Top Things to Do in Palestine | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Check out Palestine’s best spots: explore ancient places in Bethlehem, wander around Jericho’s green oasis, browse lively stalls in Hebron, uncover hidden corners of Jerusalem’s old town - then relax at the Dead Sea; along the way, stay online with handy eSIM advice.

Palestine holds thousands of years of stories, faith traditions, and stunning views. Not just Jerusalem or Bethlehem - older than most towns - but also spots like the Dead Sea, where water feels thick, plus Wadi Qelt’s wild valleys. You’ll find crumbling ruins next to lively souks, each corner whispering old tales. Hiking trails twist through hills, markets hum with chatter, history sticks to every stone.

This guide explores the old sites, faith spots, traditions, also landscapes that help form Palestine’s character.

Why Palestine is a Must-Visit Destination

Palestine holds ancient towns that never stopped being lived in, holy spots important to several religions, also deep food and heritage customs. As Rashid Khalidi points out in his 1997 book on identity - people from there have seen countless eras mix over thousands of years, where beliefs, societies, governments bumped into each other, shaped something lasting

Nowadays, you can wander through ancient spots like Jerusalem’s Old Town, check out the birthplace church in Bethlehem, or dive into Hebron’s lively markets - each place serves up warm welcomes alongside handy comforts. Getting online? No hassle here; carriers like Jawwal or Ooredoo hook you up fast with physical SIMs or digital ones.

Historic Cities and Religious Heritage

Palestine's villages hold stories from hundreds of years - broken Roman stones near old mosques raised ages back.

1. Visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity

Bethlehem’s the birthplace of Jesus, housing the Church of the Nativity - a site listed by UNESCO. Tourists explore a subterranean grotto, view old mosaic designs, while hearing tales linked to holy texts. Locals lead tours, sharing how it shaped belief and history.

2. Explore Jerusalem’s Old City (East Jerusalem)

The Old City of Jerusalem includes the Western Wall - also known as Al-Haram al-Sharif - and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walk through narrow lanes packed with ancient market stalls, where signs of Jewish life show up strong, followed by glimpses of Christianity, while Muslim heritage stands out clearly.

3. Discover Hebron’s Historic Markets

Hebron ranks as one of the region's oldest towns - its lively market scenes give visitors a chance to grab handmade glass or ceramics along with cloth made by locals. Back in '92, Nur Masalha highlighted in his work about Palestinian uprooting how this spot already flourished as a trade hub centuries past, keeping its unique traditions alive across generations.

4. Jericho Oasis and Ancient Ruins

Jaricho - oldest known city around - steps away from the usual thanks to aged remains like Tell es-Sultan. Visitors explore fragments of ancient walls, meanwhile learning how this spot influenced sacred writings alongside regional culture.

Middle East travel researcher Dr. Lina Haddad, who has spent over a decade studying historic towns across the Levant, notes:

“Palestine offers something few destinations can—cities that have been continuously lived in for thousands of years. You don’t just look at history here; you walk through it.”

Natural Wonders and Scenic Landscapes

Palestine's rough deserts blend into jagged coasts - every patch holds a different story.

5. Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea lies by the Jordan border - lowest spot on Earth. Its salt-heavy water lets folks bob without effort, especially during treatments using dark mineral-rich muck. Catching it at dawn or dusk paints wild colors over the land.

6. Hike Wadi Qelt

Wadi Qelt’s a striking desert gorge close to Jericho - trails wind through it, old monk spots sit tucked in, while sheer rock walls rise all around. Locals say folks traveled here long ago, moving between Jericho and Jerusalem, with travelers stopping by for ages.

7. Explore the Jordan Valley

The Jordan Valley has rich land, old ruins, yet plenty of spots great for hiking or exploring. Check out fruit groves, wine farms, or fresh water sources - pick up smart tips from age-old farming ways.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Palestinian traditions keep going through rhythms, flavors, yet handmade goods shaped patiently across time.

8. Sample Palestinian Cuisine

Sample classics such as musakhaban - chicken seasoned with sumac, layered with onions - or maqluba, where rice and veggies sit above tender, slow-cooked meat. How about knafeh? Think warm cheese tucked into crunchy pastry, drenched in sugary syrup. For real flavor, whip up meals beside neighborhood cooks or grab bites at busy roadside stands filled with locals.

9. Attend Festivals and Cultural Events

Palestinian customs shine during events such as the Bethlehem International Festival or performances in Ramallah. Music brings everyday tales to life while holding tight to heritage. Through movement, dance reflects current realities but still honors tradition. Art reveals glimpses of the past alongside fresh perspectives.

