Things To Do
in Nabatîyé

A regional staple — bulgur and spiced meat formed into torpedoes or baked pies; you can find fried kibbeh and kibbeh nayyeh in local restaurants and family bakeries.

Must-Try!

Layers of toasted bread, yogurt, chickpeas and meat or chicken — a comforting local dish often served in family eateries.

Flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese or minced meat; excellent for breakfast at neighborhood bakeries.

Quick and widely available — rotisserie meats served with fries and garlic sauce, good for a casual meal.

Daily market stalls sell olives, pickles, dried goods, spices and pastries — try fresh manakish, olives and citrus fruits when in season.

Small vendors near the market serve hot sambousek, ka'ak, manakish and sweet pastries; perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.

A warm greeting (Salam/Marhaba) goes a long way. Accept tea or coffee offers politely; hosts are proud and hospitable. Small gifts or polite interest in family and local life are appreciated.

Dress conservatively in public and especially near religious sites: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women is a respectful guideline.

Respect religious observances and processions (notably during Ashura and other commemorations); avoid loud behavior or photographing ceremonies without permission.

Always ask before photographing people, especially women and elders; a simple 'mumkin tsawwir?' (may I photograph?) is polite.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: leave small change or round up taxi fares, give 5–10% in restaurants where service is not included, and tip hotel porters and guides modestly. For very small services, a few thousand LBP or the equivalent in USD is common.

Cash is king in smaller shops and markets; Lebanese pounds (LBP) and US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available but can run low on cash, so carry enough cash for markets and small purchases. Credit cards work at larger restaurants and hotels but expect occasional acceptance issues.

Hot and dry inland, especially July–August, with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s to mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Afternoons can be dusty; plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings and stay hydrated.

Warm days and cooler nights make it a pleasant time to visit; harvest season brings vibrant markets and comfortable hiking weather.

Mild to cool winters with occasional rain and colder nights — temperatures can drop, especially in higher elevations. Bring a warm jacket and expect some wet days.

One of the best times: wildflowers, green hills and moderate temperatures ideal for hiking and photography; markets brim with fresh produce.

Main international airport, about 70–90 km north (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic). Buses, private transfers and rental cars connect to Nabatieh.

There are no major commercial airports closer; most international visitors arrive via Beirut and continue by road.

Vegetarian options are plentiful: mezze like tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed vegetables and cheese pies are widely available. Always confirm ingredients for stocks or sauces (some may include meat broth).

Vegan choices exist in mezze and salads, but check for yogurt, butter or ghee in dishes and ask for olive oil-based preparations.

Most food is halal by default in Nabatieh; pork is uncommon. When in doubt, ask staff — restaurants are used to accommodating religious dietary needs.

Explain allergies clearly (in Arabic if possible). Many dishes use wheat (breads, bulgur), so cross-contamination is possible. Pack essentials if you have severe allergies.