The Palestinian Authority administers most of the West Bank, a landlocked territory between Israel and Jordan that holds some of the oldest and most layered cities in the world. For travellers willing to navigate the logistics — Israeli-controlled checkpoints, variable road access, and an uncertain security situation — this is a remarkably rewarding destination. The history is deep, the hospitality is genuine, and the food is excellent.
The main population centres are Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital; Nablus, the commercial heart of the northern West Bank, famous for its old-city souq, knafeh pastry, and olive oil soap; Jenin in the fertile north, with its old Crusader church at Burqin; Jericho, the lowest city on earth and one of the oldest, with its Neolithic tower and Umayyad palace; Bethlehem, 10 km south of Jerusalem, drawing Christian pilgrims to the Church of the Nativity; and Hebron, one of the most politically charged cities in the region, home to the Cave of the Patriarchs. The Gaza Strip, technically separate from the West Bank Authority, lies on the Mediterranean coast; independent travel there is not currently feasible.
Most travellers enter via Israel — through Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, or overland from Jordan via the Allenby Bridge crossing. A car or regular service taxis (sheruts) are the most practical way to move between Palestinian towns. Israeli rental cars are not permitted to enter Palestinian-controlled areas, so you'll either need to hire a Palestinian car and driver or use public transport. Jerusalem, from which most of these cities are accessible as day trips, makes a practical base.
