Best Things to Do in Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the world’s smallest countries (10,452 sq km) with one of its longest recorded histories. The things to do in Lebanon span its Phoenician, Roman, Crusader, Ottoman, and French colonial heritage layers. Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley, has the most impressive Roman temple complex in the Middle East — the Temple of Jupiter (six Corinthian columns still standing from an original 54, each 22m high and 2.2m in diameter), the near-perfectly preserved Temple of Bacchus, and the Temple of Venus. Byblos, the ancient Phoenician port 40 km north of Beirut, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities (9,000 years), with a Crusader castle, Phoenician tombs, and a picturesque restored historic harbor area. Jeita Grotto, 23 km north of Beirut, is a spectacular underground cave system with one of the world’s largest stalactites. The Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab), at 2,000m in the Mount Lebanon range, is one of the last surviving stands of the Cedrus libani that once covered Lebanon’s mountains and built Solomon’s Temple. Beirut itself, despite decades of conflict and the devastating 2020 port explosion, has one of the most electric urban cultures in the Arab world: the Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods, the Beirut National Museum, and the city’s food scene.Best time to visitApril through June and September through October are the best months: spring and autumn with comfortable temperatures (18-28°C) and clear skies. The summer (July-August) is hot on the coast (30-35°C) and crowded with Lebanese diaspora returning home. Winter brings snow to the mountains (skiing at the Cedars and Mzaar/Faraya is possible December-March) and rain on the coast. Note: The security situation in Lebanon requires checking current advisories carefully, particularly regarding the south of the country near the Israeli border and the situation in Hezbollah-affiliated areas.Getting aroundRafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut has connections to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Within Lebanon, the country is small enough (170 km north-south) to day-trip anywhere from Beirut. Shared minibuses (service taxis) run along major routes for very low fares. Taxis are widely available; Uber operates in Beirut. Rental cars give the most flexibility. The road to Baalbek (2 hours) passes through the Bekaa Valley; guided tours are the safest option for first-time visitors.What to eatLebanese cuisine is one of the world’s most celebrated: hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, fattoush, labneh, baba ghanoush, and falafel originated in or were popularized by Lebanese cuisine. The mezze tradition (dozens of small shared dishes) is the fundamental dining format. In Beirut, Em Sherif and Tawlet (a rotating-chef farmers’ market restaurant concept) represent the fine-dining and authentic ends respectively. Skaff restaurants in Byblos serve the best fresh fish on the coast. Kaak (sesame bread rings sold from street carts) with labneh and za’atar is the classic Beirut street breakfast. Lebanese wine from the Bekaa Valley (Chateau Musar, Ksara, Kefraya) is excellent and underappreciated internationally.FAQIs Lebanon safe to visit?This requires careful current assessment. Lebanon has been in a severe economic crisis since 2019 (currency collapse, bank failures), experienced the massive Beirut port explosion (August 4, 2020), and has ongoing political instability. The security situation in the south near the Israeli border is a separate and serious concern (given the 2023-2024 Hezbollah-Israel hostilities). Tourist areas in Beirut, Byblos, and Baalbek have generally been accessible during non-conflict periods, but conditions change rapidly. Check your government’s current travel advisory very carefully before booking. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.