Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a city of contrasts — where the Mediterranean meets millennia of history, and cosmopolitan nightlife exists alongside ancient ruins and Ottoman architecture. Despite its challenges, Beirut remains one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East.

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Attractions

• National Museum of Beirut: Lebanon’s foremost archaeological museum, showcasing Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts.

• Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque: A striking blue-domed mosque that dominates Martyrs’ Square.

• Saint George Maronite Cathedral: Located next to the mosque, symbolizing Beirut’s coexistence of faiths.

• Roman Baths: Remnants of ancient Roman public baths, located downtown and free to visit.

• Sursock Museum: A beautiful villa turned into an art museum exhibiting Lebanese and regional contemporary art.

• Beirut Souks: Modern shopping area built on the site of the city’s ancient markets, blending history and luxury retail.

🌊 Seaside & Outdoor Spots

• Corniche Beirut: A scenic waterfront promenade perfect for walking, cycling, or watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.

• Raouché (Pigeon Rocks): Natural limestone sea arches and one of Beirut’s most iconic landmarks — best viewed from nearby cafés or by boat.

• Manara Lighthouse: Offers sweeping coastal views, especially at dusk.

• Ramlet al-Baida Beach: The city’s main public beach, a place to unwind by the sea.

🎭 Arts, Culture & Nightlife

• Mar Mikhael & Gemmayzeh: Lively neighborhoods filled with art galleries, street murals, bars, and Lebanese bistros.

• Hamra Street: Beirut’s academic and cultural quarter, home to the American University of Beirut (AUB) and cozy book cafés.

• Beirut Art Center: Contemporary art exhibitions and performances by local and international artists.

• Music Hall & The Garden: Popular nightlife venues for live music and outdoor gatherings.

🍴 Food & Markets

• Souk el Tayeb: Lebanon’s first farmers’ market — perfect for sampling local produce, cheese, olive oil, and sweets.

• Zaytouna Bay: Upscale marina with waterfront dining and views of luxury yachts.

• Armenian Quarter (Bourj Hammoud): Famous for authentic Armenian-Lebanese restaurants and jewelry shops.

• Try Local Dishes: Don’t miss mezze spreads, kibbeh nayeh (raw minced lamb), shawarma, manoushe (flatbread with zaatar), and local wines or arak.

Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a jewel of Lebanon’s coast — combining ancient ruins, a charming harbor, Mediterranean beaches, and lively culture. It’s only about an hour north of Beirut, making it perfect for a day trip or overnight stay.

🏛️ Historical & Archaeological Sites

• Byblos Castle: A 12th-century Crusader fortress built from ancient stones, offering sweeping views of the ruins and the sea.

• Byblos Archaeological Site: Explore layers of history from the Neolithic, Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader eras, including ancient temples and city walls.

• Roman Amphitheatre: A small but beautifully placed theatre overlooking the Mediterranean.

• Old City Wall & Gate: Walk through ancient stone gates and alleys that once protected this maritime hub.

🌅 Seaside & Scenic Spots

• Byblos Harbor: The heart of the town — a postcard-perfect fishing port lined with cafés and seafood restaurants.

• Byblos Beach: Relax by the sea or enjoy water activities in summer; some beach clubs host evening events.

• Harbor Promenade: Perfect for sunset strolls with views of boats, ruins, and the coastline.

🛍️ Souks & Local Culture

• Byblos Old Souk: Cobblestone alleys filled with artisan shops selling jewelry, woodcrafts, spices, and souvenirs.

• Lebanese Heritage Museum: Displays artifacts, costumes, and traditional crafts from various Lebanese regions.

• Armenian & Phoenician Handicraft Shops: Great places to buy locally made pottery, mosaics, and textiles.

🍴 Food & Nightlife

• Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy fresh catch at Pepe Abed’s Fishing Club, an institution since the 1960s overlooking the harbor.

• Traditional Lebanese Cuisine: Try places like Feniqia or Bab el Mina for meze and local dishes.

• Evening Vibe: The harbor and old town light up at night with bars, cafés, and live-music lounges.

🏞️ Nearby Attractions

• Jeita Grotto: A spectacular cave system about 40 minutes away.

• Harissa: Visit the Our Lady of Lebanon statue via cable car from Jounieh for panoramic coastal views.

• Batroun: Another charming coastal town just 30 minutes north, known for beaches and microbreweries.

Tripoli, Lebanon’s northern capital, is a fascinating mix of medieval architecture, bustling souks, and authentic local life. Less polished than Beirut or Byblos, Tripoli offers visitors a deep dive into Lebanese history, crafts, and food culture — all set along the Mediterranean coast.

