4-Day Lebanon Itinerary: Byblos, Smar Jbeil, Batroun, Beirut, and Harissa
Welcome to our 4-day Lebanon itinerary!
Despite its small size, the legacy of Lebanon and its diaspora is global. From the days when the Phoenicians inhabited Lebanon till modern times, the proud inhabitants of the country have always had, found, or created reasons to love their home. Nowadays, if you visit Lebanon, you should expect to be wowed by exquisite Lebanese cuisine, the remnants of ancient civilizations, vibrant nightlife, picturesque scenery, the rich cultural heritage, and the indomitable spirit and warmth of the people. But what if you only have a handful of days — or even less to experience Lebanon? Do you explore Southern Lebanon and walk the ancient Roman ruins in Tyre and sunbathe on its sandy beaches? Should you venture into the Bekaa Valley and stand in awe before the Baalbek Temples and the Temples of Niha and perhaps indulge in a wine tasting in Zahle? Or is your time best spent in the majestic Lebanon mountains that dominate much of the landscape?
“My Lebanon is a serene mountain sitting between the sea and the plains, like a poet between one eternity and another.” — Khalil Gebran
The truth is, there isn’t a perfect answer or even a perfect itinerary — however, we’ve carefully curated this guide for your trip to Lebanon to ensure that it comes close to perfection. Our goal for this Lebanon travel guide is to help you have maximum hassle-free enjoyment so that whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a digital nomad, or looking to have an unforgettable vacation, you fall in love with Lebanon by the end of your trip. Fortunately, we also had a chance to test run this Lebanon travel guide when my brother visited us for four days (currently, I’m on my fourth year living in the country), verifying that everything you’ll read about in this article can absolutely be done and is well-optimized for your short stint in this magnificent Mediterranean country.
This 4-day Lebanon itinerary includes:
Nightlife recommendations in Lebanon
Road trips in Lebanon
Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Lebanon
Lebanon travel tips and ideas
Restaurant recommendations in Lebanon
And much more! So without further ado, let’s dive right into our ultimate 4-day Lebanon travel guide!
4-Day Lebanon Itinerary
4 Day Lebanon Video Guide
Day 1 in Lebanon: Explore Byblos and Smar Jbeil
We’re kicking off day one in Lebanon with the assumption you arrived the night before and have the first full day from morning to evening for exploration. Once you’ve landed in the country, you can use taxis or buses to get around; however, renting a car is your best option for convenience and comfort — especially since you’ll want to be able to turn this vacation into a scenic road trip through Lebanon. We’ll explain everything you need to know about transportation and renting a car in Lebanon at the end of this travel guide.
With limited time to see the country, we’ve prioritized your destinations based on many factors, ranging from aesthetic beauty and history to the ease of travel and the overall experience you’ll have, which brings us to our first stop: Byblos.
Walking tour of Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos, also known as Jbeil in Arabic, is a history-rich city located on the coast of Lebanon approximately 40 kilometers north of Beirut (making it possible for this to be a day trip from Beirut, though we’d recommend staying overnight in the area). Jbeil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, having been settled and occupied by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Ottomans, and Arabs since the Neolithic period. All of these groups have left architectural, cultural, and historical impacts that make Byblos arguably the most magnificent city in Lebanon — particularly for history enthusiasts.
Park near the 7,000-year-old Phoenician Port, breathe in the salty air, and gaze out at the sea. No matter how you get there, the biggest attraction in Byblos is the Crusader Castle, which was used to defend against invasions, most commonly, at the hands of the Cypriots. The remarkably well-preserved Byblos Citadel is a pristine example of medieval architecture, with a drawbridge, watchtowers, and seemingly impenetrable limestone walls, strengthened by repurposed Roman columns. Best of all is the fact that Byblos Crusader Castle is situated amongst the sprawling Byblos archaeological site, which features a royal Phoenician necropolis with an Indiana Jones-esque tunnel to the underground sarcophagus of a king, a Roman amphitheater, collonade, and nymphaeum, the ruins of Bronze Age homes, and several temples, most notably, the Temple of the Obelisks. Personally, I’ve wandered the archaeological site dozens of times and never tire of it because it’s just one of those rare places where you’re left awestruck, curiosity-filled, satisfied yet yearning for more.
