Visiting Bethlehem – The Birthplace of Jesus Christ
Is Bethlehem Safe to Visit?
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is one of the top attractions when visiting the Holy Land. Before my visit, I found myself asking if Bethlehem was safe to visit. I found varying information, depending on the source, and ultimately decided that I felt safe visiting Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank. While tourists are welcome to cross into the Palestinian Territories, Israelis are banned from entering as it is against Israeli law.
During my visit to Bethlehem, I found the Palestinian people to be friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming. I never felt unsafe and didn’t have any worries or anxiety during the time I spent in the Palestinian Territory.
My experience was definitely enhanced by booking a tour. Without the help of a local guide who was familiar with the area, I might have felt overwhelmed.
For those interested in visiting Bethlehem or traveling to the Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank, I recommend doing your research and making your own decisions. The politics of the region can change quickly, and tourists should stay updated on any potential conflicts. Please do your research before visiting the Palestinian Territories and check with your local government for any travel warnings.
This page will highlight my experience touring the city of Bethlehem.
Visiting Bethlehem - The Birthplace of Jesus Christ - Table of Contents
- Is Bethlehem Safe to Visit?
- How to Get to Bethlehem
- Visiting the Shepherd’s Fields
- Visiting the Church of the Nativity
- Visiting the Catholic Church of St. Catherine
- Visiting the Milk Grotto Church
- Unique Sights in Bethlehem
- My Thoughts on Visiting Bethlehem
- Video Highlights of My Trip to Bethlehem
- Bethlehem Tours and Packages
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- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How to Get to Bethlehem - Take a Tour
Bethlehem is located around 70 kilometers from Tel Aviv and 10 kilometers from Jerusalem. The trip to Bethlehem takes about an hour from Tel Aviv and 25 minutes from Jerusalem. As Israelis are not permitted in the Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank, transportation options are limited.
I highly recommend taking a tour, as it is the safest and easiest way to visit Bethlehem. For my tour, I went with the company Elijah Tours. Elijah Tours provided a comfortable bus driven by an Arab Israeli. Our guide, also named Elijah (not his company), met us once we crossed the border into the Palestinian-controlled portion of the West Bank.
Crossing into the Palestinian Territories was easy, as there was no checkpoint, and we did not have to show our passports. When we returned to the Israeli portion of the West Bank, an Israeli soldier boarded our bus and asked certain people to show their passports.
In addition to visiting Bethlehem, the tour also included the city of Jericho and the location of Jesus Christ’ Baptism on the Jordan River.
Overall, I was glad that I had the expertise of a professional driver and local guide. Without their assistance, getting to Bethlehem would have been very stressful.
According to our guide, most Israeli cars are not allowed inside the Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. Our bus had special permission, as it was driven by an Israeli Arab. Once we entered the Palestinian Territories, we began to see white license plates with green lettering. These are the license plates of the Palestinian Territories and are different than the Israeli license plates, which are yellow.
Visiting the Shepherds' Fields
Our first stop in the city of Bethlehem was the Shepherds’ Fields. Christians believe that the shepherds of Bethlehem were the first group of people to be told about the birth of Jesus. Our guide, Elijah, explained that Christians believe that the angels visited the shepherds first to inform them that the Savior had been born because they were the poorest people in Bethlehem.
Chapel of the Shepherds' Field
There is a small chapel at the site of the Shepherds’ Fields. The current chapel was built in 1953 on the remains of an earlier monastery that dated back to the 4th century AD.
Inside the chapel is a small altar for prayer with the words of the angel to the shepherds written in gold.
There are two mosaics inside the Chapel of the Shepherds’ field. One shows the birth of Jesus Christ, and the other shows the shepherds rejoicing that the Savior has been born.
Grotto of the Shepherds' Field
After visiting the Chapel of the Shepherds’ Fields, Elijah led us to the Grotto of the Shepherds’ Fields. There, we had a nice view of the city of Bethlehem.
The Grotto of the Shepherds’ Field consisted of a few different caves. It was surprising how cool it was inside the caves. Elijah explained that the caves kept the shepherds cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Pictured below is what a manger actually looked like during the time that Jesus was born. Elijah explained that when Europeans heard that Jesus Christ was born in a manger, they immediately thought of a European-style wooden manger. In reality, a manger in the Holy Land was made of stone and not wood.
