The 16th-century Ottoman walls encircling the Old City can be walked on top for their full circuit, with views over both the historic city within and the modern neighbourhoods outside. The rampart walk is split into two non-connecting sections: the northern and western portion from Jaffa Gate to Damascus Gate (longer, with views over the Christian Quarter and the Souk), and the southern section from Jaffa Gate to Dung Gate (shorter, overlooking the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall plaza).
The walk is one of the best ways to understand the Old City's scale and geography before descending into its lanes. The walls are about 1.2 km long in total circuit, and the walk takes one to two hours depending on how often you stop. Morning light on the stone and the city below is excellent for photography. Entry fee applies; tickets sold at Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate.