Looking for the ultimate Lebanon travel guide? I’ve got you!
Even though I only had a short 5 days in Lebanon – I went there for a wedding -, I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite countries in the Middle East. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, amazing food, Lebanon is a must-visit destination for any traveler – especially if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to ultra touristic places like Greece, Turkey, etc.
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First of all, let’s talk about the food. If you haven’t tried Lebanese cuisine, you’re missing out. As a person who was born and raised in Brazil (home to the biggest Lebanese community outside of Lebanon), I’ve always loved Middle-eastern food. There’s literally no mistake you can make going out for food in Lebanon.
Before we get down to the itinerary, make sure that you watch my Lebanon trip vlog:
Now, let’s move on to the sights, which I was so surprised with. You can find some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world there. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll be in heaven, as Lebanon is home to ancient ruins dating back thousands of years.
If you don’t have much time and are planning a short stay in Lebanon, I highly recommend basing yourself in Beirut and using it as a starting point to explore the rest of the country, since distances are so small. That’s exactly what I did during my recent trip, and I had a great time.
Day 1
On my day 1, I basically was just situating myself in Beirut. My flight arrived by mid-afternoon, and I decided to just rest at the Hotel (I stayed at the Kempinski Summerland Beirut), since it had a great infrastructure, and an amazing view to the city. It had a private beach and a bar right by the water, so it was a very easy decision to stay there for the first day.
On this day, I also booked a meeting with a person to exchange money, since the exchange rate for cash was SO different from the one when you pay with a card, due to the crisis the country is facing now.
Day 2
On my second day, I hired a private local driver and headed to the Baalbek ruins. I paid around $60 for this tour, which was a very good price since the one-way drive to Baalbek is 2h.
Located in the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek is home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world. The temple complex dates back to the Roman Empire and features massive stone pillars, intricate carvings, and stunning mosaics. It’s a must-visit for any history buff. It used to not be so safe to go up there, and my Lebanese friends said I’m crazy for going, but I didn’t feel threatened at any point.
Day 3
The next day, I headed to Byblos with the same driver. This charming coastal town is one of the oldest (continuously inhabited) cities in the world, dating back over 7,000 years. Its picturesque harbor, ancient castle, and cobblestone streets make it a super popular destination. I spent the day wandering through the colorful souks, trying local delicacies, and taking in the stunning views.
Later, I met with some friends and we went for a nice boat ride around!
Day 4
On day four, I headed to Batroun, which is a super laid-back seaside town and it’s famous for its pristine beaches, historic churches, and fresh seafood. I spent the day lounging on one of the many beach clubs – the one I went to was the Orchid beach club, which I really recommend. We rented a table with a jacuzzi and enjoyed the day around there and had an amazing time!
Really hope these tips were useful if you’re planning a trip to Lebanon! Make sure you watch my vlog for more information 🙂
And that’s it for my Lebanon travel guide. I hope you found this post helpful. Safe travels!
What do you think?