Exploring Palestine: A Guide to the Top Places to Visit

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Palestine’s top places to visit, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the region’s rich history, sacred landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes.

Introduction

Palestine welcomes you with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality. This small region in the heart of the Middle East has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. Today, Palestine offers visitors a chance to explore ancient cities, sacred religious sites, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes.

Planning a trip to Palestine? Here’s our guide to the top places to visit in Palestina, along with helpful travel tips.

1. Jerusalem’s Old City

No visit to Palestine is complete without exploring the walled Old City of Jerusalem. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most important religious sites in the world.

What to See

• Western Wall: Also known as the Wailing Wall, this ancient limestone wall is the holiest prayer site for Jews. Visitors can approach the wall to pray or leave written prayers in the cracks between the stones.

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: This church is one of Christianity’s most sacred sites, believed to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The church is divided into sections, each controlled by different Christian denominations.

• Dome of the Rock: With its iconic golden dome, this Islamic shrine is one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmarks. The rock over which the dome is built is considered holy by Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

• Via Dolorosa: This narrow street is believed to be the path Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Today, it’s a popular pilgrimage route marked by nine Stations of the Cross.

Travel Tips

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Men should cover their legs and arms, while women need covered legs, arms, and hair.

• Be respectful of worshippers. Avoid flash photography and loud conversations.

• The Old City gets very crowded, especially during religious holidays. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.

2. Bethlehem

Just 10 km south of Jerusalem lies Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This historic town is a must-visit for Christian pilgrims and history buffs alike.

What to See

• Church of the Nativity: The main attraction in Bethlehem, this church is built over the cave where Jesus is said to have been born. The church’s Door of Humility entrance is just 1.2 meters high.

• Milk Grotto: According to tradition, this serene grotto is where Mary nursed baby Jesus. The white chalk walls are believed to boost fertility.

• Shepherd’s Field: This area east of Bethlehem is where angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds, according to the Bible. Several churches commemorate the site.

Travel Tips

• Bethlehem is busiest on Christmas Eve. For a more peaceful visit, come outside the holiday season.

• A half-day is enough to see the main sites in Bethlehem. Combine it with a visit to Jerusalem.

• Palestina tour operators offer day trips to Bethlehem from Jerusalem, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Consider booking in advance, especially in peak season.

3. Jericho

Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back over 10,000 years. This oasis city near the Dead Sea is a fascinating stop on any Palestina tour.

What to See

• Tel Jericho: The ancient mound of Jericho contains remains of settlements dating back to 9000 BCE. Climb to the top for views over the city and the Jordan Valley.

• Hisham’s Palace: These 8th-century ruins feature ornate mosaics and carved stucco work. Don’t miss the Tree of Life mosaic in the palace bath house.

• Mount of Temptation: This mountain is where Jesus was tempted by the devil during his 40-day fast, according to the Bible. A cable car runs up to the Mount of Temptation Monastery.

Travel Tips

• Jericho is around 55 km from Ramallah and 30 km from Jerusalem. Buses and shared taxis run regularly between the cities.

• The summer months in Jericho are extremely hot, with temperatures over 40°C. Visit in spring or fall for milder weather.

• Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. There’s little shade at most of Jericho’s outdoor sites.

4. Hebron

The largest city in the West Bank, Hebron is a deeply significant site for both Muslims and Jews. The city is home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are buried.

What to See

• Cave of the Patriarchs: Also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque, this ancient site is divided into Muslim and Jewish prayer areas. Bullet-proof glass separates the two sections.

• Old City: Wander through the winding alleys of Hebron’s Old City to get a feel for Palestinian life. Stop at one of the many glass and ceramic factories to watch artisans at work.

• Hebron Archaeological Museum: This small museum houses artifacts from various periods of Hebron’s long history. Exhibits cover Canaanite, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.

Travel Tips

• Hebron is a conservative city. Dress modestly and behave respectfully.

• The Cave of the Patriarchs has separate entrances for Muslims and non-Muslims. Be prepared for security checks.

• Hebron is around 30 km south of Jerusalem. Buses run regularly between the two cities.

5. Nablus

In the northern West Bank, Nablus invites visitors to explore its winding souqs and sample famed Palestinian sweets and savory dishes. This bustling commercial center is one of the West Bank’s largest cities.

What to See

• Old City: Get lost in the narrow streets of Nablus’ Old City. Stop by the olive oil soap factories to see how this traditional product is made.

• Jacob’s Well: This deep well is associated with the biblical story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. The well lies in the crypt of a Greek Orthodox church.

• Mount Gerizim: This mountain overlooking Nablus is a holy site for the Samaritan community. Hike or take a taxi to the top for sweeping views.

Tasting Palestina food

• Knafeh: This sweet cheese pastry is a Nablus specialty. Nibble it hot from a street vendor or visit the famed Al-Aqsa Sweets to sample their secret recipe.

• Akkawi: Enjoy this mild white cheese, named after the city of Akko, in a sandwich or as part of a breakfast spread.

• Musakhan: Dip flatbread into this aromatic dish of caramelized onions, tangy sumac, and tender roast chicken.

Travel Tips

• Nablus’ Old City streets are too narrow for cars. Be prepared to walk and climb stairs.

• If you’re sensitive to political unrest, check the current situation before visiting Nablus, as demonstrations can occur.

• Nablus is around 60 km north of Jerusalem. Frequent buses connect the two cities.

Where to Stay in Palestine

For most travelers to Palestine, hotels in Palestina aren’t the best base. Instead, look for accommodation in East Jerusalem or Bethlehem, which offer more amenities and easier access to transport and tours.

Some of our top hotel picks:

Getting Around Palestine

The best way to explore Palestine depends on your comfort level and budget. For ease and efficiency, consider taking day trips with a Palestina tour operator. You’ll get door-to-door transport and a knowledgeable guide.

For independent travel, the West Bank has a good public transport network:

• Buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities. Most buses depart from the main bus station in each city.

• Shared taxis (servees) supplement the bus network and are faster, though more expensive. Taxis leave when full.

• Private taxis can be hired for door-to-door service. Negotiate the fare before setting off.

Note that there are checkpoints between many places in the West Bank. Budget extra time for potential delays.

Staying Connected in Palestine with Airtel

Staying connected while traveling in Palestine is essential, whether for making hotel bookings, checking Palestina tour schedules, or staying in touch with home. Local SIM cards are an option, but they can be pricey and inconvenient.

Instead, consider an international roaming plan like Airtel’s Prepaid WorldPass IR Pack. These plans give you data, voice calls, and SMS across Palestine. With Airtel, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity the moment you land, so you can focus on exploring all the incredible places to visit in Palestina.

While Palestina Brazil might come to mind, the Palestine we’ve explored here is a different world entirely. From sacred sites to bustling bazaars, Palestine promises an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and spirituality. With a bit of planning and an open mind, you’re ready to discover the wonders of this ancient land.