About
Nablus is a city in the northern West Bank, Palestine, lying in a valley between two mountains, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Its setting gives the city much of its character: the streets climb and descend the slopes, and the old quarters sit close together under the hills.
What to see
- The Old City has well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, with stone houses and narrow lanes that reward slow walking.
- The markets are busy and central to daily life, where you can watch local trade up close.
- Soap-making is a traditional industry here, and the city is known for it.
- The Samaritan community is one of the city's distinctive features, linked to the nearby mountain of Gerizim.
Food
Nablus is well regarded in the region for its olive oil and for knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry. Eating these in the city, particularly in the market areas, is a natural part of a visit.
Visitors should plan their day around the Old City and its markets, and allow time for the surrounding hills, which frame the town and are a reminder of why it developed where it did. Those interested in the crafts, the food, or the long-standing Samaritan presence will find the city a rewarding place to spend time.