Today’s town of 7000 Palestinians is actually a few kilometers south of the ancient city. The main square, really a traffic circle, is the hub of town life and transportation services. Most of Jericho’s other services are also located here, including the police station (tel. 92 25 21). Since hiking is arduous, the best way to seethe sights in Jericho is with an endearingly rickety but functional bicycle. A bicycle shop, just off the central square and east of the municipality building, rents balloon-tire bombers for NISI .50 per hour. The owner may also ask for advance payment-two hours should be enough. Be aware that locals bike on the left side of the road. A taxi will take you on a loop of the sights for about NIS60.

Jericho’s Government Tourist Information Office (GTIO) is located in Tel Jericho, a few minutes’ walk from Ancient Jericho. It provides an excellent and updated map of Jericho, and transportation information for the sights around the city (tel. 92 29 35, open daily 9am-4pm). To reach the GTIO take a private taxi from the main square (NIS4-5) or rent a bicycle (see above) and ride down Ein as-Sultan St.