Nablus

نابلس

The largest city in Samaria, Nablus is an ancient commercial hub famous for its Old City with narrow souks, soap factories, and culinary traditions. It's a vital center of Palestinian culture and offers authentic markets, traditional sweets, and historical Ottoman architecture.

Things to do

• Old City Souk Exploration — Wander through the maze of narrow covered markets selling spices, textiles, and traditional crafts in the heart of Nablus's historic center.
• Al-Sabun Soap Museum — Visit one of the few remaining traditional olive oil soap factories to see the centuries-old production methods and purchase authentic Palestinian soap.
• Tomb of Joseph — Tour this sacred site revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, located on the outskirts of the city in a historically significant location.
• An-Nasr Mosque — Admire the Ottoman-era architecture and intricate stone work of this prominent mosque in the Old City.
• Mount Gerizim Visit — Ascend to this sacred mountain overlooking Nablus to visit the Samaritan temple site and enjoy panoramic views of the Samarian region.

Food to try

• Maklouba — A fragrant upside-down rice dish layered with eggplant, tomatoes, and chicken or lamb, then flipped onto a platter and served with yogurt.
• Kunafa — Nablus's signature dessert made of shredded pastry soaked in sweet syrup and cheese, baked until golden, and eaten warm.
• Mussakhan — Thin bread topped with sumac-seasoned chicken, caramelized onions, and pine nuts, a beloved Palestinian specialty.
• Knafeh with Kashta — A variant of kunafa featuring creamy kashta (clotted cream) between layers of crispy pastry, characteristic of Nablus street food culture.
• Falafel and Hummus — Fresh, crispy falafel made from chickpeas and served with creamy hummus at the numerous souk vendors throughout the Old City.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully — Visitors should wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting mosques and religious sites.
• Greet with Arabic Hospitality — Learning basic Arabic phrases like 'As-salamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) is appreciated and opens doors to genuine local interactions.
• Haggling is Expected — In the souks, negotiating prices with vendors is a normal part of the shopping experience and often appreciated as part of market culture.
• Avoid Photography Without Permission — Always ask before photographing people, particularly in the souks and residential areas, as some residents prefer privacy.