Holy Lavra of St. Sava Monastery in the Judean Desert

Things to do in  Bethlehem

Travel to this region may not be recommended due to the ongoing armed conflict and serious safety risks. Please follow your government's guidance and travel advisories.
Read More

O little town with lots to do

Sprawled just outside Jerusalem in the Judean hills, Bethlehem is a popular Christian pilgrimage site and a city synonymous with the birthplace of Jesus. Outside of Manger Square, Bethlehem is also home to a vibrant Palestinian community, befitting its location in the West Bank. Among the area's top things to do, you can shop for souvenirs or spices in the city’s labyrinthine souk, learn about Palestinian woodcrafts or embroidery, and catch some of the British artist Banky’s most famous political murals—plus his quirky hospitality venture, the Walled Off Hotel.

Learn more

Top 3 attractions in Bethlehem

#1

Milk Grotto

star-5959
Just a short stroll away from Manger Square, Milk Grotto is a historical church in Bethlehem. It’s where Christians believe the Virgin Mary nursed an infant Jesus while the Holy Family sought refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents. Legend has it that a drop of milk fell to the ground, turning the place white—hence the name Milk Grotto.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Bethlehem

star-4.52,076
An ancient city in the West Bank in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Bethlehem is home to many significant religious sites, including the Church of The Nativity in Manger Square, believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Church of the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativity)

star-4.53,425
The Church of the Nativity encompasses a grotto where, according to Christain scripture, Jesus was born. Situated in Manger Square in Bethlehem, on the West Bank of the Palestinian territories, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed church is one of Christianity’s holiest places.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Bethlehem by interest

Top activities in Bethlehem

Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

star-4.5
108
From
$145.00
Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv

Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv

star-4.5
38
From
$147.00
Bethlehem Alternative Tour

Bethlehem Alternative Tour

star-5
72
From
$90.00
per group
Bethlehem, Jordan River, Jericho and Dead Sea - Private Tour from Jerusalem

Bethlehem, Jordan River, Jericho and Dead Sea - Private Tour from Jerusalem

star-5
2
From
$350.00
Bethlehem, Jericho, Hisham palace and Qumran Full Day Private Tour

Bethlehem, Jericho, Hisham palace and Qumran Full Day Private Tour

star-4.5
3
From
$600.00
per group
Bethlehem Full Day Tour

Bethlehem Full Day Tour

star-5
2
From
$150.00
Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour

Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour

star-5
1
From
$30.00
Bethlehem, Mar Saba, Mount of Temptation and Saint George Monastery Private Tour

Bethlehem, Mar Saba, Mount of Temptation and Saint George Monastery Private Tour

star-5
2
From
$200.00
Private Day Tour: St. George's Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba, and Bethlehem

Private Day Tour: St. George's Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba, and Bethlehem

star-5
38
From
$550.00
per group
Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem

Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem

star-5
36
From
$360.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Hisham's Palace and Bethlehem

Private Day Tour: Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Hisham's Palace and Bethlehem

star-5
28
From
$550.00
per group
Hebron and Bethlehem Private Tour

Hebron and Bethlehem Private Tour

star-5
23
From
$550.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Jordan River and Dead Sea

Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Jordan River and Dead Sea

star-5
18
From
$550.00
per group
Bethlehem Private Tour

Bethlehem Private Tour

star-5
14
From
$450.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Herodion, Mar Saba Monastery and Bethlehem

Private Day Tour: Herodion, Mar Saba Monastery and Bethlehem

star-5
1
From
$500.00
per group
Half day trip in Bethlehem

Half day trip in Bethlehem

star-5
8
From
$250.00
per group
Private Tour: Old City of Bethlehem and Herodium

Private Tour: Old City of Bethlehem and Herodium

star-5
1
From
$500.00
per group
Jericho Alternative Tour from Bethlehem

Jericho Alternative Tour from Bethlehem

star-5
10
From
$240.00
Hebron Alternative Tour

Hebron Alternative Tour

star-5
8
From
$200.00
Bethlehem Full Day Private Tour

Bethlehem Full Day Private Tour

star-5
12
From
$420.00
per group
See all Bethlehem tours

All about Bethlehem

When to visit

It should come as no surprise that the most popular time to visit the place that's believed to be the birthplace of Jesus is Christmas. You’ll find thousands packed into Manger Square for a Christmas Eve celebration, followed by Midnight Mass in the Church of the Nativity (projection screens are set up for those who can’t squeeze in). Bethlehem is also a year-round destination. Its proximity to the Dead Sea makes it a popular 2-for-1 day trip.

Getting around

If traveling to Bethlehem independently from Jerusalem, you can take bus Nos. 21 or 231 from the open-air East Jerusalem station just outside Damascus Gate. If coming from Ramallah, Nablus, or elsewhere in the West Bank, you can find shared minibus service—there are no fixed timetables; instead, you wait for the vehicles to fill. Otherwise, plenty of guided tours of Bethlehem include hotel pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem.

Traveler tips

Part art experiment, part overnight accommodations, Banksy’s the Walled-Off Hotel (a play on the Waldorf), offers everything from lavish suites to budget bunker rooms, all overlooking Israel’s concrete security barrier. If you prefer not to stay overnight, you can still stop at the on-site museum, art gallery, and piano bar. Banky’s iconic artworks can also be seen painted on the wall surrounding Bethlehem—hire a taxi or join a guided tour to get a closer look.

Attractions
3
Tours
44
Reviews
502
EN
af5a299d-c83e-4e9c-8034-1651fb9ee717
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Can you visit Bethlehem from Israel?

Yes, although Israeli citizens must get prior approval to enter the West Bank, while international tourists are free to come and go. Bethlehem is a short drive from Jerusalem. There is usually no passport control when entering the West Bank but have your identity documents ready to reenter Israel.

...More
Is Bethlehem worth seeing?

Yes. Beyond being a pilgrimage site for millions of Christians, Bethlehem is a vibrant, picturesque Palestinian city. It's home to religious landmarks, such as the Church of the Nativity, Church of St. Catherine, Milk Grotto, and Shepherds' Field, and sites dedicated to craft traditions, like the Palestinian Heritage Center.

...More
Is it safe to visit Bethlehem?

Yes. The warmth and hospitality of the Palestinian people are well-known by those who've visited, and Bethlehem is no exception. That said, the situation in Israel and the occupied territories can be unpredictable, and you’ll want to check the latest security recommendations for up-to-date guidance before planning your visit.

...More
Is Jesus’s manger still in Bethlehem?

It depends on your belief. The original Church of the Nativity was constructed in the fourth century on a site identified as Jesus' birthplace. After being damaged, it was reconstructed centuries later. The underground crypt, the Grotto of the Nativity, is said to be the manger—but there's no firm evidence.

...More
What is the dress code in Bethlehem?

Plan on dressing comfortably but modestly when visiting Bethlehem. The frigid temperatures common around Christmas make covering up a cinch. But for summer, pack light and loose clothing so you can stay cool but covered. Make sure your shoulders and knees aren’t exposed, particularly when visiting religious sites.

...More
What language is spoken in Bethlehem?

Arabic—specifically, Palestinian Arabic, a variation on Levantine Arabic—is the most spoken language in Bethlehem. English is also widely understood, particularly among younger Palestinians. Due to the city’s popularity with international tourists and pilgrims, you’ll encounter speakers of French, Russian, Italian, and many other languages.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Bethlehem?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Bethlehem?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Bethlehem?
A:
Check out things to do near Bethlehem:

More Tours in Bethlehem