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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: ILS
- Languages: Arabic, English, Hebrew
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: Asia/Hebron
- Population: Bethlehem has a population of approximately 25,000 people.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Bethlehem is spring or autumn for comfortable weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Bethlehem generally require a visa to enter the West Bank. Citizens from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa through Israeli authorities, as Bethlehem is accessed via Israel. Visa-free entry is limited and depends on the visitor's nationality. It is important to check current entry requirements before travel due to the complex political situation.
About Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a historic city located in the West Bank, renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This ancient city offers a unique blend of religious significance, rich history, and vibrant Palestinian culture. Visitors are drawn to Bethlehem not only for its spiritual heritage but also for its charming old town atmosphere, bustling markets, and warm hospitality. The city's narrow streets are lined with traditional stone buildings, artisan shops, and inviting cafes. Bethlehem's significance as a pilgrimage destination is complemented by its cultural festivals, including Christmas celebrations that attract visitors from around the globe. The city provides a compelling experience for travelers interested in history, religion, and authentic Middle Eastern culture, making it a must-visit destination in the region.
Top Attractions
1. Church of the Nativity - The oldest church in continuous use, marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus, featuring stunning mosaics and a sacred grotto. 2. Manger Square - The lively central plaza adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, often hosting cultural events and markets. 3. Milk Grotto - A peaceful chapel believed to be where Mary nursed Jesus, known for its white limestone and spiritual ambiance. 4. Bethlehem Old City - A maze of historic streets with traditional architecture, shops, and local eateries offering a glimpse into daily life. 5. The Palestinian Heritage Center - Showcases Palestinian culture, crafts, and history through exhibitions and workshops.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Bethlehem can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploring religious and historical sites, shopping for traditional handicrafts like olive wood carvings and embroidery, and participating in cultural tours that highlight Palestinian heritage. Adventurous travelers can take day trips to nearby natural reserves or hike in the surrounding hills. Seasonal festivals, especially Christmas events, offer unique cultural experiences. Food tours and cooking classes provide insight into local cuisine, while walking tours through the old city reveal the rich tapestry of Bethlehem’s history.
Bethlehem Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of West Bank
- Duration Range: Visitors to Bethlehem can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploring religious and historical sites, shopping for traditional handicrafts like olive wood carvings and embroidery, and participating in cultural tours that highlight Palestinian heritage. Adventurous travelers can take day trips to nearby natural reserves or hike in the surrounding hills. Seasonal festivals, especially Christmas events, offer unique cultural experiences. Food tours and cooking classes provide insight into local cuisine, while walking tours through the old city reveal the rich tapestry of Bethlehem’s history.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Bethlehem is spring or autumn for comfortable weather. Pack modest clothing suitable for religious sites and warm layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by dressing conservatively and asking permission before photographing people. Bethlehem is safe for tourists, but staying updated on local news is advisable. Use Israeli shekels for transactions, and carry some cash as small vendors may not accept cards. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few Arabic phrases is appreciated.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $180
46 Available Tour Excursions in Bethlehem
Accompanied by your own private guide, visit the grotto of the birthplace of Jesus in the Nativity Church, Saint Jerome's Caves, Saint Catherine Church, Milk Grotto Church and the Shepherd's Field.
Price: $360.00
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of historic Jericho and Bethlehem. You'll visit religious monuments, including an overview of St. George's Monastery, visit to Mount of Temptation Monastery, ancient Jericho the oldest city in the world, Hisham's Palace, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto Shrine, the Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd's Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds and see some of Banksy's graffiti art.
Price: $550.00
Duration:
A unique private tour to visit Jericho and Bethlehem city. Hear the Biblical narrative from a native Christian. Visit Jericho, the oldest city of the world. see the walls of Jericho. Visit Hisham Palace and walk around the Biggest Mosaic carpet in the world. Visit the Jordan river and the baptism site of Jesus. Enjoy a ride on the longest cable car under the sea level. Visit the church of the Nativity and skip the line to visit the star and the Manger. walk around the Shepherds field and enter the cave where the shepherds saw the star.
Price: $550.00
Duration: 8 hours
Walk around the old city of Hebron and visit the Ibrahimi Mosque. Visit the glass factory to watch how they blow the glass to shape it. Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, Saint Catherine Church, Saint Jerome's Caves, and Milk Grotto. Walk around the old city of Bethlehem and enjoy a local meal in one of the oldest restaurant in the city. Also see a panorama view of Bethlehem and olive wood craft shop, Visit the walled off hotel (Banksy) and watch the graffiti's on the wall.
