City in Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine
Bethlehem
Compact, historic town with the Church of the Nativity and very warm hosts, an easy day or overnight from Jerusalem. Visits depend on checkpoints, raids and closures; tourism has been thin since late 2023.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Internet85 MbpsFixed broadband, Palestine medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledSupply is intermittent and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$49–98Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundArab bus 231 from JerusalemWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashShekels for most purchases; cards at hotels and some restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Bethlehem
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Manger Square and Old Town | Short stays: Nativity church, souq, guesthouses within walking distance |
| Beit Sahour | Calmer, Christian-majority, homestays and Shepherds' Fields |
| Beit Jala | Hillside residential area with restaurants and views |
Apps that work in Bethlehem
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; hail yellow taxis or ask your guesthouse to call a driver. Israeli taxis cannot enter, so cross the checkpoint on foot.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Palestine.
- Mostly cash Shekels for most purchases; cards at hotels and some restaurants. ATMs in town, but carry enough cash in case checkpoints close.
- Currency: Shekel (ILS). US$1 ≈ ₪3.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho and Nablus; fewer in villages, so carry cash.
- Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants; tip guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Little beyond cards at bigger businesses; bring cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Israel controls all entry: fly into Ben Gurion with an ETA-IL, or cross from Jordan at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.
- Some visitors get 'Palestinian Authority only' stamps that restrict travel into Israel.
- Gaza is closed to visitors; its crossings have been shut to civilians since May 2024.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
Plugs
Type C, H · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Jawwal and Ooredoo SIMs in town shops with a passport. Many visitors use an Israeli SIM or eSIM, which covers much of the West Bank.
More places in Palestine
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.