Things To Do
in Gaza
Gaza is a densely populated coastal city on the Mediterranean and the administrative center of the Gaza Strip, with a long history of trade, fishing and cultural influence. The urban fabric combines busy markets, seaside promenades and crowded residential neighborhoods shaped by decades of political conflict and humanitarian constraints. Gaza’s people are known for strong hospitality, resilient community life and a cuisine that emphasizes fresh seafood, grains and Levantine flavors.
Access to Gaza is heavily restricted and the city’s day-to-day life is strongly affected by security situations, border controls and periodic infrastructure shortages.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the ancient ruins of the Great Mosque of Gaza, a striking example of Islamic architecture. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old City, where you'll encounter local artisans crafting traditional goods. Stop by a nearby café to enjoy a traditional Palestinian breakfast featuring za'atar and olive oil.
Spend your afternoon at the Palestine Museum, which showcases the rich history and heritage of the Palestinian people through engaging exhibitions. Afterward, stroll through the bustling market of Al-Zawiya, where you can interact with local vendors and sample fresh produce. Take a moment to relax at a local park, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying a refreshing beverage.
As the sun begins to set, dine at a local restaurant known for its traditional dishes, such as musakhan and maqluba. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife in the Old City, where you can hear live music and mingle with locals. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the Mediterranean coastline, enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Begin your morning at Gaza's beautiful beachfront, where you can enjoy a leisurely swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for an adventurous exploration of the shoreline, taking in the stunning views. Enjoy a light breakfast at a beach café, sampling fresh fruits and pastries.
In the afternoon, join a local water sports club for a thrilling session of jet skiing or banana boat rides. Relax on the sandy beach, soaking up the sun and mingling with fellow beachgoers. Grab a quick lunch at a nearby seafood shack, savoring the catch of the day.
As the day winds down, partake in a beachside barbecue, where you can grill fresh fish and enjoy the company of new friends. Watch as the sun sets over the horizon, casting a beautiful glow on the water. Conclude your evening with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍞Loaf of local bread | $0.50-1 |
| 🍲Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich local culture and strong traditions of hospitality
- Unique coastal cuisine and fresh Mediterranean seafood
- Vibrant markets and authentic everyday life experiences
- Compact city—many things are within short distances
- High security risks and periodic conflict; many governments advise against travel
- Restricted access and complicated border crossings
- Limited and unreliable public services and infrastructure
- Few conventional tourist facilities and limited international connectivity
- "مرحبا (Marhaba)" - Hello
- "شكراً (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "من فضلك (Min fadlak / Min fadlik)" - Please
- "كم الثمن؟ (Kam al-thaman?)" - How much does this cost?
- "أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-hammam?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)" - Goodbye / Go with peace
- "لا شكرًا (La shukran)" - No, thank you
Places to Visit in Gaza
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful fishing boats, busy morning landings and sunset views make the Corniche a prime spot for coastal life photography.
Bustling alleyways, spice stalls and bakeries provide candid scenes of daily commerce and traditional crafts.
Historic architecture, mosque facades and narrow lanes offer context-rich urban photography—be mindful of prayer times and local sensitivities about photographing people and religious sites.
Natural wetland areas, birdlife and quiet stretches of shoreline provide landscape and wildlife opportunities outside the city bustle.
Food in Gaza
Gaza Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Gaza coastal dish of spiced, caramelized rice topped with fried or roasted fish—find it at seaside restaurants and fish markets.
Must-Try!
An upside-down layered casserole of rice, eggplant (or other vegetables) and chicken or lamb—comfort food commonly served at family meals and some restaurants.
Classic Levantine staples served across Gaza; street stalls and small eateries provide fresh falafel sandwiches and creamy hummus plates.
Sweet filo/cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios—sold by bakeries and sweet shops for dessert.
Savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese or spinach—common as snacks and during Ramadan.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively place near the harbor to see freshly landed fish, buy seafood, and find small eateries serving simple fish dishes—best in the morning when catches arrive.
Markets selling spices, breads, sweets and produce; ideal for sampling street snacks, local olives, flatbreads and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively—cover shoulders and knees in public. Women may prefer to avoid wearing revealing clothing; modest attire shows respect for local customs.
Hospitality is important—expect polite inquiries about family and well-being. Use right hand for shaking hands and offering items; accept offers of tea or food when appropriate.
Respect prayer times and religious sites; avoid entering mosques during prayers unless invited and always ask permission before photographing people in religious contexts.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly women and children. Many locals appreciate being asked first.
Safety
Tipping in Gaza
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small amounts (10% or modest rounding up) at restaurants and a small tip for porters or taxi drivers is common. Always tip discreetly and in local currency where possible.
Cash is the primary means of payment—carry Israeli new shekels and small denominations for markets and taxis. Bank card acceptance is limited and ATMs may be unreliable due to power or supply interruptions; bring sufficient cash and keep copies of important documents.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). Expect crowded public spaces in cooler morning and evening hours; bring sun protection and plan outdoor activities for early/late parts of the day.
Warm and pleasant with occasional showers later in the season; good for outdoor walks and market visits as temperatures moderate.
Mild to cool with most annual rainfall occurring between December and February; occasional storms can cause localized flooding and service disruptions—pack a light rain jacket and check local weather.
Mild, blooming season with pleasant temperatures—ideal for coastal walks and visiting markets; pollen may affect allergy sufferers.
Gaza at Night
Hiking in Gaza
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Low-effort walks along the Mediterranean dunes and beaches—good for birdwatching, sunrise/sunset photography and short nature outings; check local access and safety conditions.
Shallow wetland and wadi corridors with opportunities for short hikes and observing local flora and migratory birds—best visited with local guides or organizations monitoring access.
Rural tracks and fields north of Gaza City provide gentle walking routes through farmland and sandy areas—suitable for informal hikes and experiencing rural life, though amenities are minimal.
Airports
How to reach Gaza by plane.
Gaza does not have a regular international passenger airport in operation; air travel directly into Gaza is not available.
Located in North Sinai, Egypt—historically used as an entry point for aid and certain permitted travel to Gaza via the Rafah crossing; access depends on Egyptian and Palestinian authorities and is restricted.
The main international airport for the region; reaching Gaza from Israel is subject to Israeli entry policies and strict coordination—direct traveler access is typically limited and controlled.
Major regional hub; travelers sometimes approach Gaza from Cairo and then by land to the Sinai border, but border crossings and permits are subject to Egyptian and Palestinian procedures and restrictions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Gaza’s residents are Palestinian Arabs who are predominantly Sunni Muslims, with family-oriented communities and strong local ties.
A substantial portion of the population live in UNRWA-administered refugee camps established in the mid-20th century, with distinct community structures and services.
A small Palestinian Christian community exists with churches and community institutions, though it represents a small percentage of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local teams, youth leagues and street games are widespread and draw strong local interest.
Team sports like basketball and handball are played at schools, community centers and informal courts.
Fishing is both an occupation and a traditional activity for coastal communities, culturally significant and visible along the shore.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gaza.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can manage well with salads, hummus, falafel, ful and maqluba without meat. Ask about vegetable-based preparations and check whether broths or mixes include meat stock.
Most food is prepared according to halal norms; pork and alcohol are generally unavailable in Gaza, aligning with local standards.
Bread and wheat are common in many dishes; gluten-free options may be limited—bring packaged specialty snacks if you need strict dietary control and confirm ingredients when ordering.