Location: Bethlehem
Top Things to do in Bethlehem
10 Things to do in Bethlehem That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Blessings Gift Shop and The Olive Wood Factory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Everyone is Welcome to order from our website and have their items shipped to them .The Olive Wood Factory in Bethlehem ,is a 3rd Generation christian family business run Since 1925 . You get to watch friendly local artist making all kinds of products from Olive Wood .Also the Bethlehem Panoramic View 360 degrees of all Bethlehem at the top of the factory ,and huge selections of olive wood products able to buy from the shop If like .Theres no pressure to buy anything .All welcome to view and take pictures.Its easy to find alone ,only 2 minutes walking from The Church of the Nativity and next door to Milk Grotto Church.Free Wifi ,Local Map ,coffee,tea,Help/ Advice ,all Free without the need to buy anything .Open Anytime by appointment outside opening hours.Closed Sundays
Reviewed By JP88Gomes
Bassem's gift shop and olive wood factory is really the best in Bethlehem. Everything is made with a lot of care, attention to detail, and prices are very reasonable. Unlike in the countless other gift shops where their only goal is to make you spend as much money as possible, Bassem doesn't put any pressure on you, but offers helpful advice and is very accommodating. He has a great panoramic view available to see, as well as his olive wood factory which is super interesting. Overall, if you're looking to buy gifts in the Holy Land to take back with you, this is the place to buy them!
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
