Bethlehem
Visited in November 2019
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Palestine. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Palestine
- Region
- Bethlehem Governorate
- Population
- 36,000
- Best time to go
- March to May, September to December
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Queen Alia International, Amman (AMM)
- Coordinates
- 31.71°N, 35.21°E
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Overview
Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, has drawn pilgrims for well over a thousand years. Its old town of honey-coloured stone climbs from Manger Square through narrow market lanes.
This guide is written for a time when travel is advisable again. The town's churches and souq, and the hills and desert monasteries around it, will reward a slow, respectful visit.
Things to see
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Photo: Neil Ward, CC BY 2.0 Church of the Nativity
One of the oldest working churches in the world, built over the grotto revered as the site of the Nativity.
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Photo: Alexey Goral, CC BY-SA 4.0 Manger Square
The town's central plaza, between the Church of the Nativity and the Mosque of Omar.
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Photo: Antoine Taveneaux, CC BY-SA 3.0 Milk Grotto
A small chapel carved into soft white rock, a short walk from the square.
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Photo: Antoine Taveneaux, CC BY-SA 3.0 Shepherds' Field
Gardens and chapels in nearby Beit Sahour, traditionally the site of the shepherds' vision.
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Photo: Asaf T., Public domain Herodium
The cone-shaped hill fortress and palace built by King Herod, rising above the desert.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mar Saba monastery
An ancient monastery clinging to the cliffs of the Kidron Valley in the Judean desert.
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Photo: Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר, CC BY-SA 4.0 Battir terraces
A UNESCO-listed village of ancient stone terraces and irrigation channels, good for gentle walks.
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Photo: Padres Hana, CC BY-SA 3.0 Olive wood workshops
Watch carvers at work and pick up handmade nativity scenes and crosses.
Where to stay
Old town
Guesthouses near Manger Square and Star Street, steps from the main sights.
Hotels in Old townBeit Sahour
A neighbouring town with family-run guesthouses and a quieter feel.
Hotels in Beit SahourBeit Jala
Hillside hotels with views over the area.
Hotels in Beit Jala
Getting around
The old town is walkable; taxis serve the nearby villages and sites.
Visitors have usually come by bus or taxi from Jerusalem, around half an hour away.
When to go
Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. December brings Christmas celebrations and the most visitors, while summers are hot and dry.
Plan your trip to Bethlehem
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.