Bethlehem
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Ancient basilica built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Door to the grotto is very low
📷 Photos
- 2
Main plaza in front of the Nativity church
3 tips
- Lively at Christmas
- Cafes around the edge
- Good start for a walk
📷 Photos
- 3
Chapel where tradition says Mary nursed Jesus
3 tips
- Short visit
- Small donation expected
- Close to Nativity church
📷 Photos
- 4
Traditional site of the angels announcement in Beit Sahour
3 tips
- Taxi from the centre
- Quiet and peaceful
- Combine with Beit Sahour
📷 Photos
- 5
Hilltop palace-fortress built by Herod
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring water
- Taxi or tour recommended
📷 Photos
- 6
Cliffside Orthodox monastery in the Judean desert
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Men only inside the monastery
- Hire a driver
📷 Photos
- 7
Banksy hotel and gallery beside the separation wall
3 tips
- Visit the on-site museum
- Check opening times
- Combine with wall graffiti
📷 Photos
- 8
Old pilgrim road through the historic quarter
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Look for old doorways
- Start of the walking tour
📷 Photos
- 9
Franciscan church beside the Nativity basilica
3 tips
- Midnight Mass broadcast from here
- Free entry
- Quiet and elegant
📷 Photos
- 10
Ancient reservoirs south of Bethlehem
3 tips
- Taxi required
- Short stop
- Combine with Herodium
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Bethlehem tips
Transportation
- Take the Arab bus from Jerusalem: Bus 231 from near Damascus Gate is a popular route toward Bethlehem; check current routes locally.
- Agree taxi fares upfront: Palestinian taxis around the checkpoint and Manger Square are not always metered, so settle the price first.
- Walk the old city: Manger Square, Star Street and the Nativity area are close together and best explored on foot.
Security
- Carry your passport: You need it to pass checkpoints between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, so keep it with you at all times.
- Check current travel advice: The security situation can change quickly, so follow official advisories and local news before going.
- Avoid demonstrations: Stay away from protests and areas near the separation wall during tense periods.
Saving
- Eat falafel and hummus: Local snack bars serve fresh falafel, hummus and ful at a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants.
- Stay in a guesthouse: Family guesthouses and church-run hostels offer comfortable, affordable stays.
- Compare olive wood shops: Prices for olive wood carvings vary; browse several workshops before buying and bargain politely.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for hot summers: Summers are hot and dry, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
- Pack warm for winter: Bethlehem sits on hills and can be cold and rainy in winter, especially around Christmas.
- Dress for holy sites: Bring clothes that cover shoulders and knees for visits to churches and mosques.
Cultural
- Visit the Church of the Nativity early: Arrive early to avoid long lines for the Grotto where tradition places the birth of Jesus.
- Accept hospitality: Offers of tea or coffee are common; accepting is polite and a good chance to connect.
- Respect religious diversity: Bethlehem has Christian and Muslim communities; be mindful during prayer times and holidays.
Local Hacks
- See the wall art: Murals along the separation wall, including works linked to Banksy, are a striking and thought-provoking walk.
- Hire a local guide: A Palestinian guide adds depth to visits to the Nativity, Shepherds' Field and refugee camps like Aida.
- Christmas Eve in Manger Square: The celebrations are memorable, but book accommodation very early.
1-day itineraries in Bethlehem
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.