Palestinian culture is rich and diverse, shaped by thousands of years of history in the Holy Land and the experiences of a people with deep connections to their ancestral lands. Despite challenging circumstances, Palestinians have maintained vibrant traditions in art, music, literature, cuisine, and handicrafts.

Key elements of Palestinian culture include:

• Traditional arts: Embroidery (tatreez) is perhaps the most recognized Palestinian art form, with distinctive regional patterns and colors adorning dresses, pillows, and wall hangings. Each village traditionally had its own motifs, with designs passed down through generations. Other crafts include pottery, glassblowing (especially in Hebron), olive wood carving, mother-of-pearl inlay work, and soap making.
• Music and dance: The dabke, a traditional line dance performed at celebrations, remains central to Palestinian cultural expression. Folk music features instruments like the oud (lute), tabla (drum), mijwiz (reed pipe), and kanun (zither). Contemporary Palestinian musicians often blend traditional sounds with modern influences, while maintaining lyrics that reflect Palestinian experiences and aspirations.
• Literature and poetry: Poetry holds special significance in Palestinian culture, with renowned poets like Mahmoud Darwish, Fadwa Tuqan, and Tawfiq Zayyad using verse to express both personal and collective experiences. Palestinian literature spans ancient folk tales to contemporary novels that have gained international recognition.
• Religious diversity: While predominantly Muslim (mostly Sunni), Palestinian society includes significant Christian communities (Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and other denominations) that have maintained continuous presence since Christianity's earliest days. The region also holds historical significance for Judaism. Religious festivals and holidays are important cultural events, with Jerusalem holding special significance for all three Abrahamic faiths.

Family plays a central role in Palestinian society, with extended family ties creating strong support networks. Traditional values emphasize hospitality (diyafa), respect for elders, and community solidarity. These values have helped preserve Palestinian identity through challenging circumstances.

Palestinian cuisine is a flavorful part of Levantine culinary traditions:

• Mezzeh: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, including hummus (chickpea dip), muttabal (eggplant dip), tabbouleh (parsley and bulgur salad), and stuffed grape leaves
• Maqluba: A "upside-down" dish of rice, vegetables, and meat that is flipped over when served
• Musakhan: Roasted chicken with sumac, onions, and olive oil served over taboon bread
• Knafeh: A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, with Nablus being especially famous for its version
• Za'atar and olive oil: A simple but essential combination, often eaten with fresh bread

Olive trees hold both economic and symbolic significance in Palestinian culture. Some olive groves are hundreds or even thousands of years old, and the annual olive harvest is an important cultural and agricultural event that brings families and communities together.

Despite challenging circumstances, Palestinian territories offer remarkable historical, religious, and cultural sites. The region has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, with layers of history visible in ancient ruins, religious monuments, and traditional towns.

Here are some of the most significant sites in the Palestinian territories:

Church of the Nativity: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Bethlehem, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Built over a cave venerated as the exact location of Jesus's birth, the church dates to the 4th century CE with later additions. Its entrance, the Door of Humility, requires visitors to bow as they enter, symbolizing humility before a holy place.

Old City of Jerusalem: Contains sites of immense religious significance, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock (Islam's third holiest site), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (marking the site of Jesus's crucifixion and tomb), and the Western Wall (Judaism's holiest prayer site). The Old City's status remains politically sensitive, but it remains accessible to tourists under varying conditions.

Hisham's Palace: Located in Jericho, the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, this 8th-century Umayyad palace complex features remarkable mosaics, including the famous "Tree of Life" mosaic. The site showcases early Islamic art and architecture in an archaeological complex sometimes called the "Pompeii of Palestine."

Sebastia Archaeological Site: Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, this site features ruins from multiple civilizations including Israelite, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. The hilltop location offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the partially restored Roman-era forum, theater, and colonnaded street provide glimpses of the site's former grandeur.

