How to Visit Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Palestinian Authority

We visited Bethlehem in late November for the lighting of the Christmas tree. I was hoping to sing O Little Town Of Bethlehem under the tree and feel all Christmassy. But unfortunately, the pre entertainment went on so long and the last bus left at 19:30, so we ended up missing seeing the lights being switched on. Although, admittedly, what we saw of the show was quite fun and exciting to see.

Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, in the Palestinian Territories. Just ten kilometres from Jerusalem, there are so many things to see and do in Bethlehem, it makes for a perfect side trip or a place to stay. If we hadn’t been house sitting in East Jerusalem, we would definitely have extended our visit to Bethlehem for a night or two.

There are many tours from Jerusalem that visit Bethlehem and see Banksy’s infamous street art, but it’s easy enough to discover most of them by yourself.

If arriving by bus, once you disembark, turn right and continue along Hebron Road for around ten minutes. Just opposite the Jacir Palace Hotel is a Banksy shop. Inside the shop behind glass is Banksy’s famous artwork - the girl frisking the soldier.

Continue along the road for a few more minutes towards the depressing-looking separation wall near the Kando Gas station. Here you’ll find loads of street art, not just by Banksy but many other artists. Note that the Banksy donkey art is a fake! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).