Top 5 West Bank Day Trips: Explore Palestine

So, are you pondering about experiencing the wonders of the West Bank but only have a day? Actually, with some careful planning, you can certainly absorb a substantial amount of its history and cultural gems. Anyway, I have listed some absolutely incredible options to consider, filled with both well-known spots and locations off the well-beaten tourist track.

1. Jericho: The Ancient City

You know, Jericho just might be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. It’s almost like stepping back in time. I mean, your day can begin by visiting Tell es-Sultan, that is, the ancient mound that holds the remains of this very old settlement. And then you have the Mount of Temptation. This is believed to be the place where Jesus was tempted by the devil; there’s actually a cable car that goes up to a monastery with super-amazing views.

Frankly, if you are after more ancient treasures, explore Hisham’s Palace. I think, this 8th-century Islamic palace has mosaics that really pop! Then, to kind of mellow things out, go floating in the Dead Sea. Seriously, it is fairly near to Jericho and offers a unique experience because of the really high salt concentration.

2. Bethlehem: Birthplace of Jesus

Bethlehem, the little town synonymous with the birth of Jesus, actually brings a mix of spiritual resonance and palpable history. Very, visiting the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where Jesus was thought to have been born, can be a pretty special experience. Even if the queues might be slightly extensive at peak times, you may well feel its importance. You will almost see it resonate, for many.

Now, go to Manger Square to get a sense of local life in the middle of the town. Also, Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel—both a working hotel and an art piece that is political comment—provides food for thought. Seriously, it is an arresting experience that goes past just sightseeing. That being said, so remember to visit the Shepherds’ Fields, more or less, the place where angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds. You should reflect on what you just witnessed at this spot. That place is full of significance.

3. Nablus: A Taste of Authentic Palestine

Nablus has a certain draw to it; it offers you, like your, more than just a peek into Palestinian everyday life, it thrusts you right in. You see, explore its Old City, called the Casbah. Here the narrow, twisted lanes show glimpses of workshops, spices and a way of doing things from long ago. Basically, if you just try to drift through it you could see a great deal.

Sample that yummy knafeh, the town’s very popular cheese pastry drenched in syrup, it’s really something that needs to be savored! Or, get scrubbed to squeaky clean at a Turkish bath (hammam), particularly at the al-Shifa hammam, which dates back centuries. It seems to be a fantastic way to revive and truly experience part of Nablus’ past. You may well want to have an experience just like the local people did.

4. Hebron: Divided City with a Rich Past

Hebron is actually one of the biggest cities in the West Bank, loaded with some pretty weighty historical and cultural baggage. It’s sort of split into two parts, in a way—H1, under Palestinian Authority control, and H2, still under Israeli military control. Seeing that dynamic kind of shines a light on the tricky state of affairs in the region.

Basically, you should check out the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs; revered by both Muslims and Jews as it contains the tombs of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. To get what life’s actually like around there, take some time just to walk through the Casbah. Basically, there are lots of shops and vendors to be seen, particularly near the mosque area, yet there are a lot of checkpoints there as well.

Anyway, it’s really worth going on a guided tour, too. It helps if you are trying to see more about what the local situation is, and people may know a thing or two about where to head without any risk.

5. Ramallah: Modern Palestinian Culture

Ramallah represents something a bit distinct from other cities in the West Bank; it’s somewhat of a bustling city that shows a very contemporary image of Palestinian life. Anyway, here’s where a lot of cultural activities occur; so there’s many art galleries to poke around in as well as museums such as the Yasser Arafat Museum, to learn more concerning recent Palestinian history. Ramallah, actually, will be more modern than the locations from centuries ago.

You see, if you wish to mingle with locals and probably people watch, al-Manara Square’s the main square right in Ramallah and it acts something like a kind of meeting place for everyone. I feel that going out to a cool café there and chilling with coffee might just round off your Ramallah expedition so well!