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This diminutive Mediterranean nation is a fascinating nexus point of the Middle East and the West; of Christianity and Islam; of tradition and modernity. It’s a place where culture, family and religion are all-important, but where sectarian violence can too often erupt – claiming lives and scarring both the landscape and the national psyche.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Temple of Bacchus

Baalbek's Temple of Bacchus is often described as the most beautifully decorated temple in the Roman world, and it's certainly one of the best preserved…

Baalbek Ruins

Dominating the centre of modern Baalbek, this wonderful Roman temple complex is one of the Middle East's major archaeological highlights. The monumental…

National Museum of Beirut

Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological…

Shouf Biosphere Reserve

The largest of Lebanon’s three natural protectorates, comprising an incredible 5% of the total land area, this is the largest natural cedar reserve in the…

Al Bass Archaeological Site

This sprawling site lies 2km east of the centre, entered off the highway. Just past the entrance is a vast funerary complex, with hundreds of ornate…

Under the St Joseph university, this atmospheric and beautifully designed museum presents an extraordinary collection of exquisitely selected and…

Main Square

The main square is a showcase of fine Arab architecture, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, built in 1493, and, behind it, a cobbler's souq…

An enticing blend of tradition and modernity, the web of narrow streets of Tripoli's port quarter makes for wonderful strolling. The Phoenician city stood…

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Lebanon Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Lebanon, a small yet culturally diverse country in the Middle East, beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cosmopolitan cities. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged mountains of the Lebanese Range, Lebanon offers a unique fusion of ancient ruins, charming villages, and modern amenities. From exploring ancient Roman temples and experiencing the lively street life of Beirut to savoring delicious Lebanese cuisine, the country provides a compelling and multifaceted destination for tourists seeking a taste of the Middle East’s cultural and natural treasures.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit Lebanon as a tourist largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Lebanon experiences distinct seasons, each offering its own advantages:

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a popular time to visit Lebanon when the weather is mild and the landscapes come to life with colorful blooms. This is an ideal season for outdoor activities, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the pleasant climate.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Lebanon. The weather is hot and sunny, making it perfect for beach activities along the Mediterranean coast. Summer is also a vibrant time for festivals, nightlife, and cultural events in cities like Beirut.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Lebanon offers pleasant temperatures and is a great time for outdoor adventures like hiking, as the landscapes change colors with the fall foliage.
• Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports, you can visit Lebanon during the winter season to experience skiing and snowboarding in the country’s ski resorts, such as Faraya Mzaar and the Cedars.

The choice of when to visit Lebanon depends on your interests and the activities you want to pursue. Keep in mind that the coastal areas enjoy milder weather, while mountainous regions can be quite cold and snowy during winter. Also, consider local events, festivals, and your preferred type of vacation, whether it’s cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or relaxing on the beach.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

Getting around Lebanon as a tourist can be done using various transportation options, and the choice depends on your preferences and the places you want to visit. Here are some common ways to get around Lebanon:

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available in cities like Beirut and are a convenient mode of transportation for short distances. Ensure that the taxi has a meter, and if not, negotiate the fare in advance.
• Rental Car: Renting a car is a flexible option, especially if you plan to explore multiple regions of Lebanon. However, be prepared for chaotic traffic in cities and mountainous terrain in some areas.
• Private Driver: Hiring a private driver or guide is an excellent choice if you want a stress-free and personalized experience. They can provide local insights and navigate the traffic.
• Shared Taxi (Service): Shared taxis, known as “service,” are a cost-effective way to travel between cities and towns. They operate on set routes and depart when full.
• Buses: Lebanon has an extensive network of buses, including public buses and minivans. While this is a budget-friendly option, the schedules can be irregular, and buses might not always be in the best condition.
• Ferries: If you plan to visit coastal towns, ferries are available for traveling along the Mediterranean coast. This can be a scenic and enjoyable way to explore.
• Walking: In cities and towns, walking is a great way to explore the local culture, markets, and historical sites.
• Rideshare Apps: Apps like Uber and Careem operate in Lebanon, making it easy to request a ride in major cities.
• Domestic Flights: If you’re traveling between cities that are relatively far apart, consider taking domestic flights for a quicker and more convenient journey.
• Mountain Cable Cars: In regions like Jounieh, cable cars provide an exciting way to access elevated areas, offering panoramic views.

It’s important to be aware of the road conditions and traffic, especially in cities like Beirut, and to follow any safety guidelines and local laws. Additionally, keep in mind that Lebanon is a small country, so travel times between cities and attractions are relatively short, making it possible to explore multiple areas in a single day.

What’s the Official Language?

The official language of Lebanon is Arabic, and specifically, Lebanese Arabic. However, many people in Lebanon, especially in urban areas and the tourism industry, also speak English and French. Here are some basic Arabic phrases that can be useful for tourists:

• Hello – Marhaba
• Thank you – Shukran
• Please – Min fadlik
• Yes – Na’am
• No – La
• Good morning – Sabah al-khair
• Good afternoon – Masa’ al-khair
• Good evening – Masa’ al-khair
• Goodbye – Ma’a as-salama
• Excuse me – ‘Afuwan
• How much is this? – Kam hadha?
• I need help – Ana bححجة ila musaa’da
• I don’t understand – Ana la afham
• Where is the bathroom? – ‘Ayna al-Hammam?

While Arabic is the official language, you’ll find that many people, especially in the service industry, understand and can communicate in English or French, which can be quite helpful for tourists.

Where to Stay? 🏨

Lebanon offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, catering to various preferences and budgets. Here are some popular places to stay in Lebanon:

• Beirut: Lebanon’s capital city, Beirut, has a diverse selection of accommodations, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly options. Staying in Beirut allows easy access to the city’s vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and historic sites.
• Jounieh: Located along the coast just north of Beirut, Jounieh offers beachfront resorts and hotels with beautiful sea views. It’s a great option for travelers looking to relax by the Mediterranean.
• Byblos (Jbeil): Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and offers a charming historic atmosphere. You can find boutique hotels and guesthouses in this picturesque town.
• Baalbek: If you plan to explore the ancient ruins of Baalbek, there are a few accommodation options available in this historical city.
• Bcharre: Located in the mountains of northern Lebanon, Bcharre is a great base for exploring the Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God. It offers a variety of guesthouses and small hotels.
• Zahle: Zahle, in the Bekaa Valley, is known for its wine culture and vineyards. There are some lovely boutique hotels and guesthouses in the area.
• Tyre (Sour): Tyre is a coastal city in southern Lebanon with historical significance. It offers various accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
• Mountain Resorts: In regions like Faraya and Mzaar Kfardebian, you can find hotels and chalets that cater to winter sports enthusiasts and offer stunning mountain views.
• Bekaa Valley: The Bekaa Valley is known for its vineyards and wine culture. Consider staying at winery guesthouses or boutique hotels in this region.
• Airbnb: Lebanon has a presence on Airbnb, which can be a great option for travelers looking for unique and locally hosted accommodations.

When choosing your accommodation in Lebanon, consider your travel itinerary and the specific experiences you seek. Keep in mind that some areas may have limited accommodation options, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially if you have a particular place in mind.

What to Eat? 🍽️

Lebanese cuisine is renowned for its flavorful and diverse dishes. As a tourist in Lebanon, you should definitely sample some of the following must-try foods:

• Hummus: This creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a classic Lebanese dish, often served as an appetizer with pita bread.
• Falafel: Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a pita bread with tahini sauce and vegetables.
• Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onions, and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Kebabs: Lebanese kebabs, whether made with grilled lamb, chicken, or beef, are seasoned to perfection and are a staple in Lebanese cuisine.
• Shawarma: Thinly sliced marinated meat (often chicken or beef) served in a flatbread wrap with garlic sauce, tahini, and vegetables.
• Moutabbal (Baba Ghanoush): A smoky eggplant dip similar to hummus, blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Manousheh: A Lebanese flatbread often topped with za’atar (a spice blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds), olive oil, and sometimes cheese.
• Kibbeh: A dish made from ground meat (usually beef or lamb) and bulgur wheat, typically shaped into balls or patties and either fried or baked.
• Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, tomatoes, and various spices, then cooked to perfection.
• Labneh: A strained yogurt that is often served as a dip or spread, commonly drizzled with olive oil and served with fresh bread.
• Makanek: Small sausages made from lamb or beef, seasoned with aromatic spices and usually cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
• Knafeh: A delicious dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with sweetened cheese or semolina, baked to a golden brown, and soaked in orange blossom or rose water syrup.
• Lebanese Sweets: Explore the wide variety of Lebanese sweets, including baklava, ma’amoul (date-filled cookies), and atayef (stuffed pancakes), which are often enjoyed with a cup of Arabic coffee.
• Fresh Juices: Lebanon is known for its fresh fruit juices, like pomegranate and orange juice. Try these to quench your thirst.

Lebanese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, and tasting these dishes is an essential part of experiencing the local culture. Be sure to explore the diverse restaurants, street food vendors, and local markets to savor the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine during your visit.

What to See? 🔍

Lebanon is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-see places and attractions for tourists in Lebanon:

• Beirut: Lebanon’s vibrant capital city is a must-visit. Explore the historic neighborhoods, visit the National Museum of Beirut, and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.
• Byblos (Jbeil): One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos offers a charming old town with historic sites, including the Crusader Castle and Phoenician ruins.
• Baalbek: Explore the ancient Roman ruins in Baalbek, including the massive Temple of Jupiter, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Jeita Grotto: Discover the breathtaking underground caves of Jeita Grotto, featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Sidon (Saida): Visit the historic city of Sidon, with its Crusader Sea Castle, old souks, and a bustling fishing port.
• Tyre (Sour): Explore Tyre’s archaeological sites, such as the Roman Hippodrome, Al-Mina ruins, and Al-Bass archaeological site.
• The Cedars of God: Experience the majestic Cedar Forest in Bcharre, which is home to some of the oldest cedar trees in the world.
• Qadisha Valley (Kadisha Valley): Known as the Holy Valley, this UNESCO-listed site is a breathtaking natural reserve with monasteries, grottoes, and stunning landscapes.
• Harissa: Visit the pilgrimage site of Harissa, home to the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, which offers panoramic views of the coast and Beirut.
• Chouf Mountains: Explore the Chouf Mountains, which are dotted with picturesque villages and the historic Beiteddine Palace.
• Tripoli: Discover the historical city of Tripoli, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, souks, and citadels.
• Batroun: Enjoy the charming coastal town of Batroun, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient Phoenician wall, and lively nightlife.
• Anjar: Explore the well-preserved Umayyad city of Anjar, featuring a remarkable blend of Islamic and Roman architecture.
• The Al-Ouadi (Al-Wadi) Valley: Hike and explore the scenic beauty of this valley, including rivers, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
• Beiteddine Festival: If you visit in the summer, consider attending the Beiteddine Arts Festival for a cultural experience featuring music, theater, and dance performances in the stunning Beiteddine Palace.

Lebanon’s rich history and diverse landscapes provide an array of unique and captivating places to visit. Whether you’re interested in archaeological sites, natural wonders, or cultural experiences, Lebanon has something to offer every traveler.

What to Do? 📸

As a tourist in Lebanon, there are numerous exciting activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some must-do things to make your visit to Lebanon memorable:

• Explore Beirut: Immerse yourself in the dynamic capital city, Beirut. Stroll along the Corniche, visit the National Museum, indulge in Lebanese cuisine, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
• Visit Ancient Ruins: Explore historical sites like Baalbek, Byblos, and Tyre to witness Lebanon’s rich archaeological heritage, including Roman temples, Phoenician ruins, and Crusader castles.
• Lebanese Cuisine: Savor authentic Lebanese dishes like mezze, kebabs, shawarma, and baklava at local restaurants and street vendors.
• Byblos Fishing Port: Watch local fishermen at work, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore the historic fishing port in Byblos.
• Jeita Grotto: Take a boat ride through the magnificent underground caves of Jeita Grotto and marvel at the stunning rock formations.
• Cedars of God: Visit Bcharre to witness the ancient cedar trees, symbols of Lebanon, and explore the surrounding natural beauty.
• Qadisha Valley: Hike through the picturesque Holy Valley, where you can explore monasteries, caves, and scenic landscapes.
• Wine Tasting: Lebanon is famous for its wine. Visit wineries in regions like the Bekaa Valley to sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process.
• Hike and Nature Adventures: Embark on hikes in Lebanon’s various mountain regions, such as the Chouf Mountains, to appreciate the country’s diverse landscapes.
• Cultural Festivals: Check out local events and festivals, like the Beiteddine Arts Festival, for a taste of Lebanese culture through music, dance, and theater performances.
• Religious Sites: Explore religious diversity by visiting churches, mosques, and historical religious sites, including Harissa, home to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue.
• Sidon Souks: Explore the bustling souks in Sidon and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city.
• Breathtaking Sunsets: Witness breathtaking sunsets along the Mediterranean coast, from Beirut’s Corniche to coastal towns like Batroun.
• Bargain at the Souks: Practice your haggling skills at traditional souks (markets) and buy souvenirs like handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
• Scuba Diving: Discover the underwater beauty of Lebanon’s coastal waters through scuba diving in popular dive spots like Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos.
• Street Art and Murals: Admire Beirut’s vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning buildings throughout the city.
• Lebanese Coffee: Enjoy a cup of Lebanese coffee at a local café and savor the rich, aromatic flavors.

Lebanon offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that cater to all types of travelers, from history buffs and nature enthusiasts to foodies and adventure seekers. Embrace the local culture, savor the cuisine, and explore the country’s rich heritage for a truly memorable visit.

Culture and Safety 🦺

When traveling to Lebanon as a tourist, it’s essential to understand and respect the local culture while prioritizing your safety. Here are some tips for navigating cultural aspects and staying safe in Lebanon:

• Dress Modestly: Lebanon is relatively diverse, and attire varies, but it’s generally a good idea to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. In more cosmopolitan cities like Beirut, you can dress more freely.
• Greetings: Lebanese people are friendly and welcoming. Greet locals with a polite “Marhaba” (hello) and be open to social interactions.
• Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, respect local customs by refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
• Friday Prayers: Keep in mind that Friday is the Muslim holy day. Some businesses may close for Friday prayers, particularly in smaller towns.
• Alcohol: Lebanon has a vibrant nightlife, and alcohol is widely available. However, it’s important to drink responsibly and be aware of local customs and laws.
• Travel Advisory: Before your trip, check the latest travel advisories and safety information for Lebanon from your government’s travel department.
• Local News: Stay informed about the current situation in the country by following local news sources and staying updated on any potential security concerns.
• Local Contacts: Establish local contacts, such as your hotel staff or tour guides, who can provide insights and advice on the current safety situation in specific areas.
• Health Precautions: Stay updated on necessary vaccinations and health precautions, and be aware of any specific health risks in different regions of Lebanon.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
• Road Safety: If you plan to drive, exercise caution on the roads, as traffic in Lebanon can be chaotic, and road conditions may vary.
• Avoid Border Areas: Avoid traveling near Lebanon’s borders, especially with Syria, due to security concerns.
• Political Protests: Lebanon has experienced periods of political instability. Avoid political gatherings and protests, which can sometimes become unpredictable.
• Emergency Numbers: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including your country’s embassy or consulate in Lebanon.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be culturally sensitive and avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics in public.

While Lebanon is generally a safe destination for tourists, it’s essential to stay vigilant, follow local advice, and exercise caution, especially in areas where there may be political tensions or security concerns. By respecting local customs and staying informed about the safety situation, you can have a rewarding and enjoyable travel experience in Lebanon.

In conclusion, Lebanon is a captivating destination for tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring ancient ruins to savoring delicious cuisine, Lebanon offers a rich tapestry of experiences. While being mindful of local customs and staying informed about safety, travelers can embrace the warm hospitality of the Lebanese people and create lasting memories in this multifaceted country.

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Lebanon Travel Guide

Lebanon may not be a highly sought after tourist destination, but this little Middle Eastern country does have some amazing archaeological sights from Roman times.

One of the highlights would be the Baalbek ruins, which can be visited on a day trip from the Beirut area.

Read through this complete Lebanon travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Arabic; 'Thank you' is 'shoukran'

Islam & Christianity

Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Visa on arrival for most nationalities

Mediterranean; hot, sunny summers & mild, rainy winters

Power Plugs

Type C / D / G

Uber, Careem

The only international airport in Lebanon is in Beirut (code: BEY), which has direct flights from other countries in the Middle East and beyond. You can shop for flights to Lebanon on Skyscanner.

Lebanon is a relatively safe place to travel, with some caveats. The UN violent crime rate is  4 per 100k inhabitants (36% lower than the global average), but terrorist attacks and kidnappings have occurred from time to time, so Lebanon may not be the best pick for solo travelers.

In any case, I would recommend avoiding crowds and practicing situational awareness. The other thing to note is that Lebanese culture is conservative, so clothing in public should be reasonably modest.

The climate for coastal parts of Lebanon is Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.

The hottest months are July to September, but even in these months the heat is not nearly as severe as Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait or Qatar. Summer temperatures for Beirut generally don't go above 85 °F (29 °C).

The mildest weather for visiting Lebanon is during the spring or fall months, but any month of the year would be alright.

Lebanon may not be the most budget friendly travel destination, but it's not completely cost prohibitive either. Hostels are available from 300k Lebanese pounds ($20 USD) and private hotels starting from 600k . Meals are about 90k to 225k pounds depending on location.

Transportation in Lebanon is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented, but hiring a driver is preferable if you're new to the Middle East. Transportation apps like Uber and Careem are available here for short distance trips.

The best Lebanon tours & activities

My latest blog posts about Lebanon

Baalbek Lebanon: Roman Ruins, Temple & Megalithic Stones

One of the highlights of my visit to the Middle East would have to be Baalbek Lebanon, with its Roman ruins and giant megalithic stones. This temple …

20 Lebanon Pictures That Will Make You Want To Travel

Lebanon may not be a highly sought after tourist destination, but this little Middle Eastern country does have some amazing archaeological sights from Roman times. Check out …

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Ultimate Lebanon Travel Guide

The ultimate travel guide to lebanon.

Last Updated: 22 Feb 2023.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know for visiting Lebanon during the current crisis, updated regularly with the latest pandemic travel restrictions and for changes caused by Lebanon’s current crises.  I have lived in Lebanon for the past three years ( narrowly surviving the 2020 port explosion ) and have visited almost every inch of this beautiful and crazy country.

Lebanon was a beautiful country with vibrant cities and beautiful ancient historic sites before the multiple crises that began in 2019.  And actually, it still is.  With a bit of planning, it’s still possible to have an amazing trip here, despite the political crisis, economic crisis, electricity shortages, frequent protests and the after effects of the port explosion.

The 2,200 year old Roman temple of Bacchus, the wine god, in Baalbek.

Places to Visit

One of the best things about Lebanon is that almost any area can be visited as a day trip from Beirut.  You can choose to do the below as a series of day trips or stay overnight in different cities as you travel.  Staying overnight reduces the time spent travelling, but also means you have to take everything with you as you travel.

In my opinion, the real must see place in Beirut are the Raouche (Pigeon) rocks, which are a beautiful place to watch the sunset.  If you’re feeling adventurous, take the path down the cliff from the viewing point next to the Bay Rock Cafe (opposite Starbucks) and sit on the rocks opposite Raouche.  From there, not only do you get a beautiful view of the rocks themselves, but also of the sun setting over the Mediterranean Sea.  It’s a great place to enjoy a couple of beers or a bottle of wine.  

The best place to view Pigeon Rocks (left, with people gathered). Also a great location to take a bottle of wine for a romantic sunset date.

One of the joys of Beirut is just strolling through its vibrant neighbourhoods.  I particularly recommend Hamra, which is an interesting mix of old and new, with boutique shops, bars and restaurants.  Gemayze and Mar Mikhael, the main bar district, are also gradually coming back to life after the port explosion destroyed them in 2020.  Zaytuna Bay is a chance to see the more upmarket side of Beirut.

The centre of the Beirut Souks area, including the iconic clock tower in Place de L’Etoile and the Roman baths, has reopened after being cordoned off by the military due to protests for the past two and a half years.  Until recently, it was still possible to enter the ‘egg,’ an abandoned cinema building purportedly left to remind people of the atrocities of the civil war (it’s full of bullet holes), but unfortunately the authorities have now built a fence around it to keep people out.  

The National Museum of Beirut reopened to tourists in summer 2021 and is currently open daily.  Be sure not to miss the ‘mummy room’ on the basement level, which houses three mummies from the Qadisha Valley.  It’s a little temperature-controlled room in a corner and easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

The Beirut ‘egg’ (abandoned cinema) and the main mosque.

The Jeita Grottoes & Byblos

The Jeita Grottoes, located slightly to the north of Beirut, are spectacular and conveniently located not far from the coastal highway up to Byblos, making the two a convenient day trip.  You can also choose to stay overnight in Byblos before heading further up north.

At the Jeita Grottoes, you have to leave your phone in a little locker near the entrance, as they don’t allow photographs.  It doesn’t look very secure, but I’ve never heard of anyone having problems.  

The main attraction of Byblos is wandering the beautiful historic centre, with its ancient Mediterranean architecture, beautiful flowers growing up the walls and in some cases across nets over the streets and cute boutiques, bars and restaurants.  There’s also an ancient citadel that’s worth checking out and the picturesque little harbour.  

If you’re looking for something a little adventurous, walk along the right hand wall of the harbour (as you’re facing out to sea) until you reach the ancient tower at the harbour entrance.  From here, with a bit of care, you can climb up to the top of the tower for amazing sunset views, often without any other people.  

If the beach is more your thing, slightly north of the harbour you’ll find a pebble beach that’s great for swimming in the summer (approximately May to October).  Finally, Byblos is home to Fenicia restaurant, in my opinion one of the best restaurants in the whole of Lebanon.  

Byblos harbour is beautiful day and night.

