places to visit in lebanon in summer

Melissa Sleiman • 18 Jul 2022

40 awesome things to do in lebanon this summer.

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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?

10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Lebanon

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I was hosted by  TourLeb  while uncovering all the best places to visit in Lebanon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Want to experience Lebanon firsthand? Come with me on a GROUP TRIP to Lebanon this Summer (Aug 19 – 27, 2023). Space is limited. Reserve your spot with a deposit by  clicking this link .

“Lebanon is an energy vortex. It’s beautiful chaos. People that come always find their own personal reasons to return.” 

This small coastal Mediterranean country is brimming with rich culture and history, people as warm as they are resilient, and landscapes as varied as those of countries 20 times its size. There are so many amazing places to visit in Lebanon, it’s almost impossible to know where to begin! 

Of course – I didn’t really know any of this before I visited Lebanon for myself. 

All I knew, ever since I was 13 years old, was that Lebanese food was my favorite cuisine in the world. As a kid, I knew that one day I needed to visit the land that blessed the world with shawarma, kibbeh, falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh. 

I knew Lebanon would be delicious. But what I didn’t expect in my wildest dreams was just how many things there are to do, see, and experience in the Pearl of the Middle East. 

Should You Explore Lebanon Solo or With a Guide? 

Despite its small size, there are so many amazing places to visit in Lebanon, and it’s well worth exploring every corner of this tiny country. That said, Lebanon is not the easiest country to navigate on your own. You can certainly rent a car, but military stops, gas crisis issues, and dizzying traffic might make driving in Lebanon challenging for some visitors. For an easier experience, I recommend hiring a driver, booking day tours from Beirut, or embarking on a guided trip when visiting this country.

I visited Lebanon with TourLeb, a women-owned tour company-meets-social enterprise that prioritizes responsible tourism and uplifting local businesses. I share more about why visiting Lebanon with TourLeb was so amazing in this post , but in short, this company is so well-connected and well-equipped to navigate the country and cater their custom itineraries to your specific interests. Literally – no matter what you want to do, TourLeb can make it happen. In my 10 days visiting Lebanon, I wanted to see it ALL. TourLeb arranged it so that I managed to visit every place on this list! 

For more DIY travelers, TourLeb can also provide support with everything from itinerary planning to making recommendations and finding you drivers, leaving you to travel the country yourself without a guide if you prefer.

If you’re interested in visiting Lebanon with TourLeb, mention ‘Rachel Off Duty’ when booking  to get up to 15% off a private tour of 3 days or more.  Contact them here .

However you plan to explore, read on for a short list of some of my favorite places to visit in Lebanon! From mountainous wine regions to labyrinthine souks, ornate Mamluk mosques to monasteries carved into cliffs, prepare to be blown away by complexity and diversity of it all. Lebanon is one of my favorite countries I’ve visited to date.

Travel to Lebanon with Me!

I’m hosting a group trip to Lebanon this summer! From August 19 – 27, 2023, we’ll walk the footsteps of ancient Romans, cheers to delicious mediterranean wines, dance the night away in Beirut, experience unmatched Lebanese hospitality, uncover palaces and hammams, soak up the sun at the beach, and eat like you’ve never eaten before.

See the full itinerary here  or click the button below to reserve your spot! (LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE)

10 of the Most Unforgettable Places to Visit in Lebanon

Beirut will most likely be your very first stop, and you should dedicate some time to this chaotic but mesmerizing city that marches to its own rhythm. Lebanon has undergone many changes and shifts in the 100+ years since the country formed. But Beirut has seen it all, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Lebanon.

Beirut made global news most recently in 2020 after the tragic Beirut Blast, and the face of the city still has noticeable remnants of the incident throughout. You’ll notice this as you walk around, but you’ll also notice that the city has remarkably rebuilt and recovered in a short amount of time, and there’s so much to see.

Things to Do in Beirut:

• Wander around downtown Beirut, and see the Martyrs’ Square , the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque , the Al-Omari Grand Mosque , the St. George Maronite Cathedral , and The Egg (an unfinished Dome Cinema that I believe has a history of holding late-night parties and raves)
• Go shopping or coffee shop-hopping in Saifi and Hamra 
• Try your haggling skills on in search of gold, silver, and basically anything else in Bourj Hammoud, Beirut’s Armenian quarter 
• Walk along the Corniche  
• Explore Beirut’s lively bar scene (that goes until late, late in the evening) in Hamra or Mar Mikhael. Wandering along Gouraud Street in the bohemian, funky Gemmayzeh neighborhood was also one of my favorite things to do after dark! 
• Head for the hills and take a 40-minute drive up to Chateau Cana for sunset wine tasting. This beautiful family-owned winery tucked high up in the Ras El Harf village was voted one of the top 50 wineries in the entire world, and is absolutely gorgeous at dusk!

Places to Stay in Beirut:

• The Grand Meshmosh Hotel (this is where I stayed!). Rooms are simple, the food is divine, and there’s an eclectic allure here that attracts everything from backpackers, just-passing-through travelers, to bohemian intellectuals alike. This hotel was all but destroyed since the Beirut Blast and painstakingly rebuilt – but you would never know from spending time relaxing in the outdoor terrace. The vibe continues to be unshakably relaxed, cool, and comfortable for anyone that walks in the door. 
• Hotel Albergo  
• Dar Al Achrafieh

Search hotels in Beirut on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Beirut on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Beirut:

2-3 days minimum.

I recommend spending at least 2-3 days at the beginning or end of your trip in this city. This will be enough time to get a taste of Beirut and explore some of its most famous sights. But, I suggest spending more time here if you have it!

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos (also known as Jbeil) is a must for any travelers looking for the very best places to visit in Lebanon. Here, you’ll be able to walk on more than 6,000 years of civilization’s history, experience some of the most important ancient societies in Lebanon, and soak up the undeniable charms of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Byblos was easily one of my favorite places to visit in Lebanon!

Things to Do in Byblos:

• Take a walking tour of the Byblos Castle (also known as the Byblos Citadel), a crusader castle dating back to the 12th century. The crusaders actually reused stones from ancient Roman structures in order to build their citadel, and you’ll notice some irregularity in the structure of the buildings as you wander around
• Wander the Byblos souks  
• Visit one of Byblos’ beaches or beachfront bars, like Ocean Blue Resort Beach Bar , Ocean Blue , Jungle Beach , or Kina Handcrafted Bar
• Explore both old town and new town Byblos 
• Stop into the Byblos fossil museum – Memory of Time – to see the fossil collections of more than 1,200 aquatic species dating back up to 100 million years (crazy, I know!)

Places to Stay in Byblos:

• Beit Faris wa Lucia , where I stayed, is located within the old walled streets of Byblos. The owner was born in this very same house and has been inviting people to stay with her all her life, and decided in 2019 to formally turn her historic home into a guest house. Don’t miss out on homemade breakfasts eaten al fresco in the citrus garden!

Search hotels in Byblos on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Byblos on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Byblos:

Byblos isn’t a difficult day trip from Beirut. In fact, it’s less than an hour’s drive up the coastal highway. But there’s something about waking up in the historic city walls of this city that makes you feel as if you are being transported back in time, and that’s well worth an overnight stay to experience it for yourself.

Not far from Beirut, tucked up into the verdant green hillside, Chouf is a fascinating region of palaces, villages, and one of the largest concentrations of cedar trees in the country. Here, you’ll also find the largest population of Druze (a religious group) in all of Lebanon. 

Chouf was initially on my radar because there are some charming guest houses in the area with beautiful scenery for a natural retreat. What I didn’t expect was to be blown away by the food, people, and magnificent palaces that call Chouf home. Seriously, you wouldn’t believe Lebanon looks like this until you’ve witnessed it for yourself!

Things to Do in Chouf:

• Visit the village of Deir Al Qamar
• Go to the Moussa Castle , an impressive structure built by a man – Moussa Abdel Karim Al-Maamari – who fulfilled his childhood dream of one day owning his very own castle
• Explore the Beiteddine Palace , which was built in the late 1700s / early 1800s and has since been restored. You can wander the grounds and visit the museums onsite.
• Stop by the Shallalat Nabeh Merched , a restaurant located in a cave with waterfalls. I’ve heard the food is just alright, but the ambiance is well worth stopping to see
• Visit the beautiful Moukhtara Palace, the stronghold of the Druze which was built by the Jumblatt family in the 18th century
• See the cedars at the Chouf Cedar Reserve

Places to Stay in Chouf:

Search hotels in Chouf on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Chouf on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Chouf:

1-2 days. 

Chouf is an easy day trip from Beirut. But if you have the chance to experience a guest house here, then you should absolutely do just that.

4. Batroun and Anfeh

Another historic, coastal city, Batroun is a very popular destination for both visitors and locals alike – especially in the summer! I spent a very short amount of time in Batroun. But, my impression of this city is that it’s very cute, very chic, and very much a scene.

Steeped in centuries of significance dating back to the Phoenician times, Batroun juxtaposes relics and ruins of the past with beachside bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Just up the road from Batroun, you’ll also find Anfeh, a local summer hotspot that’s also known as “little Greece” thanks to its white and blue beachside buildings. It was also known as Lebanon’s capital of salt. I came here at sunset specifically to watch the sun set over the old salt marshes, which was a whole new level of breathtaking.

Things to Do in Batroun:

• Relax on the beach, or have drinks seaside at one of Batroun’s cute coastal restaurants, like Pierre & Friends
• Admire the nearby Mseilha Fort , which you cannot miss when driving along the coastal road heading north from Beirut. This fort dates back to the 17th century and was erected to guard the important route between Beirut and Tripoli
• Sample the citrus native to Batroun with a stop at the famous Hilmi’s House of Lemonade , whose legacy dates back to the 19th century!
• Appreciate Lebanon’s craft beer and distilling scene by visiting Colonel Beer which has a great view of the water. You can also rent bicycles and scooters from here, too, if you’re looking for an active adventure before drinks!
• Explore Batroun’s nightlife scene for a switch-up from Beirut that’s just as lively 
• Head up to Anfeh, just 15 minutes away from Batroun, to see the old salt marshes of Lebanon. Anfeh is a popular local destination for spending the summer. I recommend going near sunset to see the sun reflect across the salt pans

Places to Stay in Batroun:

• San Stephano Resort
• L’Auberge de la Mer  
• Beit Al Batroun

Search hotels in Batroun on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Batroun on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Batroun:

Half a day to 1 day. 

Batroun is an easy day trip, or half-day trip, either from Beirut or on your way to other places to visit in Lebanon. It’s about an hour from Beirut and just shy of 30 minutes south of Tripoli.

A coastal town just 20 minutes up the road from Beirut, the once-sleepy fishing village of Jounieh is a leisure destination in its own right. With a lively party scene and high rises that dot the rugged hillside overlooking Jounieh Bay, this town is a popular stop for visitors heading up to Byblos.

If you have some extra time to spare I recommend spending at least a morning here!

Things to Do in Jounieh:

• Visit the expansive, endlessly impressive Jeita Grotto – the longest limestone cave system in the entire Middle East 
• Take the Téléferique up the mountain to Our Lady of Harissa, the towering Virgin Mary statue that can be seen watching over the city below 
• Go paragliding in one of the best paragliding spots in the entire world with Paragliding Club Thermique (my first time paragliding was here!) 
• Consider a visit to the Casino du Liban , Lebanon’s only casino. Whether or not you like to gamble, the casino often hosts events and is home to a handful of onsite bars and restaurants, including La Martingale Restaurant which supposedly boasts one of the best views in the entire country

Places to Stay in Jounieh:

• Beit Wadih (where I stayed!). This was one of the most peaceful stays during my entire trip. The staff doesn’t speak much English, but the service is great, the grounds are gorgeous, and the breakfasts are delicious.  
• BURJ on BAY  
• Bay Lodge Boutique
• Veer Boutique Hotel

Search hotels in Jounieh on Booking.com .

How Much Time to Spend in Jounieh:

Jounieh is an easy day trip, or half-day trip, either from Beirut or on your way to Byblos.

Tripoli is a dizzying (some might say chaotic), magnificent city. It’s a sensory overload of winding streets, lively souks, historic architecture, and incredible food. With my TourLeb guides, we wandered the souks in search of old hammams, visited old churches late into the evening, took a boat ride out to see Tripoli’s islands at sunset, and ate more sweets than I could ever count. 

No visit to Tripoli would be complete without also exploring the Al Mina fisherman’s village adjacent to Tripoli. While Tripoli’s historic sprawl can be overwhelming, Al Mina offers a relaxed neighborhood to wander along the sea.

Things to Do in Tripoli:

• Visit the Mansouri Great Mosque and the Taynal Mosque (be sure to bring a headscarf, and cover your shoulders and knees!) 
• Wander the marvelous Tripoli souks . Unlike some other cities where the souks have been modernized, Tripoli’s souks with its passageways and alleys are steeped in centuries of tradition. From food, to fabric, to furniture, to jewelry and so much in between, you’ll find literally everything here
• Within the winding souks, look out for abandoned hammams (bath houses), many of which you can simply enter and wander around. One hammam – Hammam al-Abed – is still open for men but invites all to come inside and have a look at the lounge
• Buy some natural Tripolitan soap – a product this city was once famed for making and which many factories continue to keep alive using traditional methods to this day. One amazing soap factory in Tripoli is Masbanat Awaida Soap , which makes all their soaps by hand onsite
• Eat sweets! Tripoli is known as the city of sweets, and you’ll find all kinds of delicacies here. Try ossmaliyeh, owaymet, halawet el-jeben, and ka’ak stuffed with knafeh. I recommend stopping at a pastry shop like Mackieh Sweets so you can sample them all
• For those without a sweet tooth, Tripoli is also famous for its lahme baajin, essentially a meat pizza topped with pomegranate molasses
• Spend your evening at the fisherman’s village of Al Mina Port , which dates back to the Phoenician era. Here, you can dine at amazing seafood-centric restaurants, enjoy an alcoholic drink (which you largely won’t be able to find in Tripoli’s historic city center), and smoke shisha on the streets as the locals do

Places to Stay in Tripoli:

• Via Mina Hotel
• Le Chateau des Oliviers

Search hotels in Tripoli on Booking.com .

How Much Time to Spend in Tripoli:

While I managed to visit Tripoli in just one day, I really wish I was able to stay a bit longer. If you have the time, I recommend it as the experience is unlike anything else!

