Below you'll find a list of hidden away restaurants, active cultural institutions, along with things to see and do in Ramallah. It's a unique city, the hub of Palestine's tech activity and full of coffee shops, great food, and a bustling "scene" for techies and artists alike. Ramallah also is home to a sizable expat community of diplomats, journalists, and NGO workers from all over the world and even has its own yuppie bubble.

Careem, a Dubai based ridesharing app, works in Ramallah (Play Store, App Store). You can also find taxis on the streets or ask anyone to order you one to get to where you would like to go. In general, Ramallah is a small city and while navigating it can be tricky due to windy roads up and down hills, getting around is quite easy. We've also included links to Google Maps and Facebook pages to make it all a bit more manageable.

Ramallah is unlikely to be what a techie visiting from Silicon Valley or elsewhere might expect. It is safe, lively, and incredibly welcoming - many who visit end up returning to the city with their friends and colleagues.

Places to eat

Things to do

CAFES & COFFEE SHOPS

  • Vintage Cafe: Located under the Royal Court hotel, a modern California style cafe (they have avocado toast), home to a lot of young-people jamming away on laptops 

  • Garage Coffee Shop & Bar: Popular cafe for local and visiting artists, as well as expats, Garage serves coffee, tea, and a menu of snacks, salads, and sandwiches - it can get quite busy, especially in the evenings (and is located below an art gallery)

  • Cafe La Vie: Near downtown Ramallah, this is Euro-style cafe with a an outdoor garden that attracts both expats and locals

RESTAURANTS

  • Bandali: The best hummus in Ramallah, and probably the best hummus you've ever had - usually closed by noon (or when the hummus runs out); Closed on Sundays

  • Azkadenya: Serves a large variety traditional Palestinian dishes and is highly regarded by foodie visitors to Ramallah; We would recommend the falafel sampler and date salad; Read more

  • Zest: A higher-end restaurant serving offers a 'taste of the Mediterranean secret'; the menu offers an inventive set of Palestinian and Mediterranean dishes; Read more

  • Snowbar: Tucked away in a forest of trees, this unique outdoor establishment has vintage bicycles hanging in the branches and is a great place for groups to have lengthy meals (open from May to October)

  • Orjuwan: A modern, hip, Palestinian-European fusion restaurant with a creative menu, run by local entrepreneurs; Their Friday brunch buffet is a treat

  • Darna: Traditional Arabic food from Lebanon and Palestine, popular amongst expats as well as locals

  • Illegal Burger: Best burger in town - made to order with top-notch ingredients (if you miss California)

  • Pronto: Small Italian restaurant, quality pizza and large selection of wine

  • Falafel Republic: Located just outside of Ramallah in the Old City of Birzeit, this made-to-order family kitchen serves exceptional traditional Palestinian food; Read more 

QUICK BITES & OTHER

  • Silwadi: A fresh-juice stand located in downtown ("Al-Manara Square"); Open late and options galore

  • Baladna Ice Cream: Ice cream, with a bit of an arabic twist - flavors range from Oreo to pistachio

  • Shawarma Sandwiches: A host of shops in downtown Ramallah ("Al-Manara Square")

  • Abu Khalil: Falafel sandwiches, a Palestinian staple (plenty of falafel sandwiches can be found in "Al-Manara Square" as well)

 

NIGHTLIFE

  • Snowbar: In the summer months, Snowbar is something to see - spend a day at the pool and make your way over the main area for a night out with friends; Choose from high tables, sink-in couches, or tuck away in the booths hiding in the woods and enjoy the restaurant/bar/outdoor hangout (shisha pipes, a common occurrence in Ramallah, will be seen everywhere)

  • Radio: Tucked away at the end of the street that is home to the two places mentioned below, down a long ramp, you'll find Radio, previously known as Beit Aneesah, which is overflowing on any given Thursday night of the year with locals and expats; The outside garden and relaxed, secluded atmosphere - along with the crowd - screams Bohemian (albeit not as cheap as you might expect)

  • Garage: Mismatched furniture that moves between an indoor room lined with slogan art and the patio outside, along with cheap drinks, and a laid-back vibe make this open (and busy) late spot a popular destination where many spend hours on end (note: think very hipster)

  • Orjuwan Lounge: Next door to Garage, this restaurant hosts DJ parties on the weekends (typically Thursday and Friday nights) by clearing out the tables in the dining room; Shisha pipes with fruit heads are commonplace alongside the bar, which puts out a variety of cocktails (which can get quite crowded)

  • Capers: Located on the top floor of one of Ramallah's taller buildings, Capers offers a stunning view overlooking the hills of the region; A higher-end offering with a more mature crowd

ACTIVITIES

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS