A little more
Palestine.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Palestine: what to know before you go

The Palestinian territories, the West Bank and Gaza, hold some of the oldest cities in the world and sites that matter to Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. Most visitors travel in the West Bank, to Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron and Nablus, for history, pilgrimage, food and the Judean desert. The situation can change quickly, so check your government's current travel advice before you plan a trip.

Where to go

• Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus, is one of the oldest churches still in daily use and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Jericho. Often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth and among the lowest-lying, about 250 metres below sea level.
• Hebron (Al-Khalil) old city. A UNESCO-listed old town of stone houses and covered markets, known for glass-blowing and ceramics.
• Nablus. A busy city between two mountains with an Ottoman-era old town, traditional olive-oil soap factories, Turkish-style hammams and sweet shops famous for knafeh, the city's signature cheese pastry.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring warm days and cool evenings, good for walking in the hills and desert. Summer is hot, especially in Jericho and the Jordan Valley.

Staying online in Palestine

Mobile coverage is available in the main West Bank towns, and data is good enough for maps and messaging in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus and Hebron. Speeds can be slower than in neighbouring countries, and coverage is patchier in rural areas, valleys and the desert. Near some areas your phone may pick up neighbouring networks, so watch which network you are connected to. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses and cafés. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, and check that it covers the areas you are visiting.