Your Travel Guide to the Top Places to Visit in Lebanon

Lebanon, the Western Asian country officially known as the Lebanese Republic or the Republic of Lebanon, is a top travel destination for tourists from all across the globe. It is highly popular for its renowned cedar trees, which were first mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh (first composed around 4,000 years back).

Interestingly, Lebanese workers built the Temple of Solomon with cedar. The value of its cedars extended beyond - apart from regional constructions, Lebanese cedar has also been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs of Egypt.

This Levantine Country features some excellent tourist attractions that you will find in the following sections. Notably, Lebanon has well-connected trains and affordable flights, which make travelling to the country and within quite easy.

Let’s read along and discover some of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Lebanon - An Overview

Let’s start by enlisting some of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon with your family during summer and winter:

Best Places to Visit in Summer	Best Places to Visit in Winter	Best Places to Visit with Family
Beirut	Batroun	Naqoura (Chez Yaz)
Byblos	Bikfaya	Sidon
Baalbek	Khenchara, Metn	Baalbek
Saifi Village	Faqra	Bikfaya

1. Beirut

The country's capital, Beirut additionally features as the third-largest city within the entire Levant region. It is certainly among the top 10 places to visit in Lebanon and has grand old buildings, numerous religious sites, and well-renovated streets. Another interesting thing that may catch your eye here is how there's a church and a mosque right beside one another. The view is impressive and shows off Beirut's finest contemporary architecture at a glance.

Some of the best places to visit in Beirut are:

• National Museum – It is Lebanon's main archaeological museum. It was opened in 1942, with the collection of artefacts initiated after World War 1. In this museum, you will find more than a thousand pieces of unique collections, mainly consisting of antiquities from the pristine era to the mediaeval Mamluk period.
• Pigeon Rocks – It is also popular by the name Rock of Raouché. Reaching here is quite easy, as the Pigeon Rocks are located at Beirut's westernmost tip. This site features two huge rocks standing like gigantic sentinels. The sunset view from here is a magnificent one. However, although you can spend time here comfortably all day long, this place can become crowded during sunset.

2. Byblos

Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been inhabited ever since the Neolithic period. Also commonly known as Jubayl or Jbeil, it is Lebanon’s top places to visit as it is directly associated with the diffusion and history of the Phoenician Alphabet, which is reported to have its origin here. On the sarcophagus of Ahiram, you can find carvings of the ancient Phoenician inscription.

Besides this, Byblos has a fantastic atmosphere perfect for exploring the small local shops and numerous picturesque cafes. When here, do not miss out on visiting the city's old souks. Furthermore, Byblos's old structure and cobblestone street will tell you all about its past inhabitants ranging from Egyptians to Phoenicians.

Among the 10 places to visit in Lebanon, Byblos includes the following -

• Memoire Du Temps –  An eminent fossil museum, this is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon if you wish to see and explore various fossil collections of shrimps, eels, sharks, flying fish, squids, rays, and coelacanths. This museum was opened in 1991 and is located in Byblos's old souk. Its fossil collection is imported from the nearby villages of En Nammoura, Hjula, and Haqel-Byblos.
• Byblos Castle – This appealing historic masterpiece marks the work of the crusaders, who built it around the 12th century. It is primarily made up of the remains of Roman structures and indigenous limestone. You can visit this place to experience the essence of Byblos's history, architecture, and more.

3. Baalbek

Baalbek city lies along Lebanon's Beqaa valley east of the Litani River and is just around 60 km northeast of Beirut. Notably, during Greek and Roman rule, Baalbek was popular as Heliopolis.

This grand city has colossal constructions that are more than two centuries old. Baalbek represents itself as the Roman world's most famous sanctuary while simultaneously featuring a unique Imperial Roman Architecture model.

• Temple of Baalbek – You will find the temple of Baalbek lying southwest of Anti-Lebanon. The formation of the temple seems like a border across the fertile land of Bekaa. Although the construction of this historical temple was initiated by the Phoenicians, several changes were made as the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs came. The construction of this place is a marvel in itself, with the heaviest monoliths here weighing more than 800 tonnes. 
• Hajar el-Hibla – Among the most beautiful natural places to visit in Lebanon, the Hajar el-Hibla is a unique stone. Although how this stone got placed is still unsolved, it is a sheer marvel considering how 1,500 tons of limestone were cut with utmost precision and stacked almost 7 metres high.

4. Saifi Village

The Saifi Village is a well-renovated commercial and residential village in Beirut. It is surrounded by Rue Charles Debbas, Rue George Haddad, Rue Gourad, and Rue Ariss & Kanaani. It has great weather as well, making it one of the best places to visit in Lebanon during the summer.

Strolling on the streets of the Saifi Village can be a therapeutic experience. Although small, the place has some fantastic restaurants that let you experience Lebanese cuisine in its best form. At the corner of the streets, you will find multiple small art galleries with Lebanese art crafted by the locals as well as by eminent personalities.

Make sure that you indulge in the following activities when in Saifi Village. 

• Full-Day Walking Trip – Considering the beautiful atmosphere, you can simply commit to a full-day walking trip when in Saifi Village. By wandering around, you can explore the galleries and restaurants, and enjoy the village side views as well. 
• Private Car Trip around Jeita Grotto – Want to catch some exquisite views from the top? You can easily enrol yourself for a private car trip from Beirut and witness the incredible Jeita Grotto limestone caves, Byblos, and Harissa all together. 

5. Batroun

Located around 50 km from the capital city of Lebanon, Batroun encompasses an impressive selection of attractions that make it worth a visit.