A tour of Byblos Castle
Next, take a stroll through the Byblos souks and the old town, with its lovely outdoor cafes, pubs, restaurants, winding alleys, and limestone buildings. Historic Byblos is small and extremely walkable. Once you’ve wrapped up your exploration of Jbeil, you could stay the night at the guesthouses in Byblos such as Beit Faris and Lucia or at a luxurious resort or hotel such as Byblos Sur Mer. You’ll also find plenty of sunset bars to grab a refreshing drink and lots of places to eat in Byblos if you’ve worked up an appetite from walking around. If you’re looking for other activities to do in Jbeil, check out our article for some other ideasWhile you could explore Byblos thoroughly in a few hours, it’s a city that’s worth taking your time to see. This is why we left it in the early evening to check into Casa De Thoum, a traditional Lebanese guesthouse in Thoum, a serene mountain town about 15 minutes north of Byblos. If Casa De Thoum is booked, try Villa de Flores for another equally charming Lebanese guesthouse in the area. Once we dropped off our belongings, we took a short drive to Smar Jbeil.
Located in the Batroun district of Lebanon, Smar Jbeil offers stunning natural beauty, hiking trails (such as the Smar Jbeil to Douma trail), and rich history. This peaceful village is perched atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby valleys. Smar Jbeil has been inhabited since ancient times and in addition to its history as a Phoenician worship site, it boasts, a roofless Crusader church with oak branches sprawling over it for shade, the Smar Jbeil Crusader Citadel, and ancient olive presses and rock-cut tombs carved long ago into limestone hill.
Smar Jbeil Citadel
The Smar Jbeil Citadel was built by the Knights Hospitaller, a faction of Crusaders. It served as a base for the knights’ military operations in the region. The citadel has since been occupied by various rulers, from the Mamluks to the Ottomans. Typically, when I’ve been to the Smar Jbeil Citadel, I’m the only one there, so you’re quite likely to have this Northern Lebanon landmark all to yourself — especially at sunset, which is when its panoramic views are the most spectacular. In fact, when we took my brother to the citadel, we were the only ones there so we experienced the ultimate sense of serenity as we watched the sun fade beneath the horizon and sink below the Mediterranean.
For dinner, we took my brother to Mariolino, a delicious Italian restaurant located in the Batroun souks, which is about a 15 to 20-minute drive from Smar Jbeil. He tried their pesto pizza, a red wine from Chateau Ksara (a Lebanese wine), and a few drinks from Mariolino’s cocktail menu. He loved the food, which we weren’t surprised about. You could also try Pierre Y Amigos if you’re in the mood for good Mexican food in Batroun. After dinner, we walked the souks at night, admiring the old time feel that’s balanced with just enough nightlife, pubs, and bars that you won’t run out of options. Batroun is one of the best places in Lebanon for romance or to hang out with friends, giving you the ability to curate your own experience in this Northern Lebanon city.
Walking around Batroun and Smar Jbeil
Day 2 in Lebanon: Look Out from Mseilha Fortress and Stroll Batroun
To start day two, we had breakfast at Casa De Thoum. They cooked a traditional Lebanese breakfast for us, which featured items like eggs, Labneh, thyme bread, jam, crepes, halloumi, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, coffee, tea, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
After that, we headed a little north of Batroun to visit Mseilha Fortress, a historic 16th-century limestone castle built to patrol the inland route between Batroun and Tripoli. It is surrounded by a moat that was filled with water and is extremely steep and difficult to penetrate seeing as it is perched upon an outcrop. Fans of military history and architecture will be particularly impressed by the arrow slits and other defensive features of the Ottoman-era fortress.