Visiting the Church of the Nativity
Our second stop in Bethlehem was the Church of the Nativity, which was a short drive from the Shepherds’ Fields. This church marks the location of the birth of Jesus Christ. The original structure dates back to the time of Constantine (AD 326), with the current church being completed in 565 AD. Today, the Church of the Nativity is recognized as the oldest Christian Church in the world.
The Door of Humility
To enter the Church of the Nativity, visitors have to pass through the Door of Humility. This door is only about three feet in height and causes anyone entering the Church of the Nativity to bow down, leaving their ego at the door.
Inside the Church of the Nativity
Inside the Church of the Nativity, there are mosaics on the wall and 44 columns decorated with images of various saints. There is an altar located in the front of the church, and behind the altar is the Grotto, which marks the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
There have been many renovations to the Church of the Nativity over the past 1,500 years. Pictured below is part of the mosaic-decorated floor, which dates back to the Byzantine period.
According to Elijah, golden mosaics once covered the side walls of the Church. Today, most of those mosaics have been lost, and only a small part of them remain.
As stated earlier, there are 44 columns with mosaics portraying various saints. Below is an example of one of the columns.
After learning the history of the Church of the Nativity from Elijah, we had to wait for a few minutes in front of the main altar before visiting the Grotto, which marks the location where Jesus Christ was born. Elijah explained that there were various masses performed in front of the birthplace of Jesus and that tourists were only allowed to visit during certain hours of the day.
Grotto of the Nativity
Eventually, the mass ended, and we were allowed to enter the Grotto of the Nativity.
We only had five minutes for our entire group to walk through the Grotto as they were setting up for an Armenian Mass. I was able to snap one quick photo but was unable to get a photo of the 14-pointed star marking the location of Jesus’ birth. The star is located just under the red altar in the photo below.
As soon as we left the Grotto, an Armenian priest entered and began another mass. I was able to get a photograph using my zoom lens of the mass.
Visiting the Catholic Church of St. Catherine
In total, we spent just under an hour in the Church of the Nativity. After exiting, we walked to the adjacent Catholic Church of St. Catherine. The church was built on top of a shrine that was dedicated to St. Catherine in 1347. Elijah explained that there is also a series of caves from the time of Jesus under the church. During this tour, we did not have time to visit the caves.
Located in the front of the Catholic Church of St. Catherine is a star-shaped stained glass window and a pipe organ.
Visiting the Milk Grotto Church
Our next stop on our tour of Bethlehem was the Milk Grotto Church. According to Christians, this is the location that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled to during the massacre of the Innocents. Feeling threatened by the birth of Jesus, King Herod the Great ordered that all male children under the age of two be killed. An angel warned Joseph, and he took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. On the way to Egypt, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus took refuge in the Grotto under what today is the Milk Grotto Church.
Near the entrance of the Church is artwork showing Mary, Joseph, and Jesus traveling by donkey towards Egypt. There was also a sculpture of the Prophet Elias. I took this opportunity to capture a photo of Elias, our guide, next to the tribute to the Prophet Elias.
Inside the Milk Grotto Church
While hiding in the Grotto, Christians believe that a drop of milk from Mary hit the floor, turning the floor white.
Today, many people travel to the Milk Grotto Church in the hope of healing infertility. Christians also believe that prayers made on behalf of children will be miraculously answered.
Unique Sights in Bethlehem
While walking through Bethlehem and the surrounding area, we saw quite a few unique sights. I wasn’t sure where these best fit on this page, so I created a separate section. Pictured below are Palestinian homes and a wall dividing the Palestinian and Israeli lands.
Palestinian Homes
Water is a big issue for people who live in the Palestinian Territories. Most of the homes have giant water tanks on the roof to store water.
Bansky Mural
On our way from the Shepherds’ Fields to the Church of the Nativity, we passed by a famous mural by the famous street artist Banksy. Bansky is an English street artist and political activist whose real identity remains unknown.
Car in a Tree
We also passed a car that was stuck in a tree. Elijah did not tell the back story of how the car ended up in the tree. He just said, “In Bethlehem, cars grow on trees.”