Also known as Sidon or Sayida, this small city is renowned for its glass blowing. Like Tripoli, Saida is also a more conservative Muslim city. It’s well worth a visit for its delicious food and sights, including the famous Saida Sea Castle.

Here, I had some of the most delicious ka’ak stuffed with knafeh, as well as my very first falafel pita in Lebanon. Saida is for foodies as much as any other part of Lebanon already mentioned on this list, so come hungry! 

I’d recommend not planning a visit to Saida on Friday if you can help it, as Friday is the start of prayer and the Lebanese weekend, and many things in the city close by 12 pm.

Things to Do in Saida:

• Visit the Saida Sea Castle , one of the most famous and recognizable monuments in Lebanon 
• Explore the Debbane Palace , an Arab-Ottoman grand mansion-turned-museum that offers a taste of what life for an affluent family might have been like in the 1900s. If you’re able to access the roof during your visit, climb up the stairs for a beautiful view of the city! 
• Stop at the Khan Sacy Hammam , as well as the Hammam Al Jadeed . The latter hammam has recently been transformed into an art exhibition called Revival which features dozens of paintings imagining the hammam in all its glory centuries ago
• See the old Jewish Quarter, known as Haret al-Quds. Saida was home to a sizable Jewish population until the 70s, and the remnants of that society can still be seen today, much of which has been reinhabited by Palestinian refugees. Most notably, I visited the home of Jihad Al-Mohammed, who built his residence within an abandoned Synagogue

Places to Stay in Saida:

I didn’t find many places to stay in Saida, so I recommend spending the night in Tyre (see below) if you’re planning to stay in southern Lebanon overnight! 

Search hotels in Saida on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Saida on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Saida:

Saida is an easy day trip combined with Tyre, spending half a day in both places. If you want to spend more time in southern Lebanon, spend the night in Tyre and wake up near the biggest strand of public beach in the entire country!

By this point, you might be thinking to yourself, another historic seaside town? And you’d be right! Sitting just 40 minutes south of Saida, Tyre was a massively prosperous Phoenecian city that once ruled the seas. Why? Because of the color purple. Not the movie, the actual color, which was discovered here by extracting the dye from mollusk shells. Suffice it to say, it became a hugely popular export that brought great wealth to Tyre. 

Here, you’ll find fantastic Roman ruins a stone’s throw from the longest strand of public beach in the entire country. While Lebanese people generally prefer spending their vacations traveling out of the country, in the past couple years (thanks to the pandemic), exploration of their own country boomed – and Tyre is one of the hottest local spots there is.

Things to Do in Tyre:

• Spend the day at Tyre’s public beach, which is the longest strand of public beach access in the entire country. Or, for something more upscale, you can head to a beachfront hotel like Dar Alma and enjoy their private beach or restaurant
• Visit Tyre Roman ruins , including the Tyre Necropolis and the Tyre World Heritage Site. They’re located just 5 minutes from each other so you can see both! 

Places to Stay in Tyre:

Search hotels in Tyre on Booking.com .

Search guest houses in Tyre on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in Tyre:

Half a day to 2+ days. 

You can see the highlights of Tyre in a half day trip combined with Saida. But, if you have more time and want to enjoy Lebanon at a slower pace, Tyre is the place to do it. A few days soaking up the Mediterranean sun, or strolling by seaside restaurants and boutiques, sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?

9. Qadisha Valley, Bcharre, and Ehden

Now that we’ve explored Lebanon’s coast from north to south, let’s talk about Lebanon’s more mountainous regions, like the Qadisha Valley. In just under 2 hours from the sea level sunshine of Beirut, you’ll find yourself deep in the Mount Lebanon mountain range. Here, some of the most stunning scenery unfolds around you, from steep cliffs speckled with pine and oak, to monasteries tucked precariously into the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the best road trips by far, and one of the most spectacular places to visit in Lebanon. 

Why? Well, besides the scenery, the Qadisha Valley is famous for being the site of one of the earliest Christian monastic settlements in the entire world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Qadisha Valley is poignant isolation, making you feel for a moment what life might be like for the monks that have inhabited these mountains for centuries. Road trip through the valley from monastery to monastery, or hike one of the many trails linking the sites for a substantial change of pace from the lively Lebanese coast. And, be sure to check out some of the valley’s beautiful mountain towns, like Bcharre and Ehden. 

Depending on the time of year, the Qadisha Valley can get super chilly! Bring long pants and a jacket, or coat, just in case.

Things to Do in the Qadisha Valley:

• Visit the Monastery of San Antonio Qozhaya , which is carved grandly onto the side of a rock face. Here, you’ll be able to see cave facades that date back as early as the 1st century BC. Be sure to step inside the cave itself! 
• Visit the Saint Elisha Monastery (also known as the Deir Qannoubine Monastery), a remote setting that served as a retreat for monks and hermits for hundreds of years
• Venture up to the Cedars of God , a UNESCO site in its own right and home to one of the last large expanses of Lebanese cedar that once covered the entire country. If you haven’t seen it yet, the cedar is the national tree of Lebanon and can be seen on the Lebanese flag
• Admire the picturesque mountain town of Bcharre, with its red-roofed houses contrasted against the valley below. If you visit in the winter, Bcharre turns into a ski town! 
• Stroll through the nearby mountain town Ehden. For dinner, seek out nearby Jalset Al Sayad where you’ll find some of the most delicious Lebanese food I had my entire visit, no joke!

Places to Stay in the Qadisha Valley:

• Karaz Ehden (this is where I stayed!). A beautiful guest house renovated within a 200 year-old building that will make any design snobs swoon. My jaw dropped when I walked in the door and saw the two-story loft rooms and cozy central living room. The host, Saiid, has an impeccable eye for detail! 
• MIST Hotel & Spa

Search hotels in Ehden on Booking.com using this link , and in Bcharre using this link .

How Much Time to Spend in the Qadisha Valley:

1 – 2 days. 

I highly recommend staying overnight. Or, you can drive through the Qadisha in 1 day with some stops on the way to Bekaa Valley. Otherwise, it’ll be a very long and exhausting day on the road. Plus – it’s gorgeous here, so why wouldn’t you?

10. Baaklbek and the Bekaa Valley

Tucked away in the far east of Lebanon, between the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, the Bekaa Valley is one of the most epic places to visit in Lebanon. Yes, it is quite close to the border with Syria, and yes, it’s generally quite safe to go on your own. However, my experience with a guide was well worth it and I personally recommend visiting with a guide or a tour, at least on your first trip to Lebanon. 

Baalbek has a long and layered history, having been occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans over the centuries. Some of the most impressive Roman ruins from the entire Roman Empire period can be found here.

Things to Do in the Bekaa Valley:

• Visit the Baalbek Roman ruins , including the mind-blowing Temple of Bacchus and Temple of Jupiter
• Stop at Hajjar al-Hibla , a quarry that displays one of the massive cut stones that make up the base of the temples at the ruins. How Romans actually managed to move rocks this size, I’ll never comprehend
• Go wine tasting at family-owned Chateau Rayak , where owner Eilas Maalouf will not only show you his wines (some of which are on tap!), porto, and arak, but happily drink them with you, too!

Places to Stay in the Bekaa Valley:

Search hotels in Baalbek on Booking.com using this link , and in the Bekaa Valley using this link .

Search guest houses in the Bekaa Valley on L’Hôte Libanais .

How Much Time to Spend in the Bekaa Valley:

An easy day trip to the Bekaa Valley can be done by spending the night in the Qadisha Valley beforehand, so you’re just a 2-hour drive from the ruins. Otherwise, spend the night in the Bekaa Valley before driving back to the coast.

There you have it! These are some of the best places to visit in Lebanon for an unforgettable trip. Which are you planning to visit? Tell me below!

Read This Next:

• Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling in Lebanon

Top Woman-Owned Travel Companies That Should Be on Your Radar

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Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

Recent Adventures:

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• Updated on: December 10, 2022

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Best Summer Spots In Lebanon

Summer in lebanon 2019.

22 of the best seasonal restaurants and rooftops that are hot this summer – catch them all before fall

B by Elefteriades Rooftop

Located on the rooftop of the aishti by the sea building, this place is for those who enjoy the luxurious side of life. from high-end gourmet food to exquisite music of all reminiscences, you will definitely meet a well-heeled crowd here., aïshti by the sea building, antelias | 81 290029.

BAU Downtown (NEW)

This new opening introduces beirut to a unique combination of space, sound and palate that vitalizes senses and rejuvenates souls. switches to mother shucker in winter., beirut waterfront | 81 031513.

Bolero (NEW)

When it comes to beaches and sea views, there aren’t many places that can contend with batroun. if chill vibes away from the hustle and bustle of the city is what you seek, then sipping a few drinks while watching the sunset at this place is a definite must., batroun | 03 302929.

Broummana Villa

Broummana villa offers a wide selection of restaurants that guarantee no two visits here will be the same: appetitto trattoria, batchig, black rock garden, couqley, dunkin’, duo, kronfol, mon maki a moi, pablo escobar, and trumpet cocktails food & tunes., broummana |   04 860 160.

Promising guests an extensive selection of food and cocktails in plush surroundings as well as a breathtaking view of Downtown Beirut, Capitole is the place to be seen; so be sure to dress up for the occasion.

Riad el solh, downtown | 70 302402.

Cherry on the Rooftop

Kick back and enjoy sumptuous sips and bites at cherry on the rooftop. located on the sixth floor of beirut’s le gray hotel, the bar frequently hosts live performers on the weekend., le gray, beirut| 01 962888 .

Located in the heart of Broummana, this cozy place offers refreshing drinks amidst a laidback ambiance with cool music, with scrumptious food to top it all off.

Next to printania garden, broummana |   76 110 066.

Clap Terrace (NEW)

Enjoy the view from the 8th floor in the heart of downtown beirut at clap. this sophisticated fine-dining restaurant serves delectable japanese cuisine and now offers guests an outdoor terrace with a central bar, which is simply perfect for those summer evenings., annahar building, downtown | 70 633888.

Coop D’Etat Rooftop

If you feel like keeping things relaxed, then coop d’etat is your place. known for its casual ambience and easy-going crowd, this rooftop is a fun spot where you can hang out while listening to jazz and 80s classics., pasteur st., gemmayzeh | 71 134173 .

Deece Rooftop

A perfect place to unwind those long summer days & nights; deece boasts beautiful views of the sea in a relaxing, open atmosphere just outside of the city., cap 41 building, dbayeh | 03 331337.

Dinner in the Sky

In case you were looking for a unique experience, it doesn’t get much more unique than being served dinner by a starred while suspended 50 meters over sea level., around lebanon | 70 647 484.

Frozen Cherry

In the great outdoors, with a living backdrop of performers and djs invites fun-seekers of all ages to share their unique mix of high-altitude clubbing., zaarour club, el mroûj, mont-liban, lebanon | 71 661 225.

Savor the taste of skillfully mixed cocktails and international dishes as you look over the Mediterranean Sea at Iris, a venue that guarantees a fun night out. Don’t miss the international bands and renowned DJs that regularly perform at this Beirut hot spot.

Beirut waterfront, seaside pavilion | 03 090936.

Jackie on the Roof

Located on the port side of saifi, this urban lounge promises laid-back vibes, exquisite bites and great music – perfect for a fun night out with friends or an intimate date., marseillant street, opposite beirut sea port, saifi | 03 315324.

La Mezcaleria Rooftop (NEW)

Previously known as pre beirut, this popular spot in saifi underwent a makeover and is coming back with a brand new face. get grooving to la mezcaleria’s oriental-latino music and enjoy their delicious mexican cuisine as well as their exquisite cocktails., miele building, saifi | 70 001118, level 26 (new), if you’re a fan of high altitudes look no further than level 26 at four seasons beirut. located on the 26th floor, this elegant bar and restaurant will not disappoint you with its superior service, exciting drinks’ menu, live band performances, and an unparalleled view of the sunset., four seasons hotel beirut | 01 761000.

O Monot Rooftop

Located on the roof of o monot hotel, this cozy spot offers cocktails and drinks that are just as good as their 360-degree view of beirut., o monot hotel, ashrafieh | 01 338777.

Paname (NEW BRANCH)

Located both in and out of beirut, paname is a place where decadence is guaranteed. this place welcomes you to a french experience with influences and flavors from italy and lebanon., faqra, kfardebian | 01 986 686.

Parrilla Summer

If you’re in search of a restaurant with a panoramic sea view and delicious food then look no further. la parrilla’s summer edition, on top of the warwick palm beach hotel, boasts a stylish interior and a tantalizing argentinian menu guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds., warwick palm beach hotel, ain el mreisseh | 03 919119.

Printania Garden

Located in the heart of broumana, this cluster offers an array of restaurant choice that will keep you coming back for more: cinco bar, cinco restaurant, classic burger, magnolia bakery, milana, the garden and sushi ko., broumana | 04 862 000.

SKYBAR Beirut

The epitome of summer spots; over the years, skybar beirut has become synonymous with summertime nightlife in lebanon., o1ne building, beirut waterfront | 03 939191.

Skyline (NEW)

Offering panoramic views of the capital, this spot, located on the roof of the movenpick in racouche, serves luxury on a plate, from delicious food to sumptuous drinks with a vibrant ambiance to carrya all your worries away., movenpick hotel beirut, raouche | 01 869666.

If you’re looking to spend the night outside of the capital, then Spine is definitely the place to be. This contemporary rooftop in Naccache is renowned for its floating lights décor that will make you feel as if you’re in a trance. Switches to Arts in winter.

Rodeo drive building, naccache | 03 331337.

Stairway Rooftop

Enjoy those breezy summer evenings overlooking the lively mar mikhael neighborhood at stairway, a laid-back spot situated on the roof of a traditional lebanese house. with happy hour extending from 5 to 8pm, this place is a perfect after-work destination to wind down., armenia st., mar mikhael | 76 777091.

The View Restaurant & Bar

Many places in lebanon offer views of the sea, but few, like the view restaurant &bar, offer one of both the sea and the mountains., burj on bay hotel, keserwan |  09 857555.

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12 Incredible Places to Visit in Lebanon

Nestled along the eastern Mediterranean coast, Lebanon is a small nation—about a quarter the size of Switzerland—jam-packed with a diversity of things to see, do, and experience.

