session, we stop at the Western Wall viewpoint, located on the steps leading down from the Jewish Quarter.
It’s a great spot to photograph the Bar Mitzvah boy looking ahead, with the Western Wall in the background.
The light here is strong but balanced, and with the right camera settings, you can capture photos that tell the story of the day.
This point connects the photo session with the next part of the celebration — walking down toward the Dung Gate, the drummers’ procession, or the Western Wall ceremony.

Conclusion

These are my ten favorite spots for photography in the Old City of Jerusalem.
At Pais Photos, we also have a few bonus locations that we sometimes add to our sessions — every corner here tells a story.

If you’re looking for a family photo session in the Old City of Jerusalem, or planning Bar Mitzvah photography in Jerusalem, I’d be happy to capture it with you.
You’re welcome to check out our Old City Jerusalem photography gallery — the photos there speak for themselves.
You’ll see how every stone, every light, and every step in Jerusalem creates a moment worth remembering.