Home to some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a concentration of holy sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the West Bank packs an extraordinary depth of history into a compact, easily navigable area. Its small size means it’s possible to see most of the major sights on a short trip, and its status as one of the most historically dense regions in the Middle East makes it a compelling, if often overlooked, destination.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is best known as the birthplace of Jesus, and the Church of the Nativity has long drawn pilgrims from around the world. Beyond the church, the town offers other attractions including the Mosque of Omar, the Bethlehem Museum, and a bustling souq worth wandering for a sense of everyday local life.
Jericho
Dating back 11,000 years, Jericho is presumed to be the oldest city in the world. A few kilometers north of the city sits Hisham’s Palace, built by the Umayyad caliph Hisham bin Abdul Malik between 724 and 743 AD, comprising a collection of buildings, bathtubs, mosques, and large halls.
Hebron
The focal point of Hebron for most visitors is the Tomb of the Patriarchs, also known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque — similar in construction to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and surrounded by a great wall built of large stones roughly seven meters in length. It’s considered the oldest sacred building still in continuous use today. Hebron is also known for its centuries-old glassblowing tradition — one factory on the outskirts of the city has been run by the same family for 350 years — and for locals who tend to be more conservative and traditional than in downtown Ramallah.
Ramallah
Palestine’s de facto capital is vibrant and cosmopolitan, often described as the most “Western”-feeling city in the West Bank. Key sites include the Arafat Mausoleum, Al Sa’a Square (Yasser Arafat Square), and Nelson Mandela Square, alongside a lively nightlife and dining scene.
Nablus
Nablus is a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and culinary offerings, particularly its unique knafeh dessert. The city’s old town is an architectural gem, showcasing sites like Ottoman-era soap factories and the historically significant Jacob’s Well, alongside sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Mar Saba Monastery
Located east of Bethlehem in the town of Al-Ubaydi, Mar Saba is a Greek Orthodox monastery built between 478 and 484 AD by the monk Saba with the help of 5,000 monks. It’s considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world and is often praised for its beautiful setting and dramatic views.
The Dead Sea
Accessible from Jericho, the Dead Sea is considered the top tourist attraction in the region, spanning 50 km in length and 15 km in width. It’s the most saline sea on earth, with salt concentration seven times higher than typical ocean water, and its mineral-rich mud is renowned for its beneficial effects on skin.
Sebastia and Tell Balata
For those interested in ancient ruins, these archaeological sites near Nablus offer a deep dive into the region’s layered past. Sebastia is a collection of ruins above a village believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the West Bank, while Tell Balata contains the remains of what’s believed to be the first settlement in Nablus, the Canaanite town of Shechem.
The Freedom Theatre in Jenin
For a look at Palestinian culture and community life beyond the historical sites, the Freedom Theatre in Jenin is a great place to visit, offering insight into contemporary Palestinian arts and storytelling.
Practical Notes for Visiting
Travelers should be aware of a few logistical realities specific to the region. Visitors and tourists must present passports and visas, or identity papers, in order to pass through Israeli checkpoints to gain entry to certain sites, though once through, visitors can generally walk freely. It’s worth noting that Israeli law bans its own citizens from visiting Palestinian cities, though this restriction doesn’t apply to foreign tourists, who have access to the region’s sights, restaurants, and hotels.
Join The Discussion
Palestine tends to surprise travelers who arrive expecting only to witness hardship, discovering instead a place with an extraordinary density of history, warm hospitality, and genuinely beautiful landscapes alongside the region’s well-documented struggles. Have you visited the West Bank, and which stop — Bethlehem’s religious sites, Hebron’s Old City, or somewhere else — left the biggest impression on you? For those considering a trip, what’s holding you back, and what questions do you have about logistics or safety before planning a visit?