10. Explore Traditional Villages

Take a look at places like Beit Sahour or Battir - see traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and local crafts. This village, Battir, is on the UNESCO list and offers nice hiking paths together with ancient irrigation systems.

Adventure and Eco-Tourism

Folks who love moving get trails, pedal routes, or outdoor trips across Palestine.

11. Hike the Mount of Temptation

Near Jericho, the Mount of Temptation has paths that open up wide views across the Jordan Valley. While you walk, cliffside monasteries bring old stories and quiet meaning into the journey.

12. Bike Through Ramallah and Surrounding Hills

Cycling trips near Ramallah blend city sights with countryside views. Tourists pass olive trees, small markets, or old-style towns - guided by people from the area.

13. Explore the Mediterranean Coastline

Even if Palestine’s coast is tiny - just around Gaza - you’ll still find cozy seaside spots, plus smooth road trips along the shore nearby.

Archaeological and Historical Sites

Palestine's past shows up in old walls, hilltop forts, or dusty villages.

14. Visit Sebastia Ancient Ruins

Sebastia, close to Nablus, holds remains from Roman times - also traces of Byzantine and Crusader periods. Tours led by locals reveal how the town shifted through eras shaped by power struggles and faith transformations.

15. Explore Khan al-Umdan and Historic Caravanserais

Old roadside inns - such as Khan al-Umdan in Acre - show how traders moved goods across the Middle East and into Mediterranean markets during the Middle Ages. Experts say these spots kept local economies running by offering rest, storage, and deals under one roof.

Staying Connected: eSIMs and SIM Cards in Palestine

Visitors keep connected using SimCorner’s eSIMs or physical SIMs from Jawwal, Ooredoo. That way, they find their way around fast, call rides on demand, share pics and clips right away.

SimCorner founder Shahzeb Shaikh observes, “Understanding a country’s history, culture, and heritage adds depth to any trip, but staying connected through eSIMs ensures those experiences are captured and shared in real-time.”

Check out our فلسطين eSIM tips to stay connected as you visit old ruins and scenic spots - whether wandering cities or hiking trails.

Food, Markets, and Festivals

Palestinian food scenes plus bustling market stalls open a real glimpse into daily culture. Try street snacks - sample rich olive oils - or join harvest celebrations that pull visitors straight into community rhythms.

Suggested Itineraries

• 7-Day Trip: Jerusalem Old City (2), Bethlehem (1), Jericho and Wadi Qelt (1), Hebron markets (1), Dead Sea (1), Ramallah cultural day (1)
• 10-Day Extended Trip: Add Sebastia ruins, Palestinian Mediterranean coast, and Battir terraces

Capture & Share Your Palestinian Journey with SimCorner eSIM

Palestine packs old ruins, sandy cliffs, and bustling souks into one wild ride. Stay online through it all - SimCorner’s eSIM works on busy streets, mountain paths, or dusty digs. Buy ahead, or grab a local SIM once you land so you don’t miss a beat.

الأسئلة المتكررة

Top spots to check out in Palestine - what’s really worth visiting?

Jerusalem's Old City stands out, while Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity brings ancient vibes. The Dead Sea gives a one-of-a-kind float experience instead. Over near Jericho, the oasis feels like an escape from heat. Then there’s Hebron’s bustling markets - full of color, smell, life. Every place tells its own story, so skipping them just doesn’t make sense.

What’s a good number of days to check out Palestine?

A week to ten days gives travelers time to see old towns, nature spots, or try local events without rushing - mixing views with downtime. While exploring, there’s room to unwind too; pacing stays smooth throughout. Each part fits well into a short break, whether focused on landmarks, outdoor areas, or hands-on traditions. This stretch feels just right - not packed, not slow.

Is Palestine family-friendly for tourism?

Yep, spots such as Dead Sea getaways come with fun options that are good for everyone - Wadi Qelt trails bring adventure while linking nature and ease. Village culture trips add variety, mixing learning and real moments without stress or steep risks.

When’s the ideal moment to go to Palestine?

Spring brings cool days - perfect for walking around town or hitting trails. Autumn’s weather is just as cozy, great for outdoor adventures. When summer rolls in, it gets steamy, particularly down in the Jordan Valley.

Can I use an eSIM or SIM card in Palestine?

Yep, visitors can grab a SimCorner eSIM or pick up a local one from Jawwal instead of Ooredoo to stay connected without hassle - great for finding your way around, locking in plans, or posting moments live.