From its beaches to its ancient ruins, age-old cedar forests, bustling markets, and scenic mountains, Lebanon holds great appeal with its variety of beautiful places, many of them designated UNESCO World Heritage sites .

Pair all of this with amazing food, a friendly and hospitable population, and an agreeable climate, and Lebanon makes a great Middle East travel destination for families.

The country has a fascinating history stretching back more than 7,000 years. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and the French (among others) all left their marks here.

Today, the nation’s 18 different religious groups (all of which have representation in parliament) make Lebanon quite religiously diverse in comparison to other Middle Eastern nations.

Lebanon has seen its fair share of violence and upheaval over the course of its more recent history, and sectarianism still remains an ongoing issue. However, most of Lebanon remains safe and feasible for family travel, with English, French and Arabic all widely spoken.

Best Way to Get to Lebanon

Bordered by Israel to the south and Syria to the east and north, crossing overland into Lebanon can be difficult and complicated.

The best and safest way to get to Lebanon is to fly directly to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport (BEY).

As well as the national airline MEA (Middle East Airlines), BEY is serviced by airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Saudi, Air France and Lufthansa.

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

Below are some of the top places to see in Lebanon that you’ll find to fit into a family itinerary visiting this small but vibrant country.

Lebanon’s cosmopolitan capital on the coast, Beirut, is an energetic, chaotic and dazzling feast for the senses. From the country’s recent economic crisis to the devastating Beirut port explosion of 2020, which destroyed some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods, the capital has experienced some hard times in recent years.

However, this is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore it with vibrant neighbourhoods, interesting architecture, and great restaurants. With a diverse population, Beirut is quite culturally open and welcoming to visitors.

The city’s long, wide corniche along the sea is ideal for renting bicycles or for taking a stroll to people watch or see the sunset. The famous Pigeon Rocks are a must-see. Burj Hammoud, the Armenian Quarter, is a great place to taste some local specialities while watching artisans at work and in their shops.

Visit the National Museum of Beirut which has some fascinating archaeological pieces from Lebanon’s incredibly layered history and learn more about the incredible story of how its relics were protected from 15 years of civil war.

Browse the higher-end boutiques in Saifi Village, Downtown Beirut, or visit the Souk al Tayeb in Mar Mikhael for authentic locally-sourced meals while picking up souvenirs made by local designers and artisans at its Saturday market.

You can find our complete guide to visiting Beirut with kids here .

How to get there:

Fly to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from Beirut’s centre. As Lebanon is a small country, Beirut makes an easy base from which to organize day trips around the rest of the country. For the most convenient travel, it’s best to rent a car or book taxis in advance.  

Beirut does not have a well-organized public transport system. While there are some minibuses, their routes and schedules can be difficult to access. It’s, therefore, easier and more convenient to travel throughout Beirut by pre-booked taxi.

Companies like Allo Taxi are recommended, and apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used.

2. Harissa & the Télépherique

A stone’s throw from Beirut is the town of Jounieh, sitting north on the coast, from where you can take the Téléferique, a roughly 10-minute cable car ride up to Harissa. The ride offers some lovely views along the coast.

At the top, take a funicular up to Harissa, the location of the Our Lady of Lebanon , a large white-painted bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, arms outstretched. A site of pilgrimage for many Christians, the area offers more beautiful views, which you can take in from one of the area’s cafés. This is an easy half-day trip from Beirut.

Jounieh is about a 30-minute ride up the coast road from Beirut by car or taxi.

3. Jeita Grotto

Located about 22km from Beirut, the Jeita Grotto makes a nice day or half-day trip from the capital; it appeals to both kids and adults. The grotto itself, an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites, is divided into the upper and lower caverns.

The upper cavern can be reached by a short cable car ride and toured on foot. The lower cavern is particularly fun as it can be toured via a boat ride through a strikingly clear and well-illuminated lake.

Apart from the grotto there are some restaurants and cafés at Jeita where you can easily grab lunch or a snack.

Jeita is about a 30-minute drive north and east of Beirut, conveniently reached by car or taxi. 

4. Deir al-Qamar

About 40 km southeast of Beirut, Deir al-Qmar is a pleasant little village nestled in the lush Chouf mountains. Perched along the edge of a picturesque valley, the village’s distinctive stone houses and winding cobblestone back streets make it a lovely place to take a break from the hustle of Beirut.

The village’s expansive main square with a fountain in its centre is bordered by the Fakhreddine Mosque, which dates back to the 15 th century. Another quirky feature of the town is the Marie Baz Wax Museum, which contains 150 figures important to the history of Lebanon. Cafes and restaurants are all located within walking distance.

A visit to Deir al-Qamar also works well in tandem with a visit to the Beiteddine Palace , which is located opposite the village, across the valley.

The most direct way to get to Deir al-Qamar is to either take a taxi or rent a car. A roughly 40-50 minute drive from Beirut, Deir al-Qamar can easily be a day trip or an overnight.

5. Beiteddine Palace

The palace, one of Lebanon’s most famous attractions, was built over 30 years (1788-1818) by Emir Bashir Shihab II, Lebanon’s final ruling prince. After changing hands a couple times between the Ottomans and the French during their ruling periods, it was later made into the presidential summer residence following the country’s independence from France in 1943.

It combines Italian and Arabic architecture and makes for a couple hours of fun exploration. The palace also boasts impressive views of the valley. As with many of the historical sites in Lebanon, there is not much explanation offered on-site, so it’s best to hire a guide to gain a better understanding.

Beiteddine is an easy day trip from Beirut and also works well as an overnight or weekend trip combined with Deir Al-Qamar or the Chouf Cedars Reserve.

Beiteddine is about a 40-50 minute drive from Beirut and the easiest way to get there is to drive or take a taxi.

City Sightseeing Lebanon , which runs hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Beirut, also runs day trips to the palace from Beirut, including stops at Deir el Qamar and Shouf Cedars Reserve (more on that below!)

One of Lebanon’s gems and top sites, Byblos (or Jbeil) is an ancient coastal city. With a history that dates back 7,000 years, Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Its old city, hemmed in by a stone wall built during the Crusades, is a UNESCO world heritage site . This is also where the Phoenician’s 22-letter phonetic alphabet was born, the foundation of our modern alphabet.

Byblos’s souk has plenty of places to eat and shop (mostly tourist shops). A wander through the souk can lead you down to the old port to admire the fishing boats and dine seaside.

At Byblos Archeological Site, you can see layers of history that date back to the Phoenicians and span the Greek, Roman and Crusader periods. It’s quite extensive and provides beautiful views of the sea and the coastline.

Byblos is an easy day trip from Beirut and also an ideal weekend or overnight getaway. There are also many beaches next to the port city, making it an easy place to pair with a beach escape.

Byblos is about 45 minutes north of Beirut by car. It can be great to combine with stops at Harrisa and Jeita Grotto along the way for a full day adventure north of Beirut.

Batroun is another coastal city primarily known as a summer resort destination. Just north of Byblos it also boasts a pretty harbour and a picturesque souk in its old city, which is perfect for a wander.

The town also has an ancient Phoenician wall and attractive churches like St. Stephen’s Maronite Cathedral at the old harbour and the Our Lady By the Sea Greek Orthodox Church. Batroun is also known for its citrus trees, and any visit to the old city should include a stop at the famous Hilmi’s Lemonade.

Batroun has a great variety of beaches. Although many of them are rocky, there are some beach resort options with sand beaches if that’s your preference. There are also plenty of places to eat fresh fish and other seafood along the sea, although many outside the city centre may require a short taxi ride. For scuba divers, excursions off the coast are also available.

A short trip 4km inland from Batroun is the Moussalayha Castle, said to date back to the 17 th century, which can make for a fun excursion. Its steep steps wind their way up to the top, rewarding climbers with some great views.

Batroun is about an hour’s drive from Beirut and 15 minutes north of Byblos  along the coastal road.

Farther north along the coast lies Lebanon’s second-largest city, Tripoli. It has a remarkably different feel from Beirut, significantly more Arabic than the capital’s eclectic mix. Tripoli is less touristy than other cities in Lebanon, but it still has quite a bit to offer to visitors.

The Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles (or Qala’at Sanjil), is a fortress that overlooks the old city and a fun place to explore plenty of hidden rooms and corners. The site also houses the Northern Lebanon & Akkar Museum , which gives an interesting historical overview of the region. To make the most of a visit here it would be best to hire a guide at the site.

Nearby, the citadel is the city’s old souk. Wander the labyrinthine passageways, and you can watch artisans working on their respective crafts and shop for anything, from authentic wooden backgammon sets to spices to tasty treats. (Tripoli is well known for its desserts.)

The port area of the city called El Mina is quieter, with many narrow alleyways and streets to explore, many of which are closed to cars. Nearby is a long promenade along the seaside.

During July and August it’s possible to do a half-day trip to the Palm Islands Nature Reserve , a group of 3 small, flat islands with UNESCO protected status due to their delicate and unique flora and fauna.  

85 km north of Beirut, Tripoli is about a 1.5 hour drive from Beirut along the coast.

Connexion Transportation & Tourism offers coach bus trips between Beirut and Tripoli about 7 times daily on weekdays and 3 times per day on Saturdays and Sundays. It is best to check beforehand as their schedule changes from month to month. 

Another city on Lebanon’s coast, about a 45-minute drive south of Beirut, Sidon (or Saida) has a more authentically Arab feel with a fantastic old-style souk to explore.

The arguably biggest attraction, however, is the Crusader Sea Castle (Qalaa al-Bahr), built on top of a Phoenician temple, which dates back to the 13 th century and is actually located offshore, but is connected to land by a stone causeway. A short walk from the castle is the Khan al-Franj , a caravanserai from the 17 th century, impressively restored and open to visitors.

Nearby, the Great Omari Mosque , which was originally a church for the Knights of St. John, has an impressive courtyard and is worth visiting. Sidon’s Soap Museum is also surprisingly interesting journey through the manufacturing process of the product that Sidon was once known for.

South of Beirut along the coastal road, Sidon is about a 45-minute drive from the capital.

Lebanese Transport Co also has coach buses that travel between Beirut and Saida, usually about once per hour.

10. Baalbek Archeological Site

Perhaps less known than other sites in the Middle East, Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis) holds some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and they are a must-see for visitors to Lebanon. About two hours northeast from Beirut by car, the ruins of the temples of Baalbek are a treasure trove to behold.

The site itself dates back to the Phoenicians. It was later taken over by the Greeks before it became part of the Roman empire where its structures were built over the course two centuries.    

The Temple of Bacchus is certainly one of the most impressively intact temples you will find anywhere globally. The Temple of Jupiter was once the largest in the Roman Empire, though only six columns remain now.

While Baalbek is located near the Syrian border, in the part of the country where Hezbollah’s presence is strong, it is generally considered a safe place to visit with children and one of the best places to visit in Lebanon. Multilingual guides are readily available for hire at the site entrance, where a small entry fee is payable.

One of Lebanon’s most popular tourist sites, Baalbek can be easily reached by taxi hire or car rental. In addition, many tour operators organize day trips to the site and the surrounding area, such as the city of Zahlé or Anjar, from Beirut.

See some suggested tour operators which can be conveniently booked using Viator

11. qadisha valley.

The Qadisha Valley (Kadisha Valley) is one of the most stunning parts of Lebanon and a must-see for nature lovers and hikers. It is a natural gorge that cleaves the land in half. The valley is dominated by dramatic cliffs, scenic mountains views, and a river that snakes along its floor. There are many hiking opportunities here, and several small companies offer guided tours.

As an area inhabited by early Christians fleeing persecution, there are many monasteries cut into the rocks that can be visited today, along with some grottos, like Notre Dame de Lourdes and Qadisha Grotto. Qadisha was also home to one of Lebanon’s most famous sons, the poet Khalil Gibran whose former home and tomb, also carved into the rock, is now a museum.  

The village of Bcharré sits above the valley and offers splendid views of the valley, with accommodation if you want to make this an overnight. Qadisha is also located near the Cedars of God and the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve.

Bcharré is about a 1.5 hour drive from Beirut.

12. Cedar Forests

The cedar tree is Lebanon’s national treasure, woven into the cultural tapestry of the country’s identity. (There’s even a cedar tree on the nation’s flag.)

Unfortunately, these majestic trees, previously abundant in Lebanon and used by the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, the Romans and the Ottomans, have been whittled away over the last century due to resource exploitation and deforestation. Today, a handful of protected reserves remain, but they are a great experience for nature lovers. 

The most well-known reserve is Cedars of God (Arz Al-Rab), just five km from Bcharré, which is home to some of the oldest trees in Lebanon, some dating back nearly 2,000 years. It is a small preserve but with an impressive array of trees and well-marked paths.

The Arz Tannourine Nature Reserve , south of the Qadisha Valley and around 85 km from Beirut, has several hiking trails ranging in length from between 2-4.5 km. While rockier and more demanding than the other preserves, it has some of the largest cedar trees in Lebanon and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chouf Cedar Reserve , a protected Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is Lebanon’s largest nature reserve and extends over three cedar forests (Barouk, Masser Al-Chouf and Ain Zhalta). The Chouf Cedar Society offers different activities like hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking within the reserve. The reserve features trails for all levels, including a specific 300-meter trail for people with physical disabilities.

The most convenient and reliable way to access any of these three reserves is by car. From Bcharré, the Cedars of God can easily be reached by a short drive or taxi ride.

The Arz Tannourine Nature Reserve can be reached by car or taxi from Beirut.

The Chouf Cedar Reserve is about an hour’s drive southeast from Beirut.   

More on Visiting Lebanon

Don’t miss our further family-friendly guides to exploring Lebanon with kids:

• Best of Beirut with Kids
• Review of the Gefinor Rotana – family-friendly hotel apartments in the heart of Beirut

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VOICE OF GUIDES

The best places to visit in lebanon in 10 days (+lebanon itinerary 5 days and 7 days).

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer  here.

This tiny country that you hardly spot on the map can quickly become your favorite destination in the Middle East. Lebanese people love their homeland, and all foreigners who set foot become fond of that and wish to return. This ultimate guide about the best places to visit in Lebanon in 10 days is probably the most comprehensive you can find right now. I’m an international tour guide, and I’m eager to share my tips and recommendations about the best things to do and places to visit in Lebanon in 10 days. However, if you have a shorter time, I also added an ideal itinerary on how to spend 5 days and 7 days in Lebanon.

