Bethlehem is a city in Area A of Palestine, of course it’s the city where Jesus Christ was born. Things to do in Bethlehem Palestine include;
- Church of nativity (birthplace of Jesus Christ) UNESCO site
- Separation Wall – Israeli West Bank Barrier
- Banksy Art
- Herodium
- Milk grotto
- Shepherd’s Fields
- Old town of Bethlehem
The easiest way to visit Bethlehem is on a day trip from Jerusalem. You could also combine it with a day trip to several places in the West Bank (Palestine). If you travel solo, there are plenty places to stay overnight.
Church of the Nativity
The Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO world heritage site and famous for being built on top of the birthplace of Jesus. The grotto in which Christ was born is easily accessible from inside the Church of Nativity. The church was originally built in 339 under guidance of Constantine the Great. It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 565. However, today the church is still incomplete and undergoing serious renovations. To get into the church you have to pass through an incredibly small door.
Birthplace of Jesus – Things to do in Bethlehem
One of the top things to do in Bethlehem is to visit the grotto where Jesus Christ was born. This is located under the Church of Nativity. It’s amazing how over 2000 years ago someone was forward thinking enough to mark the exact spot of the birthplace of Christ. As a result, we can now pray on the exact spot he was born which is marked with a star.
Separation Wall – Israeli West Bank Barrier
Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, a separation wall has been constructed separating the 2 countries. Currently the wall is 440 km in length and when completed it will be around 700 km long. The construction of the separation wall has been very controversial and to this day, continues to draw controversy.
Banksy Art
Along the wall on the Palestinian side you’ll see a lot of graffiti. As a matter of fact, the famous British graffiti artist, Banksy has some famous artwork on the separation wall and around Bethlehem. You’ll find gift shops selling copies and reprints of his art on mugs, postcards and anything you can imagine. Banksy is so famous that a movie called Exit Through the Gift Shop was made about him and he was also nominated for an Oscar.
Herodium
5 km from the center of Bethlehem is a cone shaped hill (paradise hill) with a palace fortress on top. This was a palace and small town called Herodium which was built under the rule of Herod the Great. Herodium was built between 23 and 15BC but was destroyed by the Romans in 71 AD. Herod the great was buried here, on a visit you’ll pass his tomb and mausoleum. Additionally, the views of Bethlehem and the surrounding landscapes from Herodium are stunning.
Milk Grotto
The Milk Grotto is a chapel in Bethlehem. It’s symbolic because it’s believed the Milk Grotto is where the holy family were hiding when Herod ordered the massacre of the innocents. He attempted to kill all boys aged 2 years and under in an attempt to kill Jesus Christ. Moreover, there is a movie from 1994 about this called Slaughter of the Innocents. Another legend is that a drop of milk dropped from Mary onto the floor which turned the building white. This is where the name Milk Grotto came from.
Shepherds Fields
Another chapel in Bethlehem is the chapel of the shepherds fields. At this location an angel announced the birth of Christ and the first celebrations were made here.
Old Town of Bethlehem
The majority of old town Bethlehem which you see today are buildings from the Ottoman period. Additionally, it’s mostly pedestrianized therefore you can easily explore the picturesque streets. I found that walking the streets of Bethlehem was the best place to take beautiful pictures in the city.
How to get from Bethlehem to Jerusalem
As I mentioned, the best way to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem is on a day trip from Jerusalem. Alternatively, for a larger day trip, you could visit several places in the West Bank (Palestine). From Bethlehem I took a bus to Jerusalem, although the cities are next to each other you have to drive around the wall which makes the journey longer. It’s possible that passing the wall your documents will be checked and you’ll face a delay. If not then you should be in Jerusalem in about 90 minutes.
I am sure, this is a totally amazing trip, not only to see the beauty of this region, but also this ancient spirit…When you stand in the ruins of Herodium, Bethlehem and try to imagine what happened there thousands of years ago… that’s great!
The separation wall makes me as someone who grew up in East Germany sad – seems like there will be always walls in this world. But nevertheless cool and informativ post 🙂
I think I would skip the Bethlehem KFC ;), but the rest of it looks amazing! The Church of Nativity looks beautiful. Can they really know where Jesus was born? Either way, it makes for a lovely pilgrimage. And it seems important to witness the wall. Thanks for laying it all out so well.
