Things to Do in Palestine

From the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to the ancient city of Jericho - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them, when conditions allow.

Travel guide - last updated September 2026

The Palestinian territories hold some of the most significant religious heritage sites in the world, particularly in Bethlehem and Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. Access, safety and travel logistics vary considerably by specific area and change with the broader regional situation, so checking your government's official travel advisory for the specific location you intend to visit is essential before planning any trip.

Top attractions

The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.

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Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

A UNESCO World Heritage church built over the site traditionally venerated as the birthplace of Jesus, among the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

📍 Bethlehem

🚉 Bus 231 from East Jerusalem's Damascus Gate station runs to Bethlehem in about 45 minutes, dropping near Manger Square - the crossing at checkpoint 300 is on foot for those walking in.

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Jericho

Widely cited as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with archaeological remains including the ancient site of Tell es-Sultan dating back thousands of years.

📍 Jericho

🚉 Shared taxis and buses run from Jerusalem and Ramallah to Jericho in about an hour; the ancient tell and the cable car to the Mount of Temptation are a short taxi ride from the centre.

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Old City, Hebron

Home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, a site holy to both Judaism and Islam, within one of the oldest cities in the region - access and conditions here can be particularly complex and worth researching specifically.

📍 Hebron

🚉 Buses from Jerusalem's Damascus Gate reach Hebron in about 90 minutes - the old city is divided into H1 and H2 zones with checkpoints between them, and dual-narrative tours are the usual way visitors see it.

Mark Palestine, get the stamp

🇵🇸PALESTINEVISITED

🇵🇸PALESTINELIVED

🇵🇸PALESTINEWISHLIST

In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.

Open MyPassportStory

Planning questions

How many days do you need in Palestine?

This depends entirely on current access conditions for your specific route - check official travel advisories before planning a specific duration.

What's the best time to visit Palestine?

April-May and September-October traditionally have the most comfortable temperatures - but current travel advisories for your specific route should be checked before relying on seasonal guidance alone.

Is Palestine good for a first-time visit?

Access and safety conditions vary considerably by specific location and change with the broader regional situation - check your government's official travel advisory carefully for the specific areas you intend to visit before planning any trip.

Do I need a visa to visit Palestine?

Entry arrangements are tied to Israeli border control for most access points, so requirements vary by nationality and the specific crossing point used. Check the official information for your nationality: gov.il.

What are some things to do in Palestine on a tight budget?

This is secondary to checking current access and safety conditions for your specific route, which should be the primary consideration before any trip planning.

Can I rent a car in Palestine, and what licence do I need?

Check current travel advice first, as conditions and access change quickly and some areas are closed to visitors. On the practical rules: cars rented in Israel are typically not insured in Area A of the West Bank, and Israeli-plated vehicles are barred from entering it, while Palestinian-plated cars cannot enter Israel - so most visitors use buses, shared service taxis or a hired driver instead, which is also what checkpoints are easiest with. A foreign licence with an International Driving Permit is accepted where driving is possible. Confirm current conditions with your own foreign ministry before travelling.