“You can swim in the sea and ski on the same day” –the first thing you hear about Lebanon.

Before you continue, read my article about how it is to visit Lebanon in the middle of the crisis

It is because Mount Lebanon sharply rises from the coast and takes you quickly to high altitudes. Lebanon is as much about the small Christian and Druze mountain villages, monasteries as about reputed coastal cities, beach clubs, and bustling capital with the craziest nightlife of the Middle East. Besides, it is an important trade and intellectual center. 

If I had to sum up the country in two words, I would come up with diversity and humanity . 

This compact country can offer unique diversity in culture, religion, landscape, and cuisine. Despite the beautiful landscape and world heritage sites, the people and their hospitality are the main reason why everybody loves being here! This is the magic of Lebanon! Even amid the enormous hardships that Lebanese people must face because of the economic crisis, I encountered incredible hospitality.

The civil war destroyed several iconic buildings in Beirut and the countryside. What you see now is mostly the reconstructions of the 1990s. However, the bullet points and demolished buildings do not let us forget the bloody past. 

How many days do you need to visit Lebanon?

You can visit many places in 5 days. But you can easily spend ten days or even two weeks in this small country. Two weeks is enough to go to every corner, and even relax a bit on the beach or in the mountains, but Lebanon will not let you be bored. 

Read also the travel guide about the second biggest city of Lebanon, Tripoli

The below itinerary contains touristic and hidden, less known gems of the country as well.

When is the best time to go to Lebanon?

The summer months (June-September) are the liveliest in Lebanon, but prices also rise steeply. Beach clubs get full, and mountain villages are also packed with mid-and upper-class Lebanese escaping to higher altitudes. During this period, it is harder to find last-minute accommodation, and you should book in advance.

If you plan to blend cultural and nature travel, spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Lebanon. The weather is hot enough for swimming and pleasant for hiking. Outside the peak season, it is easier to find accommodation and rooms outside Beirut.

The best way to get around Lebanon (public transport or car rental)

Because of its small size, everything is reachable within a day from Beirut. It means that you can visit everything on a day trip from there, and it does not take more than two and a half hours to get from northern Tripoli to southern Tyre. 

However, you can only fully immerse in the Lebanese culture if you also stay in other places. I highly recommend spending at least a night in Tripoli, the second biggest city of Lebanon, in Byblos or one of the mountain villages in the Chouf.  

Public transport

You can easily get to the major cities along the coast with public transport with distant buses (Jounieh, Byblos, Barun, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre) and Baalbek in the Bekaa valley via the Beirut-Damaskus highway. There are two bus terminals in Beirut that are more road junctions than proper bus station buildings: Cola intersection and Charles Helou bus station . You can take buses to the north from Charles Helou and from Cola to the south. There is also a third opportunity that is much less mentioned, the Dowra (Dora) roundabout near Bourj Hammoud, where you can take buses to Byblos, Jounieh, Batroun, Beit Mery, Broummana and Tripoli. 

However, even from the Cola station, you can take a bus to the north, and Cola is often a better option. So, choose the one that is closer to your hotel. Buses leave when they have a couple of passengers; there is no specific timetable. But they are pretty frequent. 

There are no official bus stations in the cities. You must get off along the highway and return to the same spot where you can wave the bus to continue to other towns along the coast. It works very well. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes.

However, in the countryside, public transport is not always the best option. They are pretty infrequent or non-existent, especially outside summer. Waiting until it gets full and switching several times can take a long time. 

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Renting a car or private taxi

Renting a car or a private taxi is a much better option for discovering the countryside.

If you rent a car for several days, the daily costs decrease significantly. One day can cost 35-40USD, two days 25 USD/day, and for a week around 15 USD/day. Not all companies offer car renting for a day.

When you drive your car, be careful on the road, as Lebanese ignore any traffic rules. Plus, with the lack of electricity, traffic lights are not working either. 

Check out the prices for car rental in Lebanon here

Where to change money?

The local currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP) , but the American dollar (USD) is used parallel. They had pegged the Lebanese pound to the American dollar since the civil war with 1 USD equalling 1500 LBP.

However, the Lebanese pound devaluated by 90% during the last two years because of the severe economic crisis.

The exchange rate is unstable and changes daily. When I arrived on 4th October 2021, 1 USD was 17 200 LBP, and a few days later, it was 20 000 LBP. In October 2022, 1 USD already equals to 37600 LBP Thus, it is better to change only a small amount and later change more. 

You can change money in one of the exchange offices for the actual black rate in Beirut or other cities. Locals also queue up to change the foreign currency (EUR, USD, British Pound) they receive from their family members abroad. There are plenty of exchange offices in the Hamra district along Rue de Hamra.

Read also the ultimate travel guide about the best places to visit in Beirut

How much does it cost to travel to Lebanon?

You should know that before the economic crisis Lebanon was not a cheap country at all. You could easily pay as much as in a Western country for accommodation, restaurants and going out at night. The high number of mid-and high-range accommodations also reflects that the government intended to attract the wealthy class. 

However, things changed a lot in the last two years.

It costs 20-25 USD to rent a car for a day in Beirut . The fuel prices skyrocketed during the last months as the Lebanese government lifted the petrol subventions lately. During mid-October 2021, 30 liters of fuel costs 365 000 LBP.

Lebanon is one of the cheapest countries in the world right now (except for accommodation) . The Lebanese pound (LBP) is in freefall and devaluated by 90% within only two years, making it one of the most affordable travel destinations. Lebanon is in the middle of an acute economic crisis, one of the biggest in world history. 

Still, during the summer months, July-September, both flights and accommodation get more expensive.

Accommodation in Lebanon

Accommodation is still not very cheap in Lebanon; otherwise, hotels could not survive. There is much fewer low-budget hostel and hotel in the country.

One bed in a dormitory costs 20 USD, and the cheapest private rooms cost 25 USD. There are much more options if you have a bigger budget.

Check out the prices for accommodation  

Public transport and taxis

A ticket costs 30-35 000 LBP to Tripoli, Tyre, and 15 000 LBP to the closer destinations.

Taking a “service” (shared) taxi costs 20 000 LBP to go to neighboring districts and 30-40 000 LBP to a more distant one in Beirut.

Food is very cheap in Lebanon right now.

Popular street food, like falafel, manoushe: 16-19 000 LBP

A bottle of water: 3000LBP/ 6000LBP

A fresh fruit juice: 18 000/ 25 000LBP

Nargila (shisha): 25000–75 000LBP, depending on the place. Tripoli is usually cheaper than Byblos or Beirut.

Entrance fees

I will not mention the entrance fee for each tourist attraction. They all range from 4000 to 19000 LBP, so anywhere you go, you pay less than a dollar now. Many attractions are even free to visit. 

How to plan your trip to Lebanon?

Flight: Check the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Insurance:   Safetywing  is a cheap travel and medical insurance that also covers COVID-related issues.

Car rental: It is easy to get from Beirut to the main cities along the coast (Tripoli, Byblos, Sidon, Tyre) or to Baalbek. However, public transportation to the countryside is often scarce. I highly recommend renting a car when you discover the mountain region. Discover Cars  offers great options to rent a car in Beirut.

Accomodation : Since not all hotels are listed on  booking.com , I recommend checking out  Hotellook  that integrates other hotel platforms, thus proposing more options. It is especially useful when you look for accommodation in the countryside.  Hostelworld  is another good option for finding low-budget accommodation, but it only covers Beirut and Tripoli.

Local tours: Viator and GetYourGuide offer a wide range of cultural, nature, or food tours in Lebanon. Check out my favorite Alternative Tour Beirut as well.

What to eat and drink in Lebanon?

Lebanon is famous for having the best cuisines in the Middle East, and if you didn’t know, Lebanon is the birthplace of hummus. It is so diverse that different villages use different spices. Tripoli has an excellent reputation for food and sweets. In the coastal cities, you can always find some seaside restaurants. The Lebanese kitchen is a combination of Mediterranean and Arabic kitchens. Lebanese food is heavy, and sometimes I had no chance to eat more than once a day. 

You do not need to take anything fancy, as simple street food is very delicious: falafel, shawarma, manoushe (topped with a unique blend of spices called za’atar. Try the one with cheese as well.

There are a wide variety of “Meze dishes” , that are different first courses: stuffed grape leaves, Tabbouleh (a type of salad), Sfeeha (meat pie), kibbeh, manakish (manoushe), Fattoush (salad), baba ganoush (eggplant dip), Fattoush (salad), Mutable.

As the main course, you can have lamb or chicken along with bread, hummus, and vegetables.

 Lebanese sweets, as everywhere in the Middle East, are pretty sweet but incredibly delicious: baklava, layali lubnan, kanafeh.

I love eating more than knowing the recipes. I often grab something on the road without knowing the name so, if you want to know more about Lebanese food, check this informative page about that. 

There is a big coffee culture in Lebanon, and you can have it at every corner.

Lebanon has a reputed wine industry, with the Bekaa Valley vineyards of Ksara and Kefraya.

The national drink of the Middle East and Lebanon is Arak, the Arab aniseed liqueur, while Almaza i s a good-quality, light local beer.

Have a local sim card

Because of the lack of electricity and network interruptions, having mobile internet is a must. You cannot rely on an uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection now in Lebanon. Once you arrive in the city, you will see several phone shops to buy your sim card. It costs 10USD with 5GB of data usage that should be sufficient even if you stay for two weeks. You can charge an extra 5USD to have some credit for phone calls.

The best itinerary for Lebanon in 5 days

Day 1: beirut, day 2: jounieh, jeita grotto, beirut half day, day 3: byblos, batroun, baatara waterfall, day 4: sidon, tyre, day 5: ksara winery and baalbek.

 4 nights in Beirut

The best itinerary for Lebanon in 7 days

Day 1, 2: beirut, day 3: jounieh, jeita grotto, byblos, half-day beirut, day 4: batroun, tripoli, day 5: sidon, tyre, day 6: anjar, ksara, baalbek, day 7: deir al qamar, beiteddine, cedar nature reserve.

6 nights in Beirut

The best itinerary to visit Lebanon in 10 days

Day 1,2 – beirut.

2 nights in Beirut

Day 3–Jounieh, Jeita Grotto, St. Charbel monastery, Baatara waterfall, Byblos

1 night in Byblos

Day 4 – Batroun, Tripoli (Trâblous)

1 night in Tripoli

Day 5- Qadisha valley

1 night in Qadisha valley or in Beirut

Day 6 – Deir al Qamar, Beiteddine, Cedar nature reserve

1 night in the Chouf or Jezzine

Day 7 – Jezzine, lake Qaraoun, Anjar, Ksara

1 night in Baalbek

Day 8 – Zahlé, Baalbek

Day 9 – sidon, temple of echmoun, magdouche.

1 night in Sidon

Day 10 – (Mleeta), Beaufort castle, Tyre

Back to Beirut

Day 1, 2 – Beirut

Beirut is not a one-day city. It takes time to discover each district, and you can enjoy the restaurants and nightlife as well. There are no world-famous attractions, and still, Beirut with its diverse architecture and history has a lot to offer: museums, mosques including the iconic Amin mosque, the famous pigeon rocks in Raouche, the modern downtown of Beirut, the historic American University, the famous bars and a lot more.

Read the ultimate guide about Beirut here

Go for one of the Alternative Tours in Beirut to understand more about its recent history and current problems

Day 3–Jounieh, Jeita Grotto, Byblos, St. Charbel monastery, Baatara waterfall, Byblos

Have a day trip to Jounieh and Jeita grotto , the most famous natural attractions of the country, and visit historic Byblos.

The cable car goes up to Harissa on the top, where the white-painted statue of Our Lady of Lebanon (Notre Dame du Liban) stands.

Pilgrims come to pray in the small church on the top, while tourists arrive to enjoy the fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The site is important to both Christians and Muslims since Muslims equally respect Jesus and Mary, as stated in the Qur’an.

The melancholic music that welcomes you on the top immediately puts you in an emotional state. There is a pleasant restaurant on the top as well if you want to stay longer. 

Enjoying the view from the top at Jounieh is one of the best things to do in Lebanon. 

Apart from that, Jounieh is a fancy summer resort with a casino, which primarily attracts the wealthy tourists of the Gulf countries, with not much to see. It was one reason why Lebanon was dubbed as t he “playground of the Middle East” . The lavish multimillion-dollar project was opened in 1959 and attracted the Middle Eastern bourgeois. Wisely, the gaming activity remained banned in the rest of the country. The Casino of Liban quickly became one of the most prestigious casinos in the world.

Jounieh is also a favorite for adventure lovers to do paragliding. During the civil war, the Maronite Christian communities used to escape the cruelty of the war and get some fun in Jounieh, a mainly Christian settlement. 

Book your paragliding experience here

How to go to Jounieh?

You can quickly get from Beirut (Cola station) to Jounieh with public transportation .  Tell the driver where you want to go, and he will stop along the highway. From here, it is only a short walk down to catch the cable car.

With an endless series of stalactites and stalagmites,  the Jeita Grotto  is one of the most beautiful places in Lebanon and one of the world’s biggest of such cave systems. A small train takes you down to the first cave entrance, and then you continue to the second one, where you take a boat tour. I have been to similar caves in Europe before; however, it surpassed all my expectations.

The best way to get to the cave is to take a cab from Beirut or Jounieh. The driver can even wait for you and take you back to the city after. 

How to go to Jeita grotto from Jounieh?

Jeita is off the main coastal road, which makes it more challenging to approach. However, it is a short 20 minutes ride, and you can negotiate a price with the driver.

Enjoy the fantastic mountain landscape of Lebanon, taking the mountain road from Byblos.

Visit one of Lebanon’s most important pilgrimage sites,  the St. Charbel monastery  in Annaya, where Christians and Muslims flock in masses. Several miraculous healings were reported, where the hermit and monk, St. Charbel Makhlouf spent most of his life in the 19th century. It accepts millions of visitors yearly to pray at the tomb of the hermit and monk, visit the church and a small museum containing his relics and documentation of his life. 

