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Holy Lavra of St. Sava Monastery in the Judean Desert

Things to do in  Bethlehem

Political art and Christian pilgrims

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.

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Top 1 attractions in Bethlehem

#1

Milk Grotto

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A short stroll from Manger Square in Bethlehem lies another sacred site – the Milk Grotto, so called as it was allegedly used by Mary to nurse the baby Jesus. Legend has it that the Holy Family hid out in the grotto during the Massacre of the Innocents, before fleeing to Egypt, and that while nursing, a drop of Mary’s milk hit the ground, turning the cave white.A church has stood on the spot since the 5th century and today, a small Franciscan chapel stands watch over the entrance to the Milk grotto, now a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The cave itself, sculpted from white chalk rock, has become a magnet for women looking to conceive, with many believing that drinking the powdered rock (on sale at the grotto) will enhance their fertility. The display of notes and baby photos sent to the grotto from around the world seem to testify to its powers.More
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Explore Bethlehem by interest

Top activities in Bethlehem

Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

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91
From
US$98.00
Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv

Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv

star-4.5
15
From
US$65.00
Hebron and Bethlehem Private Tour

Hebron and Bethlehem Private Tour

star-5
21
From
US$500.00
per group
Bethlehem, Mar Saba, Mount of Temptation and Saint George Monastery Private Tour

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

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2
From
US$200.00
Hebron Alternative Tour

Hebron Alternative Tour

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8
From
US$200.00
Bethlehem, Jordan River, Jericho and Dead Sea - Private Tour from Jerusalem

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

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2
From
US$350.00
Bethlehem Alternative Tour

Bethlehem Alternative Tour

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65
From
US$90.00
per group
Bethlehem Full Day Tour

Bethlehem Full Day Tour

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2
From
US$150.00
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
US$600.00
per group
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
37
From
US$550.00
per group
Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem

Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem

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34
From
US$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
27
From
US$550.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Jordan River and Dead Sea

Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Jordan River and Dead Sea

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13
From
US$550.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Herodion, Mar Saba Monastery and Bethlehem

Private Day Tour: Herodion, Mar Saba Monastery and Bethlehem

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1
From
US$500.00
per group
Half day trip in Bethlehem

Half day trip in Bethlehem

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7
From
US$250.00
per group
Private Tour: Old City of Bethlehem and Herodium

Private Tour: Old City of Bethlehem and Herodium

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1
From
US$500.00
per group
Jericho Alternative Tour from Bethlehem

Jericho Alternative Tour from Bethlehem

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10
From
US$240.00
Bethlehem Full Day Private Tour

Bethlehem Full Day Private Tour

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11
From
US$420.00
per group
Bethlehem Private Tour

Bethlehem Private Tour

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15
From
US$400.00
per group
Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Qumran and Dead Sea

Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Qumran and Dead Sea

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1
From
US$512.83
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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bethlehem information

Number of Attractions

1

Number of Tours

37

Number of Reviews

411
Frequently Asked Questions
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