Milk Grotto

The basics

The Milk Grotto that you see today is a 19th-century Franciscan chapel, but it was built overtop a 5th-century Byzantine church and pilgrimage site. You can still see Byzantine-era mosaics, but the main attractions are the three cave shrines believed to be where the Holy Family hid during King Herod’s execution orders against male children. The church is especially popular with women trying to conceive. Milk Grotto is included as a stop on many half-day or full-day tours of Bethlehem.

Things to know before you go

• The Milk Grotto is a 5-minute walk from the more famous Church of the Holy Nativity, and tends to have fewer crowds. If you're lucky, you might even get the place to yourself.

• There is no admission fee to enter.

• Christian couples struggling with fertility issues come here for packets of “milk powder” believed to help with conception, which you can only buy in person. You’ll see plenty of letters and baby photos from parents around the world testifying to its potency.

• You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops selling traditional olive wood carvings in the vicinity of the church.

• Dress modestly to enter—think loose, light clothing in summer that covers knees and shoulders. Bethlehem can get very chilly in winter, so it’s easier to dress in layers then.

How to get there

You can travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem easily using public transport. The Palestinian-operated bus number 21 departs from behind Damascus Gate in the Old City. There is no fixed timetable; simply show up and wait for the next bus to depart. If you prefer to visit on a tour, then many options also include hotel pickup and drop-off. There is also an Egged bus from the Central Bus Station that goes to the Tomb of Rachel.

When to get there

The Milk Grotto is open daily from morning until late afternoon in winter, and closes an hour later in summer. The chapel keeps irregular hours on Sundays, so check the schedule before planning your visit. It’s accessible year-round, but Bethlehem is especially festive during Christmas, when Manger Square hosts massive celebrations. The church is small, so count on only about 15 to 20 minutes for a visit.

Exploring the Bethlehem Souq

While many visitors come with a checklist of famous Bethlehem attractions to visit, from the Church of the Holy Nativity to the Shepherds’ Fields, make sure you save enough time to explore the city’s traditional marketplace. Located right in the Old City, the Souq dates back to 1929 and was renovated in 2014. It’s the perfect place for a wander, and sells everything from local snacks and fresh produce to shoes and clothes.