🏰 Historical & Cultural Highlights

• Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles (Qalaat Sanjil): Overlooking the city, this massive Crusader fortress was later expanded by the Mamluks and Ottomans. It offers panoramic views of Tripoli’s old quarters.

• Old City (Medina): Wander through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old khans (caravanserais), hammams, and mosques dating back to the 14th century.

• Great Mosque of Tripoli (Mansouri Mosque): Built in the 1200s by the Mamluks — a serene and impressive example of medieval Islamic architecture.

• Khan al-Saboun (Soap Khan): Visit this centuries-old marketplace to see traditional olive-oil soap being made by hand — Tripoli is famous for it!

• Khan al-Khayyatin (Tailors’ Khan): A beautifully preserved medieval market still filled with craftsmen.

🛍️ Markets & Artisan Souks

• Souk al-Haraj: A lively bazaar for spices, copperware, and antiques — a sensory overload of sounds and smells.

• Gold Souk: A maze of narrow lanes filled with jewelers and goldsmiths, reflecting Tripoli’s old trading wealth.

• Sweet Shops: Tripoli is Lebanon’s dessert capital. Don’t miss Hallab 1881 for knafeh, baklava, and maamoul.

🕌 Architectural & Religious Sites

• Madrasa al-Qartawiya & Madrasa al-Nasiriyya: Beautiful medieval Islamic schools featuring carved stone facades and intricate courtyards.

• Hammam al-Abed: One of the city’s oldest Ottoman bathhouses — though not always open, it’s worth visiting for its architecture.

• Saint Gilles Church Ruins: Remnants of Tripoli’s Crusader-era Christian heritage.

🌊 Modern & Coastal Attractions

• El-Mina (The Port District): Stroll along the waterfront to see colorful fishing boats, seaside cafés, and small islands just off the coast.

• Palm Islands Nature Reserve: A short boat trip away — these islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with seabirds, turtles, and calm beaches.

• Rachid Karami International Fair: Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this unfinished modernist masterpiece is an open-air monument to futuristic design.

🍴 Food & Local Cuisine

• Try local dishes:

  • Fatteh (chickpeas, yogurt, and bread layers)

  • Sfiha (meat pies)

  • Kibbeh Tripolitana (a regional variant of Lebanon’s national dish)

• Hallab 1881: An institution for Lebanese sweets and a must-visit for dessert lovers.

• Al-Haouch or Damascus Street cafés: Great for local coffee, falafel, and casual meals.

🏞️ Day Trips Around Tripoli

• Batroun (30 min south): A charming coastal town with beaches, churches, and bars.

• Bsharri (1.5 hrs east): Gateway to the Cedars of God and Qadisha Valley.

• Ehden (1 hr): A scenic mountain village popular in summer for its cool weather and views.

The Qadisha Valley — meaning “Holy Valley” — is one of Lebanon’s most breathtaking natural and spiritual landscapes. Carved deep into the Mount Lebanon range, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient monasteries, hermit caves, cedar forests, and dramatic scenery. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility in nature.

🏞️ Natural Attractions & Hiking

• Hiking Trails:

  • The main Qadisha Valley Trail runs from Bsharri to Tourza, following the Qadisha River through rugged gorges and cedar forests.

  • Popular sections include Bsharri to Deir Qannoubin and Hawqa to Hadchit, offering views of monasteries carved into cliffs.

  • Trails range from easy to moderately challenging and can be hiked year-round (spring and autumn are best).

• Cedar Forests:

  • Visit the Cedars of God (Arz al-Rabb) near Bsharri, home to some of Lebanon’s oldest and most revered cedar trees — a short drive from the valley rim.

• Waterfalls and Caves:

  • Hidden waterfalls flow through side valleys, especially in spring.

  • Small caves and hermitages are scattered along the cliffs, often still inhabited by monks or hermits.

⛪ Historic Monasteries & Religious Sites

• Deir Qannoubin Monastery: The spiritual heart of the valley, dating back to the 4th century. It was once the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate for over 500 years.

• Deir Mar Elisha (Saint Elisha Monastery): Built into the rock face near Bsharri; contains frescoes and ancient inscriptions.

• Deir Mar Lishaa (Saint Lesha Monastery): Another cliffside monastery accessible by hiking trail, known for its dramatic setting.

• Monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya: The largest and most accessible monastery in the valley, famous for its Cave of Saint Anthony and ancient printing press — one of the first in the Middle East.

🏘️ Villages & Cultural Stops

• Bsharri: Gateway to the valley and hometown of poet-philosopher Kahlil Gibran. Visit the Gibran Museum, set in an old monastery, and enjoy cafés with views of the gorge.

• Hadchit, Hasroun, and Dimane: Traditional stone villages perched on the cliffs above the valley, offering local food and guesthouses.

