The south
Most first trips start in Bethlehem, a short ride from Jerusalem. See the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, walk the old souq and the wall murals, and use it as a base for Battir, Herodion and Mar Saba. Further south, Hebron has the shrine of Abraham, glass blowers and a keffiyeh factory, and is best visited with a local guide.
The centre
Ramallah is the busiest city, with museums, theatres, cafés and the best evening life, plus the Palestinian Museum in nearby Birzeit and the brewery village of Taybeh.
The Jordan Valley
Down below sea level, Jericho is a warm palm oasis with Tell es-Sultan, Hisham's Palace, the cable car to the Mount of Temptation and the gorge of Wadi Qelt. It is close to the Allenby Bridge from Jordan.
The north
Nablus has the finest old city in the West Bank, famous kunafa, soap and hammams, with the Samaritans of Mount Gerizim and the Roman ruins of Sebastia nearby. The north has seen the most unrest in recent years, so check conditions carefully.
How to fit it together
With five to seven days, base yourself in Bethlehem for three nights and Ramallah for two, adding day trips to Jericho, Hebron and Nablus as conditions allow. Gaza is closed to visitors. Use our places to visit list to fill each day, and the free trip planner to shape a route.