Things To Do
in Banī Suhaylā

Banī Suhaylā is a town in the Gaza Governorate of the Gaza Strip, characterized by its tight-knit community, agricultural surroundings and proximity to larger towns such as Khan Yunis. The area is largely residential with local markets, simple shops, mosques and family-run businesses reflecting everyday Palestinian life. Due to its location in Gaza, movement in and out of the town is subject to checkpoints, crossings and security conditions that can change rapidly.

Visitors should be prepared for basic infrastructure and limited services compared with major regional cities, and should respect local customs and the ongoing humanitarian context.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Local Markets
morning
:

Start your journey by visiting the bustling markets of Banī Suhaylā. Engage with local vendors selling fresh produce and handcrafted goods, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to sample traditional Palestinian snacks as you stroll through the stalls.

afternoon
:

After your market adventures, visit a nearby tea house to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. Spend some leisurely time chatting with locals and learning about their crafts and daily lives. This experience will deepen your understanding of the community's culture.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a sunset stroll along the beachfront. The evening sky will paint the horizon in beautiful hues as you enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Share stories around a bonfire with friends, savoring the simplicity of the moment.

day 2
Historical Site Visits
morning
:

Dedicate the morning to exploring historical sites like the remnants of ancient structures in Banī Suhaylā. Guided tours are available to provide insight into the rich history of the Gaza Strip. This educational experience will offer a profound connection to the past.

afternoon
:

Continue your historical journey by visiting nearby archaeological sites, where you can marvel at artifacts and learn about the region's significance. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the historical landscapes. Let the history you encounter shape your appreciation of the culture.

evening
:

Spend the evening watching a local storytelling session that brings the history of the land to life. Listen to tales from elders who have lived through significant times, providing a personal touch to the narratives. This cultural immersion will leave you with a deeper connection to the region.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee or tea$0.5-1.5
🚕Short taxi/shared ride$1-4
🥖Loaf of local bread or bakery items$0.2-1
📶Prepaid SIM/data package$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic experience of Palestinian daily life and culture
  • Close-knit community atmosphere and hospitable locals
  • Access to coastal landscapes, agriculture and traditional cuisine
  • Low cost of living and simple, affordable food options
  • Restricted movement, complex security and border constraints
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and services
  • Possible shortages of goods, medical supplies and utilities at times
  • Rapidly changing safety conditions that can affect travel plans
  • "السلام عليكم" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
  • "شكراً" - Thank you
  • "من فضلك" - Please / Excuse me
  • "كم السعر؟" - How much is this?
  • "أين الحمام؟" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "هل تتكلم/ين إنجليزية؟" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Banī Suhaylā

Visit one of these nice places.

Local Market and Bakeries

Colorful stalls, fresh produce, flatbread ovens and vendors offer candid shots of daily life and food preparation.

Mosque Courtyards and Minarets

Architectural details, courtyards and call to prayer moments provide atmospheric cultural images — be respectful and ask permission before photographing people.

Agricultural Fields and Olive Groves

Rural edges around Banī Suhaylā show seasonal farming activity, orchards and traditional agricultural landscapes.

Coastal Beaches and Fishermen (nearby Khan Yunis)

Sunset over the Mediterranean, fishing boats and seaside scenes are excellent for wide landscape and human-interest photos where access permits.

Sand Dunes and Wadi Areas

Dramatic dune lines in the south and the Wadi Gaza margins offer unique textures and light for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Banī Suhaylā

Cuisine around Banī Suhaylā reflects Palestinian coastal and Levantine traditions: olive oil, fresh vegetables, rice-based dishes, grilled meats and a variety of breads and mezze. Fresh seafood is common along the Gaza coast, while inland areas feature staples like olives, figs and locally grown citrus. Meals are communal and often cooked at home or sold at family-run eateries. Expect simple, hearty flavors with liberal use of lemon, sumac, za'atar and olive oil.

Banī Suhaylā Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maqluba

A layered rice, vegetable and meat casserole turned upside down to serve; widely prepared at family gatherings and available at local restaurants and homes.

Must-Try!

Sayadiya (Sayyadiyah)

A seasoned rice and fish dish common along the Gaza coast; try it near coastal markets or simple seafood restaurants.

Musakhan

Flatbread topped with sumac-seasoned onions and roasted chicken with olive oil — a popular Palestinian specialty often found at family kitchens and special-occasion eateries.

Knafeh

Sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, sold by dessert shops and bakeries; a must-try for a local sweet treat.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Souq and Bakeries

Town markets and bakeries offer fresh flatbreads, pastries, and street snacks; great spots to try falafel, shawarma and freshly baked mana'eesh (za'atar bread).

Khan Yunis Market (nearby)

Larger market with fish stalls, produce, spices and small eateries; a good place to sample regional street food and buy local ingredients.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Gaza Strip has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average summer highs often reach the high 20s to low 30s °C (80s–90s °F), with humidity near the coast. Winters are mild with most of the annual rainfall between November and March; occasional heavy showers can temporarily disrupt local services.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and Modesty

Conservative dress is advisable: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women in public spaces to show respect for local norms.

Photography Respect

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and children; avoid photographing military or security installations.

Hospitality

Hosts are often warm and generous—accepting food or tea is polite; reciprocate with thankfulness and modesty.