A pretty seaside town in the north of Lebanon, Batroun is nice for an afternoon to wander it’s old town, which is basically a less touristy version of Byblos.  In the Batroun area there are several off-the-beaten-track places that are worth checking out if you have time:

• The Msailha fort, just up the main highway from the city, is small but impressive, standing alone on a huge rock (it’s also free to enter).  The location is here on Google Maps .
• The Rock of Hamat, a giant rock painted in the colours of the Lebanese flag, on the edge of the old cliffside road from Batroun to Chekka.  The location is here on Google Maps .
• The cliffside walk though the old road tunnel to the north of the cliffside road from Batroun to Chekka.  Go to coordinates 34.311459, 35.681865 ( here on Google Maps ) and then take the footpath on the left hand side of the road before the current tunnel entrance.
• For the more adventurous travellers, the disused railway tunnel.  To reach the entrance, after the current road tunnel walk about 100m then go down the footpath on the left hand side of the road.  Two thirds of the way down, there’s a little bank on the left that you can scramble up (about 2-3m).  The entrance to the tunnel is at the top of this bank.

The spectacular Mseilha Fort, just outside of Batroun.

Much of the time, Lebanon doesn’t feel like the Middle East.  There are no deserts, no camels (apart from a couple in Chouf that were imported from Saudi just to entertain tourists) and many of the main cities, including Beirut, Byblos and Batroun, have more of a Mediterranean feel than a Middle Eastern feel.  And then you reach Tripoli.  Check out the old souk (market) and the citadel.  The souk seems to close around sunset at the moment, possibly due to a lack of power after dark.  

Tripoli’s Corniche is, in my opinion, not as nice as Beirut’s, but Al Mina, the old town, is quaint and has several nice restaurants, including The Sailor Woman, my favourite seafood restaurant in Lebanon.  If you have plenty of time, you can also catch a boat from the Corniche to Palm Island, which has the biggest sandy beach in the north of Lebanon.  It’s a nice place to chill out and swim in the sea.  

Beach Day on Rabbit Island with a group of crazy Couchsurfers.

Anjar & Baalbek

The Roman ruins at Baalbek are some of the most spectacular in the world, especially the enormous temple of Bacchus, the wine God (gotta love Roman priorities).  That’s why you should visit Anjar first!  Anjar is beautiful and spectacular, but after Baalbek, it will seem small and insignificant in comparison.  Don’t forget to try sfeeha, the local delicacy, while you’re in Baalbek.  Baalbek is also home to the Sayyida Khawla shrine, one of the most beautiful and historic Shia shrines in Lebanon.

Local believe that Khawla, daughter of Imam al-Husayn, is buried in this tomb, although historians aren’t sure that Imam al-Husayn even had a daughter.

Baalbek has a bad reputation for safety, but this generally refers to other parts of Baalbek governorate, not Baalbek city.  If you’re concerned about safety, just don’t go north of the city (and definitely keep away from Arsel, which has a justifiably rough reputation).

Saida & Mleeta

Saida has probably the most beautiful souk (market) in the whole of Lebanon, full of ancient stone archways and local people hawking traditional wares (and delicious Arab sweets).  There’s also the small but worth-a-visit Dabane Palace Museum, a soap museum and the Hammam el-Sheikh traditional bathhouse.  The seafort on the waterfront is also worth a visit (although more spectacular from the outside than inside).  If you want a beer, go to Resthouse, a restaurant next to the seafort that is the only place in Saida allowed to sell alcohol.  Its garden is also a great place to take photos of the seafort.

Mleeta is a tiny village in the mountains that is home to probably the most well-maintained museum in Lebanon – The Hezbollah Museum.  Here, a free English-speaking guide will take you around and tell you about the various wars against Israel and Hezbollah’s role in protecting and driving out the enemy.  Whatever your political views, the museum is very well done and worth a visit.  It’s located about a 40-minute drive up into the mountains above Saida.

The Saida seafort – a castle in the sea.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Tyre is home to an ancient Roman Hippodrome.  The site itself is a bit rundown now, but the ruins are still impressive.  There’s also a pretty little old town with less tourists than other cities in Lebanon and a colourful harbour full of fishing boats.  The restaurants next to it are worth checking out for some fresh seafood too.  To the south of the city is Lebanon’s longest sandy beach.  This was affected by the oil spill off Israel in 2021, but is now clean again and safe for swimming.  

Tyre’s colourful harbour – a great place to eat fresh seafood.

The Northern Mountains

There are many beautiful places to visit in the northern mountains of Lebanon, aside from just the pleasure of driving through the local villages and the often breathtaking scenery.  The three I would recommend for visitors are:

• The 2,000 year old olive trees in Bchaleeh, which are supposedly the oldest in the world.  Local legends say that the olive branch from the story of Noah’s Ark came from one of these trees, but you can make up your own mind.   The location is clearly marked on Google Maps .
• The viewpoint at Aqoura.  Climb the rocky hill opposite the church for spectacular 360 degree views).   The start point is at Saydat Al Qarn church ( here on Google Maps ).
• The Batarra Waterfall.  This 255m (837 ft) waterfall, which passes through several layers of Jurassic limestone rock, is definitely the most beautiful in Lebanon.  It’s best visited in the spring when there is plenty of meltwater.  I went in early August once and there was no water at all.
• The Cedars of God.  At possibly 2,500 years old, the Cedars of God are some of the oldest cedar trees in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site to boot.

You will need a car to reach these locations, or you could try hitchhiking.  

The 255m Batarra waterfall. Try throwing a stone down into the chasm below and see how long it takes before you near it hit the bottom.

The Chouf Region

Home to the majority of the Druze population of Lebanon, the Chouf region also contains the country’s largest remaining cedar forests at the Chouf Biosphere Reserve.  This is a great place to do some hiking with trails from 5 minutes to a full day.  

The region also contains the Bettadine palace, which was built by the Ottomans, and the Moussa Palace, which was built over several decades by a crazy Lebanese man who wanted his own palace.  The latter contains a vast collection of ancient weapons and some very well done scenes from traditional Lebanese life, created with models animated in various ways.  I love the concept that the guy just suddenly decided to build himself a palace!

A traditional Lebanese scene in the Moussa Palace museum.

The Christian city of Jounieh used to be where Arabs from stricter countries in the Middle East went to party and unwind, as evidenced by the strip of hotels on the coast that look like they’ve seen better days.  Even now, the city is still home to Lebanon’s only casino, Casino du Liban, and a bunch of ‘super night clubs’ – basically stripclubs.

For tourists not looking for such things, the main attraction is Harissa, the hill behind the city with a statue of Our Lady of Lebanon on the top.  There is also a very nice (but steep) hike up from the city below through the dense forest with occasional views across the bay.  The start of the path is at coordinates 33.997710, 35.650976 ( here on Google Maps ).  Recommended for sunset.  

Hermel and Akkar

The far north of Lebanon is known as one of its most dangerous areas, but most reports are highly exaggerated.  The main attraction here is the 2,500 year-old Pyramid of Hermel, which I visited in 2021 .  Even now, no one’s quite sure who built it!  Worth a visit if you have the time, but its location in one of the most remote parts of the country means that it won’t fit many peoples’ itineraries.  

Nobody is sure why the Pyramid of Hermel was built.

The Far South (UNIFIL-Controlled Area)

The far south of Lebanon is interesting, because you can drive along beside the border wall with Israel, which is covered in security cameras and, in some places, graffiti similar to that seen in the Palestinian territories.  The coast at Naqoura also have the cleanest waters in Lebanon for swimming, thanks to the low population density and proximity to Israel, which has better sewage treatment facilities than Lebanon.  

The downside is that this area is under control of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) and foreigners need a permit to enter it.  See below the section on Entering the UNIFIL-Controlled Area for details of how to obtain the permit.  

This picturesque little village in the mountains near Saida is often overlooked by travellers, which is a pity, as it boasts one of Lebanon’s most spectacular waterfalls.  For hikers, the village is surrounded by Lebanon’s largest pine forest.  For those who want something darker, there’re also some interesting abandoned buildings leftover from Lebanon’s war of resistance against Israel to explore.  Read more in my dedicated Jezzine guide here.

The sea wall south of Naqoura

Suggested Itineraries

Pick and choose where to visit from the places above.  However, my suggestions are as follows:

Two-day Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos .  This is way too short, but spend one day wandering Beirut, watch the sunset at Raouche in the evening and then head to the Jeita Grottoes and Byblos on day 2.

Four-day Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos – Saida & Mleeta – Anjar & Baalbek.   Best to base yourself in Beirut for this itinerary, which covers the major highlights of the country.  

One-week (7 day) Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos – Tripoli – The Northern Mountains – Saida & Mleeta – The Southern Mountains – Anjar & Baalbek. This itinerary includes most of the highlights of the country with a variety of cities, ancient ruins and nature.

Two-week (14 day) Trip or Longe r : Beirut – Jeita Grottoes – Jounieh – Byblos – Batroun – Tripoli – The Northern Mountains – Anjar & Baalbek – Saida & Mleeta – Jezzine – The Southern Mountains – Tyre .  You could easily spend more than a day in many of the places listed here, making the trip more relaxing and enjoyable.  Alternatively, add in some hiking or visit some random villages in the mountains, many of which are beautiful.  

If you have the time, check out the Rock of Hamat near Batroun for a very Instagrammable pic.

I had no idea until I moved to Lebanon, but the country has some amazing hikes.  My personal favourites are the following:

• Qornet As Sawda (Black Peak) – The highest mountain in not only Lebanon, but the entire Levant region, and 5th highest in the Middle East, at 3,088m.  The landscape is like nothing else in the country, as barren as the moon.  It gets very cold near the top and is covered in snow from around November to May, so it’s best to avoid these times.  The hike starts from the Cedars ski resort near the Cedars of God and the first two hours follow the ski lifts.  The total hiking time is about 8 hours and it’s long, but not difficult.  
• The Chouf Biosphere Reserve – The largest cedar forests in Lebanon make for some beautiful hiking.  The reserve is clearly marked on Google Maps and is suitable for short or long hikes.
• The Qadisha Valley – Possibly the most beautiful place in the whole of Lebanon, a Colombian monk lives in a tiny monastery perched high on a cliff above the valley.  The path to the monastery is narrow with beautiful views and not particularly difficult, although the monk himself has stopped meeting visitors recently, due to the risk of Covid, as he is very old.
• Jabel Moussa Biosphere Reserve – There are many hikes here, from short 3-5km jaunts to 20km marathons and over steep mountain paths.  The highlight is Chouwen lake, which is a beautiful turquoise blue.  It’s also possible to swim in it during the summer.  
• Bkassine Pine Forest – The largest pine forest in Lebanon is riddled with beautiful hiking trails.  Check out my Jezzine guide for details .

The moonscape of Qornet As Sawda is like nothing else in the whole of Lebanon.

A rare near eastern fire salamander, spotted by yours truly while hiking in the Chouf region.

Anyone who thinks the Middle East is only desert and camels has never been to Lebanon – the lush green of the Qadisha Valley is like something out of a Disney film.

Impact of the Crisis – Electricity

Lebanon’s national grid currently only supplies about 1-2 hours of electricity per day to most parts of the country, due to a shortage of fuel, insufficient capacity and various other factors.  This is terrible if you’re local and don’t have a backup power supply.  However, for tourists it’s actually not that big a problem, as major hotels have good generators that provide 24/7 power and most restaurants and other businesses also have generators, if not all the time.

The best advice here is check with your hotel before visiting.  Some generators are not designed to run 24/7 and so buildings can have gaps without power.  My apartment currently has seven hours in 24 with no power, split between the night and morning, when they let the generator ‘rest.’

The electricity crisis has made the roads more dangerous – many street lights and traffic lights are not operating.  If you do drive in Lebanon, when you come to a junction without working traffic lights, just slow down and drive slowly through.  Most Lebanese drivers are very cautious at these junctions, as the economic crisis has made imported car parts astronomically expensive and no one wants to damage their car.  

Protests occasionally turn violent, but luckily protest areas are easily avoided by visitors.

Impact of the Crisis – Hyperinflation

The most important thing to remember is to bring enough cash for the duration of your stay.  The best currency to bring is USD, but other common currencies, such as EUR and GBP, can also be exchanged at black market rates.  Licensed currency exchange shops are now permitted to exchange currency at black market rates, so you no need to be hooked up with a black market dealer.  

Pro tip : before coming to Lebanon, download the Lira Rate or Lira Exchange app for your smartphone.  These apps show the current black market rates and, although the rate on the street is usually slightly lower, give you a good guide as to the approximate rate you should expect when changing money.

If you do run out of money in Lebanon, don’t withdraw money from an ATM if you can possibly avoid it.  ATMs currently operate at the official rate of 15,000 LBP to the USD, so you’re losing most of your money to the banks.  The same applies to paying for things priced in LBP with credit/debit cards.  ATMs no longer offer USD currency withdrawal for foreign bank cards.  The best approach for travellers is to use a currency transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union, which allow you to transfer in foreign currency and collect it in USD.

One knock on effect of the economic crisis is that Lebanon is now significantly cheaper than it used to be.  Hotels have started charging foreigners in dollars again, but everything else, and especially food, is much cheaper than it was before.  A good Lebanese meal for two in a normal restaurant will usually cost about $15, including drinks.  In a slightly more upmarket restaurant, expect to pay around $30.  

The economic crisis is so bad that Batman had to trade in the Batmobile.

Impact of the Crisis – Safety

Crime rates in Lebanon are very low and, although they have risen recently as people become increasingly desperate, rates of petty theft are still lower than in most of Europe and criminals in general do not specifically target foreigners.  That said, the atmosphere can feel tense and the fortifications erected in some areas (lots of barbed wire, concrete barriers and patrolling soldiers) can give the impression that the safety situation is worse than it is.  

Most violent incidents that have been in the news recently have occurred during protests, often of a political nature.  If you do see the beginnings of a protest, such as groups of people marching together or tyres burning in the road, simply turn around and leave the area.  Protests usually start peacefully, but build to a point where the demonstrations spill over into violence.  Again, protests do not target foreigners, but there is a risk of being caught in the violence if you stick around.

An unfortunate legacy of the Lebanese civil war is that a lot of the populations still own guns.  At a recent protest in Beirut, not only were there shootings with machine guns, but the violence escalated with the use of RPGs.  This is an extreme case.  Again, I stayed away from the area.  

Guns are also often used at funerals or celebrations, where they are shot into the air in waves of celebratory gunfire.  Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, and people are occasionally killed by falling bullets or by bullets entering buildings through windows.  If you do hear shooting while you’re in a building, move to the interior, away from the windows and wait for it to subside.  If you’re outside, leave the area.  Funerals rarely happen in the city centre, which is the most interesting area for foreign travellers, so you probably won’t come across them anyway.  Furn El Chebek, Chiyah, Tariq El Jdideh and Jnah are common areas for funerals.

Lebanon is generally very safe. Even walking through the slummier neighbourhoods of Tripoli, Lebanon’s poorest city, I never felt unsafe.

Certain areas of Beirut experience violence far more than others.  In general, the southern suburbs of Beirurt, south of main road where the National Museum of Beirut is located, are less safe than the city centre.  In particular, Chiyah, Cola and Tayouneh and Tariq El Jdideh have all seen violent protests.  Martyr’s Square and the Beirut souks area also see frequent protests, but these tend to be less violent than those in the south.

As a tourist, the only areas you’re likely to visit to the south are Badaro (an upmarket bar street) and the Cola Intersection, as it’s the main hub for public transport to the south and the Bekaa Valley.  I visit these locations regularly and have never had problems, but keep an eye out just in case.

This may all sound very scary, but actually Lebanon is very safe for tourists.  Even now, by far the most dangerous thing is the roads, where accidents are frequent.  Just use a bit of common sense and you’ll be fine.

Impact of the Crisis – Fuel

One of the best ways to see Lebanon, and especially the more remote parts, is to rent a car and drive yourself.  During the summer of 2021, fuel became extremely difficult to obtain, often requiring queuing for hours (if you can even find a fuel station that’s open).  The only other option was to purchase it on the blackmarket at vastly inflated prices.

The good news is that, since the end of September 2021, fuel has been readily available again.  The government has let the price of fuel rise to close to market value, which has reduced incentives for fuel hoarding and smuggling to Syria.  

Bikers queuing for fuel at the peak of the fuel crisis in 2021

Ethics – Should I Visit Lebanon During the Crisis?

With frequent power cuts and shortages of some products, many people question whether they should visit a country while it’s in crisis, as they feel they may be using limited resources that are needed by the local population.  In the case of Lebanon, the answer is definitely yes, you should visit.  Lebanon produces very little domestically – even 80%+ of food is imported.  Shortages are not caused by a lack of supply on global markets, they’re caused by a lack of financial means to purchase supply (compounded by corruption and a range of other factors).  

By visiting Lebanon, you are bringing much needed foreign currency into the country and, by buying products and services from local businesses, ensuring that it reaches local people who need it.  One of the biggest problems for Lebanese people is that the value of the LBP to the dollar is so low, which makes imports expensive.  Everytime there is a large influx of visitors, for example with the Lebanese diaspora returning home over Christmas, the LBP gains value, helping local people.  This shows the positive effect that an influx of foreign currency has and, as an individual your contribution will be small, but will certainly be positive.  In other words, don’t feel bad about visiting!

Lebanese people are very good at enjoying life, even in the middle of a crisis.

One of the best ways to see Lebanon is to rent a car.  Car rentals are cheap now (about $20/day for a small car, including insurance) and Lebanon is a very car-based society.  A deposit of around $100 is often requested in cash for your first rental.  So far, I’ve not heard of any problems having this refunded.  In theory, an International Driver’s Permit is required, but in reality no one cares, at least not if your local driver’s licence is in English, French or Arabic.

I usually rent from Mike Rent-a-Car, which is a good option if you want to support local businesses.  The price is generally $20-30/day depending on the season for a small car and their Website is at www.mikerentacar.com .  Their office in Beirut is located here .  Alternatively, the big international car rental companies, such as Avis and Europcar , also operate in Lebanon.  They also have the advantage of having a presence at the airport, so you don’t need to bother with other transport to get to your accommodation. 

Cars and Drivers

If you don’t feel confident driving in Lebanon, it is possible to hire a car and driver from a hotel or hostel. This can cost upwards from around $70 a day plus fuel, but hotels may charge significantly more.

Ride Hailing Apps

Uber and Bolt both work well in Beirut.  Bolt is usually slightly cheaper, but Uber cars are generally in better condition and the drivers are more professional.  These apps are also by far the cheapest way to get to or from the airport in Beirut.  Just be sure to change the payment method to cash, as credit cards are billed at the official exchange rate so you’ll end up paying $50 for a 5-minute trip across town.

Public Transport

Lebanon has an informal public transport network made up for service (shared) taxis and minibuses.  These are operated privately with pricing regulated by the government.  There are also public buses from Beirut to Tripoli.  Vehicles licensed for public transport, including taxis, all have red number plates (or red lettering on the number plate).

To catch a service (shared) taxi, stand on the edge of a road (main roads are usually better) and hold out your arm when a taxi comes past (look for the red number plates).  Ask the driver “Service?”  If he agrees, it means the taxi is shared, so you will not be charged for a private journey.  Then tell him your destination.  If he’s going in the right direction and willing to take you there, he’ll agree.  Finally, ask him the price.  Most drivers are very honest, but a few do try to overcharge foreigners.  

Inside Beirut

Service taxis operate throughout Beirut, although explaining the destination can be tricky.  Often, the easiest approach is just to say the name of the area, such as “Hamra,” “Gemayze,” “Daora,” or “Cola.”  Minibuses on set routes also operate, but finding the routes is extremely difficult, so use the same approach as when taking a service and ask the driver whether he goes to your destination.  Prices for service taxis are just over $1 and for minibuses around $0.50.

Northern Lebanon

Shared taxis and minibuses run from the Daora roundabout in Beirut up the coastal highway to Jounieh, Byblos, Batroun and Tripoli.  Prices vary, but are cheap, starting at about $1 to Jounieh.  Just ask the drivers whether they go to the city you want to reach.

For Tripoli, there’s also a bus that runs on an actual schedule from Martyr’s Square in Beirut.  

Their current schedule can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/connexion.transportation . 

Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valle y

Minibuses run from the Cola Intersection in southern Beirut down the coastal highway to Saida and Tyre, as well as to Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley and to the Chouf region.  To visit the Chouf Biosphere Reserve, catch the bus to Barouk, the name of the nearest village.  From there, you need to walk several kilometres to enter the reserve and there is no public transport.  Hitchhiking could be an option. 

To reach Anjar, take the minibus to Baalbek and get off at Chtoura.  From here, there are other minibuses running to Anjar.  

The Jeita Grottoes

The Jeita Grottoes are located about halfway between Beirut and Byblos, approximately 5km from the highway.  Take public transport from the Daora roundabout and get off at the Ajaltoun exit of the main highway (coordinates 33.960616, 35.604071, here on Google Maps ).  From here you can either walk (5km uphill) or take a taxi.  There are usually several drivers hanging around this area, although prices can be high and will depend on your negotiation skills.  To get back to the highway afterwards, you can usually find a driver in the Jeita Grottoes carpark.  Another good option to reach the Jeita Grottoes is to take an Uber all the way from Beirut.  Uber is cheap in Lebanon, so this works out around the same price.

I’m not aware of any public transport option to reach this area of the country (including Aqoura, the Batara waterfall and the Cedars of God), so your options are really driving or hitchhiking.  

The view from Aqoura – there is still snow on the mountains in early May.  The northern mountains are a pain to get to without a car, but worth the effort.

Transport to and from Beirut Airport

Uber is a cheap and convenient way to get to or from the airport in Beirut.  This should cost around $6.  However, this can be tricky when first arriving, due to needing to obtain Lebanese pounds to pay the driver.  If the exchange counter at the airport is not open or the rate is bad, you can try negotiating with the Uber driver to pay in USD at the black market rate.

There are always plenty of local taxis waiting at the airport to take you to the city centre.  These often try to charge ridiculous rates to foreigners – up to $50 for the 10-15 minute journey.  With a bit of bargaining, you should be able to agree on around $10.

Checkpoints

There are military checkpoints on the roads throughout Lebanon and even within some parts of Beirut.  Generally, they wave foreigners through without saying anything.  If driving yourself, slowdown at the checkpoint, wind down the window and greet the soldier.  Most times, he’ll wave you though before you even come to a stop.  

