Home — Visit Bethlehem

Visit Bethlehem

Visiter Bethléem — just 10 km south of Jerusalem, a city blending the sacred and the everyday: the Church of the Nativity, the Old City, and the UNESCO-listed Battir terraces.

For all its striking beauty, Bethlehem sits in a particular geopolitical context: a lively, safe tourist city whose access requires crossing a checkpoint separating it from Jerusalem, with parts of it bordered by a wall that has become an open-air gallery of graffiti art (including works by Banksy) telling the story of Palestinian resilience. Visiting Bethlehem means seeing deep history side by side with present-day challenges — an experience all the more profound and honest for it.

MUST SEE

Landmarks not to miss

Church of the Nativity

La Basilique de la Nativité

The oldest church still standing in the world (built 333 AD), sheltering the Grotto of the Nativity — the first Palestinian site on the World Heritage List.

Conseil AF — Visit early in the morning to avoid queues. Our centre is 300 m away — drop in for a quick tourist consultation.

Battir terraces

Les Terrasses de Battir

A village west of Bethlehem famous for its ancient irrigation system and Roman-era agricultural terraces (UNESCO World Heritage).

Conseil AF — Don't miss the famous "Battiri aubergine" at one of the village restaurants overlooking the valley.

Mar Saba Monastery

Monastère de Mar Saba

A monastery carved into the cliffs of the Kidron Valley, founded in the 5th century amid the Judean wilderness.

Conseil AF — Ancient monastic tradition bars women from entering, but the facing "Women's Tower" offers a stunning panoramic view.

The Old City

La Vieille Ville

The beating heart of the city: white stone, arches and domes reflecting authentic eastern architecture.

Conseil AF — Explore the narrow alleys away from the main streets to find hidden little cafés that take you back in time.

Shepherds' Field – Beit Sahour

Le Champ des Bergers

Where the angels are believed to have announced the birth of Christ; a church designed by the architect Barluzzi, plus natural caves once home to shepherds.

Conseil AF — Beit Sahour is famous for its olive-wood workshops — the best place for authentic souvenirs.

Beit Jala & Cremisan

Beit Jala & Crémisan

A hillside town overlooking Jerusalem, known for its deep Christian heritage, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Cremisan forests with their monastery.

Conseil AF — Explore the olive groves and vineyards, and buy olive oil, walnuts and wine from the monastery shop.
Battir

Your gateway to Bethlehem and its people

We connect you with a network of French-speaking locals and entrepreneurs: family guesthouse stays, tours of the old markets, cooking workshops, olive-wood workshop visits and agricultural tours — plus licensed guides for specialist historical tours. Cultural consultation service to coordinate your stay: €10.

French-speaking restaurants & cafés

Qindeel — Beit Jala

Bar and restaurant serving distinctive dishes amid beautiful nature. Instagram: qindeel.ps · WhatsApp: 00972562550026

Rewined — Bethlehem

Creative international and local dishes in a relaxed modern setting. Instagram: rewined_bethlehem · Tel: 0097222744111

Kawakies — Beit Jala

A youthful café known for inventive desserts and drinks. Instagram: Kawakies.ps · Mobile: 00972592881188

Transport & getting around

Between cities (the "service")

Small yellow shared minibuses (7 seats): fast, cheap, departing as soon as full. Flat fare per seat:

  • Hebron: 10 ILS (~50 min) — Old City, Ibrahimi Mosque, capital of crafts and glass
  • Ramallah: 22 ILS (1.5 – 2.5 h depending on traffic and checkpoints
  • Jericho: 30 – 50 ILS (~1.5 h)

Departure points in Bethlehem

  • To Ramallah & Jericho: the central station (al-Mujamma') on Manger Street, lower level
  • To Hebron: the "Bab al-Zqaq" stop, midway along the main road between the market and Beit Jala
  • To nearby villages (e.g. Battir): a stop slightly above Bab al-Zqaq

Other options

  • Private taxi: agree the fare before boarding — we're happy to share trusted drivers from our network
  • White-and-blue minibuses: very cheap for getting around Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour — main stop below the Nativity Church

Important contacts & emergencies

  • Al-Hussein Government Hospital — Beit Jala, main road: 022741161
  • Police station — Manger Street (50 m from the Nativity Church): 022748234
  • Palestinian Red Crescent (ambulance): 101, or from mobile +972 22978520

Additional services

  • Tour guidance: connections to the best accredited guides
  • Sworn translation (Arabic/French) through certified translators
  • Contacts for French-speaking family doctors on request

We wish you a delightful, enriching stay in our beautiful city of Bethlehem! The Alliance Française team awaits you.

Contact us