Mseilha Fortress tour
Next, we took a 15-minute drive to tour my brother around Batroun during the daytime. Parking in Batroun can be a bit tricky — along with driving due to the narrow streets. We parked across from Pierre Y Amigos. If my memory is correct, you may also find a parking lot near St. Stephano’s Cathedral.
We began our stroll by walking towards Hilmi’s and grabbing mint lemonade for each of us. Afterward, we wound our way through the souks to Batroun port with its picturesque cloud-white lighthouses and fishing boats before taking a left and winding our way seaside until we arrived at the church overlooking the famed Batroun Phoenician Wall.
Besides being one of the most Instagrammable places in Lebanon, the Batroun Phoenician Wall is believed to have been built by the Phoenicians in the 4th century BC to protect the city from sea invasions and to create a safe harbor for trading ships. This series of blocks is 3 to 4 meters tall and 1.5 meters thick and has withstood erosion and weathering. In addition to being one of Lebanon’s most popular tourist attractions and Instagram-friendly spots, the Phoenician Wall in Batroun is also an ideal place to watch the sunset. It’s easy to climb on top of it. Just pack dinner and bring a bottle of your favorite Lebanese wine, and you’re ready for a romantic evening.
Batroun Phoenician Wall
Depending on what time you get done roaming around Batroun, you’ve got several other options. During the summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy the water sports and activities like stand-up paddle boarding and swimming largely because the area boasts some of the best public beaches in Lebanon. If you’re looking for dinner or a late lunch, you could wander the souks and stop at any of the restaurants that catch your eye or head seaside to Ray’s in the heart of Batroun Bahsa. I’d recommend the latter, mostly because of the views of the Mediterranean and the general ambiance — and if you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be beyond satisfied.
If you finish with Batroun early in the day, you could also take a 15-minute drive to Anfeh, affectionately nicknamed “Anforini” or “Lebanon’s Santorini” due to the white and blue homes and cafes and its windmills (You could also reverse Batorun and Anfeh and start your day swimming and enjoying the beachy vibes of Anfeh). Similarly to Batroun, Anfeh is especially popular during the warm summer months when visitors flock to enjoy its rich history, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean atmosphere. Its most famous beach is Tahet el Rih, situated by Anfeh’s old port and its breathtaking peninsula. Tahet el Rih is my personal favorite beach to swim at in all of Lebanon because of how crystal clear the water is, how calm the sea is because of how the peninsula shields you from the waves, and how you are surrounded by idyllic scenery in each direction (the white and blue buildings, the windmills, and the ancient ruins on the peninsula just a two-minute walk away). After you’ve worked up an appetite swimming and soaking in the sun, you’ll find several seaside restaurants right along the cove, offering fresh seafood dishes such as fried calamari, grilled octopus, and shrimp scampi, along with Lebanese dishes such as hummus, kebabs, moutabel, and tabbouleh. Plus, if you’re looking for a guesthouse in Anfeh to stay overnight, we’ve enjoyed staying at Iskandar Guesthouse and O Fleur de Sel.
A day in Anfeh (Enfeh) Lebanon
When my brother was in town for a visit, we headed back to our apartment in Mtayleb, which is sort of like a suburb of Beirut located about a 20-minute drive from the capital city. But again, if you’d rather stay overnight in the north, you’ll find countless accommodations, ranging from beach resorts to mountain guesthouses and anything else that suits your taste.
Day 3 in Lebanon: Road Trip to the Bekaa Valley, Southern Lebanon, or Harissa, Jounieh, and the Jeita Grotto
Day three ended up being a lighter day when my brother came; however, if you’ve got the time and some flexibility, this is the point where you could customize your itinerary a bit. Prior to day three, I would generally say that Byblos and Batroun and the activities mentioned in days 1 and 2 are universally enjoyable.