In my two years here during which I’ve travelled the country extensively, I’ve been asked twice for my nationality and had my passport checked once (so carry it with you, just in case), and that was on the road between Hermel and Qobayat, one of the most remote parts of the country.

Entering the UNIFIL-Controlled Area

The only exception to the above is the checkpoints for entering the UNIFIL-controlled area south of the Litani river near the border with Israel.  Foreigners can only enter with a permit obtained in advance (with the exception of UN employees).  To obtain the permit, visit the police headquarters in Saida with your passport.  The police station is at coordinates 33.550327, 35.381710 ( here on Google Maps ).  You need to bring your passport and colour photocopies of the identity page and your entry stamp to Lebanon (and visa, if you come from a country that needs a visa to enter Lebanon).  It generally takes less than one hour and permits can be issued for entry on the same day.  Permits can be obtained for one or multiple days.

Northern Israel, as viewed over the imposing border wall in south Lebanon.

Recently (as of early 2023), the black market exchange rate has been hovering around the 80,000 LBP to the USD rate, whereas the official rate is 15,000 LBP.  Previously, currency exchange shops were prohibited from giving the black market rate, but the government has relaxed this rule, so any currency exchange shop can exchange money for you.  Just make sure you bring plenty of cash.

Whatever you do, don’t use a foreign bank card in an ATM or to pay in shops.  The banks still apply the official rate, so you’ll be paying several times the real price.  

Pre-crisis, these notes were worth about $66 each. Now they’re worth around $3.

Mobile Phone Service and SIM Cards

Lebanon has good mobile Internet even in most rural areas.  SIM cards are widely available from mobile phone shops.  I use Alpha, which has good 4G coverage across most of the country.  Passports are not required to obtain a SIM.  Prices fluctuate, but a SIM card with 6GB of data valid for one month can be obtained for around $20.  I have been warned to check that the seller gives you the packaging to ensure that it’s not a reused, although I’m not sure what the problem would be with this..  

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Lebanon is the food.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are my favourite restaurants.  I happen to like coffee a lot, so I’ve also slung in a few coffee shop recommendations for good measure.

• Resto Ghazar: My favourite Lebanese-Armenian restaurant.  Try the soubeureg (cheese pastries), mouhamara (pomegranate with nuts) and manti.  Although not Armenian, their batata harra (spicy potatoes with coriander) is also out of this world.  Prices are very reasonable, at about $10-15 a person, including drinks.  
• Ohannes Restaurant: Another great Armenian restaurant, with beautiful tiled decor.  The food is also great, especially the Ohannes salad and fried liver.  This place is a bit more upmarket at about $15-25 per person, including drinks.
• T-Marbouta: A variety of great Lebanese food in the heart of Hamra with a nice outdoor seating area.  About $8-15 a person, including drinks.
• Sawani Falfoul: A great place for breakfast in Badaro, an upmarket bar street.  In particular, try the foul (a kind of chickpea soup, pronounced like the word “fool” in English), shakshuka (scrambled egg with tomato) and hummus (the “Malaysian” hummus is particularly good, if not very Lebanese sounding).
• Barbar Restaurant: Basic but tasty Lebanese barbeque restaurant in Hamra.  Not sure of the current price, but cheap!
• Le Chef: A traditional Lebanese restaurant that claims to be the oldest in Lebanon, although my Lebanese friends tell me that this is bullshit.  The place has a lot of character and was saved from bankruptcy by a donation from Russel Crow, who once ate there, after being destroyed in the port explosion in August 2020.
• Notes Speciality Coffee: My local coffee place.  Great brews and the chance to meet me if you’re there in the morning (I often work from there).  

Quail eggs with basterma (seasoned meat) – an Armenian-Lebanese delicacy.

• Fenicia: This restaurant is so good that I have hardly eaten anywhere else in Byblos.  Up there with Resto Ghazar as one of my two favourite restaurants in Lebanon.  The environment is elegant and the food is absolutely out-of-this-world.  The cheese/shrimp rolls and the mixed grill plata are my recommendations.  Prices are about $15-25 per person, including drinks.  The only problem is that they don’t take reservations and getting a seat can be difficult.  

Byblos has many local restaurants, like this Italian one, where you can sit outside and enjoy the old town vibe.

• The Colonel Brewery: Lebanon’s most famous craft beer brewery, the Colonel recently opened a restaurant with a view of the Mediterranean and a great selection of fresh seafood.  Try the delicious raw fish if you’re feeling adventurous.  A meal for two including drinks is around $30.
• Barrio 67: Not Lebanese cuisine, but delicious international food and nice decoration in the heart of the old town.  Prices are about $15-25 per person, including drinks. 
• The Sailor Woman: this cute little restaurant serves only six dishes – fish with tahini, calamari, octopus, french fries, fattouch (traditional Lebanese green salad) and Tabbouleh (traditional Lebanese salad with Parsley).  What makes it so special is that all the cooking is done by a little old lady in her apartment, which is just next to the restaurant.  The fish is also very fresh, as Tripoli is the centre of the Lebanese fishing industry.  
• Newtown Coffee: Great place to take a break from sightseeing and chill.  Nice environment and good coffee.  

My favourite fish in Tahini at The Sailor Woman restaurant.

Be sure to try some Lebanese sweets, which can be found across the country.

• Foul Abou El Ezz: Another breakfast place, simple, very local and delicious.  Try the foul (a kind of chickpea soup, pronounced like the word “fool” in English) and hummus.  
• Green’s Coffee: One of my favourite coffee shops in Lebanon with a great selection of coffees and even a deli counter.  The environment is top-notch with a nice retro feel.  
• Resthouse: Overpriced (although still cheap by international standards), but with a great view of the Seafort and the only place allowed to sell alcohol in Saida.  Perfect for a beer with a view on a hot summer’s day.

A man making local sweets at a little bakery in the winding streets of Saida’s old bazaar.

• Local sfeeha place: On the main street of Baalbek, on the left as you’re walking away from the Roman ruins, you’ll come across what is basically a traditional oven in a room on the edge of the street with a few tables outside (approx. coordinates: 34.005245, 36.208302, here on Google Maps ).   They make one dish – delicious sfeeha, the traditional meat pastry originally from Baalbek – and they make it really well.  It’s a while since I’ve been there, so not sure of the exact price, but twenty sfeeha cost a few dollars.

Local sfiha meat pastries being prepared for the brick oven.

• Fresh seafood: Tyre has a wonderful selection of reasonably-priced fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour.  The location is at 33.274307, 35.194684 ( here on Google Maps ) and there are several small restaurants with harbour views nearby.  Prices start from about $10 a person, including drinks.

Accommodation

Hotels recently switched to charging foreign tourists in USD and so the prices are roughly the same as before the crisis.  You may be able to negotiate a deal with some of the smaller places when you’re here, but that’s tricky to do in advance.  AirBNB can be a very good option and relatively cheap.  With any accommodation, check the hours that they have electricty before booking.

Couchsurfing

Lebanon has an active Couchsurfing community.  Many people here host travellers and there are often events organised.  If you’re looking to meet local people, this is a great way to do it.  

Covid-19, PCR Tests and Entry Requirements

As of 28 September 2022, the Lebanese government cancelled all Covid-related requirements for entering Lebanon.  Once in the country there are also no longer restrictions and masks are not required.  

PCR tests are not required for departure from Beirut airport.  However, if you need one for your next destination, they can be obtained at many hospitals in Lebanon.  I have used Hotel Dieu de France hospital in the past. There’s also a lab that will send someone to your accommodation to do the test for you.  It’s very convenient and the results are available same day, sent via WhatsApp.  They can be contacted on WhatsApp at +961 3 444 925.  Wherever you do the test, it will have a QR code.  Prices vary depending on the exchange rate, but are generally around $10-12.

More about Lebanon

After two years living in Lebanon, I’ve visited almost every inch of the country.  You can read about my adventures here:

Jezzine Travel Guide

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Hermel & Beyond: Road Tripping Remote Lebanon

Hermel & Beyond: Road Tripping Remote Lebanon As a Scot, I’m used to living in countries far bigger than my own.  Lebanon is the exception - the entire country is only about 200km long and 80km wide at its widest point.  So how, you might ask, can there be ‘remote...

Looking for even more great ideas?  Here’s another in-depth travel guide to Lebanon by Romana and Jakub at Broken Naviation, including hotel recommendations for all budgets (living here I don’t stay in hotels much).  They have some really beautiful photographs too.  Check it out here:

• How to Travel to Lebanon in 2022 & 11 Days Itinerary

Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you enjoyed the article or have questions!

Beirut is one crazy beautiful city in one crazy beautiful country. I can’t not love it.

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30 Comments

Wow, this is a great post. Thank you so much. We’re travelling to Lebanon for a week in May (9th – 15th) and were a bit unsure of what to see/do because of the crisis. This has helped a lot. I’m coming with a friend. Hit me up if you’d like to hang out.

Hey mate, great to hear the guide was helpful. I’m actually outside the country travelling Sudan at the moment (another amazing place), so won’t be around on those dates. Enjoy Lebanon!

I absolutely love this guide. I am a 50plus woman who travels around the world and I am in Egypt now. I want to go and spend a month there in June/July and would love to contact people who want to meet and Argentina my age or around my age. I am not rich, my country goes through the same struggles than Lebanon with the second highest inflation in the world. I do have a website on the works and I can recommend your site, I believe the only waay we can make a change is to share

Hi Monica, that’s great. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Lebanon a lot. For meeting people, you might want to try Couch Surfing. The community in Lebanon is quite active.

Thank you so much for the useful information. I’m travelling to Lebanon for a week in 30th May – 6th June and was uncertain of what to expect. You information has helped me feel more confident. I’m coming by myself as my partner can’t make it because of work commitments. Feel free to contact me if you’d like have a chat over drinks. PS I’m keen to go to Sudan and see the Pyramids there. Hope you enjoyed it.

Hi Morris. Great to hear that the information was helpful. I would definitely be up for meeting for a drink, as long as I’m in Lebanon at that time. Could you drop me a message on the quitandgotravel Instagram page? I don’t want to put my WhatsApp number on this page as it’ll inevitably get flooded with spam.

Sudan was amazing! Working on a guide for that now, but will take some time.

This is amazing, thank you so much for publishing this! I’ve had a hard time getting a real read on the situation. We are planning a trip in July, probably just Beirut for 4 or 5 days. Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Hi Katie, glad to hear it was useful. July is a great time to visit, the weather will be beautiful. Beirut is a great place to base yourself, but I would suggest to do at least a day trip to Byblos and the Jeita Grottoes. Regarding hotels, as I live here, I don’t stay in them and so don’t have specific recommendations. However, wherever you stay, the main thing to check is whether they have a generator and how many hours of power they have per day. Generally, the higher-end hotels have 24/7 power, whereas the lower-end ones could be just a few hours a day.

Hi Rowan, this was SO helpful, thank you! Hoping to visit May 27-June 4 but was nervous about the US government “level 3” travel advisory. I saw your disclaimer about the elections last week – how is the sentiment now?

Hi Lily, glad this was helpful. The elections have gone relatively peacefully, so hoping things will be back to normal by then. Time will tell, so feel free to reach out to me nearer the time to confirm.

Think your guide is really helpful mate. I’m looking to visit with my girlfriend for at least a week in Oct before flying on to India, but we will not hire a car to keep the costs down, so hopefully we can visit places like Byblos and Kadisha Valley by bus/shared taxi etc as we’d love to do some hiking. Thanks again.

Awesome mate, glad the guide was helpful. Lebanon is very doable with public transport (and maybe a bit of hitchhiking to Kadisha). Enjoy India!

Is the situation pretty unstable atm mate? Been looking at uk gov website and it seems to say avoid all but essential travel to Lebanon. Not going until Oct, so I hope thing may improve then, but would you say wait to see if it calms down a bit before booking flights, or just take the gov advice with a pinch of salt? As your blog seems to indicate its not too bad 🙂 sorry for the bombardment of questions!

Hey mate, already replied to your email, but for anyone else reading, government travel warnings tend to exaggerate. It’s actually very peaceful here at the moment. Lebanese people are very friendly and crime rates are low. In Lebanon, the situation can change quickly, but I wouldn’t let that put you off visiting.

Hi Rowan, thanks for sharing those helpful Informations. Do you know if there is a possibility to get from Bcharré to Baalbek by public transportation in September

Hi Miriam. Glad the blog has been useful. Unfortunately, there is no public transport from Bcharré to Baalbek. By public transport, you’d need to go back to Beirut and then over the main highway to Baalbek, which is a huge detour. However, I’m sure you could hitchhike it without much difficultly. Lebanese people are very friendly and a female friend of mine who was volunteering in Anjar the past few weeks hitchhiked all over the country without problems.

Wowwwww I was just looking around, totally unsure about Lebanon and feeling no way I could Really do it but your post has totally changed my mind.

I hope to meet you for a coffee hello.

~A Solo woman traveller

Ps, Pls let me know your thoughts on overland travel from jordan through syria.

Hey, glad the blog helped inspire you! Overland travel from Jordan is possible with an organised tour, as that’s generally the only way to get the visa. It’s expensive but doable and I’ve spoken with people who’ve done it. A coffee sounds good, drop me a message on Insta @quitandgotravel when you know the dates.

This post re Lebanon is fantastic. I’m traveling alone; do you have any tour guide recommendations? Also, if you’re up for a cup of coffee and a chat, I’ll be there the first week of July.

Hi Stacy, great to hear the post is useful. I never use tour guides (except in North Korea, where it’s mandatory), so can’t recommend one. However, Lebanon is very doable solo. I’d definitely be up for a coffee and should be here that week. Can you drop me a message on Insta? @quitandgotravel

This blog was really helpful – I’m a solo female traveler and have been looking to go to Beirut to visit my friend’s dog and bring him doggie treats (and I guess say hi to my friend too and bring human treats) but with everything that has happened in the past two years it has been a bit difficult to get it organised. Due to my nationality it also appears the visa process will take longer than normal in my current country of residence. I would rather not have to get my (human) friend send some sort of invitation letter in order for me to get a visa, but I guess I’ll just have to see and try and Lebanese Embassy. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

Your poor friend, I can see that he or she is definitely second to the dog! Good luck with the visa though, I hope you get it sorted out okay, and thanks for your kind comments.

Thanks so much for this guide. I’m Lebanese background and even I found it very very useful. My Aussie partner and I are going to Lebanon in September and I’m wondering which neighbourhood to book our Airbnb. We want to be able to walk all of Beirut, prefer to flush toilet paper down the toilet haha and want to be walking distance to cafes, bars and be able to walk home safely afterwards (or is it safer to get a service/taxi?). Also did you have any issues with being overcharged for things? Memories of taxi drivers taking me around the block a couple of times in Syria and charging me double haha

Hi Lili. Great to hear that my blog is even useful to Lebanese! For AirBNBs, Gemayze is probably the best Neighborhood. It’s walking distance to most things and has power more often than Hamra, so is less dark. Beirut is still very safe and walkable, even now. I think it’s a cultural thing, but despite the ever increasing poverty levels, crime rates are still low here. Most people are pretty honest, so rip offs are not common. The worst are taxis, especially from the airport, so use Uber or Bolt and set the app to pay cash (don’t pay more than 200,000 LBP from the airport).

Rowan, as others have said this is a great blog. Many thanks for all this info. I am a keen cyclist but cannot find any of the major adventure tour companies who offer cycling holidays in Lebanon. Do you know of any cycling organisations in Lebanon who might be able to help me put together an itinerary.

Hi David. I’m happy you liked the blog. I focus on independent travel, so not sure about tour companies to be honest. I don’t think cycling is a big thing here though (drivers are not so considerate), but that said, it could be a good way to see the country.

I had planned a trip to Lebanon in May 2020 (tickets paid for and everything) but Covid happened. Since then, Lebanon had gone through some significant changes like the economic crisis, etc, and I was really unsure if this year was the right time to be visiting Lebanon; was thinking of doing so in December.

Your blog had really helped, it is positive yet realistic. I am leaning heavily on traveling to Lebanon this year.

I heard it is easy to do a day trip to Damascus from Beirut? Have you done this trip? If so, was it a good experience?

Hi Ivy. Great to hear that you’re planning to visit Lebanon. Keep your eye on the news, but if it stays like it is now, you’ll have a great time. Day trips to Damascus are easily arranged. I don’t like organised tours, so I haven’t done one. I’m still working on the visa now, but hope to visit Syria independently for a couple of weeks in the near future.

Thank you so much for all this great information. My husband & am planning to move to Jadra, Lebanon with in the next year and I am doing research now and came across your blog. Any information you can send me in a email would be much appreciated. I have never traveled outside the U.S. . We plan on visiting for 2 weeks before we actually move there.

Hey that’s awesome that you’re moving here to Lebanon. It’s a wonderful country. Jadra is an interesting choice of location though! Most of the relevant information is in the blog, but feel free to let me know if you have specific questions.

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Top 12 Touristic Places to Visit in Lebanon

Lebanon, a country steeped in history, culture and natural beauty, offers a mesmerizing array of attractions that will leave any traveler in awe. From ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes, Lebanon is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Join us as we unveil the 12 must-visit places in Lebanon.

1.Harissa and Jounieh Teleferique

Perched upon a hill overlooking the picturesque Jounieh bay, the Statue of Our Lady of Lebanon stands as a remarkable symbol of spiritual significance and national pride. This 13-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1907, has become a revered pilgrimage site for all religions. The panoramic views from the top, make the journey to Harissa an unforgettable experience for any visitor to Lebanon.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Carlos Haidamous (@carloshaidamous)

Don’t miss the impressive Teleferique aerial cableway in Lebanon! The cable car, which spans over 1.5 kilometers, provides passengers with breathtaking views of Jounieh Bay and the surrounding hills on the way up to Harissa, which is perched at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level. This one-of-a-kind attraction can carry a total of 960 passengers per hour, with the one-way trip taking around nine minutes.

Further reads: 10 Incredible places to visit in Keserwan

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maroon_ (@maroon_kai)

2. Jeita Grottos

A finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, the Jeita Grottos are a true marvel of nature.

Discovered in 1836, this enchanting cave is renowned for its extraordinary limestone formations, with stalactites and stalagmites taking on fascinating and diverse shapes, sizes and colors. With a lower cave offering a dreamy boat ride and an upper cave showcasing astonishing stone formations, this tranquil and serene site is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the mystery and beauty of the underground world.

Further reads: 7 Caves & Grottos That’ll Blow Your Mind in Lebanon

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by لازم تشوف لبنان must see lebanon (@mustseelebanonn)

3. Byblos Old Port 

Located on a cliff of sandstone, 40 kilometers north of Beirut, Byblos Port is believed to be the oldest in the world. It holds great historical significance as the most important timber shipping center in the eastern Mediterranean around 3000 BC. In fact, the Phoenicians used this port to export local wine, cedars of Lebanon and other wood to ancient Egypt.

Byblos is a testament to the rich history of the Phoenician civilization, with structures dating back 8000 years, including medieval town features, Bronze Age temples, Roman roads, Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture. As a World Heritage Site, it also holds a direct association with the Phoenician alphabet.

Further reads: Historical Jewels of Jbeil

4. Baalbeck and Anjar ruins

Baalbek and Anjar Ruins are ancient archaeological wonders that hold immense historical importance in Lebanon.

Baalbek Temple, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, showcases the grandeur of Roman architecture, while the Anjar ruins boasts a unique blend of Roman and Umayyad influences. These temples’ significance lies in their preservation of Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, offering tourists a glimpse into the country’s ancient past. With their awe-inspiring structures and captivating history, Baalbek and Anjar are must-visit destinations in Lebanon.

Further reads: Tales as old as Time: Temples in Lebanon

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mohamad Zinati (@mozinati)

5. The Corniche Beirut and Pigeon’s Rocks

The Corniche, a waterfront promenade, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, while Pigeon’s Rocks rise 60 meters above sea level. Both sites are synonymous with Beirut and must be seen. Don’t forget to look out for the fishermen and the swimmers.

Further reads: Art Galleries to Discover in Beirut

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rabih Zihri – Drone photographer (@rabihzihri)

6. Shouf Biosphere Reserve

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve — the largest nature reserve in Lebanon — is home to three magnificent cedar forests. These forests, which make up a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in the country, are estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve also serves as a sanctuary for various mammal species and plants, making it an important conservation site.

Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, trekking, bird watching and mountain biking, and from the mountaintop, they can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Bekaa Valley and the Mediterranean Sea.

Designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2005, the Shouf Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 5% of Lebanon’s total area and includes the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, the Ammiq Wetlands and 24 surrounding villages.

Further reads: Great Hiking Trails in Shouf

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dr. Firas Bou Chakra (@dr.firaschakra)

7. Jezzine Waterfall

Jezzine is a picturesque village in South Lebanon, known as a popular summer resort and tourist destination. The town is famous for its stunning waterfall, which plunges some 90 meters.

Interestingly, the waterfall holds historical significance, as it is located near the Fakhr El-Din Grotto, which served as a hiding place for the Lebanese Emir during the Ottoman era.

Further reads: Top 5 Attractions in Jezzine

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Elias Chamy (@eliaschamy)

8. Mar Charbel Annaya

Mar Charbel Annaya is a religious site in the Lebanese mountains. It is at the monastery that Saint Charbel, who was known for his spiritual devotions and healing the sick, is buried.

This holy place is not only peaceful, it also brings together people of all faiths from the four corners of the world.

Further reads: Exploring Religious Tourism in Deir El Ahmar

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Saint Charbel-طبيب السما (@saint.charbel.annaya)

9. Batroun Old Souks

Batroun Old Souks, brimming with history and cultural significance, are a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring Lebanon. These charming and vibrant markets, dating back centuries, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region with their narrow alleys and traditional architecture. These days, the souks feature a large variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The well-known Hilmi’s lemonade shop can also be found here.

Further reads: Discovering the Ancient Side of the Batroun District

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Waad (@waad_lamaa)

10. Saida Sea Castle

Saida Sea Castle is a coastal fortress that dates back to the 13th century. With its striking architecture and strategic location, it played a vital role in defending the city throughout history. Today, it is one of the most visited places in South Lebanon.

