Visiting the West Bank from Israel
Read our travel guide on visiting the West Bank from Israel, which will help you plan your trip better. This West Bank travel guide includes things to see and do, how to get, how to visit, and safety tips.
Visiting the West Bank was one of the highlights of our journey to Israel.
Regardless of what you expect from your trip to this Palestinian territory, it will definitely deliver strong emotions
Right from the start, we knew we wanted to incorporate this area into our itinerary. There was just one tiny problem.
As our main goal of this trip was to explore Israel, we, unfortunately, didn't have enough time to explore West Bank independently.
We were aware of this issue before we started planning our Israel Itinerary and solved the issue by taking a guided day tour.
Although you can visit West Bank without a guide, joining a tour is still the most popular way to see this territory.
And even though we usually prefer traveling independently, this was the luxury we could not simply afford this time.
Still, there were some upsides to pursuing this decision.
Taking a tour is not only safer, but the local guides will ensure that you won't forget about the experience anytime soon.
So here are some helpful tips and information to know about the West Bank before you go.
Why Visit the West Bank
Despite its damaged reputation, West Bank is a fascinating place to visit. It's full of ancient and modern history, top tourist attractions, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine.
The area around the Dead Sea sits at the lowest point on Earth, Jericho is home to the world's oldest settlement, Ramallah is known for its vibrant life, and the entire territory is full of Biblical places.
It's also the best place to learn more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
And if you're not interested in any of those things above, you can always just spend the entire day lying on a beach and swimming in the Dead Sea.
The tourist infrastructure is not exactly on par with Israel, but it's not a complete disaster either.
On the other hand, you might be rewarded for your effort with a more authentic travel experience.
Do I Need a Guide
No, you don't need a guide to travel to West Bank. In fact, visiting the West Bank from Israel can be easily done on your own.
However, West Bank is a complicated territory, and the local guides who live there their entire lives will allow you to get closer to this area and its people.
Seeing some places without the context from someone with first-hand experience might not truly capture the essence of it.
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about the partiality of our guide's perspective before we joined the tour.
It's hard to stay unbiased in such a complicated affair, especially when the old wounds remain unresolved and new ones open up every day.
But he was very professional the entire time, introducing the West Bank in an immersive way and talking with enthusiasm and an open mind about whatever popped into his head.
History
The history of the West Bank and Israel is so complicated that we'll leave it to someone more educated on this topic. For instance, your tour guide or a history book.
However, there is one more essential thing to know about some of West Bank's tours.
Having at least a passing knowledge of this region's history and the Israeli-Palestine conflict is crucial.
We've mentioned above that our guide was great, but he sort of expected that you should be familiar with important events that happened in the past.
It was not his fault. It was the nature of the tour.
Even though the trip took a full day, this area is so complicated that it would take days to rehear the same story with additional explanations of all essential terms.
Therefore, being familiar with terms such as Oslo Accords, Camp David Summit, PLO, PA, Fatah, Hamas, Hezbollah, Arab League, First Intifada, Second Intifada, Yasser Arafat, One-state Solution (and many more) will allow you to keep up with your guide's current of thoughts.
Yes, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but it's definitely worth it.
We have to admit that our tour went beyond our expectations.
So was there something we didn't like about the tour? Honestly, the only fly in the ointment was that we didn't have more time for West Bank.
You know what they say, though. That's always an excellent reason to come back one day.
Is It Safe to Visit West Bank
The answer to this crucial question can be yes, no, or it depends, as the situation is not still.
We know this advice is about as vague as the warnings issued by most Ministry of Foreign Affairs government departments.
They advise you that you should exercise increased caution when traveling to the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. It's hard to make something out of it until you visit the place yourself.
The most important thing to understand about the West Bank is that, unlike Gaza Strip, this is a relatively functional area.
So should you travel to West Bank or not?
It really depends on the current situation, what places you're about to visit, or what activities you want to do there. It's also smart to follow your government's warnings, as they can change in time.
If you're not sure about the current situation or are visiting this region for the first time, it's safer to join a tour than to jump blindly into the unknown.