We went to Harissa and Jeita Grotto, both of which I’ll explain more about in a moment. However, some other alternatives for day three could be:
1) Baalbek, Anjar, Temples of Niha, and the Beqaa Valley
Baalbek is home to the Baalbek Ruins, arguably the most exquisite historical site in Lebanon and certainly the grandest. Located roughly 85 kilometers northeast of Beirut, the Baalbek Ruins include the Temple of Bacchus, the Temple of Venus, and the Temple of Jupiter, collectively referred to as the Baalbek Temples. The Temple of Bacchus is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Roman temples in the world. It has massive stone columns, intricate carvings, and a fascinating yet unsurprisingly Bacchanalian past.
Tour of Baalbek Temples
To the southwest of Baalbek, lies Anjar, a small town best known for its striking Umayyad-era ruins and its history as a commercial hub between Damascus and Beirut. With fortified walls and a distinctive architectural mix of Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine design, Anjar is well worth the approximately 50-minute drive from Baalbek. Expect to see the ruins of the town’s main street, shops, and the magnificent Palace of the Caliph, which served as Anjar’s political and cultural center. Personally, I think Anjar — similarly to the next site I’m about to mention — is criminally underrated and is a remarkably peaceful place, where Muslims and Christians live cooperatively.
Tour of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley
The Temples of Niha should be mentioned in the same breath as the Baalbek Temples, yet these ancient religious structures are often left off of most people’s Lebanon bucket list — and are relatively unknown. Dedicated to a variety of pagan gods and Roman gods and goddesses, including Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, the Temples of Niha were erected during the Roman era over the course of the 1st to the 4th century AD. In terms of scope and grandeur, it stuns me that they are essentially forgotten and receive little touristic attention. When you see them in person, you’ll experience a similar awe to walking in the Temple of Bacchus; however, instead of the brown, sandstone look of the Baalbek Temples, the Temples of Niha have a darker aesthetic like they were made of granite or even basalt. Of course, they are simply made of limestone, but all that is just to say, they are beautiful beyond belief. I suspect part of the reason why this hidden gem of Lebanon is so overlooked is because it is somewhat out of the way — like it’s more well-known counterparts Baalbek and Anjar. However, from Baalbek, Niha is a 40-minute drive and from Anjar, Niha is roughly a 30-minute drive.
The small town of Niha is surrounded by bikeable countryside in the Beqaa Valley and the hiker-friendly Lebanon Mountains. Niha also gives visitors a chance to try the traditional Lebanese village cuisine at its restaurants. This includes dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, grilled meats, and raw meat.
In most cases, entering or leaving the Beqaa Valley to visit Baalbek, Anjar, or to see any of the surprising crops being grown in the valley, along with any other places of interest, you will need to pass through Zahle, Lebanon’s third-largest city with a population of more than 75,000 people. In addition to its numerous cafes and restaurants, the beautiful Berdawni River, and a bustling nightlife (Zahle even has a Game of Thrones-themed bar), Zahle is often called the “City of Wine and Poetry” for its longstanding history of producing many of the country’s most superb wines as well as being home to world class wineries and vineyards — including Chateau Ksara, one of Lebanon’s oldest and most popular wineries.
Chateau Ksara, the leading producer of Lebanese wine, was founded by Jesuit priests in 1857, but beneath the vineyards and the chateau lies yet another fascinating tale — kilometers of tunnels that are believed to have been around since the Roman era and perhaps before. They are thought to have been used as a Roman prison; however, these days the vast, intricate tunnel system is used to store thousands of bottles of Chateau Ksara’s famed red, white, and rose wines. If you visit Chateau Ksara, take a tour of the winery, learn about their winemaking process and explore the cellars and tunnels to see the bottles and barrels of aging wine. The chateau also has a fine dining restaurant for an upscale option as you enter into the more rural region of Lebanon.