Further reads: Mini Guide to Saida

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Khatib Mohamad (@khatib_adventures)

11. Qadisha Valley

Steeped in history and culture, the spectacular Qadisha Valley is a must for tourists. This breathtaking valley has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its deep gorges, ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes.

Further reads: Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Bcharreh District

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by a l i d a h e r (@alidaher89)

12. Oyoun Orghosh

Nestled on the eastern foothills of Qornet El Sawda, Lebanon’s highest peak, lies Ouyoun Orgosh Lake. Here, freshwater springs form tranquil ponds amid rugged hills. Visitors can enjoy summer camping, invigorating hikes, off-road adventures and leisurely picnics while eating fresh fish, particularly trout, and delicious mezze from tented restaurants during spring and summer.

Further reads: 5 Captivating Lakes 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by M A H E R – A Y O U B 🔥 (@maherrayoub)

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18 Breathtaking Spots To Visit In Lebanon

Natural landmarks, historical monuments, religious sites… Lebanon is full of wonderful gems worth exploring!

Are you wondering where to find them? We’ve got you covered!

In this post, we’ll show you 18 breathtaking spots to add to your bucket list* , so let’s go!

* In no particular order.

1. Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is one of the longest caves in the Middle East, spanning 9km across the Nahr Al Kalb valley. It was chosen as an official finalist representing Lebanon in the 7 Wonders of Nature competition!

The cave consists of 2 parts: the Upper Grotto which you can visit on foot, and the Lower Grotto which you’ll explore on a dreamy boat trip!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Beirut (@livelovebeirut)

2. Cedars of God

You can’t be in Lebanon without exploring its majestic Cedars ! There are many Cedar forests in Lebanon , but the most famous one is the Cedars of God forest in Bcharre. Take a walk in the forest, and discover Cedar trees dating back thousands of years. You can also adopt your own Cedar tree!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebanon Explorer | Travel guide to 🇱🇧 (@lebanon_explorer)

3. Raouche rock

Raouche Rock (also known as Pigeons rock) is a natural landmark in Beirut that was formed after a big earthquake hit the area in the 13th century. To check this wonderful gem, head to the Manara Cornish located right by its side, or rent a boat to explore it from the sea!

4. Qornayel Lakes

Take a 1-hour ride from Beirut to Qornayel village, then hike through a wonderful pine forest to reach these natural lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the hills, valleys, and greenery all around you! Consider having your hike at sunset for an even more special experience.

5. Chowen Lake

Located in Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, Chowen Lake is one of the top destinations to visit in Lebanon! Take a 45-minute hike from the parking lot through the mountain to reach a gorgeous blue lake. Then, take a dip in the refreshing water and enjoy a relaxing day in this little paradise!

Further reading: Looking for more hiking places in Lebanon? Click here .

6. Chekka Historic Tunnel

Check out this hidden gem in Hamat where the mountain meets the sea! Park your car near the tunnel on the seaside road, then walk on a parallel side trail right above the sea. You’ll see historical tunnels, a hidden staircase, and astonishing views!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Chekka (@livelovechekka)

7. Baloue Balaa

Located in Tannourine, Baloue Balaa (also known as Baatara Gorge) is a must-visit destination! The waterfall drops 255 meters into a fascinating cave known as the Cave of the Three Bridges. Take a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to reach this magical spot.

Further Reading: Click here to explore more beautiful waterfalls in Lebanon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐏 E𝐥𝐢𝐞 k𝐨𝐫k𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐳 (@flyoverlebanon)

8. Naqoura Sea wall

Located South of Lebanon, Naqoura Sea Wall is a unique spot that you don’t want to miss! Have a small hike to reach this beautiful landmark where you can enjoy the lovely scenery from its top, or take a dip in the crystal blue water.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Tyre (@livelove.tyre)

9. Afqa Waterfall

Afqa waterfall is another top destination worth exploring. It’s the source that feeds the Nahr Ibrahim river. The waterfall comes out from a stunning cave that will take your breath away! You can enter the cave and admire it from the inside and also swim in the lake where it falls.

10. the highest swing in the middle east

Head to Dennieh in North Lebanon where you’ll find the highest swing in the Middle East! The swing is 21 meters high, located on the top of the mountain, and overlooks the spectacular landscape of the Dennieh region. You can see the sea from one side, and Qornet El Sawda from the other!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by lebanon . danniye (@live.love.danniye)

11. Baalbek Roman Ruins

Baalbek is the home of 2 of the largest and grandest temple ruins: the temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site! Visit this iconic site and uncover the rich history of Lebanon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Baalbeck (@livelove.baalbeck)

12. Saint Charbel’s Tallest Statue

When you’re in Faraya, make sure to visit Saint Charbel’s tallest statue, and enjoy the breathtaking views from above! The statue has a height of 24 meters and a weight of 40 Tons and overlooks Faraya and its surrounding mountains.

Further reading: While in Faraya, check out our top things to do there !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by livelovefaraya (@livelovefarayaa)

13. Our Lady of Lebanon

Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the top religious and tourist sites to visit in Lebanon! Drive to Harissa or take a cable car from Jounieh to reach this holy place. Relax in a peaceful atmosphere and enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Jounieh’s Bay!

14. Kfarhelda Waterfalls

Welcome to Kfarhelda waterfalls, a hidden gem in the Batroun mountains. Take a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to reach a breathtaking waterfall. The river flow will lead you to another waterfall, shorter than the first one and also worth exploring!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Kfarhelda (@livelovekfarhelda)

15. Sidon Sea Castle

Head to Saida in South Lebanon and discover its magnificent Sea Castle! It was built by the crusaders in the 13th century as a fortress of the holy land. It was then damaged and restored many times throughout the years. Now, it mainly consists of 2 towers connected by a wall, and overlooks the old city and fishing harbor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Saida (@livelove.saida)

16. Laklouk Cross

Visit Saydet El Qarn Monastery in Laklouk, then walk on a path beside it that leads to a cross on top of the mountain. You’ll see incredible views of natural blue lakes and the surrounding mountains! (It’s best to visit during sunset).

Further Reading: Take a look at our guide for the best things to do in Laklouk .

17. La Jetée

La Jetée is the perfect spot in Bcharre to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Qadisha valley! This holy valley has sheltered Christian monastic communities for many centuries and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.

18. Baakline Waterfalls

Baakline is a small village in Chouf, known for its beautiful waterfalls that keep flowing from their sources all year round. These waterfalls are now home to many restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic Lebanese meal with a view!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Baakline (@livelovebaakline)

Lebanon is full of breathtaking landmarks that you don’t want to miss! So make your bucket list and discover as many places as you can to get the most out of this exceptional country.

Did your favorite spot make it to this list? And which of these places would you like to visit? Leave us a comment right below.

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COUNTRY GUIDES , LEBANON , MIDDLE EAST · May 31, 2023 Last Updated on March 14, 2024

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING LEBANON

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Lebanon has a rich cultural diversity, influenced by its storied past and strategic geographic location in the heart of the Middle East. 

Lebanon is a very ancient region inhabited by various civilizations throughout history. For this reason, it is a country rich in history and archaeology. The Phoenicians were one of the most important civilizations famous for their navigation skills and creators of the alphabet. Likewise, it was an area occupied by Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Crusaders, so there are many churches, monasteries, ruins, castles, and fortifications dating from different centuries.

Lebanon is a small country, but it is one of the most diverse in the region, from beaches lapped by the Mediterranean to snow-capped mountains. The word Lebanon derives from the Semitic term “lbn” which means white in reference to the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon in winter.

Despite being in a conflictive geographical area, Lebanon enjoys a stability that allows it to open up to tourism. Once you have discovered this tourist gem, visiting it just once will not be enough.

How To Get To Lebanon

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and the first port of entry if you’re traveling by plane. European capitals offer direct flights to Beirut and major European cities have flights with stopovers in either Athens or Istanbul. The main airlines that fly to Beirut are Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lufthansa and Aegean Airlines.

To enter Lebanon, it is necessary to have a passport valid for at least six months and the address and telephone number of the accommodation. Most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Lebanon for tourist purposes. It depends according to the passport you have. However, it is not possible to enter Lebanon if your passport has an entry stamp from Israel due to the conflict between these two countries.

Local Currency Guide

The official currency of Lebanon is the Lebanese pound (LBP). Due to the current economic crisis, an unofficial exchange rate emerged, also known as the black market, which is actually the exchange rate that the Lebanese use on a daily basis.

The exchange rate with respect to the dollar or the euro varies constantly, so I recommend checking the updated exchange rate on the Lira Rate Org site and exchange only the money needed per day. Currency exchange sites are everywhere.

Since 2019, Lebanon has been experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis and it is currently not possible to pay anything with a credit card or withdraw money from an ATM. Consequently, travelers who wish to visit Lebanon should bring cash, preferably dollars, that are in good condition, as the economy has become dollarized, and more businesses are charging in dollars.

In case you run out of cash, in every corner of the country, you will find a Western Union or OMT to transfer money to yourself. Carrying cash might not be convenient, but in practice, it is not as complicated as it seems.

Traveling Around Lebanon

Lebanon is a small country in terms of territory, so traveling from north to south takes only a couple of hours. The most comfortable way to travel around is to rent a car, for example, Advanced Rental Cars , or rent a car with a driver, especially if you plan to visit places outside the main cities.

However, to my surprise, it is possible to move between main cities using public transport, which is comfortable, clean and cheap. From Beirut, the vans depart from the three main bus stations depending on where you want to go to from Cola bus station (Baalbek, Sidon, and Tire) or Daura bus station (Byblos, Batroun, and Tripoli).

The official language in Lebanon is Arabic, but French and English are also spoken due to its colonial history. Regardless of the language you speak, the kindness and hospitality of the people will make communication very easy.

Lebanese Food

Lebanese food is world-famous and definitely one of the main reasons people come to Lebanon. Lebanese food is a delicious combination of flavors and aromas that reflect the country’s rich culture. The traditional Lebanese breakfast is manousheh, a bread dough baked in olive oil that is often topped with zaatar, a mixture of traditional spices from the region.

Breakfast is usually accompanied by tomato, mint, feta cheese, and olives. Some dishes that you must try during your stay in Lebanon are hummus, tabbouleh, shawarma, kibbeh, and baba ganoush. Also, you should try Lebanese wines and Arak, a local alcoholic drink made from aniseed.

Security & Safety

Despite the economic crisis and political instability, Lebanon is a safe tourist destination even for women who want to travel alone. The hospitality and cordiality of the people make you always feel safe. However, it is recommended to follow the travel recommendations of the government of your country of origin and it is advisable to avoid political demonstrations or large crowds of people.

It is common to see checkpoints and military checkpoints throughout the country, so I always recommend carrying a copy of your passport.

Accommodation Options

Due to the economic crisis, not all hotels and hostels are registered on digital platforms as the banking system is frozen in the country. Larger hotels allow you to pay by card in advance, but smaller hotels require you to pay a percentage in cash or send via Western Union to secure your reservation.

Likewise, most cities have accommodations on Airbnb or on local accommodation platforms such as Dayf Homes or Chez Hospitality . Because the country is small, many tourists decide to make Beirut their base to stay and make round trips to the main cities.

Given the economic crisis, the country suffers from power cuts constantly and few places have electricity 24 hours a day. Therefore, when booking your accommodation, it is advisable to ask how many hours of electricity your accommodation will have.

How To Dress In Lebanon

Lebanon is a country with great religious diversity where the main religious communities are Muslims (Shiites and Sunnis), Christians (Catholics and Orthodox), and Druze.

The Lebanese constitution recognizes religious freedom and these groups coexist with each other. For this reason, in the capital and in predominantly Catholic cities, there are no dress code restrictions, especially for women.

In Muslim-majority cities like Tripoli, Sidon, and Tire it is recommended for women to cover their shoulders and knees if they wish to visit Islamic religious sites such as mosques. Despite this, there are no problems in dressing freely or wearing a bikini on the beaches.

Beirut Guide

Beirut is the capital and the largest city in Lebanon. Beirut is a place with a wide variety of activities to do. Dedicating at least a whole day to it is worth it and walking is the best way to get to know it.

Things To Do In Beirut

1) visit the national museum.

The National Museum consists of three floors that tell the story of Lebanon from prehistory to the present, with exhibits of archaeological artifacts and historical objects. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

2) Walk around the Mineral Museum

The Mineral Museum is located in front of the National Museum and is an interesting site for those with an interest in geology and mineralogy. The museum has a collection of more than 2,000 minerals and rocks.

3) Learn about the history of Lebanon at the Beit Beirut

Beit Beirut is a museum and cultural center project that aims to portray the history of Beirut, with a particular focus on the Lebanese civil war. Lebanon was the scene of a civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990; the ravages of this conflict are still present.

4) Explore Downtown Beirut

Downtown Beirut has very impressive architecture. Here you will find the Place de l’Etoile, a historic square surrounded by churches, mosques, and Roman ruins. Due to protests over the political and economic situation, this area is often fenced off by the military but ask the nearest officer for permission to be able to walk inside.

5) Visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque was built in 2007 and has an impressive blue dome. The entry times for non-Muslims is around 2:00 pm.

6) Walk around Zeituna Bay

Zeituna Bay is a popular site with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and recreational activities.

7) Take in the views at the Corniche

The Corniche is an ideal place for walking and experiencing the local life of locals. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s skyscrapers.

8) Explore the Rauche

Rauche is a coastal neighborhood famous for its rock formations; renting a boat and navigating among the rocks is possible. There are restaurants and cafes with impressive views of the sea.

9) Eat dinner in Gemmayzeh, Hamra or Mar Mikhael

Gemmayzeh, Hamra and Mar Mikhael are some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Beirut at night – ideal areas for finding bars, restaurants and cafes.

Places To Eat In Beirut

Beirut has a wide variety of options for eating traditional Lebanese food. It is important to book to guarantee a place inside due to the popularity of these restaurants, especially during the weekends and high season.

Some of the restaurants and cafes that I recommend in Beirut are:

• Mezzyan (Live Arabic music every Thursday)
• Dar Beirut (Live Arabic music on weekends)
• Salon Beyrouth

Places to Stay In Beirut

Some of the hotels and accommodations that I recommend in Beirut are:

• The Grand Meshmosh
• Baffa House
• Beit Tamanna
• La Maison Rayes
• Hotel Arthaus
• Albergo Hotel

Top-Rated Beirut Hotels

Here are some other top-rated hotel options in Beirut:

• InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut – Overlooking the Beirut Marina and the Mediterranean Sea, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a gym.
• Beverly Hotel Beirut – Four-star luxury, boutique hotel, renovated in 2017, 1.5 miles to the beach.
• Arthaus Beirut – Located a few steps from Gemayzeh Street (Rue Gouraud), accommodations close to the city center with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
• ZUR Studios & Suites – Set in Beirut in the Mount Lebanon region, stylish studios and suites with free WiFi and free private parking, 1.7 miles to the beach. 
• Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Beirut – Located 5 minutes walk from the famous new Zaytouna Bay and Beirut Souks Mall, The Corniche seaside promenade is just a 15-minute walk away.
• Find the best prices on all Beirut Hotels

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Jounieh Guide

Jounieh is a coastal city and can be reached from Beirut by taxi or public transport. The center has a wide variety of cafes and shops. From Jounieh, you can take a cable car to reach Harissa, where the statue of the Virgin den Harissa stands on top of a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean.

Byblos Guide (Jbeil in Arabic)

Byblos, on the shores of the Mediterranean, is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The word Byblosderives from the Greek word “book” and the legend says that the name Bible originated in this city since, in Phoenician times, this city was known for producing and trading papyrus to produce books.

The old town of Byblos is relatively small; a couple of hours are enough to explore it and visit the main archaeological sites.

Things to Do in Byblos

1) visit byblos castle.

Byblos Castle is a fortress located in the port of the city and was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. This is one of the main archaeological sites and includes a Roman theater, a hippodrome and a Phoenician temple considered World Heritage Sites.

2) Explore the old Souq

The old souq (market in Arabic) of Byblos dates back to Phoenician times when it was one of the most important commercial centers in the Mediterranean. Today it is a popular place to buy souvenirs from Lebanon.

3) Visit the Port

The port of Byblos has been an important commercial center since ancient times. The port was an important starting point for Phoenician ships on their voyages along the Mediterranean coast and beyond.

4) Eat at Feniqia

Feniqia is one of the most traditional restaurants to eat in Byblos. It is located outside the Castle and offers typical Lebanese dishes.

Batroun Guide

Approximately 20 minutes from Byblos is Batroun, one of the oldest cities in the world but relatively new to tourism. Batroun is known for its beautiful architecture that combines elements from different historical periods, its old houses with red roofs,  beaches and nightlife.

Things to Do in Batroun

1) see batroun’s phoenician.

Batroun’s Phoenician wall was built during the time of the Phoenicians and was originally built to protect the city from tidal waves and foreign invaders. The wall is one of the oldest standing maritime fortifications.

2) Visit a Church

Batroun has several churches, such as St. Stephen Church, St. John Church John, and Church of Our Lady by the Sea; the latter is located right by the sea and offers a panoramic view of the Phoenician wall.

3) Explore a Batroun Souk

The Batroun souks are a popular place for shopping and walking around. They offer a wide variety of crafts, bars, and restaurants.

4) The Diaspora Village

The Diaspora Village is a cultural project created to honor the contribution of the Lebanese diaspora to the country. It is an area with restaurants and cafes where cultural events are constantly taking place.

5) Visit a Winery

Batroun is a wine region and has several wineries, such as Ixsir , which produces some of the best wines in the country.

Places to Eat In Batroun

• Hills Limonade

Places to Stay Batroun

Some accommodation options in downtown Batroun:

• Hotel Blue Marlin
• Beit Barakat
• Les Bouganvilliers
• L’Auberge de la Mer

Beach Resorts in Batroun:

• San Stephano Resort
• Aqualand Hotel
• Sawary Resort  
• Sea View Hotel by Hansa

Tripoli Guide (Trablos in Arabic)

Tripoli is a city with a Muslim majority and certainly one of the cities where Lebanon feels most authentic. Tripoli has historical sites that are living testimony to the rich history of the city that was home to different civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans.

Things to Do in Tripoli

1) see tripoli citadel.

The Crusaders built the Tripoli Citadel in the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval-era military architecture in the region.

2) Visit the souks of Tripoli

The souks of Tripoli are one of the few that remain in the same place where the caravans of the silk route used to stop. These souks have been in operation for centuries and you can find textiles, soaps, spices and handicrafts. There is a section dedicated exclusively to soap-making called Al Saboun Caravanserai due to the fame of this product. Lebanese lands are kind to olive trees, so the soaps made with their oil are of high quality.

3) Explore the Al Mansouri Mosque and the Taynal Mosque

The Al Mansouri Mosque and the Taynal Mosque are known for their architecture that combines Ottoman and local elements.

4) Relax at Hammam Al Abed

Hammam Al Abed is one of the largest and most historic Turkish baths in the city. These used to be meeting and relaxation places for the local population.

5) Visit the Al Mina Neighborhood

Al Mina neighborhood is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Tripoli. It has several restaurants and cafes along the port that offer local dishes and views of the sea.

Places to Eat in Tripoli

• El Hajj Ali – Tripoli’s sweets and desserts enjoy a good reputation. The most traditional sweet is called “ashta” a dessert made of milk cream, pistachios and honey.
• Hallab 1881

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Kadisha Valley Guide

The Kadisha Valley is located in northern Lebanon and is known for its nature and religious importance. This valley is home to several monasteries that were built in caves and cliffs.

This valley is considered a sacred place for Maronite Christians and ideal for people who are passionate about enjoying the landscapes and walking along its trails. To get to the Kadisha Valley, public transport from Tripoli to Bcharre is necessary, the closest city to the Kadisha Valley.

Baalbek Guide

Baalbek is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site is composed of several temples and structures dating from different historical periods.

The Temple of Jupiter was built during Roman times and is believed to have been built on top of a temple formerly dedicated to the Phoenician gods. Also included in the complex are the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Venus.

A few years ago, this area was the scene of waves of violence between groups in the region, but now the security situation has improved and tourists are once again coming back.

To get to Baalbek, renting a car with a driver is advisable and dividing the costs among the passengers. In this way, when you return from Baalbek, you can eat at the local restaurant Al Khan Al Makhsoud and later visit Chateau Ksara , the oldest vineyard in Lebanon. Approximately a full-day car rental with a driver to Baalbek from Beirut costs $120.

On the other hand, public buses to Baalbek leave every couple of minutes from Cola Bus Station in Beirut. Because they are constantly stopping, the arrival in Baalbek can take up to three hours, but it is an adventure that is worth taking as long as you leave Beirut early.

Lebanese Wine Guide

The Beqqa Valley is a very fertile area and is considered one of the most suitable places for growing vines, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. The history of wine in Lebanon dates back over 5,000 years.

On the way back from Baalbek, you can find Ksara vineyard , the oldest vineyard in Lebanon and the most visited due to its impressive Roman tunnels that the Jesuits used to store the wines.

However, there are other vineyards where you can also take a guided tour to taste Lebanese wines, such as Chateau Kefraya and Ixsir which were recently awarded international prizes.

Mountains In Lebanon

The Chouf Mountains in the Beiteddine area is a trip I recommend doing if you have enough time. This area is ideal to escape the city’s chaos and see nature, but it is difficult to reach by public transport since it is located off the highway that connects the main cities.

Things to Do in the Mountains in Lebanon

1) spend some time at beiteddine palace.

The Beiteddine Palace was built in the 9th century by Emir Bashir Shihab II, who used it as a summer residence. The palace is an impressive display of Ottoman-style architecture and has three courtyards with a large number of rooms delicately decorated with works of art, mosaics, and frescos. Today, in addition to being a tourist site, it is used to host cultural and official events.

2) Visit Moussa Castle

Moussa Castle was restored and has been converted into a museum displaying historical artifacts from the region. Personally, I don’t think it’s a worthwhile place, but if you’re curious, it’s a 5-minute drive from the Beiteddine Palace. Admission is $5 per person.