The security in the West Bank is far from perfect, and some people just might not like the idea of traveling under a shadow of a hidden danger.
That brings us to another major factor that will help you stay safe in Israel and West Bank. Always know what's going on in this region and what's the current mood.
By the way, Israeli citizens were not allowed to join our tour to avoid unnecessary opinion exchanges or even conflicts.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to See and Do
There are plenty of things to see and do in West Bank, and your itinerary mostly depends on your preferences or your tour operator.
You can spend the entire day lying on the Dead Sea beach, visit the Biblical sites, explore the Judaean desert, let the steam off in Ramallah, or learn more about the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
For our own reasons, we decided to take a West Bank tour from Tel Aviv, but usually, it's better to do it from Jerusalem to save travel time.
The van picked us together with a few other fellow travelers at the meeting point early in the morning, and we set on an uneventful hour-long journey to Jerusalem to pick up the rest of the group.
Once we reached the other pick-up location, we switched the van and carried on to West Bank.
Only a couple of kilometers into the West Bank territory, we made a quick stop at the bus stop on the side road of a dusty field, and a local guide hopped on the van.
As he mentioned later, it's easier for him to travel abroad from Jordan than from Israel, as getting entry permission is a very complex process.
Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
Located in the area closed off for decades after the Six Day War between Israel and Jerusalem, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (also known as Qasr al-Yahud) was the first place we visited on the West Bank.
As the name suggests, it's where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.
And it's among the top places for Christian pilgrims touring the Holy Land.
If you haven't seen the pictures before, you will probably be surprised that the Jordan River is fairly narrow at this point.
There is a floating rope in the water separating Israel from Jordan, and obviously, you can't swim to the other side at this site.
However, only a few kilometers north of here can be found the Allenby Bridge - King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing, where you can get from one country to another.
Also, you can still see the Danger Mines signs along the road, a sad reminiscent of the former conflict.
Interestingly enough, the site on the Jordanian site is known as Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan," and it's on UNESCO World Heritage List, while the western part is excluded.
Jericho
At first sight, Jericho is a sleepy little town that sits at the bottom of the Dead Sea Valley.
Even if you give it a second look, there is nothing that would give away that this is one of the cradles of civilization.
The second stop on our itinerary was all about history.
Tel Jericho
At the entrance close to Elisha's Spring, our group met another local guide who had a deeper knowledge of Tel Jericho (Tell es-Sultan).
He walked us through the history of this ancient city in the Judaean Desert and showed us how the settlement evolved in time.
Quite frankly, this is one of those places where having a guide is a huge help if you're not familiar with its history, as there is not much left after several thousand years.
The main attraction here is the Tower of Jericho, built in 8000 BCE.
Yes, the history of the world's oldest continuously inhabited city spans over ten thousand years, making it a unique place to visit.
Like Tel Hazor in Israel, Jericho is all about the significance for humankind, not about the impressive structures.
Simply put, if you love archaeology and history, Tel Jericho is a must-visit place on the West Bank.
As the excavations and restoration works are not yet completed, it might be interesting to see what the site will look like in a few years.
Hisham's Palace
During the trip to Israel, we've seen plenty of beautiful mosaics in places such as Tzipori, Caesarea, and Beit Shean.
However, Hisham's Palace in Jericho might have as well been featured as the most stunning one.
Quite frankly, it was one of those places we didn't expect to find there.
For starters, it was not even on our itinerary.
So when our guide asked whether we wanted to make a short detour and see this newly reopened palace, our group made a unanimous decision.
In the first half of the 8th century, the Umayyad dynasty built many desert castles in this region, and Hisham's Palace was one of them.
After a short ride, we appeared in front of a dusty site with a futuristic-looking white giant tent.
The palace is long gone, and there is not much left after all those centuries of the entire structure.
But the mosaics in the covered area were simply breathtaking.
By the way, if you ever make it to Jordan, then you should definitely visit the Desert Castles Loop to find more of these structures.
Mount Temptation
According to tradition, the devil himself tempted Jesus during his forty days of fasting in the Judaean desert.