Continue to the Tannourine region, where  the Baatara waterfall ,  also called “the Cave of the Three Bridges,” stands with a sinkhole. Although I was there in the dry season when there was not much water, it was still amazing. If you go in November, a 250-meter-high waterfall makes it even more memorable. There is a small entrance fee to take the path to the view platform.

Return to  Byblos  (locals know it as Jbail), the ancient Phoenician port city now the center of nightlife with the best-preserved souk (bazaar) and ancient history, and one of the must-see cities of Lebanon. Byblos is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world with a history of 2500 years. Its name comes from the Greek “bublos” and has been the main Phoenician port to deliver papyrus between Greece and Egypt.

In the 1960s, when Beirut was called the “Paris of the Middle East”, the hub of nightlife, prominent persons flocked to Byblos. The archeological site is the most important attraction of Byblos that you can access through the Crusader castle with the Phoenician ruins of the Temple of Baalat Gebal, the temple of Resheph, the Temple of the Obelisks, the king’s well, a Roman theater, and royal tombs. The public beach of Byblos is only a short walk from the archeological site.

Stroll around the fishing harbor and visit the  Fishing club of Pepe , which needs no introduction in Byblos. His famous bar opened in 1963 and became famous for its legendary parties that attracted international celebrities such as Marlon Brando, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Mick Jagger, and David Rockefeller. It has a photo collection of the famous visitors of Pepe Abed. The restaurant is still a popular spot to have dinner.

When walking around Byblos, it is worth visiting the  Romanesque church of St John the baptist . 

There is one unique exhibition and shop in a side street of the bazaar, called  Memoire du Temps , featured by BBC. Pierre Abi-Saad’s fish fossil collections contain a range of extinct fish or have never been named at all. He found thousands of fossils in the family’s private quarry at 800 meters above sea level.  

It is nice to stay in Byblos for the evening and night when it gets busy with locals. 

However, you can easily return to Beirut as well.

How to go to Byblos?

Located along the coast, as mentioned before, you catch a bus along the highway and get off when you reach Byblos. From there, it is only a short descent to downtown.

Where to stay in Byblos?

Byblos, like many other places in Lebanon, is scarce in low-budget accommodations. 

The guesthouse of the famous Fishing Boat Club  in the harbor offers private rooms for 30 USD. For some reasons, you cannot book it online, but you can pass by and ask if they have a room available. 

Another good affordable option close to the center are:

–  Byblos comfort hotel   (3 star)

–  Aleph Boutique hotel (4 star)

–  Byblos Sur Mer (5 star)

–  Ahiram Hotel Byblos (3 star)

There are plenty of options some kilometers from the center along the beach.

Day 4 – Batroun, Mseilha fort, Tripoli (Trâblous)

Continue to the north along the coast and visit   Batroun,  the lovely coastal city that is a must-stop on the way to Tripoli. 

You will definitely notice that several stalls sell lemonade, a refreshing local beverage in the summer heat. It contains a bit more sugar than I prefer, but you can taste it first before buying it. Stroll around the souk of Batroun with Ottoman-era buildings and the fishing port dominated by the  St. George orthodox church .

If you want to enjoy the beach, go to the White beach located 5 km from Batroun with a white sand beach and pleasant cafes. It is also an ideal place for windsurfing. 

Continue your trip to Tripoli and stay there for at least two nights.

Only a few kilometers from Batroun, you can make a quick stop at the  Mseilha fort  built approximately 400 years ago to control the road between Beirut and Tripoli. The fort stands on a cliff and overlooks the valley.

Continue to the northernmost city of Tripoli and discover its old town with the bustling souk, hammams, khans, and mosques from the Mamluk time, enjoy the panorama from the citadel, taste some local specialties, go to the Old train station and finish your day on the Corniche. Many tourists refrain from heading to Tripoli because of its bad image. Despite the rumors, the conservative Muslim city, has its charm and can easily become a highlight of your trip to Lebanon. Tripoli was one of my favorite places to visit in Lebanon.

Read this travel guide about the best places to visit in Tripoli

How to go to Batroun?

Like all the cities along the coast, Batroun is easily reachable with public transport.  

How to go to Tripoli?

Wave the van along the highway to Tripoli and get off in the big roundabout with “Allah” written with Arabic calligraphy.

Where to stay in Tripoli?

The only low-budget option in Tripoli is the  Seed hostel  next to the souk and close to the bazaar. Nazi, the manager, is extremely helpful and provides you with all the information about Tripoli’s best places to visit. He speaks perfect English. Rooms cost 20 USD/night with a shared bathroom. It is the best option if you are on a lower budget in Tripoli.

Beit el Nassim : a mid-range guesthouse in Al-Mina with a unique atmosphere and rooms, each having different names and decoration, is local’s favorite and a top choice to stay at in Tripoli.

Many say that the Qadisha valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. The valley and the surrounding mountains with the river of the same name carving way in its bottom are stunning. Chekka is where you leave the coastal road to take the serpentines inside the Qadisha gorge.

The valley is a World Heritage and is one place where you can still spot cedars, the most valuable wood of ancient times and the national symbol of Libanon. Some trees can be a couple of thousand years old. Near the reserve is the Cedars Ski Resort, the oldest ski resort in Lebanon. 

You find more information about skiing in Lebanon here:  https://www.cntravellerme.com/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/the-ultimate-guide-to-skiing-in-lebanon

The valley has been a Maronite Christian bastion since the 5th century, dotted with rock-cut monasteries. The only way to discover these monasteries is to hike in the valley bed. There are several caves in the valley where hermits and nuns retreated. The monasteries carved in the cliff with hundreds of years old frescos are the hidden gems of Lebanon.  

The Qadisha valley is part of the over 400 km long Lebanese Mountain Trail that connects the north of Lebanon to the south.  

If you are interested in longer hiking trails, check out all the valuable information about accommodation and a local guide at Lebanontrail.org . 

The most beautiful part of the valley is the 20 km long stretch between Bcharré and Tourza. If you start early morning, you can complete the trail back and forth the same day.

Bcharré  is the biggest city in the Qadisha valley, perched on the top of the cliff. Lebanon’s most famous poet and philosopher, whom everyone can quote, was born here. Visit the Gibran Khalil Museum honoring the literary hero. His most famous book was “The Prophet” in 1923, and he was one of the most-read writers in the world. He lived most of his life in America, but they transferred his body back to Bcharré after his death, where the museum stands. His most quoted poem is “On your Lebanon and mine”.

You can hike the Qadisha valley floor by taking a trail starting from behind the St. Saba church of the main square of Bcharré. However, the path is quite steep and slippery. If you would rather avoid such adventures, then drive directly down to the valley bed. Also, if you have only one day to spend in Qadisha and want to complete it until Tourza or Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya back and forth, you had better not waste time with the descent from Bcharré. If you are not in good shape to complete hours of hiking, you can still find other Christian monasteries in Lebanon accessible by car.

I completed the  Bcharré – Der Qannoubin within 4-5 hours .

You can visit a couple of monasteries while hiking, some of them being right along the trail, while others require some extra hike. The problem is that the indications are not clear when you have to turn from the main train. Ask other hikers or priests on the way to make sure you do not miss the climb to some monasteries. 

The one you cannot miss is the first as you start the hike in the valley bed, called the  Deir Mar Elisha monastery . The Lebanese Maronite Order was founded here in 1695, although the monastery itself is much older. 

Chapel Mar Chmouni and Deir as- Salib  are not along the main hiking trail, but you must take a steep path to the right opposite the spring on the left side. You only later find boards that show you are in the right direction. When I was there, they were closed however it is still possible to climb and have a look from outside. You can also reach both monasteries from Hadchit, taking a steep path down. 

Deir Qannoubin   is easily reachable following the valley bed in approximately 2 hours from Deir Mar Elisha. The church is built into the rock and the chapel of Mar Marina is right next to that where the remains of 17 Maronite patriarchs are buried. 

You can continue to  Deir Saydet Hawka ,  a small monastery believed to date to the 13th century. It has a chapel and a few monk’s cells in the cave. It is also reachable from the top from Hawke in half an hour. 

The last famous monastery along the valley floor is  Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya , the largest hermitage and has been in use without interruption since the 11th century. It is a well-known pilgrimage site. The grotto of St. Anthony next to the entrance was used to chain those possessed with the devil, hoping that the saint could cure the insane. 

One monastery, called  Deir Mar Semaan  stands separately, and not in the valley. The hermitage carved into the rock is where Mar Samaan (St Simon) supposedly lived. The monastery is indicated along the main road heading to  Bcharré  from the direction of  Diman.  

How to go to the Qadisha valley?

There is a public van from 8 am departing from Tripoli. In the morning, they leave every half an hour, later every hour. However, if you use public transport, you are bound to the timetable. The last van departs from Bcharré to Tripoli at 3:30 pm. If you miss that, there are only a few options to stay in Bcharré. 

The best way to discover the Qadisha valley is to rent a car. You gain tons of time, and you can make several extra stops wherever you want for the fantastic view.

There are also organized tours from Beirut that include the Gibran Khalil museum in Bcharre, a hike in the Cedar of God reserve, and the visit to the Deir Mar Elisha monastery. Check the tour here.

Check out the prices to rent a car

Where to sleep in the Qadisha valley?

Although accommodation is not abundant in the Qadisha valley, you can still find some mountain resorts and apartments if you have a bigger budget, which is the best way to enjoy the landscape. Most accommodations are in Bcharré, the Cedars, or the summer resort, Ehden.

Tiger house Guesthouse –  the cheapest option in Bcharré.

Stone cellars in Douma –  upper-range hotel

The Ranch – Lodge & Equestrian Center  – Mid-range in Kfar Hazir (close to Chekka)

It is hard to get accommodation in the summer months if you don’t book it in advance, so it is better to return to Tripoli. 

Head to the Chouf in the mountains, the traditional base of the Druze community that is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. Fakhreddine, the Druze national hero , united Mount Lebanon and the coastal regions that became the forerunner of modern Lebanon. The Ottoman governor modernized the county, and the economy flourished under his rule. Later, the growing independence of the vassal state made the Ottoman anxious, and he was later executed.

Villages are the soul of Lebanon. If you only visit the cities, you will not get a full grasp of Lebanon.

Take the steep serpentines up to the barren stony mountains and immerse in the beautiful nature. Villages are lively during summer when mid-class and wealthy Lebanese people escape to the mountains to get some fresh air. In the low season (October- April), villages are still charming but much calmer and you have a better chance to find accommodation for a lower price. 

Deir al Qamar is one of the must-see villages of Lebanon. All the attractions are around the main square: Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan built-in Mamluk style, the former governor’s palace, the silk khan, and the palace of Fakhreddine, the former Druze leader.

How to go to Deir al Qamar and Beiteddine?

You can take a service taxi from Beirut Cola station to Beiteddine and get off on the way at Deir al-Qamar. However, the best way to discover the Chouf mountains is to rent a car to stop at some viewpoints. 

Check out the car rental options

Beiteddine is a short drive from Deir al Qamar and is famous for the palace of Emir Bashir, the Ottoman delegated governor. The Beiteddine palace has a mixed Arabic and Italian architecture with an extensive outer courtyard and inner park. It has a striking location overlooking the valley. The historical monument was severely demolished during the Israeli invasion, and the Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, undertook its restoration, declaring it the “Palace of People.” The palace has nicely decorated rooms with mosaics with Oriental-style furnishing, elegant mirror decoration, mosaics, and fountains.   

If you have the chance, stay in the Chouf for the night or Jezzine. It is a mountain town and easily reachable from the Chouf.

Continue to the Chouf Cedar Reserve (entrance fee 10 USD/200 000 LBP) and enjoy walking among the famous Lebanese Cedar trees. You can choose a shorter or longer hiking path, some inside the forest, others are more scenic but you will definitely like. A local guide is available at the entrance for 200 000 LBP/10 USD if you need some guidance. This is the most extensive cedar forest of Lebanon, representing 5% of the country. Once cedar was abundant in the region and was a source of wealth for the country. Hiking in the Cedar Forest is one of the best nature programs in Lebanon.

Jezzine,   the famous summer resort of the south, lies at the edge of the cliff with a stunning 40-meter-high waterfall that is more spectacular in the rainy season. Take the narrow path from the main road that leads to the feet of the waterfall. Apart from that, Jezzine has a small city center with restaurants and bars.

Where to stay in Deir al Qamar?

Bkerzay –  Mid-range hotel with amazing location and a cozy interior

Deir al Oumara –mid-range hotel

Where to stay in Beiteddine?

Mir Amin palace  – a hotel with a top location overlooking the Beiteddine hotel. It is the former palace of Emir Bashir’s son converted into a high-end hotel. Have a drink on the terrace even if you are not staying for the night .

Where to stay in Jezzine?

The most popular budget options in Jezzine are:

Iris flower Hotel

Honey Guesthouse

Take the road to the Bekaa valley along the artificial  Qaraoun lake .  There is a pleasant restaurant with a superb view to stop for lunch.

Baalbek occupies a plateau between Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. 

The Bekaa Valley is a Shiite majority region, a strategic headquarter of Hezbollah, and extensive cannabis growing area.

Hezbollah’s yellow flag, the images, and cardboards along the road depict Iranian clerics, including Ayatollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei, or Hassan Nasrallah.

You must know Hassan Nasrallah’ s name, who often shows up on media addressing his followers. He has been the leader and voice of Hezbollah since 1992. He openly threatens Israel with retaliation in case it attacks Lebanon. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Arab League, and Israel consider Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in its entirety. In contrast, the EU listed only its military wing as such. Hezbollah has a big grasp on Lebanon’s life and is a member of the Parliament as a political party.

The Bekaa valley was insecure during the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict of 2006. However, by now, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. At the same time, it is one of the poorest regions that pushes many people to produce hashish as a means of survival.

It is also where you can taste the famous Lebanese wine in a famous wine cellar and learn about the history of one of the world’s oldest winemakers.  

Continue to Anjar , the “Armenian city” founded by Armenian refugees after the genocide of 1915.

The Anjar ruins are overshadowed by the reputation of Baalbek, although it is almost as stunning as its counterpart. Plus, these are the ruins of a city from the 8th century when the Umayyad ruled the region inhabited only for 50 years. Anjar is a less-known place to visit in Lebanon and comes as a surprise.