3) Take in the National Pride at Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve

The Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve is the ideal place to see the famous cedars, the national symbol and reason for national pride.

Places to Stay in the Mountains in Lebanon

The following places offer accommodation services and restaurants in the region with impressive views of the mountains:

• Beyt El Jabal
• Min Amir Hotel
• Deir Al Oumara

Sidon Guide (Saida in Arabic)

Sidon is a coastal city south of Beirut with a rich history dating back to Phoenician times. It is the third largest city in Lebanon and was an important commercial center famous for its production of glass, textiles, and bronze objects. The main tourist attractions are located in the heart of the old Souk, just a couple of minutes walk from each other.

Things to Do in Sidon

1) visit sidon sea castle .

Sidon Sea Castle was a fortress built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. It is currently in ruins, but it is possible to enter and see some of its walls and towers that are still standing.

2) Shop at the Souks of Sidon

In the souks of Sidon, you can find all kinds of products, such as spices, sweets, clothing, and handicrafts, among other local products.

3) Learn About Soap-making

Sidon is also known for its olive oil soap production. The Soap Museum shows the traditional soap-making methods and their evolution over the years.

4) Explore the Debbane Palace

Debbane Palace is a beautiful museum that exemplifies Ottoman architecture.

5) Relax at a Turkish Bath

The hamman Al-Jadid dates from Roman times and preserves the traditional architecture of the Turkish baths. It was the last Hamman used by the residents of Sidon and its opening to the public for tourist purposes dates back to 2019.

Places to Eat in Sidon

In Sidon, the most popular place to have breakfast is at Bab Al Saray cafe . There are traditional and seafood restaurants such as Saida Rest House along the sea.

Tyr Guide (Sour in Arabic)

Tyr is the last city to the south where tourists usually arrive. In order to reach the cities closest to the border with Israel, for example, Naqoura, it is necessary to request a special permit from the Ministry of Security either in Sidon or Tire due to the conflict with the neighboring country of Israel. For security reasons, crossing the checkpoints without prior authorization from the government is not advisable.

Tyr was once the capital of the Phoenician kingdom of Tyr and also different civilizations like Babylonians, people, Greeks, Romans and Arabs passed through here.

Things to Do in Tyr

1) visit the necropolis of tyr.

Although not as impressive as Baalbek, the Necropolis of Tyr is an archaeological site that is worth visiting. The Necropolis is famous for its stone-carved tombs and sarcophagi. The well-preserved Arch of the Necropolis stands out within the archaeological complex, an impressive example of Roman architecture. In addition to the tombs and funerary monuments, there is a hippodrome and an aqueduct.

2) Explore the Center of Tyr

The center of Tyr is small and you can walk through the old Souq and the colorful streets of the center that have a view of the sea. On the boardwalk, there are several seafood restaurants that offer fresh fish.

Places to Stay in Tyr

• Tyr are Dar Camelia
• Dar Alma Hotel 
• Asamina Hotel

We hope this article has inspired you to visit Lebanon. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Geography
• 4.2 History
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.5 Time zone
• 4.6 Holidays
• 4.7 Tourism information
• 5.1.1 Visa policy
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.4 By taxi
• 5.5 By ship
• 6.1 By taxi
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By hitchhiking
• 9.1 Nightlife
• 9.4 Wine tasting
• 14.1 Secondary schools
• 14.2 Universities
• 15.1 Volunteer
• 17 Stay safe
• 18 Stay healthy
• 19.1 Social etiquette
• 19.2.1 Politics

Lebanon ( Arabic : لبنان , French : Liban ) is a country in the Middle East , on the Mediterranean Sea. Rich in diversity and history, Lebanon has hosted the Roman Empire, the Crusades, the Ottoman Empire, and was, for a period of time, controlled by France . The majority of Lebanese are Arabs, as are most of the Palestinians and Syrians living there, but there are also small communities of Assyrians, Armenians and Kurds. Lebanese cuisine is among the most famous of all Middle Eastern cuisines .

Lebanon has been in a state of flux since the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990s, and it continues to face numerous economic difficulties. That aside, the country has plenty to offer to the traveller: vineyards, nightclubs, ski resorts, and numerous historical and cultural attractions.

Regions [ edit ]

Lebanon can be divided into five regions:

Cities [ edit ]

Many cities in Lebanon have names in English which are significantly different from their official Arabic or French names; the Romanised versions of the Arabic names for some cities are given in parentheses below. Note that signs in Lebanon are in Arabic or French only, and so spellings in Latin script can differ from how a place can be spelled in English.

• 33.886944 35.513056 1 Beirut ( بيروت / Beyrouth ) — the cosmopolitan capital city, and largest city in the country, with a mash-up of all the country’s religious sects, as well as historic Franco-Mediterranean architecture, serving as a major luxury shopping centre, a free press, and possessing the liveliest nightlife scene in the Arab world.
• 34.436667 35.834444 2 Tripoli ( طرابلس / Tripoli or Trípol ) — the second-largest city in the country and the ‘capital of the North’, this port city was heavily built by the Islamic Mamluk dynasty, holding the second highest amount of Mamluk architecture after Cairo, giving the city a ‘medieval Islamic feel’. It is also home to the major Crusader site of “Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles”. The city was deeply scarred and almost completely destroyed by the Lebanese Civil War, and as such the city has never really recovered; it is nowadays extremely impoverished, with architecture that is severely crumbling and destroyed from the war. However, it is also unspoilt by mass-tourism.
• 33.560556 35.375833 3 Sidon ( صيدا / Sidon or Sayette ) (Romanised as Saida in English) — The third-largest city in the country. The city is known for its beautiful view of the Mediterranean, as well as being home to a lot of historic Crusader and Ottoman architecture, including the “Khan al-Franj” (“Caravanserai of the French”) caravanserai (Ottoman guest house). It is also home to plenty of other medieval remains, as well as a fascinating museum about the local soap industry here and the art of Levantine soapmaking.
• 33.266667 35.2 4 Tyre ( صور / Tyr )(Romanised as Sour in English) - a medium-sized, ancient city, famed for its strong Phoenician heritage, with many Phoenician sites and a rich history of being a Phoenician cultural centre. The city is also famed for its beautiful coastline, with wide expanses of sandy beaches that saw a mass-scale construction boom of luxury resorts during the “Golden Age” years of the 1960s and early-1970s. It is home to many ancient Roman and Phoenician sites, including its Roman Hippodrome which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 34.116667 35.65 5 Byblos ( جبيل/Byblos or Gibelet ) (Romanised as Joubeil in English) — one of the oldest continually-inhabited cities in the world, believed to have been first occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC , this historic city is home to dozens of historic Phoenician, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman remains, Crusader castles and culturally rich museums. It is also home to a beautiful harbour and a souk.
• 33.969722 35.615556 6 Jounieh — known for its seaside resorts and nightclubs
• 33.54 35.583611 7 Jezzine — main summer resort and tourist destination of South Lebanon
• 33.843889 35.907222 8 Zahle — capital of Bekaa Valley

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 33.953889 35.643333 1 Jeita — known for its grotto with spectacular caves
• Kadisha Valley — visit the home of the (now deceased) Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran
• 33.7 35.566667 2 Deir el Qamar — traditional village in Chouf district.
• 34.006111 36.208611 3 Baalbek — a Phoenician and Roman archaeological site

Understand [ edit ]

Geography [ edit ].

The Republic of Lebanon is marked by two mountain ridges that run parallel to the Mediterranean coastline. The Mount Lebanon ridge is close to the sea, and is cut across from north to south by transverse valleys and canyons. The landscape is mostly mountainous and sometimes very rugged, with steep cliffs and gradients. Streams are frequent and provide ample resources for cultivation and natural vegetation.

The Anti-Lebanon runs parallel east of the Mount Lebanon ridge, and forms part of the border with Syria.

The Bekaa valley, with ample flatlands traversed by the Orontes (Nahr al-Aasi) and Litani rivers, runs between the two ridges.

History [ edit ]

Lebanon has a long and complex history since the Neolithic age. The most important Phoenicians cities ( Byblos and Tyre among others) were founded here and have been thriving since then. The area was under the sphere of influence of Egyptian, Mesopotomian, and Persian ancient civilizations. Lebanon has a rich heritage of Hellenistic and Roman monuments, including among others the temples of Baalbek and Tyre. After the Byzantine and Umayyad rule (which left behind the ruins of Anjar), the area of today's Lebanon was conquered by the Crusaders and the Mamluks, with many significant monuments (fortresses and places of worship) scattered over the country, and notably in Tripoli .

Four centuries of Ottoman rule (1516–1918) with significant degrees of autonomous rule were ended with the creation of the French Mandate after World War I. Lebanon became independent in 1943. For a period of time, Lebanon was referred to as the "Switzerland of the Middle East". Under a free-market economy, Lebanon enjoyed three decades of prosperity and many moved to Lebanon in search of a better life.

Three decades of growth were crippled by a long civil war (1975–1990), which ended with a power-sharing agreement and a complicated process of reconciliation and reconstruction. The civil war forced many Lebanese people to move abroad.

Political tensions and regional conflicts with Hezbollah (such as the July 2006 war and the ongoing civil war in Syria) have affected the country, which remains nevertheless resilient.

People [ edit ]

The people of Lebanon comprise a wide variety of ethnic groups, religions and denominations, with the two main groups split between Christian (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek-Catholic Melkites, Armenians, Protestant, Syriac Christians) and Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni, Alawites), and Druzes. The Maronites are a branch of Eastern Catholicism; they celebrate their liturgy according to the Eastern (specifically West Syriac) Rite like Oriental Orthodox Christians, but recognise the Pope as their leader like Roman Catholics. There are more than 250,000 Palestinian refugees in the country, who fled their homeland in 1948. There are also around two million Syrian refugees and displaced persons due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

One of the rare things that most Lebanese religious and political leaders will agree on is to avoid a new general census, for fear that it could trigger a new round of denominational conflict. The last official census was performed in 1932, when Christians were once a majority in Lebanon. Estimates today are academic and unofficial, due to this sensitivity. A power-sharing agreement among the Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims and Maronite Christians ensures that important posts in the government are divided among the three communities; under that agreement, the position of prime minister is reserved for Sunni Muslims, the position of speaker of parliament is reserved for Shia Muslims, and the presidency is reserved for Maronite Christians.

The population increases in the summer months (June to September), due to the large influx of returning members of the Lebanese diaspora and Lebanese citizens working abroad.

People are generally very easy-going and welcoming. Many people are multilingual and highly educated, particularly in Beirut and its suburban areas. Attitudes and behaviours tend to be more conservative in the Bekaa Valley and rural areas of the north and south.

Climate [ edit ]

Lebanon has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters.

Summer is usually the most popular time for people to visit, as there is virtually no rain between June and August, and the temperatures ranges between about 20-30°C (68-86°F). However, there can be occasional heatwaves with the temperature rising, and generally, it can be very, very humid along the coast line during the summer months. It is somewhat dryer and somewhat cooler in the mountains, and many Lebanese tend to visit and vacation in the mountains during the summer if they wish to escape the heat and humidity of the coastline.

Autumn and spring are also good times to visit, with a bit more rain, but without the tourist crowds attracted in summer, and also with considerable less humidity.

Snow falls for a large part of winter in the mountain regions that form a large portion of the country, and there are numerous ski resorts. However, the coast is still relatively mild, with maximums rarely falling below 13°C (55°F), although it can fall much lower than that and has on many occasions.

Time zone [ edit ]

Lebanon is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and observes daylight saving from the end of March to the end of October.

Holidays [ edit ]

Lebanon has a number of Christian and Islamic holidays. Holidays that are observed by the Lebanese Government are indicated in bold letters .

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Epiphany & Armenian Christmas (January 6)
• St. Maroun's Day (February 9)
• Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
• Feast of the Annunciation (March 25)
• Good Friday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
• Easter Sunday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
• Good Friday (Orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
• Easter Sunday (Orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Liberation Day (May 25) (anniversary of the liberation of the South from Israeli occupation in 2000)
• St. Elias' Day (July 20)
• Assumption of Mary Day (August 15)
• Ramadan (variable) (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
• Eid al-Fitr (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
• Eid al-Adha (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
• Ashura (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
• Independence Day (November 22)
• Eid il-Burbara or Saint Barbara's Day (December 4)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• New Year's Eve (December 31)

Tourism information [ edit ]

• Ministry of Tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

Visa policy [ edit ]

Citizens of Turkey get a free 3-month visa that can only be renewed before one month passes since their entry.

Citizens of Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania, the Comoros , Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d'Ivoire get a free one-month tourist visa provided they have a return plane ticket, a hotel reservation/place of residence and US $2,000 (the cash conditions can be waived if you get the visa from the Lebanese embassy beforehand).

Citizens of India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and several other "labor exporting" countries not otherwise listed in this section cannot get a visa directly at the airport or at a Lebanese embassy. Instead, a visa needs to be arranged by a Lebanese sponsor in Lebanon through the General Security head office in Beirut. This is a convoluted process that can take months, so start early. Visas issued this way are valid for 1 month but can be extended until 3 months at General Security once in Lebanon.

Three-month visas are free for nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan . Other nationals can obtain a 15-day visa or a three-month visa). These visas are single-entry; nationals of many countries can also obtain multiple-entry visas. 48-hour free-of-charge transit visas (valid for three calendar days) are available if you enter by land and leave via the airport or vice-versa.

Visas can be obtained at Lebanese embassies and consulates in other countries, or upon arrival at Beirut airport and other points of entry for some nationalities. The cost for a visa at the airport is US$17 (2021), it is for one entry and valid for 3 months.

A free, single-entry, one-month valid visa, renewable till 3 months, is granted to the citizens of these countries who are coming for tourism: Andorra , Antigua and Barbuda , Argentina , Armenia , Australia , Austria , Azerbaijan , The Bahamas , Barbados , Belarus , Belgium , Belize , Bhutan , Brazil , Bulgaria , Canada , Chile , China (People's Republic) , Czech Republic , Costa Rica , Croatia , Cyprus , Denmark , Dominican Republic , Estonia , Finland , France , Georgia , Germany , Greece , Hong Kong (SAR) , Hungary , Iceland , Iran , Ireland , Italy , Japan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Latvia , Lithuania , Liechtenstein , Luxembourg , Macau (SAR) , Malaysia , Malta , Mexico , Moldova , Monaco , Montenegro , North Macedonia , Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Palau , Panama , Peru , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Russia , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Samoa , San Marino , Serbia , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , South Korea , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Tajikistan , Turkey (exclusively at the airport), Turkmenistan , the United Kingdom , the United States , Ukraine , Uzbekistan and Venezuela .

For more information, visit the General Security page .

By plane [ edit ]

Beirut International Airport (BEY), is 5 km (3 mi) south of the city centre). Middle East Airlines [1] [dead link] has daily flights from Abidjan , Abu Dhabi , Accra , Amman , Athens , Cairo , Cologne , Copenhagen , Dammam , Doha , Dubai , Frankfurt , Geneva , Istanbul IST, Jeddah , Kano , Kuwait , Lagos , Larnaca , London -Heathrow, Milan -Malpensa, Nice , Paris -Charles de Gaulle, Riyadh and Rome -Fiumicino, Warsaw -Okęcie.

In addition the airport is served by the following foreign airlines:

For flights from the United Kingdom try Turkish Airlines [8] , Cyprus Airways [9] or Czech Airlines [10] . These three airlines are often cheaper even than MEA direct from Heathrow. Czech airlines are consistently the cheapest bet from Manchester .

By bus [ edit ]

Buses leave Damascus every hour. The trip is normally 4–5 hours, depending on traffic at the border. When leaving Syria, you must pay an exit fee and must acquire a Lebanese visa on the other side of the border, payable in Lebanese pounds only. Money changers can exchange currency.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis leave Damascus for Lebanon.

By ship [ edit ]

Reaching Lebanon by ferry is quite a challenge, the only regular passenger ferry is a twice-weekly service from Tasucu , just outside Mersin , Turkey to the northern city of Tripoli by the Lebanese company MedStar . Apart from that single passenger ferry, only way of reaching Lebanon by sea is by cruise ship or — for the more adventurous traveller — freighter travel .

Get around [ edit ]

Due to the relatively small size of the country, the best way to get around the country quickly is by car.

A trip from Tyre to Beirut will easily take you 1½ hours, depending on traffic and security conditions. This is not to say that it's entirely safe — Lebanese roads are not in perfect condition and drivers aren't known for being very cautious. Still, travelling by car is your best bet.

The majority of travellers use service taxis to get from place to place. "Service" taxis often operate like buses on set routes between towns and cities, though they can be hired to visit other places with some negotiation. Depending on the type of vehicle, each taxi carries between 4 (inside metropolitan areas) to 6 (longer distances) passengers, who share the fare between them. The fare increases depending on distance to be travelled, traffic on that specific road and of course, like everything in Lebanon, persuasion/negotiation skills. A private taxi ride, without having to share with other passengers is similar to a "service" taxi, in that the same pre-negotiation is required to determine the fare. Never get in a taxi or "service" without agreeing on the fare first.

Taxis and service taxis are basically the same, and the mode of operation depends on the availability of passengers and their demands. The majority of service taxis in Lebanon are 1975 Mercedes cars that roam the streets searching for passengers using their car-horns. Newer car models working as mainly "service" taxis are appearing on the Lebanese streets with nevertheless the same price tag as their elder sisters.

All types of public transportation vehicles in Lebanon (taxis, buses, mini-vans and even trucks) can be recognized by their red-coloured licence plate.

Beirut has Uber which offers competitive prices and no hassle negotiating a price with taxi drivers. Both a passenger and a driver get a fair price. However, ordering Uber requires an internet connection and might be expensive to use international roaming. In this case, international chains like Starbucks or McDonald's provide free wifi around their shops so you could book Uber.

City link bus routes are available and cheap. Most buses for north Lebanon depart from the Charles Helou Station (east of downtown), while most buses to regions south or southeast of Beirut (including Damascus and Baalbek ) depart from the Cola "Station" (which is really an intersection adjacent to the Cola bridge/overpass).

By train [ edit ]

There has been no passenger rail service in Lebanon since before the Civil War.

By car [ edit ]

Car rental is relatively expensive in Lebanon compared to elsewhere in the region. Reasonable, if not exactly cheap rates can, however, be found with perseverance and negotiation and — once you have your rental — fuel is easy to get. Fuel is not cheap, with fuel prices being among the most affected by inflation.

Lebanon's roads are generally in quite poor condition and Lebanese drivers are not known for their caution. Exercise extreme caution when driving in Lebanon. Even in central Beirut, even in areas undamaged by the Israeli assault, there can be massive potholes on busy multi-lane roads.

Driving in Lebanon should be considered an extreme activity for Western drivers accustomed to safe driving. Street names are virtually non-existent. Mountain driving is particularly hazardous, often involving 1-car roads in 2-way streets. Traffic, especially in major cities like Beirut and Tripoli, and on the highway from Beirut to Kaslik, can be extremely crowded and time-consuming, turning a normally 20-minute trip into over an hour during peak times.

By hitchhiking [ edit ]

Some mountain villages don't have public transport links between them hence hitchhiking is a way to get around. The distances between villages are not huge so one might start walking along the road and wave cars down if any is approaching. The fewer cars pass the bigger chance is it that someone will stop.

The hitchhiking concept is well understood among the people and locals are keen to pick up travellers even if they don't speak any foreign languages. Wait times are low usually less than 10 minutes or if the traffic is low than the first few cars would pick you up.

Contribution for the ride or any other payment is not expected, locals would not even take cash if you hand them in.

Talk [ edit ]

The official and national language of Lebanon is Arabic . The local vernacular is Lebanese Arabic , which is closely related to the Arabic spoken in Syria , Jordan , among Israeli Arabs , and in Palestine .

Know that Modern Standard Arabic is rarely spoken in everyday conversations, and among younger Lebanese it may not be even understood. However, most Lebanese people have knowledge in MSA, so if you wish to improve your Arabic skills, you shouldn't have any problems. You're not expected to know the local dialect, which makes use of code-switching between Arabic, French and English and uses the Latin alphabet, but if you make an attempt to learn a few words of the local vernacular, you will impress the locals!

French also has official status as a co-official language and is widely spoken, a reminder of the country's colonial heritage. Note that older Lebanese people know more of French than English, and it is often used in schooling and popular culture in Lebanon. A Francophone shouldn’t have trouble using French in Lebanon.

English is widely spoken by the younger generation, some in areas such as Beirut using it as a major language.

Street and place signs are in both Arabic (first) and French (second).

See [ edit ]

Lebanon is a country rich in natural scenery from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys. Lebanese people take pride that Lebanon is one of the few countries that gives you the opportunity to go skiing in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon (although it is impossible to actually do that because of traffic). This is only possible for a few days in the year, usually in the few days when winter shifts to spring and/or summer shifts to autumn.

Beirut Downtown Visitors from all around are astonished by its beautiful downtown. At Place de l'Etoile, tourists can enjoy a delightful meal or a cup of coffee at the outdoor cafes. In addition to those, the capital provides other restaurants and hangouts that people of all ages can enjoy. There are also many nightclubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants, catering to a diverse amount of styles and budgets.

Baalbeck Roman Temples in the city of Baalbeck are among the largest and most beautiful Roman ruins.

Al Bass Archaeological Site , Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best preserved Roman archeological sites in the world. The site is made up of a huge Necropolis, a massive monumental arch leading to a Roman Road, alongside which there is an excellent example of an aqueduct as well as the largest and best preserved Roman Hippodrome found to date.

Jeita Grotto is a compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon 20 km north of Beirut in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb (Dog River). This grotto is made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries and a lower cave through which a 6230-m-long river runs. Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river. In this cave and galleries, the action of water in the limestone has created cathedral-like vaults full of various sizes, colors and shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, majestic curtains and fantastic rock formations. The total length of the cave is more than 9000 m and there is one among the biggest stalactites in the world hanging 8.2 m. The grotto accommodates a huge hall with a distance of 108 m from the ceiling till the water level.

