Qalqilya is a town in the central West Bank, in Palestine. It is an encircled city, a fact that shapes daily life here and gives any visit its particular character. Visitors come for a few distinct reasons: its zoo, its agricultural heritage, and its old quarter.
What to see
- The zoo. Qalqilya is home to the only zoo in Palestine, which makes it a notable stop for families and anyone interested in animal life in the region.
- The old quarter. The town's older streets are considered among its most attractive areas, and are a good place to walk slowly and take in the local architecture and everyday rhythm.
- Agricultural heritage. Farming has long been central to the area, and this heritage is part of what defines the town and the landscape around it.
What a visit is like
The town has faced unique challenges because of its encircled position, and these are part of the context a visitor should keep in mind when planning. Even so, Qalqilya is known for a strong sense of community. People here are known for traditional Palestinian hospitality, and a visit often involves more conversation and welcome than a list of sights might suggest.
Plan your day around the zoo and the old quarter, allow time for unhurried walking, and be open to the warmth of the people you meet. Qalqilya suits travellers who want to look beyond the best-known sites of the region and spend time in a town with a clear sense of its own identity.