The two most famous wineries of Lebanon are Ksara and Kefraya . Ksara is the oldest and most well known that has produced wine since 1857. It is unique for its underground caves where the wine matures. Ksara offers daily guided tours (price: LBP 40,000 and LBP 100,0000 depending on the selected wines), including winetasting. Call them to book your visit in advance ( +961 8 813495 ). It is also possible to connect wine tasting with having lunch in their cozy brasserie.

Kefraya is the other famous winery in Lebanon and the largest wine producer in Lebanon. It also offers guided tours that start with a train ride to get to a viewpoint in the winery. 

How to go to Zahlé/Baalbek?

Baalbek is easily reachable from the Cola station in Beirut, on the way you can get off in Zahlé.

Where to stay in Baalbek?

Hotel Shouman –  located next to the ruins, extremely cheap and offers private rooms with a shared bathroom. It is very simple, good if you look for a place to stay for a night but expect little from that.

Palmyra hotel :  Opposite the ruins, the most reputed hotel of Baalbek. The guest list includes prominent guests such as Charles de Gaulle. The hotel is not available on the online hotel reservation platforms, but you can still contact them to book a room. 

Kanaan Hotel Group: The best low-budget option in Baalbek

Where to stay in Zahlé?

There is no accommodation available for booking on any online platform in Zahlé.

Hotel Akl –  a budget hotel along Rue Brazil. Book directly on their website.

Hotel St. Jean – 3 star hotel close to the center

Hotel Monte Alberto  – 3 star hotel located above Zahlé with a stunning view. A funicular takes the guests to the hotel that has a revolving restaurant as well.

Day 8 – Zahl é , Baalbek

Zahlé  is a modern, bustling mountain resort, a favorite spot for Beirutis to escape from the summer heat and enjoy Lebanese cuisine in a restaurant along the Birdawni river. Zahlé’s population is mainly Greek Catholic in the Shiite Bekaa region. 

Walk along the Rue Brazil to see some historic buildings from the Ottoman period.

Zahlé was the scene of the infamous massacre in 1860 when Maronites were massacred at the hands of the Druze, first in Lebanon and then in Damascus, which prompted direct European military intervention. French troops landed in Beirut and thousands of Maronites fled to the city for protection, and almost half of the population immigrated to Brazil. 

Strolling around the  ruins of Baalbek  is one of the highlights of your visit to Lebanon. 

It stands on the highest point of the Beeka valley at 1150 meters. The entire Beeka valley is a plateau indeed. Baalbek is more conservative than Zahlé, so you have to dress up modestly. Only a few tourists make it to Baalbek nowadays, and you most probably only meet the military staff stationed in Lebanon or have the ruins for yourself.

During the 1st century BC, a temple dedicated to the god Baal was built, hence the name, the city of the Sun God. Baalbek was a principal place of worship in the entire Roman Empire, initially the center of pagan rites where animal and human sacrifice was a common way to honor the Gods. Ten thousand slaves worked on the construction for centuries. 

When the Roman rulers adopted Christianity, they forcibly converted the population to the Christian religion. They destroyed parts of the temple of Jupiter and deprived it of the images of Roman gods. Immense pillars were shipped to adorn the Aya Sophia in Constantinople.

The Arabs converted the complex into a military fortification.

„Baalbek is the showplace of Lebanon.” Tweet

The tallest columns ever constructed, the largest stone blocks ever used, and the boldest architectural engineering feat ever carried out by humans–these are some of the few things that make Baalbek one of the most outstanding temple complexes in the world.

Baalbek contains the ruins of three temples, the small temple of Venus and Bacchu s and the principal temple of Jupiter-Baal with the forecourt and monumental staircase.

If you are in Lebanon during July and August, then visit the International Music Festival of Baalbek . It has a long tradition dating back to 1955 but was suspended during the civil war. 

1 km south of Baalbek is the quarry from where the stones for the construction were delivered.

Take the time to stroll around the ruins of Baalbek, observe it from every angle, and check out the meticulously decorated capitals. If you have the chance, visit it before sunset when the stones change their colors.

Opening hours: 9-18:00. Admission fee: 15,000 LBP

Best time to visit: before sunset

Head to the south to discover the two coastal cities, Sidon (Saida) and Tyre (Sur). Although distances are insignificant, the banana plantations surrounding the road make the landscape completely different. Unfortunately, Lebanon’s agriculture is scarce, and the country is suffering under the necessity to import almost everything in large quantities. The government focused almost entirely on the bank sector to the detriment of agriculture. 

Sidon is an authentic coastal town where you can wander around in the authentic oriental bazaar dotted with khans and mosques. The entire city is unspoiled with touristic facilities, and you get an Arab Mediterranean city’s feeling that was once the primary Phoenician trade center. 

Sidon was a great victim of the Lebanese civil war, losing many inhabitants and suffering severe damages. 

Being Rafiq Hariri, the former prime’s birthplace, it got outstanding support for the reconstruction. Despite Hariri’s assassination in 2005, the Foundation still supports health care, education, and restoration projects, mainly in Sidon. 

The Sea Crusader Castle   stands offshore on an island with massive walls and towers and a fantastic view if you climb the stairs.

Opposite the Sea Castle stretched the souk with some points of interest not to miss. The  Khan al-Franj  served as accommodation for merchants and traders, with galleries and arcades running on two levels. The second floor hosts the French Institute, so you can only visit the ground floor. Thanks to the Hariri Foundation, the khan is in a perfect state. 

The Great Mosque was built of the remnants of the Crusaders’ Church, using its elements, whereas the Bab al-Saray Mosque is the oldest, though most of the time closed to visitors.  

Sidon’s bazaar with its narrow alleys and shops where you can even observe the craftsmen working is the highlight of your visit. Try some sweets and have a coffee in one of the pleasant places in the souk. I saw a group of men playing cards in a café chatting and smoking nargile. I love these daily scenes when you walk around and observe how people live their lives. It is much more memorable than visiting any attraction. 

If you are interested, you can visit the famous Soap museum to learn more about the traditional soap-making procedure. 

Echmoun temple ruins

Only a few kilometers from Sidon, the Phoenician  ruins of   temple Echmoun  are nestled among the orchards; one of the temple complexes dedicated to the Phoenician God dates back to the 7th century. The ruins of a Byzantine church and mosaics, the Roman colonnade, remained an important pilgrimage site for a long time. 

Visit the pilgrimage site of “our Lady of Mantara”, where the Virgin Mary was waiting for Jesus in a cave according to Christian belief. „Mantara” means Awaiting. The Greek Catholic Church transformed the Cave into a sanctuary.

How to get to Sidon?

Sidon is easily reachable with public transport from Beirut Cola station within an hour and costs 15 000 LBP. You get off at the big roundabout (again, not an official bus station), with the old city being within easy reach. 

Where to sleep in Sidon?

Al Qualaa – stylish mid-range hotel in the old city

Yacoub guesthouse – mid-range guesthouse in the old city

On this day you can visit the controversial museum of Hezbollah , the Shia political party and military force in Mleeta. It is one of the unusual places to visit in Lebanon. its main mission is to show resistance against Israel. According to many Lebanese Hezbollah is one of the main problems of the country as supported by Iran and Syria they increase the country’s dependence on foreign powers. The Israeli and Syrian occupation that ended in 2000 and 2005 highly divided the politicians and the people and even led to political assassinations. Hezbollah claims that it only wants to protect the country from the acute threat of Israeli invasion, however, many locals think that they only provoke an attack from Israel.   

Concerning the above, it may not be ethical to visit the museum. It is the most controversial place to visit in Lebanon.

I took a visit as I wanted to understand better the overly complex Lebanese political scene.

Note: during my stay in Beirut, Hezbollah and Amal, the two Shiite movements incited clashes at the Palace of Justice demanding the resignation of the leading judge, Tarek Bitar. He conducts the trial for the tragic Beirut explosion of 2020 that irreversibly pushed the country to the verge of collapse and people are desperately waiting for justice. Seven people died in the clashes between the Shia groups, unidentified gunmen and the Lebanese Army forces.

Beaufort castle

The castle has a stunning and strategic location on top of a 300 meter-high cliff surrounded by the Litani river. Besides having a nice coastal view from the castle, whole southern Lebanon and northern Israel can be both detected. So it comes as no surprise that it had a crucial role during the civil war. The PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) occupied it and became the target for the Israeli army. The Israeli army took it over in the „Battle of the Beaufort” and used it for its military activities until the Israeli occupation ended in 2000.

Continue to the most southern coastal city , Tyre to finish your day, which you will more often hear being called Sour in Arabic. It is a Shiite-dominated region like Bekaa valley that suffered extremely during the Israelian occupation and the civil war because of its proximity to the Israeli border. It gives the impression of a charming city again although recovery and renewal take time.

Israel’s attack in 2006 was another shock for Tyre.

The old city occupies a peninsula with a fishing port and a maze of quiet alleys. It is a great opportunity to have some fish or seafood in one of the fish restaurants.

Tyre has two important archeological sites: Al-Mina and Al-Bass archeological Sites with the remains of Romane and Byzantine Tyre, both within walking distance. The latter one is even more impressive with the ruins of hippodrome, aqueduct and a funerary complex. From Al-mina archeological site you have a view of the beach, a perfect place to go swimming.

You can stay either in Tyre or return to Beirut.

How to go to Tyre?

Located along the coast you can easily find a bus from Cola bus station in Beirut that passes through Sidon and continues to Tyre. It costs 30-35 000 LBP.

Where to stay in Tyre (Sour)?

Tyre lacks low-budget destinations.

Dar Camelia – mid-range, it has a stylish interior with a perfect location in the center

Platinum hotel – mid-range close to city center

Useful Lebanon travel resources

Flights : Check the best flight offers on Skyscanner .

Car rental: It is easy to get from Beirut to the main cities along the coast (Tripoli, Byblos, Sidon, Tyre) or to Baalbek. However, public transportation to the countryside is often scarce. I highly recommend for you to rent a car when you discover the mountain region. Discover Cars  offers great options to rent a car in Beirut.

Insurance: Safetywing  is a cheap travel and medical insurance that also covers COVID-related issues.

Local tours: You can reach almost every destination on a day-trip from Beirut.

The above 10-day itinerary contains a mix of natural and cultural travel attractions and enables you to discover the whole of Lebanon. You can extend your stay to rest on the beach and stroll around Beirut. There are plenty of things to do in Lebanon. Despite being a small country, you can even spend two weeks there.

I hope you found this extensive travel guide about Lebanon useful. Please leave a comment on that and tell me if you have questions about that.

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by Agnes Simigh

I’m a passionate tour guide and travel writer, who is curious to discover places that seldom catch the attention of the media or that are misrepresented. My goal is to inspire you to choose off-the-beaten-track destinations by sharing objective and detailed information. I believe that it is mainly the lack of “intel” that keeps us away from incredible places. And that just shouldn’t be the case.

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TRAVEL TO LEBANON DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS ( OCTOBER 2021)

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPEND 2 OR 3 DAYS IN BEIRUT

FIND THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN TRIPOLI

ALTERNATIVE LOCAL TOUR IN BEIRUT

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10 epic things to do in lebanon you can’t miss.

Lovely, lively, lush, large-hearted Lebanon. What an amazing place! So many things to do!

Honestly, if I could think of more superlative adjectives beginning with L, I’d be likely to go on and on about this Middle Eastern gem of a country situated along the Mediterranean Coast.

The treasures that lie in store in this small nation are honestly astounding and a real testimony to the human spirit and its desire to heal, recover and regrow after years of war.

That’s not to gloss over the complexities that still exist in Lebanon, but only to pay respect to this sensational country, which quickly shimmied its way into my heart and onto my list of top global favourites!

Yes from swimming in the sea to skiing in the snow, feasting on fatoush and roaming rich Roman ruins, this list of 10 epic things to do in Lebanon will have you falling in love in with this beautiful county in an instant too.

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#1 Hiking the Qadisha Valley

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s most stunning natural reserves, which in this country, really is quite a claim.

Located in the north of this tiny nation, it’s easy to day trip to the Qadisha from the capital Beirut and enjoying some marvellous walking trails through the landscape here is definitely one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling lazy, driving through the valley to take in the views and perhaps stopping at the rock-hewn monastery of Qozhaya, which is dedicated to St Antonio, also makes for a top day trip.

I really loved the hiking I did with Trekking Lebanon in this country and highly recommend this company for their professionalism and expertise.

DISCOVER MORE: The Perfect 7 Day Lebanon Itinerary

#2 Snapping the Cedars

The national tree and emblem of Lebanon (it’s even on their flag!) the Cedars are famous across the country and beyond.

Now concentrated almost entirely in a reserve in the north of the country – the park that protects them, doubles as one of the premier skiing resorts in Lebanon.

Situated at altitude, even visiting here in the summer can be a slightly chilly affair with the cool alpine air, but with near-guaranteed blue skies, hiking among these fabulous trees, whilst admiring the clever sculptures of local artist Rudy Rahme is certainly one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

Because it’s impossible to catch public transport to the Cedars, I visited this gorgeous area with Explore Lebanon Tours , who offered me an amazing day out from start to finish.

#3 Sunset at Byblos

So if you hadn’t heard, Lebanon combines its lofty mountainous views, with some stellar ones of the dazzling Mediterranean sea too, and never was there a better place to take in the coastline of this country than in Byblos.

Also known as Jbail, the is meant to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and the old souks and traditional streets here are some of the nicest in the country.

It’s no question therefore that enjoying a summery stop in Byblos is one of the must do things in Lebanon and at sunset is a particularly nice time to do just that.

I highly suggest enjoying a drink and taking in the amazing ocean views from Kina Handcrafted bar – an undeniably amazing spot!

#4 Get Ruined at Baalbeck

The premier Roman ruins in Lebanon, the archaeological site of Baalbeck actually ranks as one of the finest in the world and it’s therefore not surprising it’s made its way onto my list of the best things to do in Lebanon.

With temples built on an enormous scale and an air of still being slightly undiscovered due to its rural setting, getting to Baalbeck is a must on any trip to the Middle East.

LEARN MORE: Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is It Safe?

#5 Eating Your Heart Out!

Ok, so now we’re really talking – yes eating as much as you can, as often as you can is, undoubtedly, one of the most epic things to do in Lebanon.

Honestly, I think this is the country where I’ve enjoyed the local cuisine most – perhaps why Lebanon found its way into my heart so quickly!

