Places You Just Can't Skip if You're Visiting Lebanon

Jbeil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world
Jbeil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world | © Amanda Ahn / Alamy Stock Photo

Freelance Writer

While Beirut is beautiful in its own right, there are many other places to visit in Lebanon. The country is full of towns to explore and take in, so here are those places you just can’t skip if you’re visiting Lebanon.

1. Tripoli

Architectural Landmark

Boats bob in the Port area (Al-Mina) in Tripoli
© Paul Doyle / Alamy Stock Photo

The second-largest city in Lebanon, Tripoli has to be on your itinerary. Slightly underappreciated by tourists because of its previous political unrest, it’s one of the misunderstood cities in the world. Tripoli has a unique history being on the coast of the Mediterranean and a hub for the Ottoman influence in Lebanon. You’ll find pieces of history and modernity littered all over the city. From old mosques to new cafes there’s a bit of everything in this small piece of Lebanon.

2. Batroun

Architectural Landmark

mediterranean coast at Batroun, Lebanon, Middle East, West Asia
© Egmont Strigl / agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo

Another small coastal town, Batroun is one of Lebanon’s most beautiful venues and definitely a favorite among locals and tourists. Its picturesque streets, amazing seas views and welcoming people make it one of Lebanon’s best towns. If you’re having a short road trip through Lebanon, Batroun is definitely the place to stop for lunch.

3. Jbeil

Architectural Landmark

Mediterranean city historic center panorama with old church and mosque and residential buildings in the background, Biblos, Lebanon
© Vadim Nefedov / Alamy Stock Photo

One of Lebanon’s most popular tourist destinations, Jbeil has definitely earned its visitors. The town’s well-maintained historical landmarks, amazing atmosphere and beautiful landscape have made it the place to spend the weekend. It’s old souk, sea-view hotels and tourist sites will leave you wanting more as the city’s charm never seems to run out.

5. Baalbek

Architectural Landmark

The Temple of Venus in the ruins of the Roman city of Heliopolis or Baalbek in the Beqa Valley
© Marco Ramerini / Alamy Stock Photo

Home to Lebanon’s most famous historical landmark, the Roman Ruins, Baalbek is a “classical” destination to visit in Lebanon. The temple of Ishtar and Venus, the ruins will take you back to a time of magic, oracles and ancient gods. Walk where generations have gone before and try to visualize what it would have been like to live under the rule of ancient Rome.

6. Tyr

Architectural Landmark

The ruins at Tyr Lebanon with bricks and broken columns
© char abumansoor / Alamy Stock Photo

Another famous site for Roman ruins, Tyr is an underrated site in the country. Its deep Phoenician and Roman histories make it a treasure for history seekers. Take a trip down south of Beirut and embrace the place’s energy and history. Tyr is the perfect stop for a local but distinctive meal and change of pace from the bustle of the capital.

7. Bekaa Valley

Architectural Landmark

The ruins at The site of Baalbek with a large standing buildings with columns and other fallen buildings
© simone migliaro / Alamy Stock Photo

Home to expansive green stretches and the country’s famous wineries, Bekaa Valley is definitely a place to spend the weekend. Drive around the countryside and visit wineries like Chateau Ksara. Get to know another side of Lebanon as you discover more of this amazing Valley.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article