Quick tip: An important thing to note is not to travel the roads toward Baalbek at night. During the day, you will be safe, but traveling the area at night is ill-advised. You could also go with a tour group to steer clear of these concerns. If you are not used to traveling in the Middle East, you should expect to pass checkpoints. Do not be frightened about passing through checkpoints because they are standard and designed to help stifle criminal activities.
2) Tyre and Sidon
Another way you could spend day 3 in Lebanon is to take a road trip to Southern Lebanon. The two most popular cities in the south for tourism are Sidon (also known as Saida in Arabic) and Tyre (also known as Sour in Arabic). It’s worth noting that unless you’ve got 5 days to a week, you would likely have to pick between a trip to the Bekaa Valley or South Lebanon or miss out on the Byblos and Batroun section of the itinerary.
Located 80 kilometers south of Beirut, Tyre is located along the coast of Lebanon, a strategic position that once helped this UNESCO World Heritage Site become a mighty Phoenician center of maritime trade and commerce before Alexander The Great eventually conquered it during the Siege of Tyre. The Romans built a Roman Hippodrome, a massive necropolis, a Hadrian’s Arch (you’ll also find them in several sites such as in Antalya, Turkey; Phaselis, Turkey; and Jerash, Jordan), an ancient harbor, and other constructions that still stand to this day.
Walking tour of Tyre (Sour) Lebanon
In addition to its well-preserved archaeological sites (one of which overlooks the sea), Tyre boasts pristine beaches — said by the Lebanese to be the cleanest in the country — equally clear waters, and luxurious resorts for enjoying everything the Mediterranean has to offer. Speaking of the Mediterranean, when you visit Tyre, indulge in fresh seafood, such as calamari, grilled fish, and shrimp, as well as Lebanese cuisine at the city’s cafes and restaurants. Before you leave Tyre, you’ll also want to be sure to explore the city itself to see the vibrantly colored houses and cobblestone streets. Typically, when we go to South Lebanon, we stay overnight at Dar Alma Hotel, a boutique hotel. Part of the reason for this is because this Lebanese city can keep you well occupied and in bliss for at least a day or two and it’s pleasant to be able to take it in at your leisure. But again, with four days to see Lebanon, you might prefer to make it a day trip and drive back north towards Beirut.
If you started your day early enough, you could explore Sidon on your way to or from Tyre. Tyre is arguably the more pleasant and enjoyable of the two cities, so I’d recommend prioritizing it; however, that is not meant to detract from the things that make Sidon so significant. North of Tyre and 40 kilometers south of Beirut, Sidon dates back to the Phoenician era when it was once of such importance as a commercial and trading center that the Bible refers to the Phoenicians several times as the “Sidonians.”
Even if you’re limited on time, you could see most of the major attractions in Sidon in an hour or two, such as the Saida Sea Castle, the Temple of Eshmun (a Phoenician temple dedicated to the Canaanite god of healing), the Khan el-Franj, the Saida souks, and the less talked about St. Louis Castle.
3) Harissa, Jeita Grotto, and Jounieh
The third option, the one my brother chose for his third day in Lebanon, was to visit Harissa, the Jeita Grotto, and Jounieh. Of the three options, going to Harissa is the easiest if you’re staying around Beirut. This small mountain town is a religious pilgrimage site with the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The statue of Mary is more than 30 meters tall and is visible from kilometers away. In fact, we can see it from our apartment in Mtayleb, which is a fair distance from Harissa. Tourists tend to enjoy taking the telepherique, a sky tram, to get to the statue. From the top of the mountain, you can see the Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean. For the most picturesque views, head to Harissa at sunset or sunrise.
Best things to do in Jounieh
Next, go to the Jeita Grotto — open from morning till afternoon. If you are visiting Lebanon during the winter season, there’s a pretty big chance it will be closed due to heavier rains and renovations. The Jeita Grotto, a near miss to land on the 7 Natural Wonders of The World list, has been dubbed the “8th Natural Wonder of The World.” This limestone cave system is about a 5-minute drive from Harissa and is the largest cave network in the entire Middle East, featuring awe-inspiring chambers full of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites formed by water and chemical reactions throughout eons. There’s even evidence that Jeita Grotto was used as a foundry in ancient times.