Beiteddin One of the most authentic Arabic architectural jewels is the palace of Beiteddine. This historic monument comprises two large courtyards: the “midane”, a vast rectangular place for visitors, and a smaller one for the royal private apartments, with a magnificent fountain in its centre.

Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) Located in north Lebanon, the “Holy Valley” spreads from Bcharreh to the coast. Classified under UNESCO's world heritage, it is full of countless caves, chapels, and monasteries.

Byblos also known in Arabic as "Jbeil", is an ancient Phoenician city that had been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its touristic attractions include a medieval castle and a Roman amphitheater, as well as many seaside cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Anjar is a city in the Beqaa Valley with many local restaurants where you can enjoy the unique Lebanese cuisine. The city is home to the unique ruins of an 8th-century Umayyad city.

Lake Qaraoun is an artificial lake located in the Beqaa valley which is popular during late spring and summer. Restaurants are located on the western side of the lake and boats operate for lake viewing.

Do [ edit ]

Nightlife [ edit ].

The Lebanese people have had to adapt to the political turmoil. Lebanon is easily the party capital of the Middle East. Beirut features a range of distinct nightlife neighbourhoods, such as Gemmayze district, mostly full of bars and restaurants, or the Monot Street which features nightclubs and bars. Lebanon is also known for its open-air nightclubs such as Sky Bar, White, and Iris. Greater Beirut is a sleepless city, as the great majority of it open 24 hours a day.

Lebanese nightclubs are widely diverse, as one can find both the "oriental" and "occidental" style, and in some cases, a mix of both.

Lebanon also has a huge beach party scene having exquisite beaches and beach resorts including Sporting Club, Oceana, Laguava or Edde Sands and Janna Sur Mer. However, these places can be very expensive, especially for the budget traveller.

Hike [ edit ]

• Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) – a more than 350-km national hiking trail extending from Al Qobaiyat in the north to Marjaayoun in the south. The Trail is not well marked and it is recommended that you get a guide because you will get lost. The guides can be expensive but it is worth talking them down on price. If you do decide to go alone, the country side is populated and you are never very far from people. This is by far the best way to see wild Lebanon!

Ski [ edit ]

Lebanon has six ski resorts with groomed slopes, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Beyond the ski-able domains await you kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails waiting to be explored; Lebanon has something for everyone. Each of the ski resorts has a different flavor.

Wine tasting [ edit ]

Lebanon has some of the oldest sites of wine production in the world and today enjoys a burgeoning industry producing award-winning wines for worldwide export, though mainly in the UK, Europe and the United States. Wine tasting is an absolute must with any visit to Lebanon. Below are some wine producers in Lebanon for you to keep an eye out for:

• Chateau Musar [dead link] , Chateau Ksara , Chateau Kefraya , Domaine Wardy , Vin Héritage , Chateau Fakra [dead link] , Domaine de Baal , Chateau Nakad [dead link] , Massaya , Domaine des Tourelles , Clos Saint Thomas , Cave Kouroum [dead link] , Clos de Cana [dead link] , Nabise Mont Liban , Chateau Khoury ,

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound , which is most commonly known in Lebanon as the Lebanese lira . It is denoted by the symbol " ل.ل.‎, " or " LL " (ISO code: LBP ). After the Lebanese Civil War ended, its value was kept stable relative to the US dollar for decades, at a value of LL1,500 to US$1, but has been in free fall since October 2019, resulting in a major economic crisis that has paralyzed the country. In February 2023, the pound was devalued by 90%.

Credit card and ATM card use are charged at the Sayrafa rate , which is below the black market rate. You can get the best rate by bringing cash to exchange at the money shops. Though due to the financial crisis, you have to assume you can't use your debit/credit card in Lebanon at all. In most cases, you cannot use it to purchase stuff, you cannot use it in restaurants or hospitals and you cannot use it in the ATM to withdraw money. Cash is the key to paying in Lebanon at the moment.

Lebanese lira and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and it is common to pay in dollars but receive change in lira (in which case, make sure you don't get short-changed). Since the financial crisis began, there are two types of US dollars talked about in Lebanon: “lollars”, which are US dollars stuck in Lebanese bank accounts frozen by the banks, and such are worthless , and "fresh dollars", which are in huge demand in Lebanon. As a visitor carrying fresh dollars, you may run the risk of being scammed. Since October 2019, banks have been running short of US dollars, and a black market has emerged with rates that have drastically diverged from the official (fixed) exchange rate. The currency has continued to fall in value.

Bills used are LL1000, LL5000, LL10,000, LL20,000, LL50,000 and LL100,000. You may find two forms of LL1000 and they are both accepted. There are LL250 and LL500 coins. LL25, LL50 and LL100 coins are virtually never used.

Eat [ edit ]

Lebanon fosters exquisite cuisine ranging from a mezza of vegetarian dishes such as tabouleh , fattoush , and waraq ainab to delicious dips like hommos and moutabal .

Must haves include Lebanese barbeque such as shish tawouq (barbequed chicken) – usually consumed with garlic, lahm mashwiye (barbequed meat), and kafta (barbequed seasoned minced meat).

Lebanese "fast food" is also available as sandwiches offered in roadside shops, such as shawarma sandwiches (known in other countries as doner - or gyros in Greece). Shawarma is rolled in Lebanese thin bread. Various barbequed meat sandwiches are also available, and even things such as lamb or chicken spleen, brains, lamb bone marrow or lamb testicles can be served as sandwiches.

Breakfast usually consists of manaeesh which look like folded pizza, the most common toppings being zaatar (a mixture of thyme, olive oil, sesame seeds), jebneh (cheese), or minced meat (this version is more properly referred to as lahm bi ajin ).

Another traditional breakfast food is knefeh , a special kind of breaded cheese that is served with a dense syrup in a sesame seed bread. It is also served as dessert.

Lebanon is also very famous for its Arabic sweets which can be found at leading restaurants. The city of Tripoli, however, is considered to be "the" city for Lebanese sweets, and is sometimes even referred to as the "Sweet Capital" of Lebanon.

International food chains are widely spread across the country. Italian, French, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, as well as café chains (such as Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, etc.), are particularly popular across the country, with a higher concentration in Beirut and the urban sprawl north of the capital.

Drink [ edit ]

Lebanon's wines have an international reputation. Grapes have been grown since antiquity, and the vineyards, largely in the Bekaa Valley, produce the base wine for distillation into the national spirit Arak, which, like Ouzo, is flavoured with aniseed and becomes cloudy when diluted with water. Arak is the traditional accompaniment to Meze.

But the grapes have also historically been used to make wine. This used to be predominantly white and sweet, but the soldiers and administrators that came to administer the French mandate after World War I created a demand for red wine, and large acreages were planted especially with the Cinsault grape. Over the last 20 years, these have been supplemented with the most popular international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Wineries often offer wine tasting and are very welcoming. The highly individual, old-fashioned, Chateau Musar, is based at Ghazir, 25 km (15 miles) north of Beirut, and trucks in the grapes from Bekaa. In Bekaa itself, wineries include the large Kefraya, Ksara, the oldest winery of all, Massaya, a fashionable new producer in Tanail, and Nakad in Jdeita, which like Musar has stuck with an idiosyncratic old-fashioned approach. Kefraya, in the West Bekaa region, also has a nice restaurant attached, and the region is beautiful to pass through.

Sleep [ edit ]

Lebanon is full of hotels, with a range in price and quality, from USD10/night to many hundreds of dollars per night, and the quality ranges just as much. Many international hotel chains, such as Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza, can be found here. In Beirut, in coastal cities, and around the historic site of Baalbek, many luxury hotels built in the “Golden Age” boom of the 1960s and early 1970s can be found all over and stayed in for a luxurious and nostalgic experience. They offer a variety of services, including pools and restaurants, amidst the ongoing financial crisis they, although expensive, are your best bet for staying somewhere in Lebanon, as 24-hour electricity is generally nowadays only found in these hotels.

If you want something more affordable, although be prepared to suffer electricity and wifi outages for long hours each day, you can also stay in the many “mom-and-pop” style hotels and boutique hotels found in the country. The best way to save money if you are staying for a long visit is furnished apartments or all-suite hotels, as they come with cleaning and other services.

Learn [ edit ]

Secondary schools [ edit ]

French-language private schools (and some English-language schools) dominate the education system, due to the widespread inefficiency of the Lebanese state education system since 1975. As such, most schooling is held in either French or English, though students typically learn (Modern Standard) Arabic as a second language in these schools.

A handful of private schools, such as the Lycée Français (several branches over the country), the Collège Protestant Français , Collège Saint Joseph Antoura [dead link] , Lycée Abdel Kader , Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour and Collège Elysée among others follow the official French curriculum. The official French Baccalaureate exams can be taken in Lebanon, but prove highly competitive.

Some schools (such as ACS) teach English as a first language and follow an English or American curriculum.

Beirut is also home to one of the most prestigious schools in the region, the International College (IC) which teaches both French and English as first languages among many others. Furthermore, IC offers a variety of baccalaureate programs such as the French, Lebanese, High School, and International Baccalaureate .

Universities [ edit ]

French-language or English-language universities also dominate given the inefficiency of Lebanon’s state university system since 1975. These universities have operated as a major hub of Lebanese cultural, political and social life for decades.

The American University of Beirut - AUB is considered the best American university in the Middle East, and enjoys a highly prestigious reputation in Lebanon. The teaching language there is in English. Other Anglophone private universities include: Antonine University - UPA [dead link] | Notre Dame University - NDU | Lebanese American University - LAU ...

Some private universities have French as the main teaching language. Université St.Joseph - USJ is one of these, it is an old and respected institution in Lebanon, and probably offers the best price/quality ratio among private universities in the country. It is the private university which has enrolled most of the Lebanon students as well as foreign students from other countries in Middle East, Africa and Europe. Other francophone private universities are USEK and Balamand.

If you wish to enroll in the Lebanese state system, the Lebanese University is a recommended state-owned/public university, teaching in Arabic, French and English, and is the largest learning institution in the country. It offers virtually free tertiary education.

Work [ edit ]

Volunteer [ edit ].

Lebanon continues to face numerous problems, including the 2020 explosion in Beirut, which exacerbated the situation. The scarcity of basic supplies, such as food and water, has made them difficult to access for many Lebanese people. Offering sympathy whenever possible is appreciated by the Lebanese people.

If you really want to make a difference in Lebanon, you can donate to or help out with the following charities:

• Nusaned - Lebanon's largest NGO
• Lebanese Food Bank - A non-profit organisation established to eliminate malnutrition in Lebanon

Connect [ edit ]

MTC Touch [11] [formerly dead link] Mobile phone operator offers a GSM card for US$15 including a $10 credit (the START plan). Internet access starts at $10 for up to 100 MByte in a month. Alfa [12] [dead link] is another mobile phone operator which offers several prepaid plans ranging from $10 to $68. Like MTC Touch, internet access starts at $10 for a 500 MByte bundle per month.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Though many foreign visitors fear widespread violence and destruction upon arrival in Lebanon, since the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990 Lebanon has remained relatively peaceful. The vast majority of Lebanese are friendly, and most tourists experience no problems. Nevertheless tensions with neighbours Israel and Syria sometimes erupt (but are usually confined to South Lebanon) and therefore travellers should follow the independent press while in the country.

Like in any country, it is preferable to be accompanied when visiting certain locations. In general, immediate proximity to the borders with Syria and Israel, and any Palestinian or Syrian refugee camps should be avoided.

Some areas in Lebanon are likely to be dangerous for tourists, such as the town of Arsal in the Northern Bekaa, known for kidnapping expats for ransom. In the 2010s, Arsal was also known for the activities of ISIS cells in the area fighting in neighbouring Syria, and some may still operate in the area. As such, you should generally avoid the town of Arsal.

Since the end of the war, in Southern Lebanon, the pro-Iran Shi’a militia Hezbollah holds complete dominance over everyday life, with virtually no government presence and no army presence. As such, the region has been described as “lawless”. You should avoid making any kind of criticism of Hezbollah or Iran while in Southern Lebanon, or any praise of Israel, Saudi Arabia, or Western countries as you can land in serious trouble . Though many locals in the region are angered by Hezbollah’s dominance over politics, economics, and civil life in Southern Lebanon, do not be tempted to join them in anger as you could be used as a political bargaining chip if unlucky.

Visitors should always register with their respective embassies once they enter Lebanon and keep up-to-date regarding any travel warnings regarding Lebanon.

Useful phone numbers:

• Police: 112 or 911 or 999 (it is common that if you call them for small-scale infractions e.g. pick-pocketing or sexual harassment they will not come).
• Fire brigade: 175 (metropolitan Beirut only)
• Civil defense: 125 (outside Beirut)
• The Red Cross (Medic Response): 140
• Information: 1515

Stay healthy [ edit ]

As a key destination for health tourism in the region, Lebanon has a professional and private healthcare system. Located mainly in Beirut, key hospitals include:

• AUH (American University Hospital), Hamra area: +961-1-344704.
• RHUH (Rafic Hariri University Hospital), Bir Hassan area: +961-1-830000.
• Hotel Dieu de France, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-386791.
• Rizik Hospital, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-200800.
• Mont Liban Hospital, Hazmieh area: +961-1-955444.
• Sacré Coeur Hospital, Hazmieh area: +961-1-451704.
• Saint George Hospital, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-441000.
• Tel Shiha - Zahle, Beqaa
• Nini Hospital - Tripoli, North Lebanon: +961-6-431400.
• Hopital Albert Haykel - Koura, North Lebanon: +961-6-411111.
• Sahel Hospital - Airport Ave Area: +961-1-858333
• Jabal Amel Hospital - Jal Al Baher Area, Tyre: +961-7-740343, 07-740198, 07-343852, 03-280580
• Labib Medical Center - Abou Zahr Street, Sidon Area: +961-7-723444, 07-750715/6
• Bahman Hospital - Beirut, Haret Hreik Area: +961-1-544000 or 961-3-544000

It is extremely important that you get travel insurance prior to your departure to Lebanon. Hospitals in the country can be very expensive and, with the lack of insurance, cash payments may be expected beforehand.

It's recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water.

Respect [ edit ]

Lebanon is a country of many different religious sects, so it is wise to respect the religious differences of the Lebanese population. It is recommended to wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites (churches, mosques, etc.) and when visiting rural towns and villages. Sectarian attitudes, although widespread during the war, have largely decreased, especially in the wake of the recent financial crisis, which has seen large sectors of Lebanese society come together in unity. However it has not fully disappeared in areas such as the South.

Even in Beirut, some areas (notably the Shi’a-majority southern suburbs) are more conservative than others, thus visitors should bear that in mind when exploring the city. Overall, however, clothing considered 'western' is largely acceptable, with a large number of Lebanese women not wearing hijab in stark contrast to neighbouring Syria, and with a huge cosmetics, plastic surgery, and beauty industry. But to hedge your bets, keep your dress generally modest. Bear in mind, however, that as open and western as Beirut is, this is not Europe; "topless" at any beach, whether private or public, is not recommended at all.

In Tripoli, especially in the old city, it is recommended that women dress conservatively. The same applies on most traditional "souks" in the country. In general, Lebanese are accustomed to different lifestyles and some do not take offense easily, especially with matters related to dress. The Lebanese are people accustomed to diversity and are therefore quicker to accept different lifestyles, though not all Lebanese are so open-minded.

Social etiquette [ edit ]

• The Lebanese are indirect communicators . They are tempered by the need to save face and they will avoid saying anything that could be construed as critical, judgmental, or offensive. This said, the Lebanese value transparency and openness and they take words at face value.
• The Lebanese value sincerity and openness . Expect a Lebanese person to do exactly what they say they will do. To them, their word is their bond. Don't say something if you don't mean it. Don't say "next time" if there isn't going to be a "next time".
• The Lebanese respect their elders . You are expected to act politely around someone older than you, and it would be seen as rude if you attempt to challenge someone older than you.
• Never beckon a Lebanese person directly , even if they have done something wrong in your opinion. The Lebanese are quite sensitive to being beckoned directly, and it is considered very rude manners.
• If a Lebanese person asks you for a favour, try to follow through with it . It's completely normal for the Lebanese to try to help each other out as much as possible. Being reluctant to accept favours is considered extremely rude.

Sensitive issues [ edit ]

Politics [ edit ].

Lebanon has been facing a large-scale, multi-dimensional economic crisis since 2019, resulting in the majority of citizens losing their life savings due to banks' refusal to allow withdrawals. Furthermore, a failed "Revolution" (Thawra) in October 2019 has caused the country to unite against the government.

Discussing politics is not a social faux pas; in fact, the Lebanese may delight you with conversations about how hapless their government is.

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13 Stunning Places to Visit in Lebanon

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What are the best places to visit in Lebanon? If you’re planning a trip to Lebanon, where should you go? Lebanon is a fantastic little country with so much to see!

The good news is that Lebanon is a compact country. So compact that it’s possible to base in Beirut the whole time and take day trips all over the country. That’s what I did on my trip — and it made it so easy to travel all over Lebanon while coming back to the same bed every night.

One of the things I love most about Lebanon is its cultural diversity. The population is about 45% Christian and 50% Muslim, with 18 recognized religious groups. There’s a sizable Armenian population, too, and people with origins all over the Middle East and the world.

Consequently, there are parts of Lebanon that feel very European, and parts of Lebanon that feel very Middle Eastern. Places where you can default to French and places where you’ll need to know a few words of Arabic.

Lebanon is geographically diverse, too — mountains, deserts, waterfalls, cities of all sizes. In Lebanon you could theoretically ski in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon! (Granted, you can only do that in the winter, so it wouldn’t quite be sunbathing weather, but I digress…)

Here are my picks for the best places to visit in Lebanon — along with how to get there, Lebanon safety information, and the best things to do in Lebanon.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

All roads lead to Beirut in Lebanon, and Beirut makes a great base for your whole trip. But as far as day trips go, you have freedom to shake things up.

If you could only visit three places in Lebanon besides Beirut, I would recommend the seaside town of Byblos , the Roman ruins of Baalbek , and the small city of Tyre .

Lebanon is a lot safer than you think it is . You don’t need to worry about war or terrorism more than you do in other countries, and common sense will get you far, but it’s smart to check the latest news before you go.

Baalbek is in the Beqaa Valley, close to the Syria border in Hezbollah-controlled territory. To get to Baalbek , it’s best to hire a private driver or join a day tour from Beirut.

Beirut is one of the best, most vibrant, most exciting cities in the Middle East. Because it’s much more liberal than other Middle Eastern cities, there is a huge party scene, from the wild beach clubs to the roof-retracting nightclubs. But beyond the nightlife, you have centuries of history and different cultures coming together. Oh, and did I mention how good the food is here?!

Have a night out bar-hopping on Armenia Street in Mar Mikael; stroll along the Corniche in the morning; check out the cafes on Hamrun Street; visit the National Museum of Beirut; take the Alternative Tour Beirut to learn more about Lebanon from a holistic perspective; spend a day at a beach club; shop in the Beirut Souks (more a mall than souks).

How to get to Beirut: Lebanon’s land borders are closed, so the easiest way to get to Beirut is to fly. Check Skyscanner for the best rates. There are also some ferries from Cyprus.

For me, Lebanon was part of a larger trip, so I flew to Beirut from Amsterdam via Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines. On the way back I flew from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, spent a few days there, and flew back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay in Beirut: See the Where to Stay in Lebanon section below for my top accommodation picks in Beirut.

Byblos — known as Jbeil in Arabic — is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. This seaside village north of Beirut looks like it could be a coastal town in Montenegro with its teal waters, palm trees, sandstone old town, and mountains rising in the background.

You might notice that the word “Byblos” is related to books — well, there’s reason for that. Byblos was a trade center for papyrus, importing it from Egypt and exporting it throughout the Aegean, distributing the earliest books.

Today in Byblos, you can visit the ruins, walk along the water, shop in the souk (now filled with souvenir shops more than anything else), or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the cafes with a water view.

Byblos is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for being one of the oldest Phoenician cities, inhabited since Neolithic times, and for helping create the Phoenician alphabet.

How to get to Byblos: Byblos is about a 45-minute drive from Beirut. It’s doable with an Uber, but you may have trouble finding an Uber to take you back to Beirut. Minibuses to Byblos (Jbeil) leave from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut, though they drop you off along the highway, about a 15-minute walk from town. This day tour from Beirut includes Byblos, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa.

Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor ), was one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean. Today, this city in southern Lebanon is home to fine Roman ruins perched up against the sea, a pleasant and walkable small town, incredibly friendly people, and fresh flowers bursting out in every direction.

Some places give you great vibes from the moment you arrive. That was Tyre to me. It was walking along the seaside and having fresh orange juice with a mother and her young son. It was being one of the few people at the ruins, wondering why it wasn’t full of tourists. It was wandering through the town and photographing each piece of it.

Tyre is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ancient ruins, history as a Phoenician city, founding of cities like Cadiz and Carthage — and their achievement of inventing purple dye!

How to Get to Tyre: Tyre is about a one hour and 45-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, the minibus to Tyre (Sour) leaves from Cola Intersection in Beirut and you may need to change minibuses in Sidon (Saida) along the way. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

Harissa is home to one of the most famous sights in Lebanon: the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, perched on a mountaintop, seeming to look over the nation. Come to Harissa and you, too, can enjoy this Lebanese pilgrimage site — and spectacular views at 650 meters above sea level.

The Sanctuary here was created to honor the Virgin Mary — and serves as a place for peace-gathering workshops and activities between Christians and Muslims, and denominations within Lebanon’s 18 religious groups.

The most fun way to get to Harissa is to take a cable car to the top! It leaves from the seaside city of Jounieh.

How to get to Harissa: Harissa is about a 40-minute drive from Beirut. While you can drive there, you might enjoy it more if you drive to Jounieh and take the cable car to Harissa, a nine-minute journey. For public transportation, the minibus to Jounieh leaves from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut. This day tour from Beirut includes Harissa, Byblos and Jeita Grotto.

Get ready to see some of the best Roman ruins of your life! I’m not a huge fan of ruins in general, but Baalbek is home to some of the best ruins I’ve ever seen, the kind that stun you into silence. The scale alone is mind-boggling.