As the name suggests, Mount Temptation is believed to be one of those places.
It's very close to Tel Jericho, and if you want to enjoy the views, don't hesitate to visit the monastery.
Today, a Greek-Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation sits on the mountain's steep cliffs, making it a popular place to visit.
The easiest way to get to the church is by cable car, but you can also walk there if you want to stay active.
Just make sure that the church is open before you purchase the tickets, as it's often closed.
Ramallah
From Jericho, we traveled directly to Ramallah.
Today, the city is the economic and cultural center and the seat of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
So what is there to do in Ramallah?
Ramallah felt a bit different from the other West Bank sites we've visited that often revolve around either ancient history or modern-day problems.
Our guide described it as the party city, and the atmosphere really seemed way more relaxed.
Whether you sample the local street food, have a cup of coffee at Stars and Bucks, enjoy the refreshing ice cream, buy souvenirs at the local market, or pay a visit to one of the local pubs, bars, or clubs, you won't get bored while there.
Simply put, Ramallah is a perfect place to visit in the West Bank if you're not looking for Biblical sites, ancient structures, or history in general.
Yasser Arafat Museum
Before reaching the city center, our guide made an unexpected stop and told us to leave our daypacks in the van and grab only the camera so we could visit the tomb of the most prominent Palestinian public figure.
Yasser Arafat was a Palestinian politician and leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization who died in 2004.
Even after all those years, his name is still very important for the Palestinians. We only had time for the tomb, but you can also go inside the adjacent museum.
Bethlehem
Located only ten kilometers south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is a major pilgrimage site for Christians. It was also our last stop on our itinerary.
Church of the Nativity
When you're arriving in West Bank from Israel, chances are that you've already been to several important Christian sites.
Nazareth was the place where Jesus grew up, Capernaum on the shores of Kinneret Lake, where he started his adult life and performed his miracles, and Via Dolorosa, where he spent his last hours carrying the cross before the crucifixion.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is where he was eventually buried.
In Bethlehem, you will have a chance to visit the site where it all started.
The Church of the Nativity is considered to be the birthplace of Jesus, making it one of the most significant places for Christians in the Holy Land.
It's also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.
The first church was built here in the 4th century CE, but it was destroyed later by a fire. In the 6th century CE, Byzantine Emperor Justinian built a new basilica over the remains.
Troughout the centuries, the basilica was extended, and many new structures were added.
It can be seen directly at the Door of Humility, the main entrance into the church.
Today, the entire complex comprises Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Greek Orthodox monasteries.
Greek Orthodox maintains the main basilica today, and the Grotto of the Nativity is in the crypt beneath it.
In the courtyard before the church, we met our next guide, a local expert on the Church of the Nativity.
He walked us through the entire complex, and as there was no waiting line, we could visit the grotto (and other caves) without any problems.
The Separation Wall
Israel built the wall in the 2000s as a response to the eruption of violence during the Second Intifada to prevent terrorism inside its own country.
The separation wall is a highly controversial project drawing negative publicity.
After all those years, only two-thirds of the wall has been built yet, though this will probably change in the future.
Most of the barrier consists of a fence with barbed wire and cameras. However, this changes when you arrive in East Jerusalem or Bethlehem.
Standing under a nine-meter tall massive wall of concrete with ominous guard towers is not an easy feeling.
And coming from a country that was not that long ago also fenced off, this structure stirs strong emotions.
The part of the wall in Bethlehem we saw was also painted with a lot of moving graffiti that only added to the atmosphere.
After spending the whole day in the West Bank, it was time to get back to Tel Aviv.
Before we reached Israel, our guide waved us goodbye and left the van at the same spot we had picked him up earlier.
How Much Time Do I Need
You will usually need a full day when visiting the West Bank from Israel on a day tour.
Of course, half-day tours are also available, but we believe it's better to dedicate a whole day from your itinerary to West Bank.
If you decide to visit the West Bank on your own, you will probably want to spend more time there.
For the entire West Bank, you would need around seven days to get the most out of the trip.
How to Get to West Bank
Getting to West Bank from Israel is easier than you think. The easiest way to get there is to simply take a bus from Jerusalem or book a guided tour.
