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Panseih Gharib
Panseih Gharib
Are you a passionate wanderer? Is visiting unique places around the world your goal? Are you up for adventure and new experiences? Then Palestine should be at the top of your vacation destination list.
When considering a vacation destination, Palestine is a nonconventional place to put on your list. Despite the political unrest and conflicts always associated with the country, it is a unique land to visit. Palestine is home to many religious landmarks and marvellous natural landscapes. Due to its cultural and historical richness, it will be an eye-opening experience.
Where is the Palestinian Territory?
Why do you need to visit Palestine?
What are the best places to visit and things to do in Palestine?
How do you move around in its cities?
Where to stay?
Where is the Palestinian Territory?
Palestine is an ancient territory in western Asia that is governed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which claims the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since 1967, during the Six-Day War, the Palestinian West Bank has been split into 165 Palestinian “islands” under partial Palestinian National Authority (PNA) civil rule and 230 Israeli settlements.
According to 2020 reports, the territory’s population reached 5,051,953, making it the 121st-largest in the world. Since 2012, the State of Palestine has been recognized by 138 UN members and has become a non-member observer state in the United Nations. It is worth mentioning that it is a member of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the G77, the International Olympic Committee, UNESCO, UNCTAD, and the International Criminal Court.
Palestine territory is one of the oldest lands in history. It is said that the first historian to mention it was Herodotus in the 5th century BC. His book The Histories referred to a “district of Syria called Palestine.” Therefore, its name is as ancient as its history. It is also considered a holy place for people believing in the Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism), which is why it is full of religious and historical stories and landmarks to visit.
Why do you need to visit Palestine?
You may wonder why visit the state of Palestine; here are a couple of reasons:
1- For the Hospitality of its people
The Palestinians are known for their hospitality and friendly attitude. They welcome visitors from all over the world with an open heart and a greeting smile. You will not feel out of place there. Their attitude makes walking around the Palestinian states and mingling with the locals an exceptional experience. You definitely should visit their local markets of fruit and vegetables, where you would be in the heart of the locals’ daily lives.
2- For Palestine’s unique cuisine
Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity
Jonathan Safran Foer
Palestine is known for its unique cuisine and tasty dishes. It is part of their traditional persona. The Palestinian people show pride in producing plates that can hardly compete with conventional dishes worldwide. They are famous for their falafel, humus, kebbah, Mansaf, Maqloba, and other dishes. To learn more about the types of food you should expect to taste and their recipes, you can check the vast library of Palestinian cookbooks available for you to read. The Palestinian cookbooks symbolise their resilience, humility, and authenticity, asserting their identity and belonging to the land.
The rise of Palestinian food recipes became very famous because several Palestinian food restaurants opened worldwide during the last few years, such as Qanoon in Manhattan, Beit Rima in San Francisco, and Reem’s California in Oakland. So imagine getting the chance to taste their recipes at the place of their origin.
3- For its authentic atmosphere
Sometimes a homeland becomes a tale. We love the story because it is about our homeland and we love our homeland even more because of the story.
Refaat Alareer, Gaza Writes Back
The Palestinians are known for their high sense of belonging and pride. You can find the story of their daily life and struggles everywhere, from their persistence to preserve their authentic persona to their dedication to recording their daily challenges. Walking in the streets, graffiti walls call for peace and retell the story from their point of view. You can find people talking about histories and oral narratives they have inherited and are keen to pass on for generations. It is a place worth visiting for people interested in an eye-opening experience that will leave you with many tales to think about and retell.
4- For the beauty of its nature
The Palestinian natural landscape offers many varieties for nature lovers. It is famous for its olive trees, which date back thousands of years. There are also mountains open for hiking trips. And if you enjoy the water landscape, you can visit the Dead Sea, where you can never drown.
5- For the variety of its historical landmarks
Palestine is one of the oldest territories in history. It has several historical ruins that date back to the Roman and Greek periods. It is also considered a sacred place with many religious landmarks like Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jesus Christ Birth Place, Ancient Monasteries and churches, … etc.
What are the best places to visit and things to do in Palestine?
There are various safe places to visit in Palestine, and enjoy your vacation. We will explore some of the options below.
1- Visit Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Phillips Brooks
Bethlehem is a city in Palestine located about 10 kilometres south of Jerusalem on the central West Bank. It is an economic and cultural centre that relies heavily on tourism. The city is always buzzing with activity. You cannot miss walking into its local fruit and vegetable market to meet the locals and taste their traditional food.
Religious and Sites in Bethlehem
Bethlehem is also of religious and historical importance to Jews and Christians. According to the Hebrew Bible, it is the city from which David came. According to the New Testament, it is where Jesus Christ was born. The birthplace of Jesus Christ can be visited in Bethlehem in the Church of Nativity.
Opening Hours:
From April to September: 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.,
From October to March: 5:30 a.m. –5:00 p.m.
While in the Church of Nativity, you might want to visit The Mosque of Omar, the only mosque in the Old City of Bethlehem. The current mosque was built in 1860 in honour of Omar Ibn Elkhatab, the Muslim Caliph who conquered the Byzantine Empire in the 7th century.