I would LOVE to visit Bethlehem one day, and it sounds like there is a fair bit to do. I am not sure about the holy chicken at the local KFC…but I think it would be so fascinating to sample the local eats here. What an amazing feeling it is to be standing in amongst history… ancient history! To me is it sad that a wall has had to be constructed to keep civilians safe. 🙁 I am fascinated though that you see works of street art on the walls, including Banksy.
There is so much history to explore here. I would love to visit the birthplace of Christ… it’s on my bucketlist! I am a vegetarian so would skip the chicken for sure!
What an incredible journey! It must be incredible to stand in a place so full of ancient history – and to see that combined with modern street art from the likes of Banksy would be such a great contrast.
A place full of history…a pity that a wall is needed and it divides two countries (for me there are two countries). I would love to visit and see the exact spot where Christ was born and the graffi!
I’ve always tried to seek after the UNESCO sites – cultural travel is definitely something that I seek out. You’re so lucky to have been to this UNESCO site. The Baptism site is also a newly added UNESCO site, so I’ve added that one to the bucket list as well. Great job again at capturing the beautiful sights of the places you’ve managed to visit!
The Church of the Nativity is a place I’ve always dreamed of going, and your photographs capture it so wonderfully. It’s great to get a little bit of the historical merits of the site! I gotta say, I do love that Banksy as well!
Wow, so many interesting facts related to Jesus’s birth and places connected to it. Visiting a place like Jerusalem that is filled with ancient history and holds so much significance must have been an incredible experience. Your itinerary seems to be covering all the major spots that is a must visit in Bethlehem, as I am a huge heritage site fan I’m going to add this to my bucketlist. The wall, Church of Nativity and Milk Grotto is something I wouldn’t want to miss at any cost when I do visit.
Objective scholarship finds that the chance of Jesus being born anywhere other than Nazareth is slim, and that there is no other record of the unlikely census and massacre of infants.
These legends emerged long after the death of Jesus as an attempt to make his story tie in with Jewish messianic prophecies. The sites we see today have more in common with tourism than actual Christianity. Doubtless ancient and mediaeval pilgrims were charged entrance fees and left through the gift shop before finding that there was, in fact, plenty of room at the nearby inns.
Some great points there Pete, probably true as well.
I’ll be heading to Jerusalem next month, so this is great! Thanks!
I love the story and your photos. Especially the first few with the wide angle lens!
I had never heard of the Milk Grotto until now. An unlikely story, but fascinating just the same. Is it the most surreal experience traveling through the Holy Land or is is just like any other historic place you might visit? I’m always so curious of peoples’ perception following a trip through.
The photos are amazing.
Jerusalem remains on my bucket list. Is it safe to travel there now? I’m also intrigued by the notion that Banksy has art in the holy city. How was that allowed? Is he secretly Israeli? Who knows?
Lol, you had me at “holy chicken” in Bethlehem KFC! 😀 Reading your post felt like as though you brought the Bible to life. I’ve always wanted to visit Bethlehem, however, it isnt very easy for me to go there from the UAE. It would be great to see where Jesus was born … with my own eyes. Love the pictures & hopefully, I’ll get to go there someday.
Pilgrimage plus exploration equals absolute FUN. I like the legends behind each of the sites to see. I’ve only heard of these stories, visiting in person would make me feel like I’m experiencing history
I’ve been seeing so many commercials highlighting Tel Aviv as the next hot travel destination lately. It would certainly be the trip of a lifetime if I was able to visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It’s insane how because of the wall it will take you up to an hour but it would remind me of Houston traffic, which can be downright horrible.
So amazing that you got to see the place Jesus was born!! This is definitely something I would like to visit someday. Such fascinating history and so much to learn! Interesting read, Thank you. – Mariella
James, you are so lucky you’ve seen so many great sites. Bethlehem is one of my bucket list items too. To see the place that Christ was born and grew up in must be so moving. I also heard that the baptism site of Christ was recently added to the UNESCO list so that is one more reason to go!
This is a fantastic article, and makes me want to visit the region. The birthplace of Jesus has now become a place that I really want to see. I hope that one day the “Separation Wall’ will be torn down.and people can live together harmoniously.
Both Jordan and Israel is much in my wishlist! The countries have way too much to offer in terms of heritage and nature as well! The Church of Nativity would be such a delight to be there and feel it! The graffiti of the peace dove wearing a bulletproof jacket is just so painful!!!
Interesting to know there is a wall separating Israel and Palestine. Your article just gave me a suitable list of movie suggestions which I will definitely watch in the coming days. It must be absolutely spellbinding for you to come face-to-face with the exact spot of Jesus Christ’s birth.