After you’ve finished exploring the caves, drive 18 minutes to arrive at the coastal city of Jounieh. In fact, this is where the telepherique or cable car to Harissa begins. Jounieh is best known for its nightclubs, bars, vibrant nightlife, and nearby Casino du Liban; however, during the day, stroll along the Jounieh souks and grab a bite at any number of its seaside restaurants like Margherita Mare or Palm’s Beach House or indulge in French Lebanese cuisine at La Creperie, a cliffside fine dining restaurant overlooking the Bay of Jounieh.
Tour of the Jeita Grotto
Day 4 in Lebanon: Experience all that Beirut has to offer
For your final day in Lebanon, it only makes sense to try to experience Beirut, its most famous city, in all its glory. Once known as the “Paris of the Middle East,” Beirut is a culturally rich — and perhaps, culturally, politically, and socially complex city. Shaken by the Beirut Blast most recently and brutal wars over since the late 1970s, as evidenced by the bullet-riddled buildings all throughout the city, Beirut is the phoenix that rises from the ashes time and time again.
In spite of everything the capital of Lebanon has endured, it continues to thrive as a tourist destination. As you consider where to go and what to do in Beirut, it’s good to know what each part of the city has to offer. For example, Mar Mikhael, a personal favorite, is sort of the Bohemian quarter of Beirut, notable for its French mandate architecture, cozy cafes, and pub scene that comes to life at night. Gemmayze, which is right next to Mar Mikhael on the way towards Central Beirut, is like a grown-up Mar Mikhael with a bit more of a laid back, upscale vibe. Ashrafieh has a similar feel to Gemmayze, but it’s most well-known for its hilltop location and luxury real estate. Bourj Hammoud is known as Beirut’s “Little Armenia” because of the Armenian refugees who migrated to this quarter after the Armenian Genocide. One thing you’ll notice about Bourj Hammoud is that it’s one of the busiest areas of Beirut, yet it feels somehow intimate, safe, and oddly comfortable. Plus, if you enjoy great Armenian food, you’ll find it there on just about every corner. Central Beirut is a can’t miss simply because of the Beirut souks, the Blue Mosque, the Revolution Wall, Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the adjacent Roman ruins, and — if you’re looking for a romantic rooftop restaurant, Clap Beirut. Another must-visit place in Beirut is Zaitunay Bay, a thoughtfully-planned modern waterfront development located on the Beirut Marina. It has a variety of cafes, restaurants, and high-end boutiques. Typically, this is the first place we bring our Western friends and family to limit their initial culture shock due to how upscale, safe, and frankly, westernized the development feels. The dining options at Zaitunay Bay include French, Lebanese, Italian, American, and Japanese cuisine. Additionally, the restaurants have outdoor seating and offer views of the sea. Right next to Zaitunay Bay, you can walk along the Beirut Marina. People often ride bicycles, jog, and do other activities in this seaside location.
We took my brother here before we showed him Pigeon Rock, also known as Raouche Rock. Pigeon Rock is one of Beirut’s major landmarks, which you’ll often see on postcards and in just about anything promoting Lebanon. Raouche Rock is a naturally arched double rock formation, rising 60 meters out of the Mediterranean. While Pidgeon Rock does make for an Instagram-worthy selfie, the best way to experience it is to get up close for a boat road. Simply follow the trail down and you’ll encounter locals who will lead you down to the boaters. They will start off asking for a higher price — especially if you are an English speaker or seem like a tourist; however, you can haggle and get a better price. In our case, we paid $30 for a group of four. Do not be alarmed by the pirate-like vibe towards the bottom. It is safe and is essentially run as a (mostly) fair local business. We’ve now gone on two separate Pidgeon Rock boat rides and have been pleasantly surprised by how wonderful each experience has been. We were expecting something that would feel completely touristic, but both times, the memory was worth the price.
