Ramallah
PalestineBSh
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
للوطن فلسطين | For Palestine, the homeland
Why visit
Ramallah is essential for anyone seeking to understand the Palestinian experience. Visit the Yasser Arafat Mausoleum and Museum at the Muqata'a. Explore the Palestinian Museum at Birzeit (one of the Arab world's best contemporary museums). Wander downtown's Manara Square at sunset when residents converge to drink coffee. The Khalil Sakakini Cultural center hosts art exhibitions and concerts. Day trip to the Jerusalem viewpoint at Ein Qenya, the ancient olive groves of Battir, and the limestone hills around the village of Bir Zeit. The food scene, maqluba, musakhan, knafeh, is exceptional.
When to avoid
The Israeli to Palestinian conflict is ongoing and the security situation can shift rapidly, check the U.S., UK, and Canadian travel advisories before any West Bank trip. The Qalandia checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah can have hours-long delays and can close without notice. Don't drive a rental car with Israeli plates into Palestinian areas. Photograph IDF soldiers or settler infrastructure with great caution. Friday demonstrations near the separation barrier can turn violent. Do not enter Israeli settlements without a guide.
