Jericho

أريحا

The world's oldest continuously inhabited city and lowest city on Earth, famous for its biblical walls and ancient archaeological sites. Known for its lush oasis setting, Mount of Temptation, and the Hisham Palace with stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Things to do

• Climb Mount of Temptation — Ascend to the Greek Orthodox monastery perched on a cliff overlooking Jericho, offering panoramic views and religious significance tied to Jesus's temptation.
• Explore Hisham's Palace — Wander through the 8th-century Umayyad palace ruins famous for exquisite Byzantine mosaics, carved stonework, and one of the largest decorative wheels in Islamic art.
• Visit the Ancient Walls of Jericho — See the archaeological site of Tell es-Sultan, where some of the world's oldest defensive walls stand, dating back to 9000 BCE and connected to biblical accounts.
• Float in the Dead Sea — Experience the world's lowest and most mineral-rich body of water just 30 kilometers away, where the extreme salinity allows you to effortlessly float.
• Stroll Through the Old City Souk — Wander the bustling marketplace in downtown Jericho selling fresh produce, spices, traditional textiles, and Palestinian handicrafts.
• Tour the Jericho Cypress Trees — Visit the ancient sycamore and cypress groves that have grown in Jericho's oasis for millennia, some believed to be thousands of years old.

Food to try

• Falafel — Crispy chickpea fritters seasoned with cumin and herbs, typically served with tahini sauce and eaten as a street food or in pita bread throughout Jericho.
• Musakhan — Palestinian signature dish of roasted chicken marinated in sumac, olive oil, and onions, served on crispy flatbread—a specialty in the West Bank region.
• Fresh Dates — Jericho's famous sweet dates from its oasis date palms, eaten fresh or stuffed with nuts, sold at local markets and considered the finest in the region.
• Hummus — Creamy chickpea paste blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic, often topped with olive oil and pine nuts, a daily staple in Palestinian cuisine.
• Mansaf — Traditional lamb or goat stew cooked in yogurt sauce and served over rice, eaten communally and especially popular for family meals and celebrations.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Religious Sites — Dress modestly when visiting the Mount of Temptation monastery and other religious locations, and remove shoes when entering prayer areas.
• Learn About Palestinian History — Jericho is deeply significant to Palestinian identity and culture; local guides and museum staff are eager to share the city's long history and current context.
• Embrace Slow Hospitality — Palestinians take time with guests—accept offered tea or coffee graciously, as refusing can be seen as impolite; conversation and relationship-building are valued.
• Check Security Status — Visit during daylight hours and check current travel advisories, as Jericho's proximity to Israeli settlements means conditions can change; hire local guides for safety and insight.