East Jerusalem is regarded as the capital of the Palestinian territories, although the administrative centre is located in the city of Ramallah. The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn.
Summer in the Palestinian territories is usually from April to early October and winter from December to Mid-March, Spring and Autumn usually bleed into these main seasons.
The culture in the Palestinian territories is influenced by many diverse cultures and religions which have existed in historic Palestine, from the early Canaanite period. Olives have been a central part of Palestinian life, culture, and tradition with over 45% of land in the country dedicated to olive trees, it is highly revered and treasured aspect of Palestine’s identity.
The Palestinian culture consists of food, dance, legends, oral history, proverbs, jokes, popular beliefs, and customs.
Religion in Palestinian territories is comprises of mainly Islamic and Christian religious practices.
The major language spoken in Palestinian territories is by the majority of the population is Arabic and Hebrew, and the major foreign language are English and French.
There are 3 airports in the Palestinian territories, all of which are currently closed. Other means of transportation include taxis which are widely available and well known around the cities with negotiable prizes, service taxis, car rentals. Palestinian roads are not made for Cycling, there are no active trains systems in the country.
The Palestinian territories is home to several spectacular festivals and events some of which are ; the Birzeit Heritage Week - during the summer month of July, it is held in old city of Birzeit and features unique music, dance, cuisine, film, and theatrical heritage; Palestine International Festival - held during the month of July in different cities of the territories like Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nazareth and it features Palestinian cultural displays, dance and music groups from all over the Mediterranean; Taybeh Oktoberfest - held on the 6th and 7th of October in the small village of Taybeh, and feature bustling bastion of beer-swilling tourists; Jerusalem Music Festival - it is held on October in Jerusalem and features Arts, folklore, dance, theatre, and cuisine from the region; also religious festivals like Ramadan and Christmas are celebrated.
Palestinian territories is home to over 500 attractions and landscapes that brings tourists from around the world here every year. Some of these attractions includes:
- Dead Sea, Jordan Rift Valley - Located between Jordan and Israel, the dead sea is a real beauty to behold. It is extremely salty water but also surprisingly clear and people tend to float and drift on the water when swimming. It features any resorts and accommodations on the Israeli side and on both portions of the dead sea.
- Mar Saba, West Bank - Also known as the Holy Lavra of St.Sabbas the Sanctified, it is one of the oldest still-inhabited monasteries in the world. The main premises can only be assessed by men and it offers a great view into the history of the Palestinian people.
- The Hanging Gardens of Haifa, Haifa - Located in Haifa, it is also known as the Terraces of the Baha’i Faith. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is impeccably maintained, which allows it to continuously draw awe-stricken visitors from all around the world, it is also known to be one of the holiest sites of the Baha’i religion, and it offers an unparalleled view of the city and its coast.
- Lower Galilee, Northern Israel - Located close to the sea of Galilee, and it features rolling hills, lush forests, and vast farmlands. It offers two famous trails; the Israeli national trail for hikers; and the Jesus trail, a walking path which connects the various biblical towns together.
- Old City, Jerusalem - Known to be one of the oldest cities in the world and also a home of three major religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at East Jerusalem, and hosts various religiously significant sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall.
There are over 1000 hotels and accommodations in the Palestinian territories. Palestine is known for some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the world, blooming mostly in April and May. These include irises, jonquils, wild poppies, and other vibrant species of flowers which paint the colorful hillsides during a short spring season.