Square Bucks and Starts and Bucks Cafe
Like many places around the world, there are knockoffs of US companies in Bethlehem. Pictured below are two coffee shops that named themselves after a popular US coffee chain. Elias pointed out that both Square Bucks and Stars and Bucks both always get a good laugh from tourists.
KFC
In addition to having knock offs of US companies, there was also a KFC in the Bethlehem shopping mall.
Giant Cross of Bethlehem
A very photo-worthy spot was a large cross with the city of Bethlehem in the background. This location was seen in the walk to the Church of the Nativity.
Pope Mobile
Just past the large cross, the Pope Mobile is on display from Pope Francis’ 2014 visit to Bethlehem. It was hard to get a good photo as we were viewing the Pope Mobile through a fence. I was able to get the photo below by sticking my camera through one of the holes in the fence.
Shopping
The one place I wish I would have been able to see more of was the shopping area we walked through on the way to the Milk Grotto Church. I did buy a few small items but would have loved to have more time to look in the shops and interact with the local people.
My Thoughts on Visiting Bethlehem
I was extremely happy that I visited Bethlehem. Before my visit, I had been slightly worried about entering the Palestinian portion of the West Bank. Not only did I feel safe the entire time, but I found the Palestinian people to be extremely hospitable.
For me, being in the Palestinian Territories was almost more interesting than viewing the religious sites. If I ever visit Bethlehem again, I would like to take a private tour, which would give me more time to explore the city.
That being said, Elias Tours provided a wonderful tour, and our guide Elias (not the company owner) was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone had a great time. I highly recommend Elias Tours.
Video Highlights of My Trip to Bethlehem
Bethlehem Tours and Packages
In my opinion, the best way to visit Bethlehem is to take a tour. The reason I recommend a tour is due to the difficulties of crossing back and forth from Israel into the Palestinian Territories. Below, I have linked a few tour options for Bethlehem. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Little Town of Bethlehem Half Day Trip from Tel Aviv - $90.00 Take a half day tour from Tel Aviv to Bethlehem, and discover the town famed as the birthplace of Jesus. Tracing the events of the Nativity, this comprehensive tour uncovers the highlights of this holy city for worshipers of all religions! |
 Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv - $109.00 Starting from Tel Aviv, cover three of the region's top sights in just a day. Drive to Jerusalem, and explore the Old City with our guided tour which includes the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and Church of the Sepulchre. Enjoy a tour Bethlehem, the city of the birth of Jesus Christ including Church of the Nativity. Descend through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea. Float in the waters and immerse in the famous muds. Ending the day, return to Tel Aviv. |
 Jerusalem and Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem - $118.00 Start the day with a magnificent panoramic view from atop of Mount of Olives overlooking the Old City and the Judean desert. Continue to visit Mount Zion where the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper are located. Enter the Old City and tour the Jewish, Christian and Armenian quarters. Explore Jerusalem and learn the various aspects the city has to offer, religious, historical and archaeological. Visit the Wailing Wall, also known as the Kotel. Walk through the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. At the end of your tour in Jerusalem, you will be driven to Bethlehem for an overview of Shepherds' filed and visit the Church of Nativity. |
 Jerusalem Dead Sea and Bethlehem in One Day - $180.00 Experience the remarkable culture, religion and history of Israel on this one day trip from Dahab. Take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, go for a dip in the Dead Sea, visit the Church of the Nativity, and much more. |
 Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem - $360.00 Accompanied by your own private guide, visit the grotto of the birthplace of Jesus in the Nativity Church, Saint Jerome's Caves, Saint Catherine Church, Milk Grotto Church and the Shepherd's Field. |
 Bethlehem Private Tour - $400.00 Combine most of the memorable sites in one day in Bethlehem. Hear the Biblical Narrative from the locals, walk around the magnificent old city of Bethlehem, taste the local food, learn about the history of Palestine. Take a walk in the open air gallery where many artists comes from all over the world to draw graffiti on the separation wall and visit The Walled Off Hotel (Banksy hotel and museum). Drink tea or coffee with Palestinian refugees in Aida refugee camp. |
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