Baalbek is the ruins of the city once known as Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. The four temples here — dedicated to Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Bacchus, after Roman gods — are some of the largest remaining temples of the Roman Empire. You can also witness the two of the largest stone blocks in antiquity: the Stone of the Pregnant Woman, clocking in at 1,000 tons, and a block simply known as the megalith, clocking in at 1,650 tons!

If you’re looking to feel like an adventurer in Lebanon, there’s no better place than Baalbek. Climb to the top of the temples and enjoy the views around you, as the most powerful Romans once did.

Baalbek is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as a Phoenician city and its enormous ruins, which are one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture.

How to get to Baalbek: Baalbek is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. I recommend spending a day exploring Baalbek in tandem with Anjar and the Beqaa Valley, possibly including a winery. This is best done with a private driver or day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

For public transportation, go to Cola Intersection in Beirut and say you want to go to Baalbek; you will be brought to a minibus to Chtaura, then you can change minibuses to get to Baalbek.

The drive to Bcharré, or Bsharri in Arabic, takes you through the winding roads of the Qadisha Valley, into river-carved canyons and mist-covered mountains. From there you’ll enjoy views that pull on your heartstrings. If you visit in the winter, you might even get to see snow.

Bcharré is famed for being the home of Lebanese-American poet, writer and artist Kahlil Gibran. The Gibran Museum was once a shelter for hermetic monks, carved into life from the rocks; today, it hosts Gibran’s tomb and a collection of his writings and drawings.

And the view above, one of my favorite views in Lebanon, it taken from the museum itself.

How to get to Bcharré: Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Cedars of God

Cedars are one of the most recognized symbols of Lebanon today. It proudly adorns the Lebanese flag. For centuries, these trees were lauded for their strength. The Phoenicians used their wood for boats; the Egyptians used their resin for tombs. Even U2 has a song called Cedars of Lebanon.

Sadly, there aren’t a lot of cedars remaining today. While they once covered the countryside around Lebanon, massive deforestation has led to their numbers dwindling. Cedars of God Park outside Bcharré is one of the places to see them. It’s worth visiting and hiking through the park to see their majesty up close — but seeing so few of them may leave you a bit depressed.

The cedars are fiercely protected today, however, and reforestation efforts are underway. But they take a long time to grow to adulthood, we won’t be seeing abundant cedar forests for decades.

The Cedars of God are one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shared with the Kadisha Valley. They received this designation for their history as the most prized wood used for constructing religious buildings.

How to get to the Cedars of God: Cedars of God in Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon. Alternatively, this tour gives you a full day of hiking in the Cedars .

Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is just outside Beirut, making it a super-easy afternoon trip (and a cool relief from a hot day!). This grotto is a system of two limestone caves. They consist of two sets of caves: the lower caves and the upper caves.

The lower caves are home to a river that provides fresh water for many people in Lebanon, and you can visit by boat. It’s a spooky but beautiful experience, especially in the boat, with the water lit up bright blue. The upper caves have a pathway to explore on foot, and they’re home to the largest stalactite in the world: 8.2 meters (27 feet) long!

Keep in mind that Jeita Grotto is VERY strict about no photos allowed. Don’t try to sneak one.

Jeita Grotto is close to Harissa and Byblos, making it a great day out to visit all three. (Though you may want to allot the most time to Byblos.)

How to get to Jeita Grotto: Jeita Grotto is about a 30-minute drive from Beirut. You can easily take an Uber there, as I did; you can’t pick up Ubers there, though, so I took a taxi from Jeita Grotto on to Byblos. This day tour from Beirut includes Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos.

Qadisha Valley and Qozhaya

The Qadisha Valley feels like a world away from Beirut — but in a day trip you can see quite a bit of it. Mountains rise into the mist; rivers wind through the countryside, and mammoth rock faces give way to monasteries. The Qadisha Valley — also called the Kadisha Valley — was home to some of the earliest Christians fleeing persecution.

Qozhaya (Kozhaya) is one of the most important monasteries in the Qadisha Valley, and home to a convent dedicated to St. Anthony. A long drive through a wooded canyon takes you to the buildings, examples of Arabic architecture in the Middle Ages, and a rock-hewn chapel painstakingly built inside a cave.

The Qadisha Valley is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon if you’re looking to enjoy nature. Here you can hike, climb mountains, or even ski.

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements.

How to get to Qozhaya: The Qadisha Valley is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Qozhaya is best visited by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour from Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Sidon, also known as Saida, is a port city to the south of Beirut. Though it has a storied history, Sidon is one of the lower-key, calmer cities to visit in Lebanon, and one of the easier side trips from Beirut.

Sidon is famous for two places in particular: its outstanding souks, some of the most picturesque in Lebanon, which sell both traditional and modern wares in their traditional small stalls; and the Sea Castle, which was built by the crusaders as a fortress of the Holy Land.

Sidon is about 45 minutes from Tyre, so it makes sense to pair them together on a day trip from Beirut.

How to get to Sidon: Sidon is about a one-hour drive from Lebanon. For public transportation, take a minibus to Sidon (Saida) from Cola Intersection in Beirut. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

If you’re visiting the ruins of Baalbek, you should visit Anjar too — and most drivers or tours will take you to both. Anjar may not have the sweeping majesty of Baalbek, but these ruins have something unique: spectacular arches that were designed by the Umayyads. Before the Anjar ruins were studied by archaeologists, there was no other evidence of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.

Anjar’s ruins are just a stone’s throw from the Syrian border (a mountain range divides the two countries). The city of Anjar is also home to one of the biggest communities of the Armenian diaspora in Lebanon. The city is also known for its four-sided wells.

Anjar is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ruins, which survive as an example of city planning under the Umayyads.

How to get to Anjar: Anjar is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. This destination is best seen in tandem with Baalbek and the Beqaa Valley, either by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

Ksara, Wine Country, and the Bekaa Valley

Did you know that Lebanon has a thriving wine scene? That might be surprising for a Middle Eastern country, but not so much in retrospective when you consider its multi-ethnic background and its location right on the Mediterranean.

The best wines grow in high-altitude areas of Bekaa Valley, close to Baalbek and Anjar. Whites are nice but forgettable; where the region truly shines is Bordeaux-style reds and dry rosés.

Chateau Ksara is one of the popular wineries and they welcome travelers for tours, tastings, and lunches. Of course, if you plan on sampling the wines, you should not be driving that day — this is a good time to come on a tour or book a private driver!

How to get to Ksara and the Bekaa Valley: Chateau Ksara is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Many tour companies include a stop at Chateau Ksara as part of their tours in the Bekaa Valley. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery. Alternatively, this wine tour spends the whole day visiting wineries in the Bekaa Valley .

Finally, there’s Tripoli, or Trablous in Arabic — the second-largest city in Lebanon and a place that isn’t on most travelers’ itineraries. (Oh, and it’s definitely not the Tripoli in Libya!) If you do visit, though, you’ll get to enjoy a warm and welcoming city little-touched by tourism.

Tripoli has seen some hard times, and it’s one of the poorer cities in Lebanon. But there is a lot of beauty here — an Old City brimming with Mamluk architecture; dozens of souks, some of which specialize in gold or silver or fruits and vegetables or soap; and friendly locals eager to welcome you.

The El Mina neighborhood of Tripoli almost feels like another city, more like a calm seaside village. Offshore you can visit the Palm Islands Reserve and its protected turtles. Be sure to try some of Tripoli’s famous sweets (and if you’re a foreigner in the souk, everyone’s going to want you to sample theirs!).

How to get to Tripoli: Tripoli is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, take the Connexion bus from Charles Helou Station, which takes closer to two hours. This Tripoli day trip from Beirut gives you several hours in Tripoli, plus a stopover in Batroun or Byblos on the way back.

Is Lebanon Safe?

Is it safe to travel around Lebanon? Like most places in the Middle East, Lebanon is a lot safer than cable news would have you believe. The media paints the image of war, suicide bombers, and riots. Lebanon does have its problems — and has had some tough situations in recent years — but it’s not a war zone.

I traveled Lebanon as a solo woman in 2018 and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all — in fact, I was pleased with how much respect I was given as a woman. Then again, I chose not to visit Tripoli on advice from a local woman who advised me not to go alone (though other locals later told me that as an experienced solo traveler, I would have been fine).

In many ways, I felt safer as a woman in Lebanon than I have felt in many other countries. At one point, I had to sit next to a man on a minibus (usually women are sat next to women, but sometimes there’s a full bus and no other option). The man left six inches of space between us! That NEVER happened on the subway in New York!

Another issue is that part of the Bekaa Valley, including Baalbek and Anjar, is controlled by Hezbollah. When you enter that area, you pass through military checkpoints, as you do throughout Lebanon. (They are fast and easy and the guards usually have a smile for you.) Yes, it’s unnerving, especially since Hezbollah flags are for sale as souvenirs (!!), but most of the time tourists are able to visit safely.

The most important thing is to do your research before you arrive. Lebanon is not a place to arrive on a whim; doing proper research is essential. So where do you start?

I found this detailed post by Against the Compass  to be an excellent resource for travel safety in Lebanon. It’s updated periodically with the latest safety information. I encourage you to save it and take a closer look before your trip.

I also recommend checking out the  US State Department travel advisory  and  UK travel safety advice  for Lebanon. I find that the US warnings tend to be more alarmist, while the UK warnings tend to be more realistic.

Most importantly, travel insurance is essential for trips to Lebanon — and to anywhere else in the world, frankly. If you need to be hospitalized with a broken bone or appendicitis, or if you have an emergency and miss your trip, or if you get robbed on a bus, travel insurance will help you recoup your financial losses. I use and recommend  World Nomads .

Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is it Safe?

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Where to Stay in Lebanon

Where’s the best place to stay in Lebanon? If you’re trying to see a lot of the country in a relatively short amount of time, it makes the most sense to stay in Beirut and do day trips. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Martinez . But there are options for all kinds of travelers.

If you want a fancy, crazy luxury experience: If you want top-notch luxury finishings and decor, go with the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel — it’s the best. If you want a splashed-out resort experience, go with the Movenpick Beirut , which has its own massive beach club.

If you want a small but funky local boutique hotel: The Albergo Hotel in the Achrafieh neighborhood has plant-filled terraces, local over-the-top decor, and a rooftop with a pool and outstanding views of the city.

If you want a mid-range hotel: The Radisson Blu Martinez , where I stayed, ticks all the boxes. The rooms are simple and the decor is dated, but it’s a solid option in a great neighborhood close to everything.

If you want a cheap but value-for-money place to stay: Loft 29 Residence is in the heart of the cool Hamra neighborhood, has all the facilities of apartments like laundry and a kitchen, and offers a free airport pickup in addition to very well-priced rooms.

Find deals on more places to stay in Beirut here.

How to Get Around Lebanon

There are three main ways to get around Lebanon: you can get around by driving (either renting a car, hiring a private driver, or using Uber for short distances), you can take public transportation (mostly minibuses), or you can book organized day trips.

Should you rent a car in Lebanon? For most people, I don’t recommend it. Lebanon is home to some of the worst driving I’ve ever seen (it’s up there with Georgia and Malta). Traffic into and out of Beirut is hectic, and drivers don’t hesitate to cut across entire highways, with no warning or turn signal.

I’ve driven in lots of countries, but I had ZERO desire to drive in Lebanon once I realized how crazy it would be. You may be different, though. If you thrive in driving in erratic environments, you might enjoy driving in Lebanon.

Otherwise, there’s hiring a private driver (which can start at $150 per day and get pricier from there); and hiring one-way taxis and/or Ubers. Ubers are mainly based in Beirut, so you’ll need to use taxis on the way back.

It’s also worth noting that not a lot of drivers in Lebanon have working seat belts in their cars.

Taking public transportation is another option. Minibuses operate from Beirut all over Lebanon, departing from Cola Intersection (usually points northeast and south) and Charles Helou Bus Station (usually points north).

It’s chaotic when you get there and it seems like there are no rules! But ask where you’re supposed to go and people will help direct you. Women are sat next to women on minibuses unless there’s no other option; you pay when you arrive at your destination. Bring small bills.

I found Tyre and Sidon to be an easy day trip to do by public transportation: it’s a straightforward journey down the highway; the minibuses drop you off in town; both cities can be easily explored on foot.

Finally, there are group day tours from Beirut. I’m not usually a take-a-day-tour-on-the-bus person, but I was glad I did two tours in particular: one to the Qozhaya Valley with Bcharré and the Cedars of Lebanon , and one to Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara Winery . Those trips would be impossible to do in a day on public transit, and they went too far for an Uber or cab driver.

More on Lebanon:

What’s It REALLY Like to Travel in Lebanon?

More from the Middle East:

Visiting Petra in Jordan

Hanging Out in Kadikoy in Istanbul

Visiting the Burj al’Arab in Dubai

Have you been to Lebanon? What are your recommendations?

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory January 29, 2024

Lebanon - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated to reflect lowering the overall Travel Advisory to Level 3, information about southern Lebanon, the border with Syria, and refugee settlements in Lebanon, information on crime and political violence, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, and the “If you decide to travel” section.

Reconsider travel to Lebanon due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and armed conflict . Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Southern Lebanon due to the  potential for armed conflict;
• The border with Syria due to  terrorism and armed conflict;
• Refugee settlements due to  the potential for armed clashes .

Country Summary : U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and review their personal security plans. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel to southern Lebanon, the Syrian border, and refugee settlements in Lebanon.

U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning.

Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated.

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Lebanon.

If you decide to travel to Lebanon:

• Visit our website for information on   Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, or taken hostage.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Lebanon.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel (See map below)

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. Cross-border rocket, missile, and artillery fire continues to impact southern Lebanon on a daily basis and has caused a significant number of fatalities and injuries.

Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border, which has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut.

Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon, which are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

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Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Beirut Awkar (facing the Awkar Municipality Building), Main Street Beirut, Lebanon Telephone:  +(961) 4-542600 or +(961) 4-543600 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(961) 4-543600 Fax:  +(961) 4-544209 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Lebanon for information on U.S.-Lebanon relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• Passports and visas are required.
• U.S. citizens coming to Lebanon for tourism routinely receive a one-month visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport or other port of entry. This visa can be extended. Details on the extension can be obtained at a local office of  Sûreté Générale (General Security) .
• U.S. citizens who also hold Lebanese citizenship are subject to the requirements and responsibilities of Lebanese citizenship under Lebanese law.
• More information on Lebanon’s entry and exit requirements can be found on General Security’s  website .
• Travelers who hold passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel will be denied entry into Lebanon and may be subject to arrest or detention. Even if travel documents contain no Israeli stamps or visas, persons who have previously traveled to Israel may still face arrest and/or detention if prior travel is disclosed.
• Travelers who have previously worked in Lebanon without the appropriate work visa may be denied entry, detained or deported.
• Travelers who have previously resided in Lebanon under refugee status, regardless of current citizenship, may be denied entry.
• Travelers who have overstayed their entry visa validity in Lebanon must obtain an exit visa from General Security’s Department of Passport and Immigration prior to their departure.
• Individuals who are detained and awaiting deportation will remain detained until they pay the cost of their return airfare.
• Authorities with General Security may retain U.S. passports for an extended period while U.S. citizens await issuance of work or residency permits.

For Additional Information:

• Contact the  Embassy of Lebanon , 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20008, tel. (202) 939-6300; e-mail:  [email protected] .
• Los Angeles
• Additional information on Honorary Consulates in the United States can be found within the Consular Affairs section of the  Embassy of Lebanon website .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Lebanon.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:   Across the world, terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad and resort to various methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles  – frequently on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

In Lebanon, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Lebanon. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in Lebanon. U.S. citizens have been the targets of terrorist attacks in Lebanon. The threat of anti-Western terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Clashes between Lebanese authorities and criminal elements continue to occur in areas of the Bekaa Valley and border regions.  Hizballah maintains a strong presence in the Bekaa Valley, in addition to areas in southern Lebanon and south Beirut. In addition to the threat of Hizballah conducted terrorist activity, Hizballah has been the target of attacks by other extremist groups for their support of the Assad regime in Syria.

Avoid the Lebanon-Syria border region: The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanese-Syrian border region because of past clashes, extremist activity, and the potential for these to recur at any time.

Avoid the Lebanon-Israel border region: Hostilities flared in Southern Lebanon in April 2022, and again in April 2023, due to tensions between Israel, Hizballah, and the Palestinian terrorist group HAMAS. The potential for wider conflict remains. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Israel border area due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. Attacks and responses can occur without warning. Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all marked areas.

Avoid travel to refugee settlements: Violence within refugee settlements has resulted in shootings and explosions. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to refugee settlements. Palestinian groups hostile to both the Lebanese government and the United States operate autonomously in formal and informal refugee settlements in different areas of the country.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Reported crime rates in Lebanon are moderate but rising. Violent crime and sexual assault are rare but do occur. Petty theft -- such as pickpocketing and purse snatching -- occurs in crowded public areas. More recently, the dire economic situation is engendering a significant increase in economically motivated crimes, including home invasions and car thefts. Police are responsive but often unable to affect a positive outcome.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Protests often occur spontaneously with little to no advance warning.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Lebanon. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Work permits/job offers

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes by visiting the nearest police or by calling the ISF hotline 1745 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(961) 4-542600 or +(961) 4-543600. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lebanon can be significant, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Visitors lacking passport or identification documents at government checkpoints are subject to questioning by Lebanese authorities. In certain areas, taking photos of buildings or other infrastructure has led to questioning and detention. In Lebanon, persons driving under the influence can be jailed immediately.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Individuals who were affiliated with the former militia known as the South Lebanon Army (SLA) and previously departed Lebanon because of their association with that group should carefully consider any plans to return to Lebanon. Alleged former members of the SLA have been detained on arrival and received threats to their physical security, even after receiving assurances from Lebanese officials and/or legal counsel in Lebanon that they could return safely.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:   See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct is criminalized in Lebanon, and LGBTQI+ persons can face significant social stigma. Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code prohibits sexual relations, “contradicting the laws of nature,” an offense punishable by up to one year in prison. Although Lebanese courts have interpreted this provision in different ways and prosecutions are rare, judicial decisions can vary case-to-case and LGBTQI+ adults have been charged, tried, and convicted for engaging in consensual same-sex relations. Authorities have arrested LGBTQI+ individuals for minor offenses, then charged them with violation of Article 534 when evidence of their LGBTQI+ identity is uncovered, through searches of cell phones or other personal material. While prosecution is uncommon, short-term detentions can expose individuals to discrimination and abuse.

There has been a rise in anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric from political and religious leaders, accompanied by an increase in online harassment, threats of violence, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons. In August 2023, members of an anti-LGBTQI+ religious group attacked an LGBTQI+ friendly establishment in the Mar Mikhael neighborhood of Beirut, reportedly threatening, assaulting, and injuring patrons. Gatherings, events, or items (including those with rainbows) perceived as “promoting homosexuality” have the potential of being scrutinized, monitored or disbanded by security forces.

While Lebanese authorities indicate that travelers entering Lebanon with passports showing X gender will be admitted without difficulty, the United States government cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Lebanon prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is unevenly enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is relatively low. Some facilities and information have been made accessible, but such standard accessibility is not common. Expect infrastructure accessibility to be limited in urban areas, and even more so in the rest of the country. There are a handful of hotels that are partially accessible in the Beirut area. Some transportation companies do provide accessible services. Events and activities are rarely designed to be inclusive.

Service providers for people with disabilities, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are available but limited in Lebanon. The best way to find assistance is to contact organizations for people with disabilities such as the Lebanese Union for Persons with Physical Disabilities, the Youth Association of the Blind, the Lebanese Federation of the Deaf, or the Lebanese Association for Self Advocacy.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

 Exit Bans: U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Lebanon are sometimes denied permission to depart the country because a criminal, civil, or family court has imposed an exit ban. For example, a head of household can place an exit ban against a spouse and children even before the family arrives in Lebanon. Easily initiated, exit bans remain in place for prolonged periods and can only be removed by petition from an attorney. The U.S. Embassy cannot have exit bans removed, even in times of crisis. An attorney’s list is available on U.S. Embassy Beirut’s website .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who also hold Lebanese nationality are considered by local authorities to be Lebanese, even when entering Lebanon using a U.S. passport. Lebanese-U.S. citizens who are suspected of association with Israeli citizens or officials, or to have traveled through Israel, are subject to detention, arrest, and prosecution. Their passports may be retained by Lebanese authorities on arrival, and they must appear at the Lebanese Military court the next business day for investigation, after which their passports may be returned if no connections with Israel are confirmed. U.S. citizen dual nationals of other Arab countries who arrive at a Lebanese point of entry with an Israeli stamp in their passports will be denied entry and may be detained or arrested. Travelers with a family name deemed to be of Israeli or Jewish origin may also be questioned or detained.

Travelers who have previously entered Lebanon illegally under Lebanese law, whether as refugees or for transit to a third country, may be denied entry, even if they are or have since become U.S. citizens.

Middle Eastern Heritage: U.S. citizens with names reflecting Middle Eastern heritage may face additional scrutiny at Lebanese ports of entry and may be required to show documentary evidence of their parentage: specifically, official proof of their father’s name such as a copy of their birth certificate.

Marrying in Lebanon: More than 18 separate and distinct religious sects solemnize marriages in Lebanon. Civil marriage is not available. U.S. citizen and Lebanese national couples should familiarize themselves with the rights and responsibilities of marriage as defined by the religion performing their marriage. They should be aware that religious clerics and religious courts dictate all personal status matters related to marriage, divorce, and child custody. In matters of marriage, child custody, inheritance, and divorce, personal status laws provide unequal treatment across the various confessional court systems but generally discriminate against women.  Nationality law also discriminates against women, who may not confer citizenship to their spouses and children. Civil marriages performed outside of Lebanon and registered with Lebanon’s Ministry of the Interior fall under civil court jurisdiction regarding divorce and child custody.

Military Service Obligation: Mandatory military service in Lebanon was abolished in 2007. However, travelers with questions about prior military service, desertion, or failure to register in the past should contact the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, D.C. for details prior to traveling to Lebanon.

Customs: Lebanese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import and export of items, such as firearms, military paraphernalia, professional camera equipment, other communications equipment, or antiquities. You should contact the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our information on customs regulations .

