West Bank Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, culture, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations in West Bank with our comprehensive travel guide.


West Bank is a historic and culturally rich region located in the heart of Palestinian territories in the Middle East. This travel guide provides detailed information about the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, culture, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations in West Bank.

Introduction to West Bank

West Bank is a region located in the Palestinian territories in the Middle East. It consists of several cities and towns with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The region is famous for its historic sites, religious landmarks, and picturesque landscapes.

List of Places to Visit in West Bank

West Bank has numerous must-visit attractions. Here are a few top-rated ones:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Old City of Jerusalem: A UNESCO World Heritage site with several historic landmarks, religious sites, and cultural attractions

  2. Bethlehem: A small town famous for the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto Chapel, and the Walled Off Hotel

  3. Jericho: The oldest city in the world with the famous Hisham’s Palace, Ein Fara Spring, and Tulul Abu el Alayiq

  4. Hebron: A significant city in Palestinian history with the Tomb of the Patriarchs, the Old City market, and the Glass and Ceramics factory

Natural Attractions of West Bank: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Wadi Qelt: A picturesque canyon trail for hiking and scenic views of the desert

  2. Mount of Temptation: A mountain with a historic monastery and cable car ride for scenic views

  3. Dead Sea: A salt lake with significant religious and cultural significance and with a natural spa and mud bath experience

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Bank

West Bank offers numerous hiking and biking trails, each with a unique landscape and cultural significance. Here are a few:

  1. Al-Ein Trail: A 23-kilometer biking trail with scenic views and several picnic spots

  2. Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalil: A 330-kilometer hiking trail that passes through several Palestinian cities and villages

  3. Battir Hiking Trail: A 9-kilometer hiking trail with scenic views of the Roman-era terraces

Best Things to Do in West Bank: Activities and Tours

West Bank offers several exciting activities and tours for all types of travelers. Here are a few of the best ones:

  1. Walking Tours in Old Jerusalem: A guided tour of the historic Old City of Jerusalem

  2. Home-cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Palestinian dishes with local families in their homes

  3. Desert Jeep Tours: A thrilling ride through the desert with scenic views and cultural insights

Week-Long Itinerary for West Bank

Here is an ideal week-long itinerary for West Bank:

Day 1 Arrival in Bethlehem - Explore the Old City of Bethlehem
Day 2 Visit Jericho and Hisham’s Palace and Tulul Abu el Alayiq
Day 3 Explore the Old City of Hebron and the Glass and Ceramics factory
Day 4 Visit the Dead Sea and enjoy the natural spa and mud bath experience
Day 5 Hike the Al-Ein Trail and have a picnic
Day 6 Take a guided walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem
Day 7 Departure from West Bank

Food and Drink Scene of West Bank

West Bank is known for its delicious traditional dishes and refreshing beverages. Here are a few:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Musakhan: A traditional Palestinian dish made with sumac-scented chicken and caramelized onions

  2. Maqluba: A popular rice and meat dish served upside down

  3. Kanafeh: A sweet pastry filled with cheese and topped with syrup

Local Beverages

  1. Arabic coffee: A strong and aromatic coffee served with dates

  2. Mint Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade with mint leaves and sugar syrup

  3. Taybeh beer: An award-winning beer brewed in the West Bank

Where to Stay in West Bank: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Bank has several options for accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few:

  1. Walled Off Hotel: A quirky hotel with a politically charged theme and an art gallery

  2. Hosh Al-Syrian Guesthouse: A restored 17th-century guesthouse with a peaceful courtyard and a traditional Arabic breakfast

  3. Jacir Palace Hotel: A luxurious hotel in Bethlehem with modern amenities and scenic views

What to Buy in West Bank: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

West Bank has several handicrafts and local products that make great souvenirs. Here are a few:

  1. Olive wood carvings: Handmade wooden souvenirs famous in West Bank markets

  2. Palestinian embroidery: Traditional embroidery on clothes and bags

  3. Dead Sea products: Natural skincare products made from Dead Sea minerals

Local Culture and Customs of West Bank

West Bank is a conservative society, and it is essential to respect the local culture and customs. Here are a few tips:

  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites and conservative places

  • Do not eat or drink in public during Ramadan

  • Always ask permission before taking a photo of a local

Best Time to Visit West Bank

The best time to visit West Bank is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Bank

Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting West Bank:

Do:

  • Greet locals with “Salam” (hello) or “Marhaba” (welcome)

  • Try local dishes and beverages

  • Respect religious and cultural sites

Don’t:

  • Use offensive language or gestures

  • Drink alcohol in public places or during Ramadan

  • Show affection in public

Safety and Health

Safety in West Bank

West Bank is relatively safe for visitors, but it is always advisable to stay informed about the current political and security situation in the region. It is also recommended to avoid demonstrations and political rallies.

Health in West Bank

West Bank has a good standard of healthcare facilities, but it is advisable to have travel insurance and carry a first aid kit. It is also recommended to stay hydrated and avoid tap water.

Getting to West Bank: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Bank

  1. Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, Israel

  2. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, Jordan

Bus Stations Near West Bank

  1. Damascus Gate Station in Jerusalem

  2. Central Bus Station in Bethlehem

Other Options

Several tour operators offer organized tours to West Bank from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

How to Get Around in West Bank

West Bank has several transportation options, including buses, taxis, and shared minibusses (sherut). It is also easy to rent a car for self-drive tours.

Where to Go Next from West Bank: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West Bank is an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Here are a few:

  1. Tel Aviv: A vibrant city in Israel with stunning beaches and nightlife

  2. Jerash: A Roman-era city in Jordan with well-preserved ruins

  3. Petra: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Jordan with stunning rock-carved temples and tombs

Conclusion

West Bank is a fascinating travel destination with a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can explore the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, culture, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations in West Bank. Plan a visit and discover the hidden treasures of this region.

West Bank Access Restrictions West Bank Access Restrictions The Israeli-built barrier - here one of the sections where it is a wall rather than a fence... The Israeli-built barrier - here one of the sections where it is a wall rather than a fence... ...And here the barrier is a fence rather than a wall ...And here the barrier is a fence rather than a wall Nabi Musa Nabi Musa Mar Saba Mar Saba Herodium Park near Gush Etzion Herodium Park near Gush Etzion Birzeit University in the West bank Birzeit University in the West bank


    Bethlehem
    Nablus
    Ramallah
    Shiloh
    Tulkarm