🇱🇧Lebanon
Ancient Roman ruins, a legendary food scene, and ski slopes with sea views — alongside recent periods of serious instability worth checking carefully before any visit.
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Capital
Beirut
Best time
April–June, September–October
Language
Arabic
Currency
Lebanese pound (US dollars widely used in practice)
Lebanon holds some of the best-preserved Roman ruins anywhere at Baalbek, a Mediterranean coastline, and a food culture widely considered among the finest in the region — but the country has faced serious economic crisis and periods of regional conflict in recent years. Check your government's current official travel advisory, which may vary significantly by region within Lebanon, before making any plans beyond reading this overview.
🏛️ Baalbek Roman ruins
🍽️ Beirut's food scene
⛰️ Cedars of God forest
🏘️ Byblos's ancient harbor
Trip essentials
Budget: Costs vary considerably given recent economic instability; confirm current, practical currency and payment arrangements directly before detailed budgeting.
Visa: Entry requirements vary by nationality — check current, specific official travel advisories for Lebanon, which may differ significantly by region within the country, before making any plans.
Suggested days: 6 — 6 days would allow Beirut, Byblos, and Baalbek at an easy pace under stable conditions — but current, region-specific official guidance should shape realistic planning here more than this estimate.
Getting there: Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the main gateway — confirm current flight connections directly
Getting around: Taxis and hired drivers are the practical way to get around; public transport infrastructure is limited
Safety: Conditions vary significantly by region and have changed in recent years — check your government's current official travel advisory, including any region-specific guidance, before planning any visit
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is customary
Power plug: Type A/B/C/D/G, 220V
Tastes of Lebanon
Mezze
A wide spread of small shared dishes — hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, and more — central to Lebanese dining.
Kibbeh
Bulgur wheat and minced meat, prepared in many forms from fried to raw, considered a Lebanese signature.
Manakish
A flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese, or meat, commonly eaten for breakfast.
Arak
An anise-flavored spirit, traditionally served alongside a long mezze meal.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Beirut
The food scene, downtown reconstruction, and the Corniche waterfront.
Day 3
Byblos
The ancient harbor and old souk.
🚗 ~40min drive from Beirut
Days 4–6
Baalbek & the Cedars
The Roman ruins and the ancient cedar grove in the mountains.
🚗 ~2h drive from Beirut; check current regional guidance before this leg specifically
FAQ
Is it currently advisable to travel to Lebanon?
This varies significantly by region and has changed in recent years — check your government's current official travel advisory, including any region-specific guidance, before planning anything.
Is Beirut's reputation for food still deserved?
By most accounts yes — the city's culinary scene has remained a point of pride and resilience even through difficult periods.
Can I visit Baalbek and the Cedars safely?
This depends on current conditions in those specific regions — check official guidance for the areas you plan to visit specifically, as advisories can differ by region within Lebanon.
Why are US dollars so commonly used?
Lebanon's currency has faced severe instability in recent years, leading to widespread practical use of US dollars alongside the Lebanese pound — confirm current practical arrangements before your trip.