Best Things to do in Bethlehem | Must-see attractions 2025

Church of the Nativity

5:00 AM–7:00 PM

Church

Manger Square .15 minutes walking from bus 231

View map

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a historic 4th-century church believed to be built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ, a significant pilgrimage site.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

$20 for a Guided 'Skip the Line' group tour.

Palestinian Heritage Center

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Museum

Manger Street

View map

The Palestinian Heritage Center in Bethlehem showcases Palestinian culture through crafts, traditional clothing, and historical artifacts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas

Th, Sa-Tu 00:00-24:00

Church

Juda Desert

View map

Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas, founded in 439 CE, is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox monasteries, located near Bethlehem, overlooking the Kidron Valley.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are encouraged for maintenance.

Church of Saint Catherine

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Manger St. (Manger Sq.)

View map

Church of Saint Catherine in Bethlehem is a Latin parish church next to the Church of the Nativity, known for its atmospheric Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur additional fees.

Annunciation Latin Parish

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Church

View map

Annunciation Latin Parish in Bethlehem is a Roman Catholic church known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and connection to the Nativity story.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support church activities.

St. Mary Church for Greek Orthodox

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Beit Jala

View map

St. Mary Church for Greek Orthodox in Bethlehem features Byzantine architecture and religious significance, attracting visitors interested in history and spirituality.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Carmel of the Holy Child Jesus

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

119 Jamal Abdel Nasser St.

View map

Carmel of the Holy Child Jesus in Bethlehem features a monastery founded in 1876 and a chapel blessed in 1892, honoring the legacy of St. Mary of Jesus Crucified.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and support.

Bethlehem University

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

University

Palestine

View map

Bethlehem University is the first university in the West Bank, established in 1973. It offers a diverse range of academic programs with a focus on cultural and social values.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

HaSolelim Forest Reserve

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

National Park

View map

HaSolelim Forest Reserve is a national park located in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, offering diverse flora and fauna within its serene landscape.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Chapel of the Shepherd's Field

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Beit Sahour. Beit Sahour

View map

Located in Beit Sahur, near Bethlehem, the Chapel of the Shepherd's Field commemorates the spot where shepherds witnessed the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations may be accepted for special events.

Bethlehem Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Jerusalem-Hebron Street

View map

Bethlehem Museum highlights Palestine's heritage and art, showcasing over 200 years of history within a traditional 19th-century Palestinian home.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Omar Bin Al-Khatab Mosque

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Monument

Bethlehem

View map

Omar Bin Al-Khatab Mosque in Bethlehem is a historic Islamic site, founded in 634 AD, offering rich cultural and architectural heritage in Palestinian Territory.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Pope Paul VI St. 109

View map

Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem is a historic church founded in 1893, known for its unique architecture and strong ties to the Christian community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated during events.

Baraka Presbyterian Church

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Bethlehem

View map

Baraka Presbyterian Church, located in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, is a vibrant center of faith and community, emphasizing spiritual growth and social outreach.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations for community programs are welcomed.

Street Mall

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Mall

Israel

View map

Street Mall in Bethlehem offers diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options, reflecting the vibrant culture of the region with a modern design.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Specific events or attractions may require a paid ticket.

Milk Grotto

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Close to Manger Square

View map

The Milk Grotto Chapel in Bethlehem is a Catholic chapel built in 1872. It commemorates the site where Mary reportedly nursed Jesus during their flight to Egypt.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free entry. Donations are welcome but not required.

St. Nickolas Orthodox Church

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Palestine

View map

St. Nickolas Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, is renowned for its rich history and Byzantine architecture, drawing visitors interested in cultural heritage.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and preservation efforts.

NoorWEG

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Event hall

Aida Refugee Camp

View map

NoorWEG in Bethlehem offers a unique cultural experience, blending art, history, and community-focused events to engage visitors in Palestinian heritage.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special workshops and events may require a paid ticket.

Israel Mall

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Mall

Talpiyot

View map

Israel Mall in Bethlehem offers diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a modern facility, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Duration: Around 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events or promotions may require a paid ticket.

Bethlehem Convention Palace and Auditorium

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Bethlehem

View map

Bethlehem Convention Palace and Auditorium hosts diverse events, encompassing culture and politics within its modern architectural design, serving as a central venue in Palestinian Territory.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Solomon's Pools

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sights

View map

Solomon's Pools are three ancient reservoirs located near Bethlehem. They were built during Roman times and once supplied water to Jerusalem; today, they are a quiet spot surrounded by natural beauty.

duration: approx. 1-2 hours

free

Sanctuary Bethlehem

9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sights

St. Francis Street

View map

Sanctuary Bethlehem is a historic church site in Bethlehem. It offers insight into the local culture and spirituality, making it a peaceful place for reflection.

Duration: approx. 1-1.5 hours

Free

Shepherd's Sanctuary

9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sights

Siyar el-Ghanam

View map

Shepherd's Sanctuary is a peaceful site in Bethlehem. It is believed to be the place where angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Free

Memorial Monument to the Bedouin Warriors

9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Landmark

Israel

View map

The Memorial Monument to the Bedouin Warriors in Bethlehem honors the courage of Bedouin fighters. It features a striking design that reflects their rich culture and heritage, serving as a reminder of their contributions to history.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Free

Tomb of Rachel

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sights

View map

The Tomb of Rachel is a significant site located in Bethlehem. It is believed to be the burial place of Rachel, a key figure in the Bible, known for her deep love and struggles as a mother.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free