Many visitors to Israel and the Palestinian Territories never step foot in a Palestinian Territory. After all, the territories have a reputation for military conflict and violence, they’re logistically more complex to visit, and with so much to see in Israel, why take the risk? But a day trip to Bethlehem in the West Bank is an easy way to get a peak under the hood of daily Palestinian life in occupied territory. You can even tick off a couple bucket-list sights at the same time.
Most people know Bethlehem as the town where Jesus was born. The city lives up to that legacy with everything from its Church of the Nativity and elaborate Christmas rituals to cheesy blow-up Santa decorations sold in every shop. The Christian population has been rapidly declining rapidly in recent years, but Christian pilgrims and tourists still flock to Bethlehem for its religious significance.
At the same time, a trip to Bethlehem offers a look at Palestinian Muslim culture. Walking through the streets on a Friday, you’ll hear the call to prayer come from dozens of mosques. And you’re sure to experience some of the typical Islamic hospitality.
Sound good? Read on for all the important details on how to take a day trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem.
When to travel to Bethlehem
Bethlehem can be visited year-round, although the summer months are very hot. But the main consideration for most travelers is whether to visit during a major Christian holiday.
The peak travel/pilgrimage times in Bethlehem are Christmas Eve and Easter. Visit at these times and you’ll be met with thousands of other travelers and huge crowds. But you’ll also get to see some of the Middle East’s most sacred traditions up close. The festivities can be surprisingly understated for Western visitors, but most people still find them magical. For more on what to expect from Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, read this guide.
Bethlehem is never empty of pilgrims. But non-religious tourist numbers are pretty low. So visit independently outside of these peak times and you’ll be mostly on your own. This is, of course, the best way to meet locals, who rarely approach tour groups just to chat.
Things to see on a day trip to Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity
Most travelers who arrive in Bethlehem have one thing on their minds — seeing the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was supposedly born.
In addition to having huge religious significance, the building is also one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It’s been destroyed, rebuilt, damaged, rebuilt again, etc. many times and is currently under a restoration project. But without a doubt, you’ll feel steeped in history the moment you walk in the door.
The church itself is nothing spectacular. Most visitors are here to see the Grotto of the Nativity — down a set of stairs near the front of the church. This marks the exact spot where Jesus was said to be born. The iconic 14-point silver star marks the exact spot.
There is no admission to visit the church. Be prepared for the Grotto of the Nativity to be crowded and claustrophobic.
Street art along the separation wall
The giant slab of concrete that separates Israel from the West Bank is a daily reminder to Palestinians about their status as second-class citizens and their life in occupied territory. It prevents them from crossing to East Jerusalem for better job opportunities. It cuts off basic community services and religious sites. And it reduces access to health care.
However, the separation wall has also become a canvass for artists to express their frustration with Israeli occupation. All along the barrier, you’ll find elaborate, gorgeous street murals.
Keep in mind that the wall is not a tourist attraction — it’s a symbol of oppression to the Palestinians. So please be sensitive as you’re exploring it. Additionally, note that much of the street art was created by an English artist, although other pieces are by local artists. Finally, remember that as a visitor, you have absolutely no right to contribute to the street art — even though you may see other tourists with cans of spray paint.
The Museum of Palestinian Heritage
If you want to deepen your knowledge of Palestinian history and culture, this museum is worth a visit. It’s the private collection of one man who has been amassing artifacts for over 50 years.
The large collection includes everything from wood carvings to traditional clothing to pottery. It takes about an hour to peruse. You have a good chance of being offered a tour by the curator himself.
Solomon’s Pools — where King Solomon himself is said to have written the Song of Solomon — are right across the street. Unfortunately you can barely see them through all the fencing.
Other churches and mosques
If you’re interested in religious buildings, you’re spoiled for choice when you do a day trip to Bethlehem.
Visit the pink St. Catherine’s church to see where one of the world’s most incredible midnight masses on Christmas Eve is held.
Or check out the Lutheran Christmas Church for its gorgeous stained-glass windows.
Don’t leave Bethlehem without visiting the Mosque of Omar, the only mosque in the old city. It’s a stunning building and non-Muslims are welcome outside of prayer hours.
None of the religious buildings in Bethlehem charge admission.
Shepherd’s Fields
For a sense of what Bethlehem looked like back when Jesus was born, stroll out to the Shepherd’s Fields just outside of town.
There isn’t much here, but it’s a pretty agricultural area with great scenery. The field makes a popular picnic spot, and you can also visit a small cave chapel.
The souq
No day trip to Bethlehem would be complete without a visit to the traditional Arab market (or “souq” in Arabic). The sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming, but it’s all part of the adventure.
The market is entirely geared toward locals, so you won’t find tourist knick-knacks here. It’s more like fresh fruits and veggies. Some stalls toward the back are the cheapest and one of the tastiest places in town to get lunch.
How to get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem
Bethlehem is the most accessible major tourism site in the Palestinian Territories. It’s only about half an hour outside Jerusalem.
However, you will still very much feel like you are crossing into occupied territory in order to visit Bethlehem.
The first step to travel to Bethlehem is to take a bus to the Israel/West Bank border from Jerusalem. Head to Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Facing the New City, the bus stop will be on your left. Ask a local if you can’t find it, but it’s clearly labeled. Take either Bus 231 or 234. They take 30 minutes to reach the checkpoint.
Most buses will stop outside Checkpoint 300, where you’ll have to get off the bus and go through security. Prepare for everything you have with you to be searched.
On the other side, you may be able to pick up a minibus to the center of Bethlehem. Taxis hang out here (bank on about 20 shekels to the town center), or it’s about a 30 minute walk up the hill.
Going back to Jerusalem at the end of your trip to Bethlehem, security will be even tighter. You must have your passport on you in order to re-enter Israel. You can, again, catch Bus 231 or 234 on the other side of the checkpoint.
Is it safe to visit Bethlehem?
If you follow foreign affairs, you may be a little nervous to visit Bethlehem. After all, the West Bank is known for being the target of Israeli bombing and shelling, among other things.
The good news is, safety in Bethlehem is pretty good. You are very unlikely to experience any kind of violence — political or otherwise. You will notice a very heavy security presence, but that’s about it.
Do stay tuned to the news when you’re traveling in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, just because there’s always a chance things could change quickly. The BBC has great coverage of the Middle East and quick reporting when conflicts arise.
Americans may notice an unusual amount of anti-U.S. sentiment in Bethlehem. This isn’t typically directed at individual travelers — Palestinians know the difference between a government and its citizens — but locals may express their (usually negative) opinions about Donald Trump or other American people and policies without hesitation.
For the most part, locals in Bethlehem are very friendly and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to have tea with a shopkeeper, or if someone approaches you on the street just to chat. They don’t have an agenda — they just want to get to know the tourists who visit their city. This is part of what makes Bethlehem such a great place to visit.
A trip to Bethlehem is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your travels in this part of the world. So start planning today!
Have you visited Bethlehem, or anywhere else in the West Bank? Leave a comment!
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