Things To Do
in Tyre
Tyre, Lebanon is a coastal city with one of the oldest harbors in the Mediterranean, echoing thousands of years of Phoenician and Mediterranean history. It blends ancient ruins with lively souks, seafood restaurants, and a laid-back beach vibe along a picturesque shoreline. The city serves as a gateway to South Lebanon’s coastal culture and rugged hinterlands, offering a mix of archaeology, culture, and sea views.
Wide skies, olive groves nearby, and a welcoming southern charm characterize a visit to Tyre.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the ancient ruins of Tyre, where you can marvel at the Roman hippodrome and the stunning mosaics. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets that tell stories of centuries past. Enjoy a traditional Lebanese breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh bread, olives, and labneh.
In the afternoon, explore the Archaeological Museum of Tyre, home to artifacts that showcase the city’s rich history. Afterward, spend some time at the picturesque Tyre Souk, where you can shop for local crafts and spices. Allow yourself to be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, mingling with locals and tasting street food.
As dusk falls, head to the waterfront promenade, where you can relax and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh catch of the day prepared with traditional Lebanese spices. Finally, take a stroll along the beach, listening to the waves and enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Spend your morning lounging on the pristine beaches of Tyre, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm Mediterranean waters. Engage in a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing or paddleboarding, available at local beachfront rentals. Take a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters to start your day off energetically.
After a morning of fun, grab a light lunch at a beachside café, featuring local dishes and refreshing drinks. Continue your water adventure with snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes. Take some time to relax on the sand, enjoying the stunning views of the coast.
As the sun sets, enjoy a beach bonfire if available, or simply relax on the beach with friends and family. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants, savoring grilled fish and traditional mezze. End the day with a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, enjoying the sound of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🐟Seafood main dish | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride) | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage and coastal scenery
- Friendly locals and vibrant markets
- Accessible seafood-focused cuisine and relaxed pace of life
- Political instability and safety advisories in certain areas
- Limited public transport outside major towns
- Road conditions can vary and some areas lack English signage
- "Marhaba" - Hello
- "Min fadlek" - Please
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Kam al-thaman?" - How much is this?
- "Ayna al-hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La shukran" - No thank you
Places to Visit in Tyre
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient Phoenician harbor ruins with stone columns and sea backdrop; dramatic lighting at dawn or sunset.
Historic gates and crumbling walls framed by the Mediterranean; great for atmospheric cityscape photos.
Long promenade and sea horizon—perfect for golden-hour portraits and seascapes.
Narrow lanes, stone staircases, and street life offer candid and architectural photography opportunities.
Food in Tyre
Tyre Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish and rice dish infused with caramelized onions, spices, and often served with a lemony yogurt drizzle; widely enjoyed at coastal restaurants near the harbor.
Must-Try!
A spicy, roasted fish dish enriched with sesame and chili, typical of Lebanese seaside towns; try it at sea-view eateries.
Thyme-flavored flatbread that makes for a simple, iconic Lebanese breakfast or snack; widely available at bakeries and cafes.
Creamy chickpea dip and smoky eggplant dip served with fresh bread—common mezze staples found across Tyre’s eateries.
Assorted grilled fish, prawns, and calamari with lemon and herbs; a staple along the coast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area near the harbor offering spices, olives, fresh produce, and handmade crafts; great for sampling snacks and soaking in local life.
Fresh catches of the day with stalls for haggling and options to buy seafood to be cooked on-site or taken home.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Lebanese hospitality is warm—greet with a smile and contact; modest dress when visiting religious sites; ask before taking photos of people.
Safety
Tipping in Tyre
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service charge is not included. Round up taxi fares and tip hotel staff modestly for services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with high humidity; beaches fill up and evenings are lively along the coast. Hydration, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing are essential; water activities are popular but plan for afternoon heat.
Mild to cool with occasional rain; lower crowds and calmer coastal scenery. Pack a light rain jacket and layers; some outdoor sites may be less accessible during rain.
Tyre at Night
Hiking in Tyre
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate coastal trails offering sea views, sea breeze, and photo opportunities along Tyre’s shoreline.
Forest trails in the Chouf mountains with cooler air, cedar groves, and scenic lookout points; a popular day trip from Tyre.
Hikes through traditional villages and cedar-covered hills in the broader Shouf region; combine with a village lunch.
Airports
How to reach Tyre by plane.
The main international gateway to Lebanon, roughly 80-110 km from Tyre by road; reachable by private transfer or long-distance taxi via coastal highways.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The area features a mix of Shia Muslims, Christians, and other communities; Lebanon’s diverse demographics are reflected in Tyre’s culture and daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and pickup games are common across towns.
Swimming, snorkeling, and casual beach sports along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tyre.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lebanese cuisine offers abundant vegetarian options—falafel, hummus, mutabbal, muhammara, fresh salads, and warm breads; communicate clearly about cheese or yogurt if avoiding dairy.