Major city · Palestine (Palestinian territories)
Bethlehemبيت لحم
Give Bethlehem a half to full day from Jerusalem or Ramallah for the Church of the Nativity and the separation-wall street art, and check your government's travel advice and the Checkpoint 300 crossing time before you go.
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, south of Jerusalem, and a pilgrimage destination centred on the Church of the Nativity. It is also known for the Banksy-associated street art on the separation wall and the Walled Off Hotel, and for Shepherd's Fields in neighbouring Beit Sahour. Access from Jerusalem passes through a checkpoint.
advisory country
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov (mild); late December around Christmas if you don't mind crowds
- avoid Jul–Aug (very hot)
- Airport
- none nearby
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 5Security advice in this region can change within a dayCheck your own government travel advice for Palestine bef…
- Middle East ↗Security advice in this region can change within a day; re-read your government's page before departure and again before any border or regional flight.
- Middle East ↗Public drunkenness, public displays of affection and offensive gestures or online posts can lead to arrest in the Gulf states and Iran; dress modestly outside beaches and hotels.
- Palestine (Palestinian territories) ↗Check your own government travel advice for Palestine before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Palestine (Palestinian territories) ↗Entry into the territories goes through crossings controlled by Israel or Egypt; there is no separate Palestinian visa route for independent visitors.
- Palestine (Palestinian territories) ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to Palestine before you rely on it.
What is in this basic guide4 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- none nearby: arrive by land or via another city
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
Feb
not flagged
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
not flagged
Jul
Avoid
Aug
Avoid
Sep
Best
Oct
Best
Nov
Best
Dec
Best*
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Dec. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Bethlehem: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis and shared service vans run from Jerusalem through Checkpoint 300, and on to Ramallah; most sights in the old town are walkable once you're through the checkpoint.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Near Manger Square
Sights within a short walk; busiest around Christmas.
Beit Sahour
Quieter, near Shepherd's Fields, short taxi to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Watch out
- Check your own government's travel advice before you go; conditions can change quickly.
- Checkpoint 300 can be slow, especially on Sundays and around Christmas and Easter; carry your passport.
- Dress modestly at the Church of the Nativity and other religious sites.
- Independent taxis at the checkpoint sometimes overcharge tourists; agree a price first.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bethlehem. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov (mild); late December around Christmas if you don't mind crowds · avoid Jul–Aug (very hot)
- 0 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- 4 things to watch out for
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialPalestine Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- secondaryWikivoyage — Bethlehem