Mar Saba Monastery: One of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world, dramatically built into the cliffs of the Kidron Valley. Founded in the 5th century, this Greek Orthodox monastery maintains many ancient traditions, including a restriction on female visitors (who can view it only from a nearby hill). The stark desert setting enhances its otherworldly atmosphere.

Other significant sites include the ancient terraced farming settlements and irrigation systems of Battir (a UNESCO World Heritage site); Hebron's Old City with the Tomb of the Patriarchs/Ibrahimi Mosque; the vibrant markets and Turkish baths of Nablus; and beautiful hiking trails in the Wadi Qelt canyon between Jerusalem and Jericho.

Transportation in the Palestinian territories can be complex due to political factors, checkpoints, and varying access restrictions. However, with proper planning, visitors can navigate the region to experience its historical and cultural sites.

• Shared taxis (service/sherut): The backbone of Palestinian public transportation, these shared Mercedes vans run set routes between cities and towns, departing when full. They're affordable, relatively comfortable, and the most common way locals travel between population centers. Main taxi stations are typically located in the center of towns and cities.
• Private taxis: Available in all major towns and cities, these offer more flexibility than shared taxis but at a higher cost. Always agree on a price before departing if meters aren't used. In tourist areas like Bethlehem and East Jerusalem, many taxi drivers speak English and can serve as informal guides.
• Buses: Public buses operate within and between major cities in the West Bank. They're very affordable but may have limited schedules and less comfort than shared taxis. In East Jerusalem, the Arab bus system operates routes to Palestinian neighborhoods and some West Bank destinations.
• Car rental: Possible in the West Bank, though navigation can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the region's road network and checkpoint system. Cars with Palestinian license plates have restrictions on where they can travel, while Israeli-plated vehicles face other limitations.
• Organized tours: Perhaps the most straightforward option for visitors, guided tours handle transportation logistics and provide historical and cultural context. Many tour operators specialize in pilgrimages to religious sites, while others focus on cultural or political education.

Checkpoint considerations: Movement between Israeli-controlled areas and Palestinian territories, as well as within the West Bank itself, often involves passing through checkpoints. These can range from quick inspections to more thorough security checks:

• Always carry your passport and any relevant permits
• Be prepared for potential delays at checkpoints, especially during periods of tension
• Follow instructions from security personnel calmly and clearly
• Build extra time into travel plans to account for checkpoint crossings

Travel between regions: The Palestinian territories are geographically separated into different areas:

• Between the West Bank and Jerusalem: Several checkpoints connect East Jerusalem with the West Bank, with the main ones being Qalandia (northern route) and Checkpoint 300/Rachel's Tomb (Bethlehem route).
• Between the West Bank and Jordan: The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge is the main border crossing, though foreigners may also use the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein crossing farther north or the Arava/Wadi Araba crossing in the south.
• Travel to Gaza: Entry to Gaza is heavily restricted and rarely permitted for tourists. In the current situation, tourism to Gaza is effectively suspended.

Palestine does not currently operate functional international airports. The Gaza International Airport, which opened in 1998, was closed and subsequently damaged in 2001, while plans for an airport in the West Bank have not materialized due to political circumstances.

Travelers to the Palestinian territories typically arrive via one of these regional airports:

• Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV): Located near Tel Aviv, Israel, this is the most common entry point for visitors to the Palestinian territories. From here, travelers can take taxis, shared shuttles, or public transportation to Jerusalem, and then continue to destinations in the West Bank like Bethlehem or Ramallah.
• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): Located near Amman, Jordan, this serves as an alternative entry point, particularly for those who may face difficulties entering through Israeli-controlled borders. From Amman, travelers can reach the West Bank via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing, which connects Jordan directly to the West Bank.
• Ramon Airport (ETM): Located near Eilat in southern Israel, this newer airport sometimes serves as an entry point for visitors heading to the southern West Bank, though it handles fewer international flights than Ben Gurion.