• Dimane: The summer residence of the Maronite Patriarch and a scenic viewpoint overlooking the entire valley.

🍴 Local Cuisine & Experiences

• Try mountain mezze, grilled lamb, and fresh dairy from local farms.

• Café Qannoubin and small guesthouses in Bsharri or Hadchit serve homemade Lebanese dishes with a view.

• Stay overnight in an eco-lodge or guesthouse for sunrise hikes or stargazing.

🕊️ Tips for Travelers

• Best time to visit: April–June and September–October (mild weather and lush scenery).

• Access: The valley floor is reachable via hiking trails from villages like Bsharri, Hadchit, or Hawqa.

• Gear: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and prepare for steep terrain.

• Photography: Morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing the cliffs and monasteries.

Baalbek, located in the fertile Bekaa Valley, is Lebanon’s most spectacular archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Known in antiquity as Heliopolis (“City of the Sun”), it was once one of the grandest Roman temple complexes in the world. Today, Baalbek blends awe-inspiring ruins, local culture, and stunning mountain backdrops — a must-see for any traveler exploring Lebanon’s interior.

🏛️ Explore the Baalbek Ruins (Heliopolis Complex)

• Temple of Jupiter:
  Marvel at the six surviving columns of what was once one of the largest temples in the Roman Empire — each column over 20 meters tall. The massive stone foundations are a feat of ancient engineering.

• Temple of Bacchus:
  Incredibly well preserved, this temple is nearly intact and richly decorated with carvings of grapevines and mythological figures. It’s larger than the Parthenon in Athens.

• Temple of Venus:
  Smaller and circular in design, this graceful temple is dedicated to the goddess of love and stands apart from the main complex.

• Propylaea and Courtyards:
  Walk through the monumental staircases and courtyards leading up to the temples — the sheer scale and craftsmanship are astounding.

🪨 Visit the Stone of the Pregnant Woman (Hajar el-Hibla)

Just outside the main archaeological site lies one of the largest quarried stones in the world, estimated to weigh over 1,000 tons. Recently, archaeologists uncovered another even larger block nearby — showcasing the extraordinary ambition of ancient builders.

🕌 Cultural & Religious Landmarks

• Sayyida Khawla Shrine:
  A beautifully adorned Shi’a pilgrimage site dedicated to Khawla, the daughter of Imam Hussein. The mosque’s mirrored interior and turquoise dome are visually stunning.

• Great Mosque of Baalbek (Umayyad Mosque):
  Built with reused Roman stones, this mosque highlights the city’s layered history through Christian, Roman, and Islamic eras.

🍷 Local Cuisine & Wine

• Enjoy traditional Lebanese food at local restaurants around the main square — particularly grilled meats, hummus, and tabbouleh.

• Sample wines from Château Ksara, Château Kefraya, or Massaya, all in the nearby Bekaa Valley (30 min–1 hr drive). The area is Lebanon’s primary wine-producing region.

🌄 Scenic Surroundings

• Bekaa Valley Drive:
  The road to Baalbek offers rolling vineyards and farmland between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges.

• Nearby Villages:
  Stop in Zahle, the “Bride of the Bekaa,” known for its riverside restaurants and poetry heritage.

• Anjar:
  Visit the 8th-century Umayyad ruins, another UNESCO site, on the way back to Beirut.

📸 Tips for Visitors

• Best time to visit: April–June or September–November for mild weather.

• Timing: Arrive early to enjoy the site before tour groups and harsh midday light.

• Local guides: Hiring a licensed guide at the entrance adds depth to your visit.

• Safety: Conditions are generally stable for tourism, but always check local travel updates before visiting.

Sidon, or Saida, is one of Lebanon’s oldest and most atmospheric coastal cities. Once a powerful Phoenician port, today it’s a blend of medieval architecture, vibrant souks, and seaside charm. Less touristic than Byblos, Sidon offers a more authentic glimpse into Lebanese daily life and heritage.

🏰 Historic & Cultural Attractions

• Sidon Sea Castle:
  A Crusader fortress built in the 13th century on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. Climb the towers for views of the harbor and the old city.

• Debbane Palace (Khan Debbane):
  A beautifully restored Ottoman-era mansion turned museum showcasing traditional Lebanese architecture, art, and domestic life.

• Khan al-Franj:
  Once a 17th-century caravanserai (inn for traders), this stone courtyard complex now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

• Temple of Eshmun:
  About 2 km north of Sidon, this archaeological site honors the Phoenician god of healing and features ancient reliefs and Roman additions.