And this is coming from a vegetarian, so hold onto your horses if you’re a meat eater!

No point hiding that I’m a  huge fan of Middle Eastern food anyway, but honestly, the hummus, baba ganoush, fatoosh, t abbouleh and saj here were off the Richter!

Honestly, I could go on and on, but I won’t.

Just go and try it for yourself.

And try not to put on 3kg – which is apparently quite a regular thing for visitors spending only a week in this country!!!!

#6 Beirut-ing

If there was ever a city that was more surprising, more vibrant, more youthful than Beirut, I haven’t found it yet.

Known as the Paris of the Middle East, this colourful capital oozes an extreme amount of character and cool.

From crumbing atmospheric architecture to hipster coffee shops and yoga studios, stunning coastal views to marvellous museums and galleries, Beirut has it all as far as I’m concerned and I just couldn’t drag myself away.

In fact, I ended up spending the whole of my trip to Lebanon in Beirut and simply day tripping from there, with my absolute favourite part of the city being the uber-fun Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael suburb.

READ MORE: Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon

#7 Day Tripping to Tripoli

And in complete contrast to Beirut, but no less amazing for it, is Lebanon’s second city – Tripoli.

A world apart from the liberal world of hipster Beirut, Tripoli feels far more traditional and, well, Middle Eastern (whatever that means!).

From the bustling souks to the winding cobbled streets, not to mention the food sellers on the pavement and the crumbling buildings all around, what Tripoli lacks in modernity, it more than makes up for in soul.

I loved exploring this very local-feeling city and highly recommend a day trip to Tripoli as one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

#8 Get Underground at Jeita Grotto

And moving on from urban attractions to natural wonders, one of the most epic things to do in Lebanon is to head to Jeita Grotto – an amazing cave structure that is both startlingly huge and very beautiful.

A short distance from Beirut, heading to the Grotto in an afternoon will give you ample time to take in the 2 caves here and include a boat trip, cable car ride and a short explanatory film.

And take the time you should, because this is a very unique attraction, one of the Middle East’s greatest natural wonders and is well worth the Uber fare to get here from Beirut – especially if you can round up a few more travellers to share the costs with!

#9 Marvel at the Beiteddine Palace

A 19 th century mansion, Beiteddine Palace still radiates with opulence, despite being largely destroyed during Lebanon’s years of conflict.

A real mix of architectural styles, the outer courtyard here is a truly beautiful spot to stop and take in the world, not least thanks to the sensational views it affords.

There’s also some amazing Byzantine mosaics here that shouldn’t be missed and a popular festival in the summer that is a real highlight.

#10 Head South to Sour

And finally, number 10 on my list of epic things to do in Lebanon is to head to Sour, the most southernly city in this country.

Situated on a gorgeous strip of coast, and also known as Tyre, this authentic location is full of wonderful history and coastal views.

Boasting Roman ruins and bustling souks too, it’s no wonder this city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The main beach here is lovely, with great swimming and free access (not a given in Lebanon sadly) and there’s some awesome local eateries that line the sand too.

My favourite is right at the end of the strip and is called Cloud 59 – head here for a well-priced feed and / or a sunset beer after your day on the sand.

It’s no surprise that many locals and expats head to Sour / Tyre for their Lebanese staycation and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a popular holiday spot for international travellers too.

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Mini Travel Guide to Lebanon

When to Visit Lebanon?

The best time to visit Lebanon in my opinion is during the Spring or Autumn months – March through May or September to October.

This is when the weather is warm and pleasant for sightseeing, beach days and hiking, but without the humidity of the high summer season.

Best Budget Accommodation in Beirut

And the best place to stay in the Mar Mikhael area on a budget is Hostel Beirut.

With an awesome location, a roof terrace, guest kitchen and some of the best-priced beds in the city, check out Hostel Beirut here .

Travel Insurance for Lebanon

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

5 Essential Packing Items for Lebanon

#1 Lebanon Bradt Travel Guide – A great guidebook for the maps and background info on this layered and complex country, Bradt make a great job of covering this off the beaten track destination.

#2 Camera – I highly recommend the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera , which is small, compact and ideal for adventurous travellers.

#3 Walking Shoes – There’s going to be a lot of sightseeing in Lebanon, so good day shoes are a must. I love my New Balance trainers , which are city friendly and super comfy.

#4 Bikini – When you see that glistening Mediterranean Sea, there’s no question you’ll want to dive straight into it. Don’t hold back and come prepared to Lebanon with a beautiful Rip Curl Bikini .

#5 Small Day Backpack – With hiking and historical day trips a plenty in Lebanon, having a backpack to house your camera, sunscreen, water, snacks and guidebook is a must here and the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack is ideal for the job – I can guarantee it!

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So that’s my list of 10 epic things to do in Lebanon you can’t miss.

Have you visited this little gem of a country too?

Did you fall in love just as much as me?

Tell me all…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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18 Best Things To Do In Faraya During Summer

With cool summer weather, heart-warming white winters, iconic attractions, and breathtaking views, Faraya has a lot to offer !

Located around 50 minutes from Beirut, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy the beautiful summer vibes in Lebanon. Whether you’ve never been to Faraya or you know it very well, stick around, we have a lot to cover regarding this wonderful destination!

Here are the best things to do in Faraya during summer!

1. Visit the Saint Charbel Statue

Located on the top of the Mount of Cross, the Saint Charbel Statue is a must-visit destination! Installed in 2017, the statue serves as a reminder of Saint Charbel’s miraculous impact on people’s lives. The 23-meter-high statue is made of fiberglass and is perched on a pedestal that stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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

2. Explore the Roman Ruins in Faqra

Located on a hill overlooking Faraya, the Faqra Roman Ruins is an important historical site in Lebanon and attract visitors from all over the world. The ruins date back to the Roman Empire and are believed to have been built in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Walk around the archaeological site, take some pictures, and uncover the rich history of Faqra.

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

3. Hike to Faraya waterfall

Faraya waterfall (also called Nabeh El Laban ) is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the borders between Faraya and Kfardebian, it’s one of the top waterfalls to visit in Lebanon ! The area around the waterfall is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faraya | فاريا (@faraya)

4. Visit Chabrouh Dam

Chabrouh Dam is a popular attraction in Faraya, offering stunning views and outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting. It’s one of the largest dams in Lebanon, with a height of 63 meters, a length of 1300 meters, and a capacity of 8 million cubic meters. Hike around the borders of the lake, and enjoy the incredible landscape and panoramic views!

Further Reading: Click here for more hiking places to visit in Lebanon.

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

5. Admire the Natural Bridge At Faqra

The Faqra Natural Bridge is a spectacular work of nature! It was formed over thousands of years by the natural erosion of limestone rock, which created an arch-like structure. The bridge is quite impressive, with a height of 58 meters, an arch opening of 38 meters, and a span of 52 meters.

6. Check out the Largest Cross in the Middle East

Take a 15-minute ride from Faraya to reach this outstanding landmark in Qanat Bakish. The 73.8-meter-high cross was built near an old church dating back to 1898 on land belonging to the Lebanese Maronite Order. It is illuminated at night, making it a prominent landmark that can be seen from many kilometers away.

7. Enjoy an Authentic Lebanese Meal At Jnaynit El Khaweja

There are many restaurants in the Faraya-Kfardebian area where you can enjoy a delicious Lebanese meal, and Jnaynit El Khaweja is one of them! This family-friendly restaurant offers authentic tastes, a relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful views. It’s an excellent option for a family lunch in the mountains!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by جنينة الخواجة (@jnaynit_elkhaweja)

8. Feel the Mexican Vibes at El Mexicano

El Mexicano is a family business serving authentic Mexican food and cocktails (The food is prepared by Mexican chef  Fernando Gomez) . If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ll surely love this place! Some of their popular dishes are Chicken Quesadillas, Loaded fries, Tacos, and Burritos.

Further Reading: Click here for more Mexican restaurants to visit in Lebanon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by El Mexicano Lb (@elmexicanolb)

9. Have a Drink at Sapa

Nestled in a gorgeous castle on a cliff, Sapa is a popular Peruvian restaurant and cocktail bar, perfect for afternoon drinks whenever you’re in Faraya. At night, the place becomes more lively, which makes it a great spot for a night out with friends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sapabeirut

10. Get the party on at Rikky’s

Rikky’s is your go-to place to party in the mountains ! It consists of a wooden house with a terrace and a garden, surrounded by breathtaking views. They host awesome parties with an open buffet every Sunday, so gather your friends and spend an amazing day at Rikky’s!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RIKKY’Z (@rikkyz_)

11. Catch the sunset at Odin

Odin is the perfect spot to chill with friends and enjoy a magical sunset in Kfardebian! They offer a delicious menu, refreshing cocktails, and a great atmosphere. You can also come in the evening to party and dance all night long to amazing DJ beats.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ODIN Mzaar Kfardebian (@odin_mzaar)

12. Have a wine tour at Massaya

If you’re a wine enthusiast, make sure to visit Massaya winery in Faqra for a wine tour and a wine-tasting session! This winery produces white wine and features extensive cellars carved into the mountain rock. They also have a cozy restaurant where you can have a savory meal while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. (It’s one of our best places to visit during winter ).

Further Reading: Check out our guide for the best wineries in Lebanon .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Massaya 🇱🇧 (@visitmassaya)

13. Relax by the pool at Le Montagnou

Le Montagnou is another top destination to visit in Kfardebian! You can sit indoors in their cozy wooden house (perfect for wintertime), or outdoors by the infinity pool (perfect for summertime). Their menu includes steaks, salads, pizzas, desserts, and a big variety of alcoholic drinks. (It’s also one of the best steakhouses in Lebanon !)

P.S. You can also stay the night in one of their 9 cozy rooms at Gio Auberge .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Montagnou (@lemontagnou)

14. Spend The day at Faqra Club

Faqra Club is an exclusive resort and country club featuring a hotel, private houses, a ski resort, restaurants, and endless activities. Escape the heat of the city and enjoy many Summer activities such as basketball, football, swimming, horseback riding, and hiking. They also host various events throughout the year including cultural festivals, and sports tournaments.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faqra Club (@faqraclub)

15. Have a Camping experience at Acampar

Acampar is a unique and exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and camping lovers, featuring a camping site, picnic spots, bungalows, a swimming pool, and a venue for private events. It’s an amazing place to escape the city and connect with nature!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ACAMPAR (@acamparfaraya)

16. Enjoy Summer Activities at Mzaar Ski Resort

Besides being the largest Ski resort in the Middle East and a top winter destination, Mzaar Ski Resort is also a great place to visit during Summer! They offer many activities such as Zipline, all-day pass mountain bike, hiking, and swimming at Igloo Mzaar.

P.S. Don’t miss the Summer Festival happening every year at Les Jardins de Mzaar, featuring artisans, a food court, trendsetters, kids’ corners, and lots of entertainment.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mzaar Ski Resort (@mzaarskiresort)

17. Enjoy a lovely evening at Ni Caffe

Located at Oakridge Mountain Resort , Ni Caffe is your go-to place for a special dining experience in Faqra. This stylish and modern restaurant offers a fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine, with a beautiful terrace area overlooking the mountains. The atmosphere is trendy and romantic, making it a great spot for a date night with your loved one.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nî Italian and Japanese Caffè (@nicaffe)

18. Spend the night At one of these top getaways

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trinity5 (@trinity5faraya)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Perch Chabrouh Faraya (@perchfaraya)

• Oakridge Mountain Resort

View this post on Instagram A post shared by OakridgeFaqra (@oakridgefaqra)

• The Lodge Inn

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lodge Inn Boutique Hotel (@thelodgeinn)

• Faraya Village Club

View this post on Instagram A post shared by farayavillageclub (@farayavillageclub)

• Terre Brune Hotel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terrebrunehotel (@terrebrunehotel)

• InterContinental Mzaar

View this post on Instagram A post shared by InterContinental Mzaar (@icmzaar)

You can’t go wrong when visiting Faraya during summer ! From its multiple attractions to its beautiful nature, trendy restaurants, and cozy getaways, you’ll surely have a memorable experience.

What are your favorite places in Faraya? Let us know in the comments below.

If you liked this post, take a look at our Laklouk travel guide for another top mountain destination!

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5 Amazing Places to Visit in Lebanon

For the compulsive jetsetters among us, there are simply too many incredible places to see and just not enough vacation days. So while traveling abroad might be tempting, especially with the easing of travel restrictions, we cannot help but recommend a few local gems that will stoke your wanderlust and keep the tiny flame of optimism burning.

ROCCA MARINA, CHEKKA

Photo- Rocca Marina

Definitely a beautiful place to visit if you are in the North, especially if you want to take some really cool pictures. The resort has a capacity of 1,500 people, but they are currently only receiving 500 people, even on weekends. With spacious pools, a kid-friendly beach area and plenty of water sports on offer, you’ll think you’re in paradise.

+961 81 714 444 , Facebook

CHÂTEAU KEFRAYA, BEKAA

Photo – Leb in FPV

The scenery alone makes Château Kefraya worthy of your attention. Enjoy the wine tour and learn about Château Kefraya’s wines while soaking up the view of endless vineyards. A tour highlight is seeing the oak barrels in which Château Kefraya produces its 1.5 million bottles worth of wine per year!

+961 8 645 333 , chateaukefraya.com

LA VILLA 1920, BADARO

Photo – La Villa 1920

As soon as you arrive at this new Italian restaurant in Badaro, you’ll be hypnotized by its cool vibe. Filled with plants and colorful flowers, one of the most interesting areas is the bar, so get your phone ready for a few Instagram shots.

+961 3 771 844 , LaVilla1920.com

BEIT TRAD GUESTHOUSE, KFOUR

Photo – Daskara

At Beit Trad, you’ll be welcomed with board games, cards, library and warm smiles. Every little detail has been thought through and every room tells a story. Stay for the weekend and forget your troubles.

+961 70 414 242 , beittrad.com

LITTLE REED, QSAYBE VILLAGE

Photo – Eyes of Lebanon

Located in Qsaybe Village, 30 minutes from Beirut, this family-owned farmhouse offers amazing buffets on Sundays prepared by the women of the village. It’s a fantastic choice for families, as kids can enjoy wandering around the farm and meeting the donkeys, goats, chickens and even peacocks.

