Disclosure: Some of the links on our website might be affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.Below are 10 Things To Do when vacationing in Beirut, Lebanon.
Beirut Souks The epitome of the Lebanese post-Civil War development, the Beirut Souks is lined with designer brand names from Hermes, Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, just to name a few. If you want the experience of an authentic Lebanese Souk stop by on a Sunday, where you can find everything from pirated DVDs, antiques, etc. a great place to get your souvenirs for friends and family.
Nejmeh Square The square is a recognizable icon in Downtown Beirut. Home to the Lebanese parliament and a giant clock tower at the center, both of which were designed by Lebanese Armenian architect Mardiros Altounian. Check out Playing Tourist in Downtown Beirut .
Pigeon Rocks in Raouche Find yourself doing nothing on a bright sunny day in Beirut; take a stroll down along the Rauche sidewalk where you can see the infamous pigeon rocks or cycle using the Beirut by Bike rental system. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea, get a feel of Beirut’s life, plus squeeze an exercise in your vacation. Along the Raouche sidewalk you’ll get a glimpse of the daily life in Beirut from children playing, break dancers, and fishermen.
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Not many cities have a Mosque and a Christian church side-by-side, simultaneously capturing religious rivalry and harmony. Men and women are to enter separately but quickly reconvene after entrance. Women are to dress modestly and are required to cover their heads upon entrance.
American University of Beirut One of the most prestigious universities in the Middle East. Perfectly situated on a hill and sloping downward reaching the Mediterranean. The campus is a beautiful oasis of banyan trees, greenery, and stray cats. While in the campus it is worth taking a peek at the Archeological Museum. Explore the area around the campus where you will get a sense of what the city was like before the Civil War. Grab a coffee with condensed milk from a vendor, or a mouthwatering sandwich from Bliss, or simply order a saj manouche with veggies. Fun fact, the university snips the ears of our felon friends to note it is an AUB cat. Things to take note: The university gates are lined with guards, so when entering tell them you are here to take a stroll. They will most likely ask you to leave a form of identification at the front gate where you can retrieve it after you finish your tour of the campus.
Harissa – Our Lady of Lebanon Take an exhilarating nine-minute telepherique (cable car) ride from the Bay into Jounieh, where the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa will greet you. At the base of the Virgin Mary statue houses a tiny chapel, and the reward for climbing the spiral staircase is an incredible panoramic view of Jounieh Bay. Before you leave don’t forget to light up a candle and make a pray. When your pray comes true return back to Harissa to show your gratitude. Things to note, it is absolutely breathtaking if you do this adventure during sunset but be careful of going around 6pm as the electricity goes out and you might find yourself dangling in the cable car for a bit.
Byblos Run through the first Phoenician city Byblos (locally known as Jbeil). The ancient civilization has history stemming from Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans. Take a tour of the Byblos castle, wind down the cobble-stoned streets to a tiny fishing harbor, and explore the never-ending souks.
Jeita Grotto Explore one of the Middle East’s wonders. Take a mini cable-car to the location, once there take a boat ride through the cave where you will see a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves with a length of over 10 kilometers. Return to the start point with a mini train. Things to note: you will leave your belongings in a locker storage area and photographs are not allowed.
Sidon Sea Castle An ancient castle built by the Crusaders to defend the Saida harbor. The castle is located on a small island in Saida connected by a short 80m bridge. There is not much information about the castle and its history so I do recommend do a small Google search prior to going. Things to note: Not far from the castle is yet another arched souk.
The Cedars of God (Bcharre) An ancient cedar forest, with much historical significance, as the cedar is Lebanon’s national emblem. When you reach the forest there are no tours but there are well marked trails that you can stroll through. An amazing souvenir to bring back is a little cedar block with your name written in Arabic.
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I’ve never been, but after reading this I’ve added it to my list of ‘Must Visits’!
Fascinating article, thank you! I’ve honestly never considered going to Lebanon because I knew nothing about it. Now I do! It truly looks like a beautiful place with rich history. ♥️
Lebanon is just across the way from where I am. A friend who recently visited said it was one of the best places she’s ever been to. Thank you for your article, I’ll be visiting Lebanon this year (if the borders all open)
I love traveling and can’t wait to go to Lebanon one day. Thank you so much for this post, I’m going to save this as a guide for later!
It seem like such an interesting place to vist. Pictures are beautiful by the way!
I’ve never been to Middle East. Your photos are beautiful and I think Lebanon might be a great tip for someone who has never been to such places. I heard its a very westernised part of Middle East with abundant night life 🙂
Amazing travel guide! I have friends from Beirut and they always told me how beautiful it is now I can see why! Thanks for sharing 😄