Batroun is among the most beautiful natural places to visit in Lebanon, as it is surrounded by lush pine forests that make it a popular summer place as well. If you want to escape the busy coastal life of Lebanon, this site is the ideal spot for you. However, keep in mind that after relaxing through the day, you can also party at places like Pierre and Friends which are popular for their party vibe.

Read along to discover the best places near Batroun -

• Bonita Bay – Although a little rocky unlike other beaches, it's a splendid place to spend some excellent time with your family and friends. When here, you can enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea or even spend time in the large pool up on top if you are looking for some relaxing time.
• Phoenician Wall – This unique wall was originally a structure of sand dunes, although it was transformed into its wall form with the help of rocks by the Phoenicians around the first century BCE. This 225 m long wall is of historical importance, as it was used by the Phoenicians to safeguard themselves against sea storms.

6. Bikfaya

A pretty town located in the Matn District region and among the top 10 places to visit in Lebanon, Bikfaya encompasses some of the most popular summer resorts of the country. On top of that, the town encircles stone houses made of red-tiled roofs. 

It is also among the beautiful nature places to visit in Lebanon, as it is surrounded by pine and oak forests that truly make a sight in the suburbs. So when you are here, you should visit the following places in the vicinity -

• Saint Louis Castle – Also known as the land castle or Qalaat al Muizz, it is a ruined castle of Sidon. This castle has a long history that goes back around 800 years, having been built in 1254 by French crusaders. This castle shares a direct connection with the Sea Castle and is worth a visit.
• Zaitunay Bay – This is another prominent site in Lebanon, You can visit it and explore its grand stores and business centres. This bay serves as a mirror to Lebanon's commercial side, where you can come across numerous retail stores, restaurants, and cafes that are worth checking out.

7. Khenchara, Metn

Khenchara is a popular village ranking among the 10 places to visit in Lebanon due to its ancient churches and traditional houses. Additionally, this village is the home of one of Lebanon's most popular convents, the Melkite monastery (founded by Saint John in the 1690s). Overall, Khenchara is an excellent place to taste wines, liqueurs, and cider.

Some of the best places to visit in Khenchara, Metn are mentioned below:

• Riachi Winery & Distillery – It is one of the oldest and most popular distilleries and wineries in Lebanon. With the place’s journey extending around eight generations, Riachi Winery and Distillery notably produces high-end wines and other beverages that make it one of the best places to visit in Lebanon for wine tasting.
• Hillhout Village – This village ranks as one of the best places to visit in Lebanon during the winter. With this place offering facilities for activities like ziplining, it is also a great place to visit with your family and friends.

8. Faqra

A ski resort located on the outskirts of Mount Lebanon, it is also an archaeological tourist attraction that can provide you with great insights into Lebanon's archaeological traits. Notably, you can notice a Byzantine Church right next to a Roman temple here.

Faqra is among the top places to visit in Lebanon for historical sites and winter activities, with the snow ensuring plenty of winter-sport opportunities here.

When visiting this well-preserved location, do not miss out on the following places -

• Saint Charbel's Statue – Reportedly the largest statue of Saint Charbel in the world, This statue stands on the land owned by the Wakf, which is the Islamic Charitable endowment. Made to remember his healing miracles among Lebanon's Christians, the statue overlooks Faqra and the surrounding mountains and makes for a popular religious site in the region.
• Faqra Natural Bridge – This bridge, 38 m wide, 21 m high, and 23 m long, flaunts exceptional natural construction. You should visit the Faqra Natural Bridge, particularly during the winter, as it is covered with snow which, then, further melts and merges into the river. This bridge is also known as the Kfardebian Natural Bridge due to its location in the Kfardebian district.

9. Naqoura

Located at around a 2-hour drive from Lebanon's capital city, Naqoura is a small town in southern Lebanon best known for its blue turquoise waters. It is one of the most beautiful natural places to visit in Lebanon and has attractive places like Chez Yaz and Sidon Souks in the vicinity. 

• Chez Yaz – A popular campsite and picnic avenue, Chez Yaz is rich in terms of natural beauty. This village offers activities for all types of tourists. If you want to simply chill, you can stroll in the village and sit by the beach. On the other hand, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can go for a long swim or even take a dive in the sea. 
• Sidon Souks – Explore the wonderful bustling alleys here and mingle with the crowd in Sidon Souks. You can get on a shopping spree and explore innumerable lined-up shops and vendors. Once done, you can also check out Sidon Souks' quaint restaurants and small cafes.

10. Sidon

The third-largest city in the country, Sidon, or Saida, is the final entry in our list of the best places to visit in Lebanon. Located around 40 km from Beirut, this city has a remarkably long history that goes 4,000 to 6,000 years back. Its history is also captured nicely here, with numerous museums and historical sites adoring the city alongside beaches and souks.

Here are the must-visit places in Sidon -

• Soap Museum - Among the most quirky places to visit in Lebanon is the Soap Museum, which was earlier a soap factory constructed in the 18th century. Its transformation occurred after its purchase by the Audi family in the 19th century. The Soap Museum is a great place to visit with children and family. You can learn about the history of soaps in the region and discover the process of soap-making across all its steps.
• Walk around the City - With the city having intricate streets and roads, you can also go on foot and check out the city’s historical alleys. You can also explore the souks or markets and even savour local sweets like Knefe.

Secure Your Lebanon Trip with Policybazaar.ae

One thing clear from our discussion above is the sheer number and variety of places to explore in Lebanon. With our comprehensive list of the top 10 places to visit in Lebanon containing sites for all types of travellers, you can use it as a reference and start planning your trip soon!

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