Buses from Jerusalem frequently leave from the bus station near the Old City's Damascus Gate.
If you're renting a car in Israel, then you should always check with your rental company which places you can visit and which not.
The general rule of thumb is that you should never be driving into Area A with a car that has an Israeli license plate.
And don't forget that unlike driving in Israel, the experience in the West Bank won't be as smooth.
West Bank Tours
So, what are some of the most popular and best West Bank tours you can reserve in advance?
Dual Perspective Tour of Hebron
Hebron is one of the four holy cities of Judaism, and today it's divided into two areas.
It's also home to the Tomb of the Patriarchs, which is sacred to Judaism and Islam.
This tour that leaves from Jerusalem has two guides, an Israeli and a Palestinian one. Both will show you their parts of the city and tell you their side of the story.
If you're looking for a unique experience, this Dual Perspective Tour of Hebron from Jerusalem is one of the best tours on the West Bank.
Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour
One of the most popular tours you can find, this Bethlehem and the Dead Sea trip combine history with leisure.
Discover the birthplace of Jesus and later enjoy the floating experience of the Dead Sea on this Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem.
Best of the West Bank Tour
As the name suggests, this popular tour visits the ancient city of Jericho, the baptist site of Jesus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem.
The Best of the West Bank Tour from Tel Aviv or Best of the West Bank Tour from Jerusalem is your best bet if you want to see what the West Bank is all about.
When is the Best Time to Visit
West Bank is an all-year-round destination and has an identical climate to Israel.
Therefore, we recommend you to see our guide on the best time to visit Israel, where you will find more information on this topic.
Still, spring or autumn is the best time to travel to West Bank, at least in our opinion.
We would avoid traveling to West Bank in summer, as the temperatures in this region are extreme.
Remember that the daily high temperatures at the Dead Sea or Jericho will be brutal during the summer.
The same goes for many areas in Israel, for example, Ein Bokek, located on the Dead Sea shore.
Winter can be a great alternative for those who want to escape the crowds visiting the top religious attractions in this area.
What to Pack
We visited the West Bank on a sunny day in November, and it was still pretty hot there. We didn't want to imagine what the weather must be like there in the summer.
Either way, always make sure to stay hydrated throughout the entire day. As usual, we brought plenty of water with us and strong sunscreen.
Also, make sure to wear modest clothing as you will visit places of worship.
While the tour was not physically demanding, it's still better to wear proper footwear and bring a comfortable daypack.
Even if you're visiting the West Bank on a day tour, don't forget to bring your passport with you!
Where to Stay
If you decide to stay on the West Bank, you have a plethora of opportunities to find a place to stay overnight. The question is, what cities and sites do you want to see, and where would you eventually want to spend the night?
By the way, if you want to stay in the West Bank for only one night, then The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem will deliver one of the most captivating experiences.
So what are the best hotels on the West Bank?
Bethlehem | The Walled Off Hotel - Designed by the famous Banksy and other creatives, The Walled Off Hotel offers one of the most distinctive experiences among all hotels in the world. Simply put, this is the best hotel in Bethlehem.
Jericho | Auberg-Inn Guesthouse - If you want to explore Mount of Temptation and Tel Jericho, this lovely guesthouse should be on your list. Lovely hosts, a quiet garden, and cozy rooms are the main reasons to stay here.
Ramallah | Royal Court Hotel - This centrally located hotel in Ramallah features spacious rooms, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and welcoming staff.
Is It Worth Visiting the West Bank?
As curious human beings who love traveling, we believe that the West Bank is definitely worth visiting.
The popular tourist attractions are considered safe to visit most of the time, and there is no other reason to avoid these unique sites.
And seeing the daily life with your own eyes and meeting the local people face to face might change your perception of this troubled area.
For example, I have never seen on the news how incredibly delicious knafeh they can make over there.
Even though traveling around the West Bank might not be as accessible as in Israel or the neighboring Jordan, it's still fairly easy with one of the guided tours.
Simply put, the West Bank is an incredible place to visit.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
