You can visit Bethlehem and all of the original Banksy artworks located there without taking a tour. I felt very safe navigating Palestine without a guide and enjoyed going at my own pace. In total the day trip cost me under £10.
Read more: Highlights of Israel and Palestine itinerary
How to Get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem
Catch the 231 bus from outside Damascus Gate, Jerusalem. The bus station is large so you can’t miss it, the bus costs 6.80 ILS (£1.44) and it leaves every 20 minutes. Remember to bring your passport which will be checked when you return to Israel. It took 30 minutes to arrive in Bethlehem.
Exact locations of all the Banksy Artwork in Bethlehem with maps
When you arrive at the bus stop you will be inundated with taxis offering to take you to all the Banksy sites for an exorbitant amount. Taking a taxi is not necessary, especially for the first 4 stops. Also keep in mind that if at any point you cannot find the artwork, the locals were extremely helpful and pointed me in the right direction.
231 Bus Stop to Girl Frisking Soldier – 8-minute walk
Google Map directions: Enter ‘Bab El-Zakak/Beit Jala Road’ (the Bus Stop) to ‘Bethlehem Museum, Hebron Rd, Jerusalem’
Co-ordinates: 31°42’57.8″N+35°12’05.7″E
When you arrive at this location you will see Saint Michael Hotel (which isn’t on Google Maps yet). Next to the hotel is an enclosed white shop, inside you will find ‘Girl Frisking Soldier.’ There is signage outside pointing it out. On the day I was there the shop was unexpectedly closed (I confirmed with the neighboring hotel). This was a shame but I haven’t heard of this happening to anyone else so I was probably just unlucky!
Girl Frisking Soldier to Armoured Dove – 4 minute walk
Google Map directions: ‘Bethlehem Museum, Hebron Rd, Jerusalem’ to ‘Palestinian Heritage Center, Manger St’
The Armoured Dove is huge, as soon as you turn the corner it’s impossible to miss.
Armoured Dove to The Walled Off Hotel – 3-minute walk
Google Map directions: ‘Palestinian Heritage Center, Manger St’ to ‘The Walled Off Hotel, Caritas Street 182, بيت لحم’
It’s free to enter the Walled Off Hotel and view the art installations and galleries inside.
Walled Off Hotel to Church of Nativity – 25 minutes
The Church of Nativity is not a Banksy stop but as it’s on the way to the next artwork you might as well pop in. It’s free entry and has huge significance for Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, you will see many visitors getting very emotional.
Google Map directions: ‘The Walled Off Hotel, Caritas Street 182, بيت لحم’ to ‘Church of Nativity, Bethlehem’
This is the longest walk of the day but it was still very easy. There are some lovely streets as you get closer to the Chruch of Nativity (shown below) that you may like to explore.
Church of Nativity to Angel Sprinkling Hearts – 11-minute walk
Google Map directions: ‘Church of Nativity, Bethlehem’ to ‘Ararat Hotel, 153 Beit Sahour Road, Bethlehem’
Banksy has never confirmed that this is his artwork but it is still a very popular stop. As it’s on the way to Flower Thrower I thought I might as well make the stop. Be prepared, it’s very small and kind of underwhelming. It’s across the street from Ararat Hotel but I had trouble spotting it. One of the shopkeepers quickly pointed it out to me.
Angel Sprinkling Hearts to Rage, Flower Thrower – 13 minutes
Google Map directions: ‘Ararat Hotel, 153 Beit Sahour Road, Bethlehem’ to ‘Shepherd’s Field Apartments, Bayt Sahur – Y.M.C.A Main Street’
Co-ordinates: 31°42’15.1″N 35°13’41.9″E
When you arrive at Shepard’s Field’s apartments you will see that the building next to it is a petrol station. When you approach the station there will be friendly workers outside exclaiming ‘you’re here for Banksy!’ They pointed me to the far side of the garage where the artwork can be found. This was the highlight of the day, seeing my favourite Banksy artwork was absolutely incredible. It’s a giant masterpiece that covers the entire wall.
Side note: the petrol station is also directly across the road from a Peugeot and Citroen car dealership just in case you happen to spot that first!
How much to pay taxis in Bethlehem
The walk back from Flower Thrower to the 231 bus stop is 50 minutes. I decided this was too long so hailed a taxi at the garage where I’d just seen Flower Thrower. Remember to always confirm the price with the taxi driver before hopping in the vehicle. I paid 20 ILS (£4.23).
Catching the bus from Palestine back to Jerusalem
A bus was already waiting at the 231 bus stop when I arrived, the ticket was once again cost 6.80 ILS (£1.44) and the driver gave change for the note I had. We made a stop at the border Israeli/Palestine border on our way back to Jerusalem. Locals hopped off the bus and tourists stayed on board. A soldier came on the bus and checked our passports. The locals joined us after they were vetted (they had a stricter border process than us) and we were back in Jerusalem within 30 minutes.
I hope you have found this self-guided tour of Banky artwork in Bethlehem helpful and remember to check out @suitcaseandi for the rest of my Israel/Palestine photos.
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