The people of Palestine are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture, and visitors are often greeted with open arms. Palestinians are known for their generosity, kindness, and willingness to help …
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Backpacking Palestine in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Palestine with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Palestine
Embark on a culturally rich journey in Palestine, where history, resilience, and warm hospitality define the experience. Pros? Immerse yourself in ancient cities, discover vibrant markets, and engage with the local communities. Palestine offers a unique blend of history and authenticity. However, political tensions may impact travel plans, and certain areas require careful consideration for safety. For the culturally curious backpacker, Palestine provides a chance to witness a living history, where each cobblestone tells a story, making it a distinctive and thought-provoking destination for those seeking a meaningful travel experience.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Palestine
People
Uniqueness
Exploring Palestine is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Unlike many popular tourist destinations, Palestine offers a more authentic and immersive experience for …
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Architecture
Palestine is home to a number of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the iconic Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, a significant Islamic shrine with a stunning gold dome and intricate mosaics. The city of Jericho boasts the ancient …
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Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Palestine can vary depending on various factors such as the duration of stay, accommodation choices, food preferences, and transportation options. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Palestine
- Visit the Old City of Jerusalem: Explore the historical and religious significance of this ancient city, home to sacred sites such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Discover Bethlehem: Visit the birthplace of Jesus and explore the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Milk Grotto, believed to have miraculous powers for fertility.
- Explore the Dead Sea: Float effortlessly in the world’s saltiest body of water and indulge in the mineral-rich mud, known for its therapeutic properties.
- Visit Hebron: Explore the ancient city and visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a holy site for both Jews and Muslims, and experience the vibrant market and traditional Palestinian hospitality.
- Discover the vibrant city of Ramallah: Experience the lively atmosphere of the political and cultural hub of Palestine, visit the bustling markets, and explore the vibrant art scene and local cuisine.
But Palestine offers more...
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Palestine
Traveled route: Jeruzalem, Betlehem, Hebron, Ramalah
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Palestine
The best time to visit Palestine for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country. Additionally, the landscapes are lush and green, adding to the beauty of the region. It is important to note that summer can be hot, with temperatures reaching high levels, while winter can be quite cold and rainy, which may limit outdoor activities.
Risk level: high (88%)Safety advice for Palestine
- There’s an ongoing threat of missile and rocket attacks in Israel. Israeli authorities have issued updated advice to communities in northern Israel about limiting movement and staying close to bomb shelters. We continue to advise do not travel to Israeli border areas with Lebanon.
- In an attack or other armed conflict, you should follow the advice of local authorities. See our general advice on protecting your safety: There’s an armed conflict, and monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). Make sure you have enough essential supplies.
- Our overall travel advice level for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories remains at reconsider your need to travel, with higher levels applied to some areas. You should also consider whether you need to remain in country, and if not, you should depart when it's safe to do so.
- Do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem), due to the volatile security situation.
- There continues to be a high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region. Military attacks may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time. Australians who want to leave are encouraged to take the first available option.
- GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Israel, disrupting navigational apps.
- Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice.
- If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories you should register on DFAT's registration portal. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important updates.
- Israel has a naval blockade in place along the coast of Gaza. Don't join others seeking to break the blockade. Previous attempts to break the blockade have resulted in death, injury, arrest or deportation of foreigners (see 'Full advice').
- Since 7 October, Israeli Defense Forces have been conducting major operations, including in and around Gaza and areas near the northern border with Lebanon.
- Israel is a target for terrorism, rocket and drone attacks and military confrontation. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Always be alert. Have an exit plan. There are tensions and security risks close to Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. There are ongoing threats of rocket and drone attacks and military activity. Authorities are monitoring security on Israel’s northern border.
- Due to the current security situation and the risk of it deteriorating further, the Australian Embassy has temporarily suspended all non-essential in-country travel outside Tel Aviv for Australian officials and their families posted to Israel. Dependants of Australian officials continue to have the option of voluntary departure to return to Australia.
- Security in the West Bank is unpredictable. This includes Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah. Tensions are high. Violence occurs. Take care around West Bank checkpoints. If you're in the West Bank during military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors and away from windows. Take care when visiting the Old City in Jerusalem. Transportation and other services could be affected. Be alert to your surroundings and have an exit plan. Monitor media for the latest updates.
- Our ability to provide consular help in Gaza is extremely limited. If you're in Gaza, be aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans. Monitor local media (including social media), UN alerts, and your own organisation's security contacts for information about changing security conditions and alerts to seek shelter. If it's possible to leave, carefully consider the safest means.
- The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current Gaza conflict.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
PalestineMy tips to get you on the way!Does Palestine sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Palestine. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Palestine may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Palestine. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Palestine may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Palestine, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Palestine, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024
Help othersDo you like this info about Palestine?
Do you like this info about Palestine, please share it with a fellow-backpacker. Did you spot a mistake, or you have any tip for improving, please let me know!