🛍️ Old Souks & Local Life

• Sidon Old Souk:
  A labyrinth of narrow stone alleys filled with spice stalls, tailors, shoemakers, and bakeries. It’s one of Lebanon’s most traditional markets, largely unchanged for centuries.

• Soap Museum:
  Located in a restored soap factory, this museum details the history and process of traditional olive-oil soap making — a Sidon specialty.

• Souk al-Bustan:
  A smaller section of the souk known for local produce, sweets, and handwoven crafts.

🌊 Waterfront & Coastal Sights

• Corniche (Seaside Promenade):
  Walk along Sidon’s coast for sea breezes and views of the harbor and fishing boats.

• Sidon Harbor:
  A lively area filled with fishermen, boats, and small cafés — ideal for photography and people-watching.

• Public Beaches:
  Relax on nearby sandy stretches or visit local beach clubs in the summer months.

🍴 Food & Cafés

• Seafood Restaurants:
  Try freshly grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari at seaside spots like Al Qalaa (near the Sea Castle) or Zawat Restaurant.

• Traditional Sweets:
  Don’t miss Saida’s famous maamoul and knefeh at Abou Nabil or Al Baba Sweets, both local institutions.

• Coffee and Views:
  Enjoy Lebanese coffee or arak at a harbor café as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

🕍 Nearby Attractions

• Maghdoucheh:
  A hilltop village just 10 minutes away with the Our Lady of Mantara Shrine, offering panoramic views over Sidon and the sea.

• Tyre (Sour):
  About 40 minutes south — combine a day trip to Sidon with Tyre’s beaches and UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.

🧭 Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant temperatures.

• Getting there: About 45 minutes south of Beirut by car or shared taxi.

• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, culture seekers, and travelers looking for authentic Lebanese coastal life.

Tyre — known in Arabic as Sour — is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the world. Once a powerful Phoenician maritime empire, it’s now a relaxed coastal town filled with ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and authentic southern Lebanese charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tyre combines archaeology, seaside leisure, and local culture in one unforgettable stop.

🏛️ Ancient Archaeological Sites

• Al-Bass Archaeological Site:
  The largest and most impressive of Tyre’s ancient sites. Walk through a vast Roman necropolis, a colonnaded street, public baths, and a remarkably preserved hippodrome, one of the largest ever built in the Roman Empire.

• Al-Mina Archaeological Site:
  Located near the old harbor, this area features Roman roads, mosaics, and ruins of ancient houses and churches. It’s a peaceful place to stroll amid the sea breeze and history.

• Phoenician Harbour:
  Visit the remnants of Tyre’s ancient port — once the center of Phoenician sea trade and shipbuilding. The area is dotted with fishing boats and seaside cafés today.

🏖️ Coastal Attractions & Beaches

• Tyre Beach Reserve:
  A long stretch of protected coastline south of the city with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and sea turtles nesting in season. It’s one of Lebanon’s cleanest and calmest beaches.

• Tyre Public Beach:
  Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or grabbing a snack from local food stands. The vibe is family-friendly and relaxed.

• Corniche Promenade:
  Enjoy an evening walk along the seafront lined with cafés, restaurants, and fishermen mending their nets.

🕌 Cultural & Religious Sites

• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seas:
  A small, peaceful church near the harbor that reflects Tyre’s Christian heritage.

• Great Mosque of Tyre:
  A 12th-century mosque built during the Crusader period, combining Islamic and Gothic architecture.

• Historic Alleyways of Old Tyre:
  Wander through the narrow lanes of the old quarter — full of colorful doors, stone arches, and everyday life scenes.

🍴 Food & Local Cuisine

• Seafood Restaurants:
  Enjoy the day’s catch at Le Phenicien, Rest House Tyre, or local spots near the port. Try grilled fish, fried calamari, and mezza overlooking the sea.

• Street Food:
  Grab falafel sandwiches, shawarma, or manoushe (flatbread with zaatar) from family-run shops in the old city.

• Cafés by the Harbor:
  Perfect for sunset views over the Mediterranean with Lebanese coffee or arak.

🏞️ Nearby & Seasonal Experiences

• Tyre Nature Reserve:
  Located on the southern outskirts — a nesting site for endangered sea turtles and migratory birds.

• Boating Tours:
  Local fishermen offer short rides around the harbor for a different view of the city walls and ruins.

• Tyre International Festival (Summer):
  Annual music and arts festival held among the ruins, featuring performances from Lebanese and international artists.

🧭 Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: May–October for beach weather, March–June and September–November for cooler sightseeing.

• Getting there: About 80 km south of Beirut (1.5–2 hours by car).

• Stay: Boutique hotels and guesthouses near the harbor or beach area.

• Combine with: A trip to Sidon, Jezzine, or the Qana Grotto.