Opening Hours:
Every day from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except during prayer times.
Another historical religious place you can visit is the Greek Mar Saba Orthodox Monastery. It is a monastery overlooking the Kidron Valley between Bethlehem and the Dead Sea. It is considered one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world and has maintained its ancient traditions.
One other Christian traditional place you do not want to miss visiting is the Chapel of Milk Grotto. It is said that the existing catholic chapel was built in 1872. According to Christian tradition, it is said that it is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents. The place contains three caves visited by some couples hoping to cure infertility. That is because of the foretold story that a”drop of milk” of the Virgin Mary fell on the cave floor and changed its colour to white. It is also where the name of the chapel comes from.
Historical Landmarks in Bethlehem
Bethlehem has several historical landmarks that date back centuries. You might want to start your visit with Manger Square, which is located in the centre of Bethlehem. It is where the Church of the Nativity, Mosque of Omar, Peace Center, and multiple souvenir shops are located.
The square was a fruit and vegetable market during the Ottoman period. Today, it is considered an important cultural and social location where different events, exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings are organized.
Another must-see place is Solomon Pools, which dates back over two thousand years. They are located south of Bethlehem. They contain three stone water basins cut in the rock, built during the reign of Roman King Herod. Over the course of history, they became associated with the History of Jerusalem.
Near the pools, you can also find the remains of Qal’at al Burak (translated as the castle of the pools). Sultan Murad built the castle in the 17th century to protect the water source, and it has maintained this role throughout the centuries. The castle and the pools are associated with a beautiful landscape of pine and cypress trees.
Other historical landmarks include Al-Ein (translated as water spring), the town’s main water reservoir, which dates back to the Mamluk era. King David’s wells are located near the grounds of the Catholic Action Center.
Museums in Bethlehem
There are two main Museums in Bethlehem; one Al Bad Museum. It is located on Fawagreh Street, Bethlehem. The museum holds archaeological artefacts depicting the process of Olive production. It is one of the most original traditions associated with Palestine. The museum’s exhibitions show the importance of the usage of olive oil in Palestinian daily life for lamps, food, soap, cosmetics, and even medicine, among other things. It is worth mentioning that the UNDP, in coordination with the Greek Orthodox Society between 1998 and 2000, has joined in renovating the museum’s building.
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday & Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Another museum is the International Nativity Museum. It is located in the Salesian Convent, parallel to Star Street. The museum exhibits a vast collection of over 200 cribs, which show scenes from the Nativity. The collection items were imported from different parts of the world to Bethlehem. The cribs show the various customs, liturgy, and rituals practised in various countries.
Other Entertaining Spots in Bethlehem
Not all historical landmarks are ancient ruins. Bethlehem also hosts the oldest olive trees alive in the world. One of the oldest is the Albadwi Olive tree, which dates back 4000 or 5000 years. It is located in the village of al-Walaja, west of Bethlehem. It is considered one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions, where tourists enjoy the tree’s shade.
Also, in Bethlehem, you cannot escape the other face of Palestine’s story. You can find barriers separating Palestinian territory from the occupied Israeli one. The barrier was turned by Palestinians into a graffiti wall, where their art narrates their struggle and their side of the story. The wall became a place where they voiced their concerns, conflict, and struggle and also shared their hope for peace.
2- Visit Hebron
Hebron is a city in the southern Palestinian West Bank. It is located 30 kilometres to the south of Jerusalem. Hebron is considered the largest Palestinian city in the West Bank, and the second-largest city in the Palestinian territories in general after Gaza. Its estimated population is around 782,227 as of 2021. Being a hub for west bank trade, It is known for its good reputation for grapes, figs, limestone, pottery workshops, and glassblowing factories. The Hebron Governorate is the largest Palestinian governorate. The city is home to two of the most important universities in Palestine: the Hebron University and the Palestine Polytechnic University. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it is enclosed on the UNESCO World Heritage list
Places to Visit in Hebron and Things to Do
Visit The Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron
The Ibrahimi Mosque, known in Hebron Al-Haram al-Ibrahimi, is located in the heart of the old town of Hebron. It is considered the fourth-holiest site according to Muslim beliefs and the second-holiest site in Palestine. The Mosque was originally built by Herod the Great during the early Roman period. Strong historical evidence suggests that approximately four thousand years ago, the Prophet Ibrahim resided in Hebron. He chose Hebron as a burial place for himself and his family: his wife Sarah, his son Isaac, his grandson Jacob and their wives. There is a strong belief that the tomb of Josef is also located in Hebron.
The site of the mosque is a holy place for both Muslims and Jews. It is divided into a mosque for Muslims and a synagogue for the Jews. It is one of the oldest historic buildings in the world and a must-see place in Palestine.
Opening hours:
Daily, from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Note: During prayer time, The Mosque is closed to visitors. On Fridays, The Mosque is closed. On Saturdays, the Jewish area is closed. Ensure you have your Passports, as Israeli police check them before entering.
