Bethlehem Travel Tips: What NOT to Do and What to See

Visiting Bethlehem

• 💡 When visiting Bethlehem, especially during the holidays, remember it can get very warm, so bring plenty of water.
• ⚠️ You are in Palestine, not Israel, so ensure you have your passport and be aware that your Israeli guide may not accompany you.

Key Attractions in Bethlehem

• ⛪ The Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus, is a primary destination, featuring a humble door requiring visitors to duck.
• ✝️ The church is divided among three denominations, and the adjacent Church of Saint Catherine is where Catholic Midnight Mass is broadcast.
• 🥛 The Milk Grotto Church and the Shepherds' Fields are other significant historical and religious sites to explore.
• 🕍 The Tomb of Rachel, considered the third holiest site in Judaism, is also located in Bethlehem.

Souvenirs and Shopping

• 🌳 Consider purchasing olive wood carvings, a traditional craft from Bethlehem, as souvenirs.
• 🤝 Shopping at stores run by Arabic Christians directly supports their community.
• 💰 Negotiate prices when shopping, as bargaining is common and can help you save money.
• 🛍️ Be aware that vendors outside shops can be persistent; a polite "no thank you" and continuing to walk is usually sufficient.

Practical Travel Advice

• 🚽 Be aware that you might not be able to flush toilet paper down the toilet in some establishments.
• 🚌 Bethlehem is easily accessible from Jerusalem by bus, which is a cheap and relatively quick option, taking about 20 minutes without traffic.
• 🕌 While Bethlehem is primarily a Muslim city, the Old Town has only one mosque, with more located outside the city limits.