Visiting the Church of the Nativity: A Complete Bethlehem Guide

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and home to the ancient Church of the Nativity, is one of Christianity’s most cherished destinations. This complete guide brings together our articles on the church, the pilgrim experience and where to stay, and sets out the practical basics for planning a visit to this West Bank town just south of Jerusalem.

In This Series

Who Comes Here

Christian pilgrims of every tradition come to pray at the Grotto of the Nativity, the cave revered as the birthplace of Jesus. Many combine Bethlehem with Jerusalem as part of a wider Holy Land pilgrimage, and the town draws its greatest crowds at Christmas.

When to Visit

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Christmas – celebrated in late December by Western churches and in early January by many Eastern ones – is the most atmospheric but busiest and most expensive time. For quiet prayer, an ordinary weekday morning at the church is ideal.

Getting There

Bethlehem lies about ten kilometres south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank. Most visitors travel from Jerusalem by bus or taxi and cross at a checkpoint; bring your passport, allow extra time, and check current travel and entry advice before you go. Within Bethlehem, the church, Manger Square and old town are easily explored on foot.