Ramallah (Arabic رام الله) is a small city (population, approximately 57,000) in the Palestinian Territories, located within the West Bank region, some 15 km (10 miles) north of Jerusalem. Since the inception of the Palestinian National Authority, Ramallah has acted as the de facto capital city of the Palestinian administration.

Understand

Get in

The major challenge to reaching Ramallah exists not at the town's physical entrance, but at the Israeli border that one must cross in order to reach the country in the first place. The Israeli border guards frown upon visitors who choose to enter any city in the West Bank, unless done for pilgramages (Which won't work as an excuse for visitors to Ramallah, as there are no nearby religious sites). Therefore, it is advisable for travelers to be as vague as possible if Israeli officials ask about their travel itinerary.

Ramallah is in an Area A zone of the West Bank, therefore you must pass through an Israeli checkpoint before entereing the city. At the main checkpoint from Jerusalem, it is simple to enter without being stopped (For most travelers). It's getting out that's the problem. Once through the checkpoint, it is a short drive to downtown Ramallah. Bear in mind that it illegal for Israelis to enter Ramallah, under Israeli law.

By plane

By train

By car

By bus

By boat

Get around

It is easy to find a taxi to get around Ramallah. As the city is relatively small, it is not hard to walk to most destinations.

See

Do

Tourism, in the traditional sense, is almost non-existant in Ramallah. If you are visting Ramallah, it is probable that you are doing so for political and/or humanitarian reasons. While there, it is easy to make small talk with the locals, and to subtly lead your way into a political discussion. Unless you are firmly anti-Israeli occupation, it is advisable that you do more listening than actual talking yourself, however. For the most part, Palestinians are glad to share their problems and plight to any western vistitors. However, do not force any topic.

Learn

Work

Buy

Eat

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink

Although predominately Muslim, Ramallah's large restaraunts usually serve alcohol. Expect a selection of imported beers (Heineken, Corona, etc.), and perhaps red or white wine. Do not display public intoxication, as at best, it is rude and inconsiderate to your Muslim hosts. At worst, it could be dangereous.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Contact

Stay safe

Generally speaking, Ramallah is safe for non-Israeli foreigners. The Palestinian residents are usually quite happy to have foreign nationals visit them, as they assume that they are there to show sympathy to their cause. Therefore, they almost always remain unmolested. Theft is relatively rare, although do not interpret that statement as an ok to let your guard down.

Bear in mind that Ramallah has been under military occupation since 1967, and thus the city (As well as the rest of the West Bank) should be regarded as a conflict zone. Usually, Ramallah is relatively stable. However, at times the Israeli military enters the city, and there is sometimes trouble. This usually only happens in the dead of night, and they disappear before anyone realizes that they were there. However, the Israeli military occasionally enters Ramallah bluntly, and in large numbers. If this should happen while you are staying in Ramallah, do what the majority of Palestinians do, and stay inside, under cover. STAY OUT OF THE STREETS, and away from any soldiers or military vehicles. Do not assume that just because you are a foreign national that you are safe from being killed by combatants. While it is unlikely that you will be targeted, remember that, should you be exposed, your life will be in the hands of spooked Palestinian militants and Israeli teenaged soldiers.

Cope

Get out