The 6 things to do in Bethlehem

Are you going to visit Bethlehem? Discover the 7 best things to do in the birthplace of Jesus!

Getting to the West Bank? You must then visit Bethlehem, a city of the region located about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. Retrieved at a time by Israel and Palestine, however, the city is known to be the birthplace of Christianity.

Indeed, this is where Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago! But Bethlehem is also considered a holy city in Judaism because King David would have been crowned there.

Thus, every year, three million people come to visit Bethlehem. But most of them are just a day trip to the Basilica of the Nativity. Do not fall into this trap, for there are many things to see and do in Bethlehem! Are you interested? Then follow the guide!

1. The Basilica of the Nativity

The Basilica of the Nativity is truly a must-see place when we visit Bethlehem. Indeed, it is one of the oldest churches in the world! Built on the presumed place of the birth of Jesus, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.

You can admire magnificent Byzantine mosaics as well as terraced gardens. The place where Christ would have come to the world is located under the basilica, in a cave.

There, you can collect if you want it in front of the Nativity altar where a silver star symbolizes the exact location.

Good to know:

• Whatever time you choose to visit Bethlehem, the Basilica of the Nativity will be crowded. Nevertheless, avoid at all costs the Christmas period! Indeed, for obvious reasons, it is the most intense at the level of the tourist flow;
• To avoid big tributaries, plan your visit on weekdays early morning or in late afternoon ;
• The visit to the Nativity Cave is an activity free To be done in Bethlehem.

2. The cave of milk

According to the stories, during their flight Egypt Mary and Joseph would have hidden themselves in this cave with their newborn son.

Breasting Jesus, the Virgin would have fallen milk on the stones. These would then instantly become white.

Thus, nowadays, the place, called the Lait Cave (Milk Grotto) is a place of pilgrimage for women going to visit Bethlehem who wish to get pregnant.

Good to know:

• The Lait Cave is much less frequented the Basilica of the Nativity;
• She is also one of the things to do in Bethlehem free for the entrance is free;
• It's open. daily from 8h.

3. The field of shepherds

If you are in a religious thematic trip by going to visit Bethlehem, then you must go to the chapel of the Champ des Bergers.

Indeed, located in Beit-Sahour, southeast of Bethlehem, this sanctuary marks the place where, according to biblical accounts, the angels would have announced the birth of the child Jesus to the shepherds.

Good to know:

• Again, this is a visit free to be done in Bethlehem;
• Closing times vary depending on the season but the site opens every morning to 8h.

4. Other religious monuments

Omar Mosque

The Omar Mosque is located right in front of the Basilica of the Nativity, on Place Manger (place of the Mangeoire in French, in reference to the first birthplace of the child Jesus). It is the only mosque in Bethlehem, but also a beautiful symbol of the agreement that can exist between different religions.

Indeed, it was built in the nineteenth century on a land offered by the Orthodox Church of Greece to pay tribute to the father-in-law of the Muslim prophet: Omar. Indeed, in a pact dated 637, it granted Christians the right to practise their religion, even under Muslim domination.

Rachel's tomb

In the Bible, Rachel is Jacob's wife. She dies in diapers giving birth to their twelfth child. Jacob would then have erected a column for each of their children already alive. This monument is therefore quite moving to visit.

But be careful, several things to know. First, the place is quite sensitive by its location and its sacred appearance for different religions. Indeed, for Muslims, the site is called Bilal bin Rabah Mosque . Then it is located close to checkpoint 300 which allows to pass from Israel to Palestine, so it is quite difficult to access.

So you will have to go there either by your own means or by using an Israeli taxi because the authorities of this country do not allow Palestinian vehicles on the site.

The monastery of Mar Saba

The monastery of Mar Saba is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and a must when we visit Bethlehem. Indeed, it dates back to the fifth century! Dominating the Cédron Valley and the Judea Desert, it is hung impressively to cliffside.

Accessible from Bethlehem after about half an hour’s drive, it is even better to contemplate it from the other side of the cliff. Indeed, women are not allowed to do so.

5. The souk and the old town

If you’re not connected to religion more than that and are looking for another free activity in Bethlehem, here’s one.