Price: $550.00
Duration: 8 hours
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of historic Bethlehem on this 8-hour private tour. You'll visit the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto Shrine, the Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd's Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds. Drive toward Jordan River t visit the Baptismal Site "Kasr el Yahud" where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptiste then enjoy a float in the Dead Sea and get your body covered with the Dead Sea mud.
Price: $550.00
Duration:
We will start our tour driving through the Judean hills to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, we will ride through the city and see the important attractions before arriving to Manger Square. There we will have a guided visit to Church of The Nativity where Jesus was born in an underground cave that the church was built on. Then we will take a short walk with the guide to the Church of Milk Grotto. After we finish we will ride to the town of Beit Sahour, the city of the Shepherd’s. There we will have a guided visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field. Continuing our tour we will have a 25bminute visit an olive wood factory and a cooperative store. Lastly we will visit one of the most unique in history and geography cities in the world, Jericho. We will visit the most important biblical and historical sites in the city as well as the jordan river. *Make Sure to bring your passport *Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate! * no cable car visit on this tour
Price: $150.00
Duration: 8-11 hours
Combine most of the memorable sites in one day in Bethlehem. Hear the Biblical Narrative from the locals, walk around the magnificent old city of Bethlehem, taste the local food, learn about the history of Palestine. Take a walk in the open air gallery where many artists comes from all over the world to draw graffiti on the separation wall and visit The Walled Off Hotel (Banksy hotel and museum). Drink tea or coffee with Palestinian refugees in Aida refugee camp.
Price: $450.00
Duration: 8 hours
this tour will give you a clear understanding of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. we are licensed and profession. we will make sure that this experience will be the best in your life.
Price: $400.00
Duration: 6 hours
Accompanied by your own private guide, discover the many sights of Bethlehem on this walking day tour.
Price: $420.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Jericho is about one-hour drive from Bethlehem. You will be taken to visit Elisha's Spring, the Mount of Temptation (Lunch on the Mountain), the Sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus, and the Jordan River where Jesus was Baptized. The day will end with swimming in the Dead Sea. The unique about this tour is the different talks that happens on the way the explain more about life in Palestine and moving from cities throughout the country Depending on time there will also be the option of visiting Hisham's Palace, St. George's Monastery and/or the Qumran Caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found between 1946 to 1956.
Price: $240.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Daniel is a holder of Master’s degree in Peace & Conflict Resolution and a BA in Music and has been a peace activist and worked in the interfaith community for the last 15 years. The tour goes deeply into historical facts connected also with theological inside since he has a BA in Music and Biblical Studies.
Price: $200.00
Duration: 5-6 hours
A private tour with a flexible itinerary and your guide is easy going and open for any questions. You will get an interesting explanation in every site you stop at as well as general information about the cities you visit, the people and the culture and much more.
Price: $550.00
Duration: 7-8 hours
First we will visit The City of Kind David. The City where Jesus Christ was born. Containing one of the most famous churches in The Holy Lands,The Nativity Church attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year, along with The Shepherd’s Field Church, The Milk Grotto and The Old City of Bethlehem. . In addition we will visit The City of The Shepherd’s – Beit Sahour. Beit Sahour is one of the two highest cities in christian population, We will take a closer look on the lives of the local people and get to see the amazing hand crafted souvenirs they are responsible to make and sell all around the world. Lastly we will visit one of the most unique in history and geography cities in the world, Jericho. We will visit the most important biblical and historical sites in the City , the biblical tree of Sycamore and Qasr Al Yahud National Park ( Jordan River Baptism Site). *Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes.
Price: $80.00
Duration: 8 hours
It's a full day tour with a private guide focusing on the only 4 remaining monasteries that still exist in the Judean desert from the 4th century. You will enjoy the view of the desert and amazingly built monasteries and you will leave about the history and the culture region as well as the history and the stories behind these monasteries.