Religious Sensitivity

Be mindful of daily prayer times and Ramadan practices; public eating or drinking during Ramadan daylight hours can be sensitive.

Safety Guide

Safety

Security conditions in Gaza are complex and can change rapidly due to political, military and humanitarian developments. Travelers should not attempt to visit without appropriate permissions and should consult official advisories from relevant governments and international organizations. Movement between Gaza and neighboring countries is highly regulated; crossing points may be closed or limited. On the ground, common-sense precautions apply: keep a low profile, avoid demonstrations and sensitive sites, register with your embassy or consular services if applicable, and maintain up-to-date situational awareness through trusted local contacts or agencies.

Tipping in Banī Suhaylā

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest and discretionary; small tips for good service in cafes or for helpful drivers are appreciated but not always expected. Cash is king in most places; carry small bills and change because card acceptance is limited. ATMs and banking services are limited in availability and may be affected by local conditions — bring enough cash and a backup plan. If using taxis, agree the fare beforehand or confirm the meter if available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make spring pleasant for outdoor activities and photography; occasional rain early in the season.

Summer

Hot, humid summers with temperatures often high; coastal breezes can moderate heat but expect strong sun, limited water availability in some periods and slower midday activity.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and harvest time for many crops; autumn can bring windy days and the first seasonal rains later in the season.

Winter

Mild to cool winters with most rainfall concentrated in this period; occasional heavy showers can cause local flooding and impact travel on unpaved roads.

Nightlife Guide

Banī Suhaylā at Night

Nightlife in Banī Suhaylā is low-key and community-focused: evenings are spent in family gatherings, small cafes or tea shops. There are no large clubs; social life centers on homes, neighborhood eateries and occasional cultural events. Nighttime public movement may be limited by local conditions, so plan activities earlier in the evening and stay informed about safety and curfew notices.

Hiking in Banī Suhaylā

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Beach Walks

Gentle walks along the Mediterranean shoreline near Khan Yunis and other accessible beaches for scenery and birdlife; access depends on local conditions and permissions.

Wadi Gaza Margins

Riparian corridors and wadi edges offer short hikes and nature observation opportunities; best in spring or autumn when conditions are cooler and vegetation is greener.

Sand Dune Areas (southern Gaza)

Expanses of sand dunes near the southern Gaza Strip are suitable for scenic walks and sunset photography where access is permitted and safe.

Agricultural Field Trails

Informal paths through olive groves and citrus orchards near Banī Suhaylā provide peaceful rural walks and insights into local farming practices.

Airports

How to reach Banī Suhaylā by plane.

No functioning airport in Gaza

There is currently no operational international passenger airport serving Gaza. Air travel in and out of the Gaza Strip is not available directly and is subject to political and security restrictions.

El Arish International Airport (Egypt) — nearest international airport

Located in North Sinai, Egypt, El Arish is geographically the nearest international airport; reaching it requires crossing international borders and navigating the Rafah border crossing, which is subject to closures and restrictions.

Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) — regional international airport

Ben Gurion is a major international airport in Israel; access from Gaza is highly restricted and generally not available to ordinary travelers without special permits and coordination.

Getting Around

Walkability

Banī Suhaylā is compact and generally walkable for short trips around town; sidewalks may be uneven or limited in places. For longer journeys or to reach coastal areas and larger markets, shared taxis or local minibuses are common. Exercise caution when walking at night and be aware of traffic and road conditions.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Palestinian Families

The majority population is Palestinian families, often with multigenerational households and strong family networks.

Refugee Communities

Nearby refugee camps and displaced populations form part of the social fabric, with distinct community organizations and needs.

Youth

A large proportion of the population is young, with many children and adolescents shaping community life, education and sports.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Gaza, played in neighborhoods, schools and local clubs; community matches and youth leagues are common.

Futsal/Indoor Football

A popular variant played in small courts and community centers, especially among youth.

Basketball and Handball

Played at school and club levels with growing local interest in organized competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light compared with major cities, but roads can be congested at market times and near checkpoints. Public transportation is limited: shared taxis, informal minibuses and private vehicles are the primary means of transport. Checkpoint delays and road closures can significantly affect travel times, so build extra time into plans and verify routes with locals.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Banī Suhaylā.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available (mezze, hummus, falafel, salads, rice and eggplant dishes). Communicate preferences clearly; many dishes are vegetarian by default or easily adjusted.

Vegan

Vegan options exist but may be limited in some eateries (use olive oil-based dishes, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads and rice). Confirm the use of butter or yogurt when necessary.

Halal

Practically all meat in the area is prepared according to local Muslim practices; halal concerns are generally not an issue.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free choices can be found (grilled meats, salads, rice dishes) but cross-contamination with breads is common; ask cooks when possible and stick to simple dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Banī Suhaylā is basic with primary clinics and pharmacies for routine needs; more advanced care is available in larger hospitals in Khan Yunis and Gaza City. Medical services in Gaza can experience shortages of equipment, medicines and staff, and emergency evacuations out of the territory are often restricted. Travelers should carry essential medicines, have international health insurance where possible, and consult with humanitarian or consular services for serious medical needs.

Discover Gaza Strip

Read more in our Gaza Strip 2025 Travel Guide.

Gaza Strip Travel Guide