Boating around Pigeon Rock
To wrap up your fourth day in Lebanon, you may want to party the Lebanese way. You’ve got a few options, depending on your interests. If you’re going for something more lowkey, grabbing dinner at any number of the incredible restaurants in and around Beirut is a solid choice. Most of this itinerary has not been designed in the absolute budget-friendly way and the restaurant recommendations I’ll give here are generally pricey. My main goal for this itinerary has been to help you have the best possible time in Lebanon, with some concern for budget. In that vein, you could savor #1 MENA-ranked Baron’s cuisine or be blown away by dinner and an acrobatics and dancing show at Aria Beirut. Alternatively, check out any of these restaurants to find the one that best suits your cravings.
You can find a party year-round in Lebanon, but the true season for roof-raising fun with a dash of wild is the summertime. See for yourself why Lebanon is renowned for its nightlife by dancing the night away at RAW, Cicada Bar in Broumana, Mezcaleria, Iris Beirut, SPINE, BOLD, Pitch Black, Caprice, Taiga Beirut, Kult Beirut, Skybar, and Anbar to dance the dabke.
People Also Ask These Questions About Visiting Lebanon
Is Lebanon safe to visit?
Lebanon is safe to visit in spite of what news coverage and the media may portray. The economic and political instability is real and during the 2019 Lebanese Revolution, the country was plunged into chaos; however, violence is occasional, scattered, and improbable. Tourists rarely experience issues. As a rule of thumb, research the particular areas you intend to visit, avoid large crowds and protests, use licensed taxis and ridesharing apps, and be respectful of local customs. Fortunately, Lebanon is a relatively liberal Middle Eastern country, so the type of respect and customs you need to adhere to are fairly universal and common sense-driven.
How do you rent a car in Lebanon as a tourist?
Renting a car in Lebanon is simple for tourists. Typically, tourists need to make sure they have a valid driver’s license from their home country or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). After that, they need to choose a trustworthy car rental agency. Companies, such as Hertz and Avis, have locations throughout Lebanon. Check the age requirements and insurance policies of your chosen rental car company and reserve the car ahead of time. Upon arrival, go to the rental car company’s office to complete the necessary paperwork and pick up the car. You will need your driver’s license or IDP, your passport, and a credit card. It’s wise to inspect the car and photograph any damage so you can avoid being falsely accused of causing damages later on. Be prepared that driving in Lebanon is extremely unlike driving in the United States and many other parts of the world. The roads can be narrow and unpaved, traffic can be dense, drivers can be unpredictable, and the rules, such as staying in lanes, are not followed closely — if at all.
What is the local currency in Lebanon and where can I exchange my money?
The local currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese pound (LBP). However, due to hyperinflation, the LBP is rapidly depreciating in value so it’s important to be aware of the exchange rate and to pay close attention as you are paying at restaurants and patronizing any business in Lebanon. You can exchange money at licensed currency offices, which tend to offer better rates than hotels and banks.
What languages are spoken in Lebanon?
The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. But the Lebanese often speak or at least understand French. English is also commonly used and as an English speaker you should be able to get by with English, especially in urban areas. Armenian and Syriac are also used in Lebanon to a much smaller extent than the Arabic, French, and English.
How should I dress when visiting Lebanon?
You should generally dress modestly when visiting Lebanon. Dress conservatively at mosques and religious sites. In the beachy areas, you can usually dress casually, and at most beaches women can wear bikinis.
How much money should I bring when visiting Lebanon?
When you visit Lebanon, you should bring more money the longer you expect to stay in the country. Assuming you are on vacation, it’s a good idea to bring enough to spend anywhere between $80 to $100 per day in addition to the price of your accommodations. The reason that number may be a bit higher than you would expect is because the country’s hyperinflation is quickly making Lebanon one of the most expensive countries in the world.