Highlights
Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus, is one of the oldest churches still in daily use and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Manger Square, the Milk Grotto and the old souq are close by.
Jericho
Often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth and among the lowest-lying, about 250 metres below sea level. Tell es-Sultan, the ancient mound, is UNESCO-listed, and the Umayyad-era Hisham's Palace has a celebrated Tree of Life mosaic.
Hebron (Al-Khalil) old city
A UNESCO-listed old town of stone houses and covered markets, known for glass-blowing and ceramics. The Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs, is revered as the burial place of Abraham and his family.
Nablus
A busy city between two mountains with an Ottoman-era old town, traditional olive-oil soap factories, Turkish-style hammams and sweet shops famous for knafeh, the city's signature cheese pastry.
Monastery of St George and Wadi Qelt
A Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to the wall of a desert gorge between Jerusalem and Jericho. Walking trails follow the wadi and an ancient aqueduct through the Judean desert.
Mar Saba
A monastery founded in the fifth century, built down the side of the Kidron valley in the desert east of Bethlehem. Traditionally only men may enter, while women can view it from a tower across the gorge.
Battir
A village west of Bethlehem whose ancient stone terraces, irrigated by Roman-era channels, are listed by UNESCO as a landscape of olives and vines. A walking trail runs through the terraces.
Ramallah
A lively hilltop city with cafés, restaurants, galleries and a busy cultural scene. The Mahmoud Darwish Museum honours the best-known Palestinian poet.
Interesting facts about Palestine
- Palestinian embroidery (tatreez), with regional patterns once used to identify a woman's home town, was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2021.
- Nablus soap, made from olive oil, has been produced in the city for centuries using traditional methods.
- The olive harvest in October and November is one of the most important events of the year, and many families still pick their trees by hand.
- Musakhan, roast chicken with onions and sumac on taboon bread, is widely regarded as the Palestinian national dish.
- Jericho lies close to the Dead Sea, whose shores are the lowest land on earth.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring warm days and cool evenings, good for walking in the hills and desert. Summer is hot, especially in Jericho and the Jordan Valley. Winter is cool and can be wet in the hill towns, but mild in Jericho. Christmas in Bethlehem draws large numbers of pilgrims; note that the Orthodox and Armenian churches celebrate later, in early and mid January. During Ramadan, many restaurants close in daylight and evenings become lively.
Practical information
| Capital | Ramallah is the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority |
|---|---|
| Currency | Israeli new shekel (ILS) is used day to day; Jordanian dinar (JOD) is also used for some larger payments |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Plugs | Type C, H |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 100 police, 101 ambulance, 102 fire |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Around 10% in restaurants is customary, and small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated. |
Getting around
Shared minibuses called servees link most West Bank towns and are cheap and frequent. Yellow taxis work in towns and can be hired for day trips. Movement involves checkpoints, and journey times can vary, so carry your passport at all times and allow extra time. If you hire a car, confirm that your insurance covers the areas you plan to drive in. Many visitors go with a local guide or on an organised tour, which helps with routes and context. Travel to Gaza is not generally possible for visitors. Conditions change, so check the latest information before each journey.
Staying connected in Palestine
Mobile coverage is available in the main West Bank towns, and data is good enough for maps and messaging in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus and Hebron. Speeds can be slower than in neighbouring countries, and coverage is patchier in rural areas, valleys and the desert. Near some areas your phone may pick up neighbouring networks, so watch which network you are connected to. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses and cafés. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, and check that it covers the areas you are visiting.
See Palestine eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Palestine
- Google Maps: Useful for finding sights and walking routes in towns; download offline maps, and confirm driving routes locally.
- Google Translate: Translates Arabic menus and signs, with offline Arabic available.
- XE Currency: Converts shekel and dinar prices, as both are in use.