Beit Sahour

Beit Sahour, meaning "house of the night watch" in Arabic, is a Palestinian town east of Bethlehem with deep biblical resonance as the site of the Shepherds' Field, where angels are said to have announced the birth of Jesus. The town has a large Christian population and a distinctly tranquil character, with stone houses climbing the slopes of the Judean hills. Its economy has traditionally revolved around olive cultivation, small-scale agriculture, and pilgrimage tourism. The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers (June–August) and cool, rainy winters (December–February). Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the town and its surroundings. Beit Sahour is compact and centres on the main square, but its sights are spread across several low hills.

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is 55 km northwest. A taxi costs ₪300–400 (US$80–110) and takes 50–70 minutes depending on checkpoint queues. Shared sheruts from Jerusalem's Damascus Gate cost ₪15 and drop you at Bethlehem's Bab Al-Asbat junction, from which a short taxi ride (₪15) reaches Beit Sahour.

By Car / Road

From Jerusalem, take Route 60 south through the Bethlehem checkpoint, continue past Bethlehem town centre, and turn east at the Beit Sahour junction — about 20 minutes in light traffic. From Hebron, it's roughly 30 minutes north on the same road. Palestinian shared taxis (serveece) run frequently between Bethlehem and Beit Sahour (₪3).

Beit Sahour is walkable between the main square, the Shepherds' Field, and the old town. Taxis from the main square cost ₪10–20 for trips within town. For exploring the broader Bethlehem area, shared taxis and buses are plentiful. A rental car is useful for visiting the surrounding monasteries but is not essential.

• Shepherds' Field (Greek Orthodox) — Also known as Kanisat Al-Ruwat, this site marks the spot where the angel appeared to shepherds. The cave-church and the bell tower offer panoramic views. Free entry; donations welcome. Daily 08:00–17:00.

• Shepherds' Field (Catholic) — The Franciscan site, designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi as a church shaped like a shepherd's tent. The adjoining museum displays ancient artefacts. Free. Daily 08:00–17:00.

• Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Theodosius (Deir Dosi) — A striking monastery carved into a cliffside in the Judean Desert, 6 km east of Beit Sahour. The cave where the Three Wise Men are said to have stayed overnight is part of the complex. Free.

• Monastery of St. Saba — A spectacular active monastery clinging to a gorge in the Kidron Valley, 8 km east. One of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world. Male visitors only; limited visiting hours (typically 08:00–12:00).

• Pilgrim tour of the Shepherds' Field — A guided visit to both the Greek Orthodox and Catholic sites, with historical and biblical context. Allow 1–2 hours.

• Hiking in the Judean Desert — The Monastery of St. Saba trail starts from the Beit Sahour outskirts and descends into the Kidron Valley. A rugged but rewarding half-day hike.

• Olive-harvest experience (October–November) — Several local farms welcome visitors to participate in the olive harvest, learn pressing techniques, and taste the new-season oil.

• Christmas Eve celebrations — Beit Sahour's churches hold vibrant midnight services, with processions, carols, and bonfires drawing pilgrims from around the world.

• Shepherds' Valley Restaurant — A rooftop restaurant near the Catholic Shepherds' Field serving Palestinian meze and grilled meats. Meze platter ₪45–60, mains ₪50–80.
• Afteem Restaurant — A Bethlehem favourite, known for its oven-baked falafel and hummus, a 10-minute walk from Beit Sahour centre. Falafel sandwich ₪8.
• Beit Sahour Family Restaurant — A simple, no-frills eatery in the main square serving mansaf (lamb in fermented yoghurt) and other Palestinian staples. Mains ₪35–50.
• Dar Al-Kalima Restaurant — Located at the university campus, a clean option serving pizza, pasta, and salads. Mains ₪25–45.

Fresh lemonade with mint (limonana) is the most popular non-alcoholic drink in Beit Sahour — widely available at cafés for ₪5–8. Taybeh beer and Cremisan wine can be found at some restaurants. The town is predominantly Christian, so a few places serve alcohol. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is ₪2–3.

• Budget: Shepherds' Field Hostel (near the Catholic Shepherds' Field) offers dorm beds from ₪60/night.
• Mid-range: Beit Sahour Hotel & Restaurant — A family-run hotel on the main square with clean rooms and a rooftop terrace. Doubles from ₪200/night including breakfast.
• Upscale / heritage: St. Gabriel's Suites — Self-catering apartments in a restored stone building. Doubles from ₪350/night.

Olive oil from local presses is a prized purchase (bottles from ₪30). Hand-carved olive-wood nativity scenes and crosses are sold at stalls near the Shepherds' Field. The main square has small shops selling Palestinian embroidery, keffiyehs, and ceramics. For a wider selection, Bethlehem's Manger Street is a 10-minute taxi ride away. Bargaining is expected at souvenir stalls but not at monasteries.

• Bethlehem (2 km, 10 min) — The Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and the Palestinian Heritage Centre.
• Jericho (20 km, 25 min east via Route 1) — The oldest city on earth, with Tell es-Sultan, Hisham's Palace, and the Mount of Temptation.
• Monastery of St. Saba (8 km, 15 min east) — An ancient cliffside monastery in the Kidron Valley.
• Herodium (5 km, 10 min south) — The fortress-palace of Herod the Great, with spectacular desert views.
• Jerusalem (12 km, 25 min via checkpoint) — The Old City and its religious sites.