Dress code to the Mosque: A modest dress is required, and women must cover their heads.
Take a Walking Tour in the Old City of Hebron
After finishing your tour of the Ibrahimi Mosque, you should enjoy walking around the old city of Hebron. The Old City of Hebron begins from the square of Bab El Zawyeh and goes to the Ibrahimi Mosque area. There are two main streets; the first is New Shallalah St. It is the agricultural market street, where visitors will find fresh fruits and vegetables. The second street is known as Old Shallalah St. It is a commercial street with many types of stores on both sides of the road. Visitors can enjoy shopping surrounded by the old Ottoman architecture in the city.
Visit the Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church is located on Al Maskobiyeh Street in Hebron, two kilometres from the city centre. It was initially built in 1871 AD around an old oak tree. It is the only church in the city of Hebron. The view from the church is remarkable. On clear days, you can actually enjoy the view across the Judean hills, extending to the Dead Sea.
Opening hours:
Daily: from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Visit the Old Market of Hebron
The local markets in Arab cities, in general, are unique places for visitors to see. It is where you get in touch with the locals and have a hands-on experience of their daily routine. Hebron, being an ancient city, is no different. Its old local market, known in Arabic (Al-Souq), is worth exploring. Every local product starts with fresh fruits and vegetables, pottery, traditional crafts, and many local productions and small-scale factories. Make sure to end your walking tour in the old market and taste their local fresh food.
3- Visit Jericho
Visiting the oldest inhabited city and one of the hottest climates in the world is a must during your stay in Palestine. Jericho is located only 10 km from Jerusalem at 274.02 m below sea level. It is a safe Palestinian city capitalizing on tourism that offers attractions at affordable prices. The claim of being the oldest city in the world is proved by archaeologists who have discovered the remains of not less than 20 successive settlements dating back to 9000 BC.
To begin your tour in Jericho, we advise you to visit the Tourism Office in the central square. There, helpful staff can guide you to the city’s most prominent destinations.
Taking the cable car (telepherique), which runs up to the top of the Mount of Temptation, is one of the best attractions in the city. You can enjoy the view of the landscape through a thrilling experience. It can take you up the mountain to tour the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Temptation.
The Greek Orthodox Monastery of Temptation is believed to be the site where Jesus spent forty days and nights after his baptism, resisting the temptations of Satan. The Hasmoneans originally built the Monastery. In 340 CE, Christian monks established a monastery at the site, using the caves on the adjacent cliff overlooking Jericho. In Arabic, you will hear the name Al-Qurunta, which is a mispronunciation of the Latin Quarantena, meaning “forty”, which reflects the number of days Jesus fasted.
Another place to visit is Ein as-Sultan Spring and Park, an ancient camp with an ancient spring that still provides water to the city. You can also stop by Tell as-Sultan, which is believed to be one of the oldest settlements in the world.
Last but not least, stop by the Russian museum and park. It is where you will find information about the history of the tradition of Russian pilgrims to the Holy Land and the findings of the archaeological excavations of the Byzantine church on the site. You can also enjoy seeing and exploring the legendary sycamore tree, which age is over 2000 years old, on the grounds of the museum. It is said that it is the same tree mentioned in the Bible. It is of religious importance as it is believed it was climbed by Zacchaeus when Jesus was in town.
Finally, make sure to chill out and relax in the Spanish gardens in the evenings when the sun is beginning to set. The gardens hold a central fountain and a cafe that offers cold drinks to relieve you of the hot weather.
Where to stay in Jericho?
Jericho offers accommodations that range from hotels and hostels. We recommend choosing the best accommodation suitable to your budget and location from the attractions you plan to visit in the city.
4- Visit the Dead Sea
The most prominent tourist attraction that can be visited on your way to Jericho. The Dead Sea is a Salt Lake shared between Jordan, east of Israeli territories, and the Palestinian West Bank. It is the lowest place on earth at 430.5 meters below sea level and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world at 304 m deep. Swimming in the Dead Sea is similar to floating due to its salinity level. This salinity makes it harsh for living organisms to thrive; thus, its name is the Dead Sea.
How do you move around in Palestinian cities?
The best public transportation option in Palestinian cities is the taxi. Taxis are widely available in all Palestinian cities, and the fares are negotiable. Another less expensive option is the service taxi, which is a shared van with a fixed price per person. You can also rent a car, giving you flexibility and freedom of movement around the cities.
Where to stay?
Many accommodation options are offered in different Palestinian cities for various prices. Our top picks are:
- Dolphin Suites
Located in Jericho, Dolphin Suites offers many facilities at affordable prices. Among them are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service. You can also access free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can use the spa, the indoor pool, the hot tub, and the bar.
- The Walled Off Hotel
It is located near the wall separating the Palestinian territories in Bethlehem. The hotel offers its guests its own Museum, Piano Bar, Gallery, and Bookshop. Most of the city’s attractions can be easily accessed from the hotel’s location.
- Abu Mazen Hotel
The hotel is located in Hebron and offers beautiful city views in its rooms. With only a short driveway, most of the city’s main attractions are accessible from the hotel.
