The Best Places to Visit in Palestine
Note: All Governments around the world have issued a DO NOT TRAVEL warning against Palestine, due to the ongoing Israeli occupation and genocide.
Palestine is an internationally recognized state currently under occupation by Israel in the two main parts of the country: The Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It’s home to some of the worlds oldest inhabited cities, and so much cultural richness when it comes to cuisine and religion. The West Bank has ancient olive groves, rolling hills, biblical sites, and vibrant towns; while Gaza is densely populated coastal land facing severe hardship amongst it’s communities. Travel to this ancient land is nearly impossible, but here are a few places which showcase Palestine’s history and culture.
Capital: Jerusalem
Currency: Israeli New Shekel, Jordanian Dinar
Language: Arabic
When to visit: November to April
1) Jerusalem
Jerusalem is claimed by both Israel and Palestine as their capital city. It’s a place filled with holy sites, and some of the most spiritually important cities in the world, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It’s essentially been divided into West and East Jerusalem since 1948, and it is a true shame that conflict is blocking the world from seeing sacred locations and a beautiful city.
Things to do:
Unfortunately because of Israel’s illegal wall separating the city, what you can see is limited. Luckily you can visit the Old City, which is a part of East Jerusalem. There are so many very important religious sites here; The Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque & Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, and more. They all have important religious history you should learn more about if you visit. Outside the Old City is the Mount of Olives, a hill with panoramic views of Old City. Visit the Church of All Nations, and Dominus Flevit Church. The last thing I’d say in East Jerusalem would be to visit Mount Zion, where you can find King David’s Tomb, Chamber of the Holocaust and Dormition Abbey.
How to get there:
To get to the Palestinian controlled Jerusalem, you must cross via Jordan. Find a reliable operator or person who can transfer you.
2) Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a historic city south of Jerusalem, which is best known to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ himself. It’s a very spiritual place, with strong Christian heritage running deep into the city. The streets are very old, and the separation wall and checkpoints remind you of reality here.
Things to do:
Visit Church of the Nativity, the church built over the grotto where Jesus is believed to have been born. It’s a UNESCO site, with a silver star marking the spot. Slightly far from the birthplace is Chapel of the Shepherds' Field, which is the place that commemorates the annunciation of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. The Milk Grotto is also in Bethlehem, it’s the place where Mary nursed Jesus, and tradition says a drop of milk turned the stone white. Moving away from the Jesus Christ religious sites, you can visit Old City Souk and wander the narrow streets and see the locals crafts and spices which they sell. It’s a surreal experience seeing sites which are so important in the Bible here in Bethlehem.
How to get there:
You need to find a local/public bus from Jerusalem, but it’s unsafe due to multiple checkpoints through Israeli controlled checkpoints.
Your alternative is to find a taxi or driver.
3) Jericho
Jericho is often given the title of oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, dating back to around 9000–9600 BCE. It is found to the east of Jerusalem, close to the border with Jordan and has a population of ~20,000. It’s a town filled with palm trees and natural springs, which is why locals often call it ‘City of the Palms.’
Things to do:
If you make your way to Jericho, visit Tell es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho). Here you can find Neolithic ruins which are 10,000+ years old, as well as the world's oldest known tower and city walls. Jericho is also home to another biblical site, the Mount of Temptation. You can take the Jericho Cable Car up the top, and see the place where Jesus was tempted by the devil. If you want to see a traditional spring, visit Ein as-Sultan Spring, which is good for a quick stop. Enjoy walking round Jericho as it is an important and intricate town.
How to get there:
You need to take a bus from Jerusalem, which will have an Israeli military checkpoint stop.