For emergency services in Lebanon dial 112.

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay the medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Lebanon Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Lebanon.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Water Quality:  In all areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Beirut, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always accepted; most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment, often in U.S. dollars.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may have limited English proficiency.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Pharmaceuticals      

• Due to the current economic situation in Lebanon, many medications are not available in pharmacies and medical facilities.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication outside the United States. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments .
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Lebanon.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. In certain areas, pedestrians have minimal access to sidewalks and are forced to walk along the sides of busy roadways. There are very few bicycle lanes designated for cyclists, and drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with cyclists. Beirut streets and highway lanes are known for their heavy traffic congestion and aggressive driving. Lanes are generally unmarked, and roads outside the capital may be poorly lighted.

Drivers generally will find inter-city directional signs and street markers, but side roads often bear no signposts.

An international driver’s license is required for visitors to Lebanon. Please refer to our Road Safety page and the website of Lebanon’s National Tourist Office for more information.

Traffic Laws:

• Drivers must carry a valid driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance while driving. Licenses are issued to those at least 18 years of age.
• Drivers must obey speed limits and traffic lights, and yield to ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles.
• Radar detection devices are prohibited.
• Seat belts are compulsory for both front and rear passengers in all vehicles, and helmets are mandatory for cyclists and motorcycle riders.
• A hazard triangle in the vehicle is mandatory.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is prohibited, as are open alcohol containers in a vehicle
• Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, except with a hands-free system.
• Children under the age of 5 must be secured in a car seat, and children under the age of 10 may not sit in a front seat or be carried on a motorcycle.

A comprehensive listing of Lebanese traffic laws (in Arabic) is available on the website of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF).

Public Transportation:  In general, public transportation in Lebanon is safe. Buses operate throughout the country but serve a primarily working-class clientele. Taxis are widely available and rideshare services are also active in Lebanon. See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Lebanon, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Because of the risks to civil aviation operating in airspace immediately adjacent to the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that prohibits U.S. and codeshare flights from flying through the Damascus FIR and advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus FIR due to heightened military activity in or around Syria.

For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Maritime Travel:  “The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the safety practices in the Port of Beirut and finds that the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport has not fully implemented the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard conducts additional screenings of ships that have stopped in Lebanon prior to arrival in the United States.  Assessments by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that Mariners and passengers traveling through the Port of Beirut should exercise caution.”

Mariners planning travel to Lebanon should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts within the MARAD website . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website . Navigational warnings can be found under the “Current Warnings” section for the applicable NAVAREA from within the NGA site.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Lebanon . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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Lebanon Travel Guide

Lebanon travel essentials.

Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for exploring Beirut, Byblos, and the Cedars of God; 10 days for a broader experience including Baalbek and Tyre

Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Best Time: April to June, September to November (Spring and Autumn) Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $15-30 Budget: $40-80 Mid-range: $100-150 Luxury: $200 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $10-20 Mid-range: $30-50

Visa Policy for Indians: Visa required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Visa required for many countries

Getting In Lebanon: Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) Read More

Getting Around Lebanon: Taxis, buses, shared taxis (service), rental cars Read More

"The Country With A Charming Coastline & Hidden Treasures"

Lebanon tourism.

Lebanon lies in the Middle East and is a sovereign. It is often called the Lebanese Republic. It shares its borders with countries like Syria, Israel and Cyprus. Lebanon is actually supposed to be the smallest country in the entire continent of Asia. It has a wonderful coastline that you can never get tired of and even boasts of a popular city - fashionable Beirut. Lebanon is home to a cuisine that we have all sampled at some point, in several different versions - Lebanese cuisine. Both traditional and modern, the country is full of quiet charm and at times, solitude.

Tourist Places to Visit In Lebanon

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Best time to visit Lebanon

Holidify's opinion on travel to lebanon, what's great about travelling to lebanon.

Good food. Scenic views. Friendly people.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Lebanon?

A little expensive. Average infrastructure. Too much smoke, on account of a lot of smokers on streets.

Who should Travel to Lebanon?

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Ultimate guide for traveling to Beirut

By Joan Torres 27 Comments Last updated on April 5, 2024

Lebanon is currently going through a deep economical crisis. Read: How to travel in Lebanon during the crisis

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a city that suffered one of the longest contemporary Civil Wars (25 years, ended in 1991).

However, today, among all the destroyed buildings, Beirut brags about being one of the safest cities in the region and, with unbelievable economic growth and the rapid rise of the middle class, it also stands as the most liberal and westernized city in the Middle East, outside of Israel. 

I love Beirut because of its deep, rich and contrasting history, composed of dozens of districts that differ massively from each other: the hipster district of Gemmayzeh, Hezbollah areas like Bourj al-Barajneh, the student neighborhood of Hamra, old Palestinian refugee camps, the Armenian district of Bourj Hammoud, several Christian areas and much, much more!

Beirut is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

Furthermore, in Beirut, you also find the best food and parties in the Middle East . Did you know that 40% of the population are Christians? Surprised? Beer is widely available and, you know the best of it? Drinking in the street is allowed!

From the deepest underground parties to the most glamorous clubs, from local eateries to the best fine dining restaurants in the region, Beirut is a city adaptable to any kind of traveler and budget. 

The following Beirut Travel Guide will show you the best things to do in Beirut, as well as how to move around, accommodation options and many other travel tips.

In this Beirut travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Beirut during the crisis
• Where to stay
• How to move around
• Where to eat
• Things to do
• More Information

Remember to get travel insurance for Beirut I strongly recommend IATI Insurance as it has COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your 5% discount if purchasing via this link

💰 Visiting Beirut during the crisis

As you know, the situation in Lebanon is absolutely awful, and things are not expecting to get better any time soon.

The currency keeps devaluing, the exchange rate versus the dollar dropping from 1500 to 27000 Lebanese Pounds in just a few years.

The first thing you need to know before traveling to Beirut is that Lebanon has become today a cash economy, since the banks are still using the old bank rate (1500LPB = 1USD).

This means that you shouldn’t withdraw from an ATM because you’d be losing nearly 18 times the original value, but you need to exchange your € or dollars in the black market, where the current rate is around 27000LBP.

How to exchange money in the black market of Beirut

Basically, the black market for exchanging money is anywhere but the banks, and that includes that ordinary money exchange offices.

You can find exchange offices all over the city, but the best place to exchange is in Hamra Street , where you’ll find at least 10 of them.

For more information on traveling in Beirut during the crisis, check my Lebanon travel guide .

🏨 Where to stay in Beirut

Backpacker Hostel – Hamra Urban Gardens – A sister hotel of Saifi Urban Garden, this hostel is located in the main Hamra Street. It offers both suite and dorm rooms with a seasonal outdoor pool and bar.

Budget Hotel  –  Embassy Hotel – This is, practically, the only budget hotel in town. The rooms and bathroom are a bit old but, for this price, you are not likely to find anything better. However, it is in a very good location, right at the heart of Hamra, one of the coolest areas in the city.

Mid-range Hotel – O Monot Boutique – Strategically located at the heart of Beirut, this property was highly recommended by many because of their amazing facilities especially their rooftop bar with a panoramic view of Beirut.

Top-end Hotel –  Radisson Blu Hotel – If you are looking for a comfortable place which has a delightful design, a good restaurant and other various facilities, this 5-star hotel is a perfect choice. Located in Dunes shopping center and 5-minute walk away from the beach.

🛺 How to move around Beirut

How to get from the airport to the city center.

There’s no public transportation for going from the airport to the center of Beirut.

If you want to avoid negotiating with drivers, I suggest you book a taxi ahead through this link .

Otherwise, taxis typically charge up to 20USD for going anywhere within the city. If they see you are a foreigner, however, the starting price is around 40USD but you can easily bargain it down.

Additionally, the airport is located pretty much in the city itself so, if there is no minibus, on the ground level, after the airport’s parking, continue walking towards the city center and, once on the main road, after 500m, you’ll find plenty of local minibusses.

How to move around Beirut

There are minivans driving around the city but alternatively, locals have a system called service , which is basically a shared taxi service. Basically, when you stop a taxi in the middle of the street, say service and, on the way, he will be picking up other passengers. A single, short ride costs 25,000LBP.

Uber is highly available in Lebanon, so are regular, ordinary taxis.

How to get out of Beirut

Cola Station – Cola is the largest bus station in Beirut, with plenty of buses going in all directions, especially to the south. However, it is a bit away from downtown and a bit limited when it comes to northern cities, even though you can find plenty of buses going to the Baalbek region and Tripoli.

Charles Helou – For northern cities, this bus station is way more convenient, as it has more choices plus it is located very close to both downtown and Gemmayzeh, where most tourists stay. However, for going to the south of Lebanon, to places like Tyr or Sayda, you should definitely depart from Cola Station. This is also the station where shared taxis to Syria depart from.

🍲 My favorite places to eat in Beirut

Budget local eatery – Restaurant Le Chef – Always frequented by both local workers and businessmen, the restaurant Le Chef serves a large variety of local home-made dishes that changes every day. If available, you must try syadye , a rice-based dish with fish and almonds.

Nice Lebanese restaurant – Bayt em Nazih – On the second floor of Hamra Urban Gardens, there’s an excellent Lebanese restaurant which is always packed.

Nice Lebanese restaurant – T Marbouta   – Similar to Em-Nazih but serving a larger variety of mezza and more of a restaurant than a café with music. You must try kibbeh mouloukyeh , fried meat with pomegranate.

Best place for traditional breakfast – El Soussi – Very authentic eatery with a real local vibe where to have the best hummus for breakfast.

Things to do in Beirut

Beirut is a city where monuments and tourist sites as such barely exist.

Instead, people travel to Beirut to enjoy its culture and history, by walking around its dozens of different neighborhoods, admiring the war-destroyed buildings, eating and savoring the awesome, social local life.

Map of the things to do in Beirut

When you are wandering the streets of Gemmayzeh, it’s hard to remember that you are actually in the heart of the most turbulent region in the world.

With an endless number of bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants, Gemmayzeh is a Christian, trendy and sort of bohemian neighborhood, filled with narrow alleys, colonial buildings from the French era, and art galleries.

This is, perhaps, the most Westernized area in the entire Middle East (outside of Israel ) and one of the highlights for anyone traveling to Beirut.

Unfortunately, this was also the most affected area by the port explosion and it hasn’t recovered since then.

Read: A travel guide to Palestine

Pigeon Rocks

If you want to forget that you are in a big city, I definitely recommend going to the Pigeon Rocks, which are the only natural beauty in Beirut.

The Pigeon Rocks are two rock arches situated next to a cliff from where you get amazing sunsets and views of the ocean.

It’s a place where families and people from all social classes like to spend the weekend.

Want to travel to Syria? Read:  How to travel to Syria – Everything you need to know

The history books say that, during the Lebanese Civil War, Hamra was the center of intellectual activity, as it was full of theaters and other cultural institutions.

Today, Hamra holds the most prestigious university in the Middle East , the American University of Beirut, and, even though this area is not as cool and trendy as Gemmayzeh, there’s a friendly student vibe strolling the streets and drinking at the several bars and cafés.

Before the Civil War, Downtown Beirut was often called the Paris of the Middle East.

After the war, the district had to be completely rebuilt and, today, this is the most pedestrianized and cleanest area in the city.

It’s full of glamorous boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and the top fine-dining restaurants. Nevertheless, the locals claim that, since the reconstruction, this part of the city has lost its soul and you are likely to find more tourists from the Persian Gulf than local Lebanese.

However, due to the recent violent protests , most downtown area is today inaccessible, since that’s where the Lebanese elite lives in.

Read: How to travel to Saudi Arabia (How to get a tourist visa + Tips)

The blend of Islam and Christianity

Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Maronite Catholics, Druze, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholics, Armenian Apostolic, and Protestants, just to name a few.

The religious diversity is very rich and one can easily realize about it, as there are mosques and churches for each and every branch of the two major religions in the country.

This diversity was one of the main triggers of the Civil War but, nowadays, all religions live in peace and harmony and, sometimes, both mosques and churches are built side by side, like in the picture below.

Bourj Hammoud

Welcome to Little Armenia!

Bourj Hammoud is a neighborhood founded by survivors of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. If you want to get a glimpse of Armenian culture and eat at tasty Armenian restaurants and bakeries, I highly recommend spending half a day in this area.

There is plenty of pretty cool graffiti claiming Turkey is the only party guilty of the genocide and also, this is sort of a commercial hub, where you’ll find the best deals on clothes and electronics in the city. If you don’t know what to do in Beirut on your second or third day, this is a cool place to go.

The legacy of war

The Civil War in Lebanon ended more than 25 years ago, in 1990, but still, Beirut has loads of destroyed buildings that haven’t been restored yet. Once, I asked a Lebanese:

Me: Why aren’t you restoring all these buildings?

The Lebanese: Actually, we kind of like them. It’s retro and gives an underground touch to the city

Me: And what about all the people that were affected by the war? In my country, we removed everything that reminded us of our Civil War. People didn’t want to see those things anymore

The Lebanese: I don’t know, we find them pretty cool

Destroyed buildings, as well as inhabited buildings with bullet holes can still be found all over the city and, for me, this is the most interesting thing to do in Beirut.

Shatila is one of the oldest Palestinian refugee camps outside of Palestine.

It was set up in 1949 and today, it’s attached to the city of Beirut. Shatila caught the eyes of the outside world because, during the Civil War in Lebanon, a Christian militia was responsible for one of the bloodiest massacres ever , as they killed around 3,500 civilians, mostly Suni Palestinians and Shia Lebanese. Today, the population has doubled due to the massive flux of Syrian refugees.

If you decide to visit Shatila, you need to bear in mind that this is neither a tourist attraction nor a place to have fun but, one goes there to learn and empathize with the local Palestinians. In Lebanon, around 10% of the population are Palestinians, 56% of them are unemployed and many of them survive on less than $7 a day.

Note: If you want to live a real and unconventional experience, in Shatila, there is a guest house where you can even do some volunteer work if you want. Prices are lower than anywhere else in Beirut and are also likely to meet plenty of very interesting people. For further details, visit their website .

Read: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq

Bourj al-Barajneh

This is one of the most fucked up places (sorry for the expression) in Beirut and you are likely to be called crazy by the locals if they ever find out that you hanged in this area. You should only go if you are interested in local politics.

Bourj al-Barajneh is where the last suicide bombings happened, as this is a Hezbollah area targeted by ISIS. The heart of the neighborhood is a real ghetto, as it’s composed of extremely narrow alleys with electric cables hanging from everywhere. Due to the terrorist threat, there are endless checkpoints.

This is quite a sensitive area which it’s possible to visit, but taking pictures is strictly forbidden. If you get caught, you can be in real trouble, like it happened to me when a group of locals saw me taking a photo with my phone, so they retained for nearly 2 hours.

Also, bear in mind that the locals don’t understand why a foreigner would even want to visit the area for tourism purposes so, for them, any foreigner could potentially be a spy. If you go there, it’s 100% recommended to go with a local.

In order to better understand the situation in the Hezbollah areas, you should read some of my previous articles:

The day I was accused of being an Islamic State Spy Is it safe to travel to Lebanon?

❗ More information for visiting Beirut

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Lebanon destination

• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Solo Female Travel Guide in Lebanon
• The day I was accused of being an Islamic State spy
• Is Lebanon Safe

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
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• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
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27 comments

I love your blog and the guide is so detailed and helpful! Thanks for sharing.

Hi Cheryl, thank you so much! Glad you like it! Are you planning to go to Beirut?

hey! we ll be visiting lebanon in the first week of august and i m wondering if you have any new info on safety in baalbek and byblos? is it ok to drive there or should we get a taxi and a local with us (guide)? which area in beirut we should stay at? heard some friends mentioning a christina areas, but i dont know which ones are considered to be christian? we have only one week and would like to know if you have some itinerary or tips on what we must see besides bierut:) was also wondering if you ve ever been to the balkans/serbia ? or norway?:)

Hello Jovana. Baalbek and Byblos are safe all year long. You shouldn’t be worried about that. you can drive yourself but you can also go by public transport from Cola Station, which will be much cheaper. In Beirut, stay in GemmayzeH. I am already recommending some hotels in the article, which are located in these areas. Besides Beirut, check out this article: https://againstthecompass.com/en/things-to-do-in-lebanon/

I would love to hear you got on in August. My wife and I ( both elderly ) love going off the beaten track. We are going to be in Lebanon mid- September 2018 and intend to visit Baalbek and Tripoli. Are we crazy? We have heard from a few people on the ground that most of Lebanon is safe. We would like advise from fellow travelers.

You are not crazy, you rock! It is a safe region, don’t worry!

Joan, your comments and general commentary are very reassuring indeed. In 2015 after a significant health diagnosis,, I intensified my travel experience even more than before. In the last couple of years we have visited Korea ( demilitarized zone) Japan Philippines Iran, Oman and UAE. I am 77 and have just returned from a 4 mile walk. I admire free spirits of any age. I would like your undoubted knowledge of another Lebanese City! – Tripoli. Could you enlighten me please? J.

Tripoli is nice, it is a city to just walk around and hang out with locals, besides having a few historical sites. Here I give a few more details: https://againstthecompass.com/en/things-to-do-in-lebanon/

Also, if you go there, a good friend of mine, local, can give you a free tour.

Hi Joantow, I’m lebanese and happy that you liked your visit to Lebanon! I’m surprised you visited some of the places that you mentioned since they are not touristic places. Few suggestions for travelers: Jeita Grotto (and Harissa same trip), jezzine area in the south, baalback temples, jounieh area, north for hiking, cedar trees, Ehden. And so much more! Also we have uber if you need it!

Hi Riwa! Thanks! I still need to visit some of the places you mention. Will go back there next spring! All the best!

Thank you so much for the inspiration! These are information you cannot get from a book 🙂 So excited for my trip in one month! Gotta read your other posts about Lebanon as well, I might change my plans 😉

Thanks! I am so jealous that you are going to Lebanon 🙂 I will be in the Middle East during the next month and, if I find a cheap flight, I will go back there to re-visit some pending places.

I invite you to check the blog: http://chasingstories.blog/ for a better and wider view related to tourism in Lebanon.

You didn’t mention the CYC guesthouse in Shatilla camp, its the cheapest place to stay in Beirut and if you’ve got any useful skills you can do voluntary work for the charity that runs it. Food and essentials are much cheaper than near the other accommodation you mention and you can cook there as well so definitely the best place for travellers on a budget. There were a load of really interesting people staying when I was there and I found people in the area welcoming. Contact them through their website https://cycshatila.org/

Hi Graham, thanks for the suggestion. I have added the information in the Shatila section. Cheers!

Beirut and Lebanon, in general, are seldom mentioned, so I was happy to stumble upon your article. We spent fantastic time there couple of years ago (even managed to get lost in the mountains which added an additional layer to our appreciation of local hospitality). Lovely to see some new street art that I either missed or it appeared after our visit. Speaking of how to get around Beirut, I just want to add that traffic is generally absolutely atrocious there, so sometimes walking works the best.

Hi Elena! Oh nice, I didn’t have much time to really explore the mountains, except for a half day around Kadisha, so can’t say much about it! Thank you for the transportation tip, yeah, forgot to mention that traffic is insane there! Cheers!

Hi Joan, we are headed to Beirut this week and this is a very handy guide. Thanks for putting it together.

You are welcome! Anything just let me know, enjoy!

Hi, I was intending to only visit Egypt, Jordan and finishing in Israel and I thought I should include Lebanon since they are altogether however as I understand the passport issue, is it possible if I travel in this order: Egypt-Lebanon-Jordan-Israel? I am likely to fly out of Tel Aviv back home. When I enter Israel at Eilat, will there be any issue as they will see the Lebanese passport stamp?

Hello: I am going to Beirut in July for the first time. I was trying to get a travel guide — i.e. a book — but they seem to not exist anymore! Or, if I’m wrong, can you suggest something in the form of a book with maps, etc.

Thanks! Yasmine

you can buy the Bradt Guide for Lebanon, recommended at the end of this post: https://againstthecompass.com/en/safe-travel-lebanon/

Greetings from one world traveller ( I have visited 66 countries so far) to another. I really enjoyed your latest news and updates for Beirut and the itinerary around Lebanon. My first visit to Lebanon I stayed with my local friend and was fully under his wing for the whole time. I am going more independently now.. My other favourite places in the world are Iran, Yemen ( Sana’a) , Bangkok, Cape Verde and Sri Lanka. I want to explore and experience more of India and Pakistan next time! Would love to rendezvous?

Should I get my Lebanese visa at the embassy or should I get the visa on arrival? I heard the Beirut airport is really crazy and getting a visa on arrival takes forever.

Great Blog. I am planning to visit Beirut next month, this blog will be very helpful for me.

From the comments it appears this article was originally written in 2017 and you just change the date on it to make it look current but in the process you failed to update it about the exchange rate. Which you fall asleep say in here is stable throughout the country at 1500 LBP≠$1 US. THIS IS AN ENORMOUS FAILURE ON YOUR PART BECAUSE THE LOCAL TAXI RIDE THAT YOU SAID WAS $10 USD IS NOW ACTUALLY 50 US CENTS. You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression and you colossally failed on a major point. By the way my travel blog has 350,000 readers and I’m part Lebanese. You have done a large disservice to your unknowing readers

Just chill bro, you seem angry with the world 😉

Congratulations on your blog! Impressive figures, you must be so proud. If you are so good at blogging, however, then you’ll know that the publishing date is different from updating date, the latter being changed automatically every time you make a change in a post, even if it’s adding a new comma.

Scroll to the end of the post and you’ll see that the publishing date is 2018, the date when this travel guide suffered the last major update 🙂

The reason why the updating date is so recent is that we have been updating certain affiliate links across all posts.

I know what’s the situation like in Lebanon. I have been to Beirut twice this year, and returning there in September, since that’s the starting and ending point of our tours to Syria. I wish I had the time to update all that info but we have over 400 posts to take care of, plus a travel company to run.

Don’t worry, we will update it eventually and meanwhile, I recommend you to relax 😉

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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

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