Things To Do
in Lebanon
Lebanon is a small, diverse country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and significant archaeological heritage, including ancient Phoenician cities. Despite its beauty and cultural wealth, Lebanon has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic crises, and the impacts of regional conflicts.
Nevertheless, the country remains a fascinating blend of cultures, religions, and traditions, with a warm and welcoming population, renowned cuisine, and stunning landscapes ranging from beautiful beaches to snow-capped mountains.
- "Marhaba" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Inshallah" - God willing
- "Yalla" - Let's go
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a breakfast of manakish at a local bakery. Afterward, visit the historic Martyrs' Square to soak in the city's culture.
Spend your afternoon at the National Museum of Beirut and immerse yourself in Lebanon's rich history. Stroll along the Corniche to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean views.
Dine at a seaside restaurant and taste authentic Lebanese mezza. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in the city lights.
Visit Jeita Grotto early to avoid the crowds and marvel at its stunning caves. Take a round boat tour to appreciate the natural beauty.
Have lunch at a nearby café and then head to Harissa to visit the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine. Enjoy panoramic views of Jounieh from the cable car ride.
Return to Jounieh for dinner with a view of the bay. Experience the lively nightlife with cafes and bars along the seafront.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Diverse and vibrant cuisine.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and coastline.
- Strategic location as a hub for trade and commerce in the Middle East.
- Strong sense of community and hospitality among its people.
- Political instability and frequent governmental changes.
- Economic challenges, including high unemployment and inflation.
- Security concerns due to regional conflicts.
- Infrastructure issues, such as unreliable electricity and water supply.
- Environmental challenges, including waste management and pollution.
Best Activities in Lebanon
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery while trekking along the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which covers around 470 km of Lebanon's mountains and countryside.
Experience Lebanon's natural beauty by visiting the ancient Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning cedar trees and scenic surroundings.
Enjoy a day at the beach in the historic city of Tyre, where you can indulge in water sports, sunbathing, and relaxation along its beautiful coastline.
Tours
Uncover the best of Lebanon with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Lebanon
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning natural cave system with underground rivers and breathtaking rock formations, offering a unique photo opportunity.
A picturesque promenade along the Mediterranean coast, providing beautiful views of the sea, city skyline, and Pigeon Rocks.
A magnificent three-tiered waterfall cascading into a cave, creating a surreal and photogenic natural setting.
An ancient crusader castle overlooking the historic city of Byblos, offering panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean coast and surrounding landscape.
Food in Lebanon
Lebanon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kibbeh is a popular dish made of finely ground meat, bulgur, and spices. It can be fried as a croquette or shaped into balls. Must-try at: Em Sherif Restaurant in Beirut.
Must-Try!
Shawarma is a Levantine meat preparation where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit and grilled. This delicious street food can be found at Abu Michel in Beirut.
Manousheh is a traditional Lebanese flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients such as za'atar, cheese, or ground meat. Must-try at: T-marbouta in Beirut.
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It can be found at various bakeries across Lebanon.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lebanon better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the Armenian neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud, this bustling market offers a wide range of street food, including falafel, kebabs, and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
This Beirut farmers' market promotes small-scale farmers, producers, and consumers. It's a great place to sample local street food and find artisanal products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Lebanon, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting for the first time. It is also common to exchange kisses on the cheek, usually two or three times, between people of the same gender.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Lebanese culture. It is important to address older individuals with appropriate titles and show deference in speech and behavior.
When dining in Lebanon, it is polite to wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before beginning your meal. It is also customary to leave a little food on your plate to indicate that you have been served enough.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lebanon with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Lebanon
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lebanon, it is common to leave a tip of around 5-10% at restaurants, cafes, and for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Lebanon, although credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments. It is important to have cash on hand, especially in smaller towns and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lebanon.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Lebanon due to pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and green landscapes. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Peak tourist season with hot and dry weather. Perfect for beach activities and water sports. Many cultural events and festivals take place.
Mild weather, beautiful fall foliage, and grape harvest season. Ideal for enjoying nature and outdoor adventures.
Snowfall in mountain regions, great for winter sports. Coastal areas experience mild and wet weather. Beirut remains lively with indoor cultural events and nightlife.
Lebanon at Night
Hiking in Lebanon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Bsharri district, it's known for its ancient cedar trees and stunning mountain views.
A national park featuring beautiful cedar trees, hiking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
Offers a variety of hiking trails with breathtaking views, particularly popular during the summer and fall.
A scenic trail ideal for hiking and nature walks, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Nearby the famous grotto, it offers hiking paths through beautiful scenery and unique geological formations.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lebanon through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Lebanon by plane.
The primary airport serving Beirut, Lebanon, and the largest airport in the country.
The busiest airport in Egypt, located in Cairo, approximately 630 km from Beirut.
A major international airport in Istanbul, Turkey, located about 1,150 km from Beirut.
The main airport serving Amman, Jordan, located approximately 300 km from Beirut.
A key airport located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, around 2,000 km from Beirut.
One of the world’s busiest airports, located in Dubai, UAE, about 2,200 km from Beirut.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant Christian denomination in Lebanon, Maronites are estimated to comprise around 21% of the population.
The largest Muslim group in Lebanon, Shiites make up approximately 27% of the population.
Sunni Muslims are one of the major Islamic groups in Lebanon, constituting about 30% of the population.
The Druze community accounts for about 5% of the Lebanese population, known for their unique religious beliefs.
One of the prominent Christian groups in Lebanon, Greek Orthodox Christians make up around 8% of the population.
Other smaller Christian sects exist in Lebanon, including Protestant and Armenian churches, making up around 3% of the population.
A significant demographic group in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees live in camps and make up about 10% of the population.
The Soul of Lebanon
Discover the essence of Lebanon through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Lebanon, with a strong following and local leagues. The national team competes in international tournaments.
Basketball has a significant following in Lebanon, with many local clubs and a professional league. The country has produced several talented players who have competed internationally.
Volleyball is popular in Lebanon, both at the recreational and competitive levels, with various clubs and tournaments held throughout the year.
Rugby is growing in popularity in Lebanon, with a passionate community and the establishment of local clubs and competitions.
Athletics, including track and field events, is practiced at schools and local clubs, with Lebanon participating in various regional competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lebanese cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and fattoush. Many restaurants and cafes also offer specific vegetarian and vegan menus.
Those with gluten intolerances can still enjoy Lebanese cuisine, as many dishes are naturally gluten-free. Dishes like grilled meats, vegetable kebabs, and rice-based dishes are safe options. Additionally, many places offer gluten-free bread and other alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Lebanon with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lebanon.