Important considerations when planning air travel:

• Security interviews: Travelers arriving at or departing from Israeli airports often undergo additional security interviews. It's advisable to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights.
• Entry stamps: Israel no longer stamps passports at airports but provides a separate entry card. However, land border crossings may still stamp passports, which could create issues for future travel to certain countries that restrict entry to those with evidence of travel to Israel.
• Transit to Palestinian territories: From Ben Gurion Airport, the most direct route to the West Bank is often via Jerusalem. Public bus #485 connects the airport to Jerusalem, or taxis and shared shuttles are available (though more expensive).
• Entry via Jordan: For those entering via Jordan, note that the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing does not provide visa services, so visas should be arranged in advance if needed.

Future airports: Proposals exist for rebuilding Gaza International Airport and developing a new airport in the West Bank, but these plans remain contingent on political developments and peace agreements.

Entry to the Palestinian territories is complex because access is controlled by Israeli authorities or, in some cases, Jordanian authorities (for entry to the West Bank via Jordan). The Palestinian Authority does not have independent control over its borders, which creates a unique entry situation for international visitors.

Entry Requirements

Travelers must consider how they plan to enter the Palestinian territories:

Entry Point	Required Documents	Notes
Via Israel (airport or land crossings)	Israeli entry permission (stamp or entry card)	Most common route for tourists, especially to the West Bank
Via Jordan to West Bank (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge)	Jordanian visa (if staying in Jordan) + Israeli entry permission	Allows direct access to the West Bank without going through Israeli territory
Gaza Strip	Special permits (rarely granted to tourists)	Currently not accessible for general tourism

Israeli entry requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and others, can receive a 3-month tourist visa upon arrival. However, entry is at the discretion of border authorities, who may ask questions about your travel plans, including any intention to visit Palestinian territories.

Important considerations:

• Purpose of visit: While tourism to major Palestinian sites like Bethlehem is routine, those planning extended stays, work with Palestinian organizations, or activism-related activities may face additional scrutiny.
• Entry refusal: Israel can refuse entry without specifying reasons. Having evidence of accommodation bookings, return tickets, and a clear itinerary can help demonstrate tourist intent.
• Palestinian diaspora visitors: Those of Palestinian descent may face different entry procedures, particularly if they have a Palestinian ID number or were born in the territories, even if they now hold foreign citizenship.
• Passport stamps: As mentioned earlier, entry via Israel no longer results in passport stamps at airports, but land borders may still stamp passports, which could affect future travel to certain countries.

Travel Considerations

• Safety: Conditions can change quickly. Register with your country's embassy or consulate and stay informed through their travel advisories. The situation varies significantly between different areas.
• Cultural respect: The Palestinian territories include many religious and culturally significant sites. Dress modestly when visiting religious places (covering shoulders and knees). During Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
• Photography: Avoid photographing military installations, checkpoints, or security personnel without permission. Some religious sites also restrict photography.
• Communication: Arabic is the primary language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by many Palestinians with higher education. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases is appreciated.
• Money: ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and markets. The Israeli Shekel (₪) is the primary currency in day-to-day transactions.

Best time to visit: The climate varies by region, with Jerusalem and the highland areas of the West Bank experiencing cooler temperatures than coastal or Jordan Valley areas:

• Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): Generally the most pleasant seasons with moderate temperatures and less tourism than the peak summer months
• Summer (June-August): Hot and dry, particularly in lower elevations like Jericho. Jerusalem and higher elevations are more comfortable
• Winter (December-February): Cool and potentially rainy, with occasional snow in Jerusalem and higher elevations. Christmas season brings many pilgrims to Bethlehem

Religious holidays: Consider timing your visit around significant religious events for a cultural experience, but be aware that these periods also bring increased visitors and potential restrictions:

• Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem (December 24-25 and January 6-7 for Orthodox Christmas)
• Easter in Jerusalem (dates vary, with both Western and Orthodox calendars observed)
• Ramadan (dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar)