Lebanon

Things to Do in Lebanon

Discover ancient empires, Mediterranean charm, and unparalleled culinary heritage.

  • CapitalBeirut
  • CurrencyLebanese Pound (LBP) and US Dollar (USD)
  • LanguageArabic
  • Time zoneEET (UTC+2)
  • Emergency112 (Police), 140 (Red Cross)

Why visit Lebanon?

Compact but incredibly diverse, Lebanon packs thousands of years of history, rugged mountain ranges, and a dramatic Mediterranean shoreline into a territory smaller than Connecticut. From the bustling, resilient neighborhood cafes of Beirut to the ancient Roman temples of Baalbek, the country rewards travelers who appreciate complexity, culinary excellence, and spontaneous hospitality.

Exploring Lebanon requires an adaptable mindset. While the country's infrastructure presents daily challenges—including regular power outages managed by private generators—the cultural wealth is undeniable. You can ski on Mount Lebanon in the morning and dine at a seaside fish tavern in Batroun or Byblos by afternoon, enjoying some of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

Navigating the country is highly rewarding for food lovers and history enthusiasts. The local culinary scene ranges from cheap street-side manousheh to high-end Levantine dining paired with world-class wines from the Beqaa Valley. Traveling here requires carrying physical cash (primarily US dollars) and planning routes carefully, but the payoff is an extraordinarily intimate travel experience.

Roman Temples of Baalbek

Byblos (Jbeil) Old Port

Kadisha Valley Monasteries

Jeita Grotto

Batroun Coastal Strip

Beirut's Badaro & Gemmayzeh

Popular regions

Beirut & Central Coast

Beirut & Central Coast

North Lebanon

North Lebanon

Beqaa Valley

Beqaa Valley

Mount Lebanon

Mount Lebanon

When to visit Lebanon

Based on average conditions in Lebanon.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature17°17°19°22°26°28°31°32°30°27°23°19°
Rain15d13d10d6d2d0d0d0d1d4d8d12d
CrowdsLowLowMedMedHighHighHighHighHighMedMedLow
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Lebanon

Ideal Duration

7 to 10 Days

Best Season

Spring (April to June)

Pace of Travel

Moderate

Ideal For

Culture and Food Lovers

Getting around Lebanon

Service (Shared Taxis)

Private Driver / App-based Rides

Car Rental

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    $40 - $70 / day

  • Mid-range

    $120 - $220 / day

  • Luxury

    $350+ / day

Food & drinks

  • Manousheh (Thyme or Cheese flatbread)$1 - $3
  • Lebanese Mezze Spread (Hummus, Tabbouleh, Kibbeh)$12 - $25
  • Shish Tawook or Kafta Platter$8 - $15
  • Fresh Seafood in Byblos/Batroun (per kg)$30 - $60
  • Lebanese Wine (glass of Ksara or Chateau Musar)$5 - $10

Practical

  • Cash is King

  • Power Outages

  • Travel Insurance

  • Navigation Apps

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Lebanon

How many days do I need in Lebanon? +

A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal. Because Lebanon is small, you can stay based in Beirut or Batroun and easily reach major sites like Baalbek, Byblos, and the Cedars on day trips.

Is Lebanon safe for travelers? +

While Lebanon experiences periods of political and economic instability, tourists are warmly welcomed. It is crucial to monitor current geopolitical news, avoid border areas near Syria and the Blue Line in the south, and consult your embassy's travel advice.

Can I use credit cards in Lebanon? +

No, credit cards are rarely accepted due to the banking crisis. You must bring cash, preferably crisp, unblemished US Dollar bills. You can pay directly in USD or exchange them locally for Lebanese Pounds.

What is the best way to get around Lebanon? +

For convenience, hiring a private driver for day trips is the best option. For budget travel, shared minivans and 'Service' taxis run along the main coastal highway. Uber and Bolt work well for short trips within Beirut.

Do I need a visa to visit Lebanon? +

Many nationalities, including EU citizens, Americans, and Canadians, can obtain a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport, provided they have a valid passport with no Israeli stamps.

Can I visit Lebanon if I have an Israeli stamp in my passport? +

No. If your passport contains any evidence of travel to Israel, including border entry/exit stamps from Jordan or Egypt bordering Israel, you will be denied entry to Lebanon.