Price: $512.83
Duration: 7-8 hours
We will start our tour driving through the Judean hills to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, we will ride through the city and see the important attractions before arriving to Manger Square. There we will have a guided visit to Church of The Nativity where Jesus was born in an underground cave that the church was built on. Then we will take a short walk with the guide to the Church of Milk Grotto. After we finish we will ride to the town of Beit Sahour, the city of the Shepherd’s. There we will have a guided visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field where the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continuing our tour we will have a 20 minute visit to a local olive wood factory and have an insight on the local crafts of the Christian families in Bethlehem. Lastly we will visit Mar Saba monestary and King Herod's Palace. * Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate!
Price: $400.00
Duration: 7-11 hours
A guided tour of the oldest church in the world is provided as well as Saint Catherine's church and The Church of Milk Grotto. Then we continue our trip to Beit Sahour the city of The Shepherd's. Beit sahour is one of the highest cities in christian population. We will explore the daily lives of the locals and visit The Chapel of The Shepherd's where the angles first announced the birth of Jesus. Mar Saba Monastery dates back to the fifth century. Founded by Saint Sabas, it's been extensively expanded and fortified over the years. Lastly we will go to The Mount of Temptation & Saint George Monastery. As mentioned in the gospels the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert.s. The summit of the mount, about 360 meters above sea level, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab and Gilead. * Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate!
Price: $700.00
Duration: 8-11 hours
The Tour of the Monasteries is one of the most informative and history intensive tours we have. in addition to the visit to Bethlehem Old City, This tour is one of our new tours that covers most historical places in the Judean Desert. We recommend this tour for you if you prefer learning more about the history and see archeological sights. We will Cover the most important biblical sites in Bethlehem City and the neighboring city Beit Sahour. Our tour will cover a guided tour to the Chapel of the Shepherd's field. Then we will continue to visit the old city of Bethlehem where lies the Church of the nativity, the place where Jesus Christ was born. Then we will visit the Church of the Milk Grotto. A short but refreshing stop at a local olive factory is provided before we continue our tour through the Judean Desert to go visit Saint Saba Monastery, Saint George Monastery and Mount of Temptation Monastery. All times are approximate, Switch of vehicles are Required
Price: $100.00
Duration: 8-11 hours
This tour is designed so you don't lose any time waiting for a big group to finish and move around. All Private tours are operated with the newest cars. First we will have a guided tour to one of the oldest churches in the world, the Church of Nativity. As well as Milk Grotto Church and St. Catherine church.Then we continue our trip to Beit Sahour the city of The Shepherd's. We will have a visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s field where the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Then we will visit a local olive wood workshop and gain an insight on the crafts of the locals. Visit to Jordan River & Jericho included and Lastly we will treat ourselves to a relaxing and refreshing visit to one of the most unique seas in the world, The Dead Sea, its rich and healthy water makes it a special experience to have. * Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes when passing the checkpoints. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate!.
Price: $500.00
Duration: 8-11 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Bethlehem’s cuisine is a delicious reflection of Palestinian culinary traditions. Signature dishes include musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions on flatbread), maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish), and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup). Dining customs emphasize sharing and hospitality, often enjoyed in family-style meals. Noteworthy restaurants include the Old Village Restaurant, known for authentic local dishes, and Afteem, famous for its knafeh. Street food stalls and markets offer fresh falafel, hummus, and fresh juices, making food exploration a highlight of any visit.
Getting Around
Bethlehem is accessible via road from Jerusalem and other parts of Israel, with shared taxis and buses being common modes of transport. The nearest major airport is Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, from which travelers can take a taxi or bus to Bethlehem. Within the city, walking is the best way to explore the compact old town, while taxis are available for longer trips. Transportation costs are generally affordable, but visitors should be prepared for some delays due to checkpoints and border controls.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Bethlehem is spring or autumn for comfortable weather. Pack modest clothing suitable for religious sites and warm layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by dressing conservatively and asking permission before photographing people. Bethlehem is safe for tourists, but staying updated on local news is advisable. Use Israeli shekels for transactions, and carry some cash as small vendors may not accept cards. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few Arabic phrases is appreciated.
Culture & Customs
Bethlehem’s culture is deeply rooted in Palestinian traditions and Christian heritage. Social customs emphasize hospitality and respect, with greetings often accompanied by handshakes or kisses on the cheek among locals. Important festivals include Christmas and Easter, celebrated with processions and community events. Visitors should be mindful of religious sensitivities, dress modestly, and avoid political discussions. It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and some religious sites. Sharing meals and engaging with local artisans are excellent ways to experience Bethlehem’s warm culture.
