Usually done as day tours arranged by tour companies, my friends and I managed to do a day trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem just by using the public transportation. Interested to do it on your own as well? Read further!
What is in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem, one of the famous sites in Holy Land Pilgrimage Itinerary is where Jesus' birthplace takes place a.k.a. the spot of the manger (according to the records). Setting aside political stand about who owns the place, technically it is under Palestine territory by now.
Israeli - Palestine Border (Checkpoint 300)
Before anything else, you must know that you are actually crossing the border between the two (Israel and Palestine). Let's set aside your political stand about this and let me just state the facts as of 2022. Some folks don't consider Checkpoint 300 as an International Border, but regardless if it's an international border or not, PLEASE BRING YOUR PASSPORT.
There are no requirements or extra procedures when entering the Palestinian side though. Enter the checkpoint, walk through the grilles, follow the crowd and that's it.
However, coming back, make sure you have the Israeli Entry Permit or the Blue Slip as it will be asked at the Passport Control in the Israeli Side.
How to Go to Bethlehem from Jerusalem:
To keep this post as short as possible, I wrote another post on How to Go to Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Options on how to go and even the public transportation costs are all mentioned in that post. Feel free to read it!
Highlights of our Day Trip to Bethlehem:
Church of Nativity
Starting with the most famous of all the historical sites, Church of the Nativity is a basilica where the grotto is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest site as a worship place by Christians and also one of the oldest church in the Holy Land. Because of its significance, expect a massive crowd and tour guides offering you a 'tour' inside.
Apart from the doors of humility where you are supposed to bow a little to enter, the highlight is the grotto itself. The grotto below the main altar is where believed to be Jesus' birthplace spot, the manger.
From the photo above, that is the queue to get to the 'spot'. The crowd isn't that bad yet so if you go on significant seasons (Christmas), expect the worse. But I tell you, it's worth it.
Milk Grotto
Another church on our list is the nearby Milk Grotto, just a street behind the Church Nativity. Milk Grotto Church is claimed to be the resting spot of Mama Mary after giving birth to Jesus Christ. There are various accounts that claimed the church is where the Holy Family stayed before fleeing to Egypt. It's also believed to be a place to heal infertility for couples.
A smaller church than the Church of Nativity, Milk Grotto has a calm and solemn ambiance compared to all the other church we've visited. There are church pews inside for you to sit while you pray and there's also a chapel built above the grotto. Take a look around and you can even have a panoramic glimpse of the city from the chapel side.
West Bank Wall
Witnessing it in a blink of an eye, we passed by the West Bank Wall on our way back to Checkpoint 300. Also called as the Separation Wall, the wall's significance is controversial as it is a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Not because I don't want to take a stand, but I'm not gonna comment of which side is which. In present time, the wall is a symbol of Palestine's protest. It became the world's largest protest graffiti and the famous artist Banksy joined the game. While I wasn't able to see Banksy's art with my own eyes, seeing a portion of the wall has woken me up in my day dreaming that the world will become better as days goes by.
Bonus: Blessings Gift Shop
This might be subtly advertising the shop but hear me out first. Bethlehem is a tourist-driven city. Taxi drivers, merchants, even tour guides are all quite aggressive to sell something. And I want to emphasize one more time that it's not their fault, I cannot blame them. The reason why we I have included this gift shop is because it's where I felt genuine hospitality.
Mr. Basem, the owner of the shop, is a busy bee inside the shop when we entered. He didn't try to sell us anything at all and he kept telling us, "You don't need to feel obliged on buying, feel free to have a look". And I kid you not, it's the warmest line I've ever heard in Bethlehem.
Out of his genuine approach, we felt so comfortable looking around the shop and ended up buying the things we wanted to buy, He offered water, Wi-Fi, use of washroom and gave us tips about the local transportation costs as well. He even let us go to the rooftop to have a panoramic view of Bethlehem.
And you know that saying that it's the people we meet that makes our journey? It's him who played that role during this trip so I cannot not include him. No photo of him but I'll ask him for one when we meet again next time ๐
There are definitely many more landmarks in Bethlehem than listed above. I wished I stayed at least one night in Bethlehem in order to fully explore the place. Unfortunately, I only managed to squeeze a day trip to Bethlehem during our short trip. So if I manage to visit again, I will update this post. For now, that's all folks!
If you're looking for related posts, you can browse my posts about Israel where our trip started!
RELATED TRAVEL POSTS:
- A Personal Pilgrimage in the Holy Land of Jerusalem
A journey to connect to my higher self and a never-ending search of epiphany, my pilgrimage in Jerusalem was a trip of a lifetime. - Old Jaffa Tour | A free walking tour of Tel Aviv's most visited areaA free walking tour of Tel Aviv's Old Jaffa, start from the Clock Tower and climb your way up the hill. Check this out to know more!
- Jerusalem to Bethlehem by Bus (Public Transportation)Want to visit Bethlehem on a DIY mode? Check this post and learn how to go to Bethlehem from Jerusalem by Public Transportation!
- A Colorful Backpacker's Hostel in Jerusalem, Abraham Hostel!
A colorful backpacker hostel in Jerusalem, Abraham Jerusalem Hostel is located in downtown Jerusalem which makes it a perfect choice! - PoliHosts Old Jaffa Hostel in Jaffa, Tel AvivLooking for a hostel in Tel Aviv? Check this quaint little hostel in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, just a stone's throw away from the Jaffa Clock Tower!
- Israeli Entry Permit (FAQs about stamps and security checks)Read more to learn on how to enter Israel using an Israeli Entry Permits plus the answers to questions about stamps and security checks!