+961 76 007 300 , Facebook

Article in collaboration with Aya Diab .

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Best Places to Visit in Lebanon That Aren’t The Typical Hotspots

What is incredible about Lebanon is its small size that allows you to go from North to South in around 3 hours! And despite it’s small size, there are many amazing places to visit in Lebanon!

The Lebanese coast is only 200km. But also,  Lebanon is incredibly diverse in terms of landscape and community . That even during early Spring, you can go skiing up in the mountains in the morning, then one hour later you can go down to the coast enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

The best places to visit in Lebanon that aren’t Beirut, Baalbeck or Byblos. Nor Tripoli, Tyre or Tannourine

If you want to avoid the typical list of places to visit in Lebanon , then follow this list of things to do in Lebanon that are often missed by tourists.

1) Faraya: Learn to ski in one hour

A Lebanese village located in Kesrwan district in Mount Lebanon, Faraya is home to the best ski station in Lebanon (beside the Cedars). But what makes Faraya more tempting, is it’s central location only 42km away from Beirut which makes it a perfect place to spend a fun skiing day. There are also chalets for rent nearby for very  affordable prices  to spend a weekend, which will give you a magical winter feeling, that you will even forget you are in a Middle Eastern country. This is where I learned how to ski for the first time. You rent your equipment and an instructor for one hour, then you are ready to hit the slopes 😉

2) Barouk: Eco-tourism in Lebanon

Barouk is a village in the Chouf district (the home of the Lebanese Druze community) just 55 Km South of Beirut. Barouk has the largest natural reserve in Lebanon , Al Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, an important Eco-tourism area. The reserve has the oldest Cedar trees in the world, in addition to different species of wild mammals, birds and plants. Barouk is very famous for its apples and fruits. This is also where I saw the biggest tomato ever (really huge as shown in the photo). It is grown naturally and served in the village open air restaurants. Definitely one of the places that should figure on the top of your list while visiting Lebanon.

3) Jeitta Grotto: Get lost in the caves

One of the most  fascinating caves  I’ve ever seen in my life, with limestone and colored crystals formed over thousands of years. The lower cave could only be visited by boat, while you can walk through the upper cave and contemplate the different shapes and shades formed naturally. The caves are located in Nahr Al Kalb valley, only 18km North of Beirut.

4) Batroun: The vibrant night life

A coastal city and one of the oldest cities in the world, Batroun is 50km North of Beirut. A beautiful summer resort, but what is more interesting about Batroun is it’s  vibrant night life , with many pubs, clubs and restaurants just by the sea. It’s also a better alternative for Beirut to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

5) Laqlouq: The wild life

A small mountainous village located 69 Km North of Beirut, reaching Laqlouq is not an easy ride. The road is bumpy, stony and very narrow but you will enjoy one of the most  breathtaking sceneries  all the way up, that will keep on stopping your car just to take some shots. Laqlouq has a very well maintained Ski station during winter. Although not as big as Faraya, but still very enjoyable. In Summer, you can enjoy horseback riding in the middle of the green mountains.

6) Ehden: For the adventurous ones

In the heart of Mount Lebanon Zgharta district, the town of Ehden is 110 km ride from Beirut. The town is known for its numerous cultural activities and festival, specially around Summer. In addition to its high quality restaurants and  exceptional pubs and clubs . But the most interesting feature of Ehden is its adventurous activities. The city offers a variety of adventurous activities all year around, from paragliding to zip lining, snow camping, hiking and more.

7) Bnachii Zgharta: Relax by the lake

Still in Zgharta district and around 80 km from Beirut, Bnachii is a small village nicknamed ‘Little Paris’. The highlight of this  charming little village  is its lake surrounded by mountains, where you can enjoy a day riding a boat or pedalo and tasting some Zgharta specialties, like Kebbeh Zgharteya. Unlike the normal small fried Lebanese Kebbeh, the traditional Zgharta Kebbeh is a huge round shape mixture of bulgur and minced meet and stuffed with solid pieces of fat then grilled. You will need to pierce the ball to release all the fatty ingredients that melt during the grilling process. An extremely heavy meal, but worth a try.

8) Hamat: Our Lady of the Light

A village located atop the Historic cape of Theoprosopon, 48 km North of Beirut and between the ancient cities of Batroun and Tripoli. The village is home to one of the most sacred places in Lebanon, the shrine and monastery of Saydet El Nourieh (Our Lady of Light). It is a popular Christian pilgrimage site, where pilgrims and tourists come to enjoy one of the most  beautiful view of the bay  and the crystal clear water atop the historic bay.

9) Annaya: The Miraculous Saint Charbel

Annaya is located on a hill in Mount Lebanon, 54 km North Beirut in Byblos district. Annaya is mainly visited for the St Maron Monastery belonging to the Lebanese Maronite Order. This where also home to the hermitage of one of Lebanon’s most venerated Saints, Saint Charbel. The hermitage and monastery include a showcasing of Saint Charbel’s life in the hermitage, as well as exhibitions of his belongings and his numerous miracles which include healing paralysis. Saint Charbel’s tomb was reopened many times after his death and on several years, and it is said that his body was remained intact, and his clothes were bearing a blood like liquid.

10) Jezzine: The waterfalls

Located in the South, approximately 40km from Beirut, Jezzine is a charming town surrounded by mountains and pine forests. Considered more of a summer resort, the district highlight is the waterfalls of Jezzine. The area also offers many religious and archeological sites.

11) Hermel: Adrenaline rush in Al Assi River

This would be considered the longest trip from Beirut. Hermel is situated 142 km up North from the Lebanese Capital. If you are into rafting and canoeing, this is the perfect place for you! Enjoy some  adrenaline rush  on Nahr El Assi, with breathtaking scenery.

12) Anjar: The Umayyad Ruins

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Anjar is a town in the Bekaa area, 58 Km from Beirut. The city was built by the Umayyad Caliph Walid I and it’s the only city in Lebanon that has ruins from the Umayyad Dynasty. Nowadays, Anjar inhabitants are mainly from the Armenian community, so you will find many interesting Armenian churches to visit as well.

South African writer and blogger looking for the awesome in travel, food and delicious wine. Collector of passport stamps.

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These Are the Most Popular Summer Destinations in the U.S., According to Airbnb

The top 10 include buzzy spots like Las Vegas to more under-the-radar places like Florida’s Rosemary Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.

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American cities offer a wide range of summer travel adventures — and the spots travelers are seeking just might be more far-ranging than ever. According to Airbnb’s trending U.S. Destinations list , a mix of unexpected spots for outdoor adventures and beachgoers mingle with perennial favorites.

Perhaps the most expected city to make the list was year-round favorite Las Vegas. The desert getaway is no doubt a haven for those looking for any kind of summer indulgence, from lavish poolside party scenes to decadent spa retreats — and everything in between. Nearby access to the great outdoors adds to the Nevada destination’s appeal, as does the wide breadth of spectator events, from Dead & Company taking up residency at The Sphere from mid-May through mid-July to Allegiant Stadium hosting games of the much-hyped Copa America 2024 soccer tournament before the NFL season kicks off in the late summer. 

Another host city of Copa America also made the list: Glendale, Arizona. Just about 10 miles northwest of Phoenix, the desert destination has its own persona as a professional sports city, It's home to the State Farm Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals play and where the Super Bowl has been held three times in the last 16 years . Summertime fun (and relief from the heat) can also be found in the Westgate Entertainment District , known as much for its water fountains as its shopping and eateries.

Airbnb also saw summer travelers eyeing destinations where the great outdoors dominate. Lesser known spots include the alpine city of Ouray, Colorado , known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado” and Quincy, Washington , which has easy access to boating and water skiing. There are also destinations like Broken Bow, Oklahoma , which is the gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, and Eugene, Oregon , at the confluence of several rivers, with plenty of hiking, like the popular Spencer Butte Trail .

A pair of state capitals are also trending, including Saint Paul, Minnesota , which is finding its footing with growing interest from travelers. After all, it’s a city that is rich in diversity (more than 100 languages are spoken) as well as plenty of summer festivals , toasting everything from beer to blues. Also on the list is Columbia, South Carolina , where a creative spirit permeates alongside a laid-back vibe, whether it's tubing on a river or catching a film at a retro Nickelodeon theater. 

Finally, two unexpected Florida beaches, both on the northwestern coast around Destin, round out the list. There’s Rosemary Beach , an elevated shore experience with cobblestone streets filled with boutiques and trendy restaurants, as well as Santa Rosa Beach , known for its nature preserves and white sand beaches.

To come up with its trending U.S. destinations for the summer, the vacation rental company looked at search data from January through March 15 for stays in June through August of 2024.

Top 5 summer vacation destinations around the world

Summer’s calling! Take your warm-weather adventures to new heights this year with a memorable trip abroad to discover new cultures, unique cuisines and incredible sights. If you’re not sure where to explore yet, don’t worry. To kickstart your planning, we’ve rounded up the most popular summer travel destinations around the world. From Paris to Tokyo and Cancun to London, a getaway in any one of these amazing locations is sure to inspire wanderlust.

April 19, 2024

England’s capital promises one of the best summer vacations in the world because you can see its famous landmarks with a cloudless sky behind them. London evenings are gloriously long, too, with the sun setting after 9 p.m. in July. Enjoy historic sites such as Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament; browse fancy shops in Knightsbridge; and get lost in acres of green space — hello, Hyde Park. You don’t have to rely on the Tube to get around, either. Many of London’s top sites are within easy strolling distance from each other, and walking will give you an even better feel for the city. Want a perfect summer scene that Londoners love? Spend an early evening on Parliament Hill. The panoramic view arcs west from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the financial center’s gleaming skyscrapers.

From the sci-fi neon of its downtown to the serenity of its temples, there are so many things to do in Tokyo . Make your way to the Tokyo National Museum to see one of the world’s largest collections of Japanese art, including Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, elaborate scrolls and gorgeous kimonos. Kids of all ages will love the Tokyo Toy Museum, with its massive ball pit, toy workshops and interactive exhibits. You can easily throw yourself into the city’s culinary scene by pulling up a stool at any noodle bar and working your way through the ramen, soba and udon options to find your favorite. You’ll also find a wealth of options for sushi, from casual eateries to exclusive, high-end restaurants. Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, so if you’re a foodie, come hungry.

Cancun, Mexico

Take the whole family on an all-inclusive getaway to Cancun this summer. Spend your days lounging (or playing) by the pool, building sandcastles on the beach, joining a group fitness class or exploring a nearby cultural site. At Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort , the comforts of home — like two-bedroom suites, kids and teens clubs and a variety of dining options — mean that parents can relax knowing their family’s needs are completely taken care of. The large family pool is great for children of all ages, but toddlers will particularly adore the designated splash pool, located right outside the Kids Club. Should the little ones fancy a treat after a day in the sun, there’s an all-you-can-eat ice cream and churro shop on-site, too. The fun for youngsters doesn’t slow in the evenings either, with pint-sized dance parties, face painting, movie nights and more.

Famous sights? Check. Designer shopping? Check. Romance? Bien sûr! You could spend a month exploring always-in-fashion Paris and still want a return visit. Average temperatures hover around 75 F (23 C) in the summer, and the city transforms into an alfresco version of its winter self, with bistro tables set up on the sidewalk and food and music festivals springing up in city parks. Boat trips on the Seine River offer cooling breezes and a stunning vantage point for photos. The French capital offers some of Europe’s finest art at the Louvre Museum and arguably the continent’s most iconic monument — take a bow, Eiffel Tower . Follow the crowds to the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and Notre Dame Cathedral but take time to wander and soak it all in, too. With Paris hosting one of the largest international multi-sport events this summer, be prepared for larger than average crowds and plenty of excitement around the city.

In terms of the sheer variety of attractions and activities, it’s hard to think of a more impressive summer vacation destination than New York. Top of the list for many visitors to New York is seeing a Broadway show, and there’s a good selection that visitors of all ages will love. Many of them offer private, behind-the-scenes tours that come with additional perks such as exclusive merchandise, meet-and-greets with some of the cast and prime seats for the show. Your concierge at Conrad New York Midtown (steps from the theater district) can help arrange these special seats. Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, including numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and take a deep dive into the neighborhoods around town like Midtown for Korean food, Lower Manhattan (Little Italy) for Italian bites and the city’s historic Chinatown for some of the country’s best Chinese cuisine.

Discover more incredible summer getaways around the world

Delightful dominican republic.

With fresh seafood, medieval-style sites, stellar sunsets and some of the world’s best beaches, this Dominican Republic hotspot makes for a stress-free getaway in the tropics.

Alluring Amsterdam

A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without exploring its heritage (and experiencing an elegant stay). Embark on a tour of this historic city by starting with a visit to its iconic museums.

Captivating Croatia

Head to the beautiful coast of Adriatic for a scenic seaside retreat and explore the outdoors, indulge in sustainable Michelin-starred cuisine, relax poolside, engage in watersports or slip into the spa for the ultimate summer relaxation.

Summer Travel: Here's how to save on airfare, according to Expedia

The sun is shining and the beaches are calling.

And since searches for summer trips for flights and lodging are up, the countdown to locking in on those summer travel plans with some savings is approaching, according to Expedia.com.

So here's how:

Expedia , the full-service travel brand company, reveals how to save on summer airfare with tips from its Summer Travel Outlook , complete with data compiled from searches of peak travel times from 2023.  

"The sweet spot for booking your summer trip is right around the corner, but there's still a bit of time to figure out your vacation plans and lock in those flights at a great rate," says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.

More: These 15 places are the best to visit in New Jersey, according to Travel and Leisure

According to Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook cheat sheet, travelers should follow these steps:

• Book summer flights 21 to 60 days out. Travelers booking during this window saved around 15% for domestic and international travel last year timeframe.
• For international flights depart on a Monday. For domestic flights depart on a Tuesday. Travelers saved around 15% compared to those that departed on Thursday and Friday.
• Choose to fly during mid-to-late August as the summer season slows down. It’s less busy and can yield savings of up to $265 on roundtrip tickets compared to the last week of June when average fares peak. 
• Expedia says travelers can save by bundling their flight, hotel and car rental for a discounted rate.

"The cheat sheet is easy this year — book one to two months out and save around 15%, whether you're taking the family to the beach in Florida or summering in Paris," said Fish.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Summer Travel: Here's how to save on airfare, according to Expedia