Best Things to Do in Lebanon

Lush, lovely and always a delight, Lebanon, once called the Switzerland of the Middle East, is an idyllic getaway destination.

With a myriad of pristine beaches, an endless number of museums, stunning landscapes and vibrant nightlife, the country offers a perfect mix of sights and moments, ensuring there’s something for all.

You could be swimming in turquoise waters in the morning, skiing in the snow come afternoon and strolling by Roman ruins in the evening – with a healthy dose of Fattoush in-between!

Excited? Keep reading as we take a look at Lebanon’s best highlights that will have you falling in love with the country in no time

Qadisha Valley

If you are the more active type, a visit to the country’s most stunning nature park is highly recommended. In a city filled with greenery and mesmerizing landscapes, Qadisha Valley is certainly in a league of its own.

It sits towards the north and is an easy day trip from Beirut. The valley has several hiking trails, perfect for when you want to escape society.

And if you are too lazy for it, you could also take a leisurely drive through the valley minus all the effort.

Don’t forget to stop by Qozhaya, a monastery burrowed into the rock face and dedicated to St Antonio.

Jeita Grotto

A listicle on Lebanon’s most memorable sights isn’t complete without a mention of the infamous Jeita Grotto caves.

Considered to the among the region’s most treasured natural structures, it was once a contender for the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Separate yet interconnected, these two karstic limestone caves stretch out far underground to a total length of about 9 kilometers – and that’s all that’s been explored so far!

Visitors will find a myriad of sights, from a lake to waterfalls and crystallized formations.

The surrounding infrastructure is impressive too with a train system, miniature zoo, cable cars and much more.

Sour

Hidden in the country’s south, Sour is an idyllic beach retreat. Sitting alongside a stunning strip of coastline, where beautiful turquoise waters lap against soft sand, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were teleported to the shores of the Maldives.

A UNESCO World Heritage, it is well suited for ditching the crowds. Other than plain ol’ relaxation, there’s also a lot of history in store with many archaeological marvels like the Tyre Hippodrome.

Did you know the city remains among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world?

Ski at Cedars Ski Resort

Cedars are famous across the country. It is, after all, the national tree, and you can find it on the country’s emblem.Today, cedars are restricted almost entirely to a northern reserve.

This park conserves and protects the cedar trees while doubling as Lebanon’s premier skiing resort. At a height of 2,465m, it is certainly up there and even a visit in summer can be quite a chilly affair.

That being said, the cool alpine air is always a delight while the all-year-round blue skies and trees make skiing here an incredibly surreal experience.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a chilly hike while admiring sculptures from local artist Rudy Rahme.

Enjoy the sunset at Byblos

First inhabited between 8800 and 7000 BC and then continually inhabited since 5000 BC.

Byblos, currently known as Jbail, is an ancient seaport that offers mesmeric views over the Mediterranean Sea.Aside from its views, it’s also full of historical treasures.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984, the remains of a Roman colonnade, Crusader gate and fortifications, three temples, Phoenician ramparts and Neolithic dwellings are a fascinating treat to visit and explore – even if you are not interested in history.

And while you are there, don’t forget to the visit the town’s Old Souks and traditional streets.

The area has hardly changed, and a visit here instantly transports visitors to its long bygone era as a seafaring port. The walkaways are vibrant and full of life throughout the day.

Come evening and it transforms into a great place to hang out and wind down. The best bit? At just 30 km from Beirut, it’s a great day excursion.

Baalbeck

The ancient archaeological sites in Baalbeck remain some of the most well preserved in the world. So, it is hardly a surprise that the town is among the country’s biggest attractions.

Thought to be inhabited since 9000 BCE, the UNESCO World Heritage site is home to two of the biggest Roman temples in the region.

Other than that, the area around the town has many other extensive ruins. You’ll find remnants of town walls, a mosque, fortifications made by Muslim rulers and various other Roman temples.

Most of the structures are grand and enormous. With a rustic charm all-around, Baalbeck still has the air of a rural, undiscovered region, making it a refreshing experience you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the Middle East.

Explore Beirut

Vibrant Beirut is a colorful city choke-full of charm, character and wonderful memories.

Fondly called the Paris of the Middle East, the city is home to stunning colonial era architecture, hipster coffee shops, a glamorous fashion scene, marvelous museums and dreamy coastal views.

It’s a city too chaotic to call relaxing but its intoxicating energy, diversity and kaleidoscopic soul make it a memorable place to be.

Whether it is strolling by the waterfront or the uber-fun Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael suburb, savoring the local culinary scene or dropping by a club, Beirut is an experience to treasure.

Take a trip to Tripoli

Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli is the complete opposite of Beirut but it’s no less amazing.

It’s a world far removed from the cosmopolitan vibe of Beirut but if you are looking for more tradition and a deep dive into the Levant’s culture, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Tripoli.

There are bustling souks, ancient cobbled streets, a myriad of authentic street food options and plenty of age-old architecture including citadels, castles and stone towers to gawk at.

Modernity is not what you will find here but instead, a clear, unfiltered look into the region’s soul

Baatara Gorge Waterfall

The Baatara Gorge Waterfall is unlike any other attraction in Lebanon. The gorge has three natural bridges that cross the chasm, giving it the nickname, Cave of Three Bridges.

These bridges pass near its main attraction; the stunning waterfall that cascades 255m down into a natural sinkhole.

Classified as a protected reserve, it’s quite some way out of the capital but is a beautiful experience and well worth the effort.

Beiteddine Palace

Although largely destroyed by years of conflict, the remains of the Beiteddine Palace, a 19th century mansion, still radiates opulence and vintage charm.

The palace features stunning architecture, crafted through an amalgamation of several architectural styles.

A personal favorite is its outer courtyard – a serene spot from which to stop and breathe in the world and its sensational views.

Explore around and you’ll also come across some Byzantine-era mosaics that you shouldn’t miss.

To truly experience the attraction though, visit during summer and catch the Beiteddine Art Festival.

Visit Harissa

The country’s major religious site, Harissa is home to The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, honoring the 50th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

A beautiful, gleaming 15-ton bronze statue makes it very difficult to miss the shrine while the journey to the site is made memorable by the Telefrique ride, a beautiful cable car with plenty of view