Lebanon Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; winters bring skiing in the mountains while summers are hot along the coast. Avoid July–August if you dislike crowds and intense heat in coastal cities.

Currency

Lebanese pound (LBP); cash is commonly used—carry small bills and US dollars are widely accepted as backup.

Language

Arabic (official) with widespread Levantine dialect; French and English are commonly spoken, especially in business and tourism.

Getting around

Taxis, Uber/Careem in Beirut, shared minibuses (service) and intercity buses connect major towns; car rental gives flexibility but expect congested city driving and varying road conditions. Domestic travel times are short—Beirut to Byblos is ~45 minutes, Beirut to Cedars ~2 hours.

Culture & etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas; always ask before photographing people, and accept hospitality with a polite thank-you (shukran or merci).

Country highlights

Beirut Corniche & Downtown

Stroll the seaside Corniche and explore reconstructed downtown with its historic Martyr’s Square, Nejmeh Clock Tower, and lively cafés.

Baalbek Roman Ruins

Marvel at some of the largest and best-preserved Roman temple ruins, including the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter.

Byblos (Jbeil)

Visit one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities with a charming old souk, Crusader castle, and coastal promenades.

Qadisha Valley & Kadisha Monasteries

Hike dramatic gorges dotted with ancient Christian monasteries and enjoy serene mountain scenery near Bcharre.

Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab)

See the iconic ancient cedar trees in a high-altitude reserve—famous for their cultural symbolism and winter skiing nearby.

Jeita Grotto

Explore stunning limestone caverns with impressive stalactites and an underground river reached by boat and cable car.

What to eat

Mezze platter

An assortment of small plates—hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves—perfect for sharing.

Kibbeh

Ground meat and bulgur croquettes or baked pies seasoned with pine nuts and spices.

Manakeesh

Flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat—popular for breakfast or a quick snack.

Fattoush

Crisp salad with toasted pita, fresh vegetables, and sumac dressing.

Kanafeh

Sweet shredded pastry soaked in syrup and layered with cheese or cream—a classic dessert.

Insider tips

Carry both cash (LBP) and a small amount of US dollars; credit cards are accepted in many places but not everywhere.
Check security and travel advisories; avoid border areas near Syria and follow local guidance.
Learn a few Arabic or French phrases—locals appreciate effort and it helps in markets.
Bargain politely in souks but inspect goods carefully; fixed prices are common in shops and restaurants.
Tap water quality varies—use bottled water for drinking and carry sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for uneven streets.

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Beirut🇱🇧 Lebanon

Mediterranean energy, millennia-old charm

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Good to know — FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Lebanon?

Many parts of Lebanon, especially Beirut, Byblos, and major tourist sites, are visited safely by tourists; however, check current government travel advisories and avoid travel near the Syrian border or any areas with active tensions.

Do I need a visa to visit Lebanon?

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport for short stays, but check your government’s foreign office for up-to-date visa requirements specific to your passport.

What electrical plugs are used?

Lebanon uses Type C and Type D plugs with 230 V and 50 Hz—bring an adapter and voltage-compatible chargers.

Can I use my phone and data in Lebanon?

Local SIM cards (Alfa, Touch) are affordable and provide good coverage in cities; roaming is possible but can be expensive—buy a local SIM for data-heavy use.