Bethlehem is one of the most visited places in the Palestinian territories, drawing pilgrims and tourists who come to see the Church of the Nativity — built over the traditional site of Jesus's birth and one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The church, with its fourth-century mosaics and the silver star marking the spot in the grotto below, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the Nativity Church, the town has the Milk Grotto Chapel, the Shepherd's Field, and a lively old market along Star Street in the centre. Manger Square, the main plaza in front of the church, is the focal point. Banksy's Walled Off Hotel — a hotel, gallery, and political statement facing the separation wall — has become a major draw in its own right, as has the street art on the wall itself. The Aida Refugee Camp at the northern edge of town offers community tours that put the city's situation in broader context.
Bethlehem lies just 10 km south of Jerusalem and is an easy day trip, though crossing the checkpoint at the separation wall can involve queues. It can also be visited from Hebron to the south.