By going to lose you in the paved streets of the old town and admire the souk stalls, you will then sketch the hordes of tourists. You can discover local products, traditional pastries and observe how the real inhabitants of the city live.

Do not hesitate to enter restaurants to taste the mosabaha , a hot hull dish served with whole chickpeas. A pure delight!

Don't miss either scar prepared from beans, garlic and lemon juice. In short, the market visit is essential to take the pulse of the city when we visit Bethlehem!

6. The separation wall

Banksy Museum Hotel

When we visit Bethlehem, we quickly see the separation wall built by Israel. A dramatic symbol of over fifty years of conflict, it separates the Palestinian territories from Israel.

Despite everything, beauty can come from chaos since the wall serves as a support for street artists from all over the world. And especially the most famous of them: Banksy . Indeed, the mysterious graffiti founded the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, accompanied by a museum.

Testimonials, archives and models to support, the sites present the various stages of the construction of the wall and its impact on local populations.

In addition, the scenography is splendid and visits are ensured by refugees. To hear first-hand testimony about the most complicated conflict of the twentieth and nineteenth centuries is one of the most important things to do in Bethlehem.

Admission to the museum is located at 182 Caritas Street and costs 4€ . You can visit the places daily between 11h and 19h30 . Finally, for a night at the hotel, count about 60€ .

Scramble on the "wall of shame"

In addition to allowing you to buy souvenirs and books, the "Walmart" shop at the Banksy Museum will also allow you to create your own pockets.

Autoproclaimed "the only shop in the Middle East to offer custom tutorials", you can cut your own composition and rent paint bombs there. Then, you’re going to make the wall disappear under the works. In short, an artistic and political experience not to be missed when visiting Bethlehem.

However, attention is drawn to this activity as illegal . Nevertheless, the Banksy hotel offers it because “the Wall itself is considered illegal by international authorities”.

Thus, many tourists squeeze the wall every year without worries. Therefore, it is an activity to be done in Bethlehem absolutely. The Walmart is open every day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. .

A tour of Bethlehem in search of Banksy's works

But staying at the Walled Off Hotel is not the only way for you to discover the works of street artist. Going to Bethlehem, you can admire five of them, all in different places.

For example, Columbus in Armor is visible at the corner of Caritas and Eat Street. Likewise, Girl whispering a Soldier is located on the road to Hebron, in a souvenir shop near the museum of Bethlehem.

Other works are still scattering the city as The Angel that sprinkles hearts , Jeteur de Fleurs and, finally, Scar of Bethlehem .

Also, if you’re a fan of street art and you’re looking for what to do in Bethlehem, don’t hesitate to go along portions of the wall. You can admire the wonders there because Banksy is far from being the only one who has decorated the "wall of shame".

How to get to Bethlehem?

Are you convinced and want to go to Bethlehem? Here we go!

By plane

To visit Bethlehem from the France , the fastest and easiest solution is to fly to Ben Gourion airport Tel Aviv (TLV). Flights from Paris last about 4:30. Several companies provide the link several times a day. In order to have access to all prices when visiting Bethlehem, don’t hesitate to use a flight comparison as Skyscanner For example.

Once on site, you will have to arm yourself with patience to reach Bethlehem because it is a Palestinian territory and it is not simple.

Then by bus

First of all, you will have to reach the city centre of Jerusalem by bus. A shuttle leaves every hour from the airport to reach the central station.

Then, from the Damascus Gate, you'll have to take another bus that will take you to the Damascus Gate. Checkpoint 300 the crossing between Israel and Palestine. By taking it bus n°21 , you will arrive at Bethlehem in about 30 minutes . The ticket costs approximately 1,50€ .

Good to know:

• The controls to go from Jerusalem to the West Bank are enough few ;
• However, to return to Israel after visiting Bethlehem are enough strict ;
• Aye, sir. documents on you and as a rule.

Where to stay in Bethlehem?

Depending on what you want to do in Bethlehem, you have several options to stay according to your budget and your tastes: Hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb .

To decide, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels . Likewise, if your funds allow you, why not try it Walled Off de Banksy ? Otherwise, in terms of neighbourhood, prefer the centre-historical City.