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Lebanon✨ 10 best things to do in Lebanon

Things to do in Lebanon

1. Marvel at BaalbekStand beneath the colossal columns of the Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus.
2. Explore ByblosWander through layers of history from Phoenician ruins to a Crusader castle and pretty harbour.
3. Hike the Qadisha ValleyFollow trails past cliffside monasteries and hermitages in this UNESCO-listed holy valley.
4. See the Cedars of GodWalk among ancient cedar trees, symbols of the nation, high in the mountains above Bsharri.
5. Boat into Jeita GrottoGlide through a vast underground river cave and walk past giant stalactites.
6. Eat mezze in BeirutShare hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh and grilled meats in the lively Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh districts.
7. Stroll the CornicheWatch Beirut life unfold along the seafront promenade at sunset near Pigeon Rocks.
8. Visit Beiteddine PalaceAdmire mosaics and courtyards in the 19th-century palace of the Chouf mountains.
9. Tour a wineryTaste wines in the Bekaa Valley or near Batroun, where winemaking has deep roots.
10. Browse Sidon's souksExplore the old souk and sea castle of this ancient Phoenician port city.

Lebanon🗺️ Where to visit in Lebanon

Where to go in Lebanon

• 
  BeirutCoast · capitalA vibrant, layered city with the National Museum, nightlife, cafés and seafront Corniche.
• 📍
  Byblos (Jbeil)North coast · ancient portA UNESCO-listed harbour town with ruins spanning thousands of years.
• 
  BaalbekBekaa Valley · Roman templesHome to some of the largest and best-preserved Roman temples anywhere.
• 📍
  Qadisha Valley and the CedarsNorth Lebanon · mountainsA dramatic gorge of monasteries and the ancient Cedars of God grove.
• 
  Jeita GrottoNear Beirut · cavesSpectacular limestone caves with an underground lake.
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  BatrounNorth coast · beach townA relaxed coastal town with old stone streets, beaches and lemonade stands.
• 📍
  Sidon (Saida)South coast · historic portSouks, a Crusader sea castle and a traditional soap museum.
• 📍
  Chouf MountainsMount Lebanon · cedars & palacesBeiteddine Palace, Deir el Qamar village and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve's cedar forests.

Lebanon🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Lebanon

Best time to visit Lebanon

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters on the coast. The mountains are much cooler, with snow in winter, while the Bekaa Valley is drier and more extreme.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Beirut (approximate averages).

Lebanon🎉 Festivals & events in Lebanon

• July-August
  Baalbeck International FestivalConcerts and performances take place among the Roman temples.
• Summer
  Byblos International FestivalInternational and Arab artists perform by the ancient harbour.
• Summer
  Beiteddine Art FestivalMusic, theatre and dance fill the courtyards of Beiteddine Palace.
• December and varies
  Christmas and Eid celebrationsLebanon's diverse communities celebrate both Christian and Muslim holidays with lights and feasts.

Lebanon🧭 Lebanon itinerary ideas

How many days in Lebanon?

Lebanon🎒 Backpacking Lebanon – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $40–60 a day

• Shared taxis ('service') and minibuses run along the coast and into the mountains very cheaply.
• Beirut's Mar Mikhael, Gemmayzeh and Hamra districts have most hostels and budget guesthouses.
• Eat manakish (flatbreads with za'atar or cheese), falafel and shawarma for filling, cheap meals.
• Hike stages of the Lebanon Mountain Trail and stay in village guesthouses for an authentic experience.
• Carry cash in small US dollar notes, as prices are often quoted in dollars.

Lebanon🛡️ Safety & money in Lebanon

Emergency: 112 police · 175 fire · 140 ambulance

Lebanon🛬 Getting to Lebanon

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only commercial airport and the main entry point; land borders with Syria may be closed or unsafe, and the southern border is closed.

✈️ Cheap flights to Lebanon: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Lebanon💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Lebanon

• The Phoenician alphabet, developed on this coast, is an ancestor of many modern alphabets.
• The cedar tree on Lebanon's flag is mentioned in ancient texts including the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible.
• Baalbek contains some of the largest stone blocks ever quarried in the ancient world.
• It is possible to ski in the mountains and swim in the Mediterranean on the same day in spring.
• Lebanon recognises 18 religious sects officially.

Lebanon❓ Lebanon travel FAQ

Lebanon travel questions