Location: Bethlehem
Top Things to do in Bethlehem
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Things to do in Bethlehem, West Bank: The Best Sights & Landmarks
The obvious reason to travel to Bethlehem is to visit the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square. The city's outskirts contain Shepherds' Fields and the intriguing Mar Saba Monastery.
Restaurants in Bethlehem
1. Carmel of the Holy Child Jesus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
It was St. Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) who, led by the Lord, indicated the place of the Order of Carmel monastery on top of the hill of David which is in front of the hill of the Nativity Church. The monastery was inaugurated in 1876 while the Chapel was blessed in 1892. You can visit the Chapel and the museum where all the belongings of St. Mary of Jesus Crucified are.
2. Aida Camp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Aida (Arabic: مخيم عايده), also spelled 'Ayda, is a Palestinian refugee camp situated 2 kilometers north of the historic centre of Bethlehem and 1 kilometer north of Beit Jala, in the central West Bank.
Reviewed By 1Travelmum - Stafford, United States
Visited on a private tour with Bethlehem Tour by Dani T. Fascinating and sobering visit. The artwork was often poignant and told of a long and difficult history. An unforgettable place that needs more world attention.
3. Church of the Nativity
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,332 reviews
Built over the Grotto of the Nativity by Constantine in 325 A.D.To view top of the Nativity church we recommend you visit the Blessings gift shop and The olive wood factory just 2 minutes walk next door to milk grotto church.Destroyed and rebuilt in the 6th century and renovated in the 11th century by the crusaders, this is the oldest Church in the Holy Land that is still in use.$20 fee to skip The Line With Guide for whole group.
Reviewed By BillPNo1 - Friendswood, United States
The Church of The Nativity is located in Bethlehem and is unfortunately located behind the walls of the Palestine area. In my mind, The Church of the Nativity with it's below-ground grotto/cave marking the birthplace of the Infant Jesus Christ, is second only to the Church of The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as the most sacred spot of Christianity in the Holy Land. Almost always crowded with reverent pilgrims, there are long lines, and often conflicts with scheduled religious services either Christian or Orthodox. Still, it is a "Must-See place for any trip to the Holy Land
4. Mar Saba Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Founded in the 5th century, this Greek Orthodox monastery is considered the oldest and one of the strictest in the Holy Land.
Reviewed By phenning2347 - Dnipro, Ukraine
This is a must-see, even if you cannot get inside. The surrounding Judean Hills and the Kidron Valley are an amazingly beautiful place to hike, with breathtaking views. The monastery is set amid amazing scenery, with paths and steps going down into a wadi. Unfortunately the Israeli settlers use the Palestinian desert for their waste-disposal which has left the wadi badly polluted with rubbish and the water contaminated. It is shameful really - and heartbreaking.
5. Mansour House
6. The Church of St. Catherine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By highimpactuk - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
This small and beautiful church is next to the church of nativity. This 19th-century church shares a wall with the Nativity church and remains a working church today. It has a lovely courtyard and is usually less crowded than the church of nativity.
7. Sanctuary Bethlehem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By healthspacritic
You can't come to Bethlehem without visiting. A beautiful, historic significant spot. Don't be turned off by the long lines. It is worth the wait.
8. Milk Grotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Milk Grotto is Behind the Nativity Church and Next door to Blessings Gift Shop and the Olive Wood Factory. Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee to Egypt. A "drop of milk" of the Virgin Mary fell on the floor of the cave and changed its color to white. Must See.
Reviewed By aliammag - Bengaluru, India
It was a short walk from the church of Nativity to the Grotto. Our guide wanted us to visit the church of Nativity after visiting the Grotto due to longer time expected to visit the Nativity Church and he was right! The tradition is that Mary and Joseph stopped at this cave to feed the Baby Jesus while fleeing to Egypt. A drop of milk fell down on the rock which became white. So the cave became a place of veneration. A church was built by Franciscans earlier near the cave. A modern chapel dedicated to mother Mary is also connected to the Grotto. This site is an amazing place, worth a visit.
9. Star Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By phenning2347 - Dnipro, Ukraine
Every Christmas I walk down Star Street when I arrive to Bethlehem - following Saint Joseph and mother Mary's path to the Nativity. Christmas does not feel complete without a reminiscent walk along this historical street. There are beautiful views along this narrow stone street, which is lined with limestone houses with beautifully ornamented entrances and windows. It begins near the site of King David’s Wells and gently meanders through the main part of the historic centre and under the Qaus Al-Zarrara - sometimes also called Damascus Gate - towards Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. It is the road that once connected Bethlehem to Jerusalem and further cities such as Damascus, which is why this is thought to be the route Saint Joseph and mother Mary travelled on that blessed night. A very quiet street that is nicely restored with new paving stones and all the shops and homes have brightly painted doors alternating yellow, blue, purple and grey.
10. Cave of St. Jerome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
My adult son and I accessed this cave from the Nativity Grotto under the Church of the Nativity, while joining in an intimate processional mass in December of 2019. The Cave of Jerome is actually located beneath the Church of St. Catherine, and can also be accessed from there. St. Jerome, a Dalmation priest (345-420 A.D.), translated much of the Old Testament from Hebrew and Greek to the Latin "Vulgate". In the cave you will notice carving into the stone: "Hieronymus", which is Latin for Jerome. The cave is not to be missed while touring the Church of the Nativity, Nativity Grotto and the adjoining Church of St. Catherine.
