Jericho

أريحا

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the lowest city on Earth at 258 meters below sea level. It offers ancient archaeological sites, the Mount of Temptation monastery, and lush oasis gardens.

Things to do

• Mount of Temptation Monastery — Explore this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery perched on a cliff overlooking Jericho, traditionally believed to be where Jesus was tempted, accessible by cable car or hiking trail.
• Tel es-Sultan Archaeological Site — Visit the excavated remains of ancient Jericho, one of the world's oldest settlements dating back 11,000 years, featuring the famous tower and walls.
• Hisham's Palace — Wander through the ruins of this 8th-century Umayyad winter palace just outside Jericho, known for its intricate mosaics and architectural grandeur.
• Al-Aqsa Mosque at Jericho — Visit this historic mosque believed to be built on the site where Prophet Muhammad tied his horse, located in the Old City of Jericho.
• Jericho Oasis Gardens — Stroll through lush date palm groves and banana plantations that have flourished in Jericho's natural springs for millennia.
• Dead Sea Overlook — Drive to nearby vantage points to view the Dead Sea and the lowest elevation on Earth at 1,410 feet below sea level.

Food to try

• Jericho Dates — Sample the region's prized dates, particularly the Majool variety, which have been cultivated here for centuries and are considered among the finest in the world.
• Musakhan — Enjoy Palestinian roasted chicken marinated in sumac and served on flatbread with caramelized onions, a beloved Palestinian dish especially popular in the Jordan Valley.
• Falafel and Hummus — Try authentic freshly-fried falafel and creamy hummus made from local chickpeas, staple foods served throughout Jericho's markets and restaurants.
• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma) — Taste grape leaves picked from local vineyards and rolled with rice, herbs, and spices, then steamed or boiled, a traditional Palestinian specialty.
• Fresh Citrus Juices — Drink freshly squeezed orange, lemon, or pomegranate juice from Jericho's abundant local fruit harvest at juice stands throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — Wear conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting religious sites like mosques and monasteries out of respect for local customs.
• Greet with Arabic Courtesies — Learning basic Arabic phrases like 'As-salamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) and 'Shukran' (thank you) is appreciated and opens doors to warmer local interactions.
• Respect Prayer Times — Be aware that many businesses and attractions may close or have reduced hours during the five daily Islamic prayer times, especially Friday midday prayers.
• Negotiate in Souks — Haggling is expected and part of the social experience when shopping in Jericho's markets; it is not considered rude but rather an engaging tradition.

Nearby

• Zarqa River — 5 km
• Abu Dis — 5 km
• Bethlehem (West Bank) — 5 km
• Church of the Nativity (West Bank) — 5 km