Travelling to Lebanon is a wonderful opportunity to witness the fusion of different religions. Although Lebanon is a predominantly Muslim country, more than forty percent of the Lebanese population is Christian.
Despite its small size, Lebanon has been slowly rising to the top of travelers’ lists. Its location in the heart of the Middle East and on the coast of the Mediterranean makes it a charming spot for all types of visitors. Roman ruins, monasteries, hipster cafés, impressive restaurants and vineyards, and beautiful beaches are just a few of the best places to visit in Lebanon. This list would be never-ending if you just gave Lebanon, the “Paris of the Middle East”, enough time to discover all its wonders.
Cost: $6.6 to $11.9
On top of the list for every traveler to Lebanon is the Jeita Grotto. You cannot say you were in Lebanon until you have gone to visit this grotto in Jeita, a town just outside of Lebanon’s capital city, Beirut. A place of cultural and historical importance, the Jeita Grotto was discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson. It was damaged during the Lebanese Civil War in 1978, and was re-opened in 1995. Despite this, the Jeita Grotto retained its natural rock formations which are left untouched. The grotto spells charm with its naturally formed stalagmites and stalactites lining the giant cave.
Reaching the Jeita Grotto is fairly easy as it is a popular place to visit for locals and tourists. The visit starts at the main entrance, which you can reach via a cable car. Since the Jeita Grotto is divided into two sections (upper and lower), you can take a boat ride to explore the lower part or walk the bridge to explore the upper part. Take note, though, that the use of cameras is strictly forbidden inside the premises.
Location: Jeita, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily, except Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact Details: +9619 220 841
Cost: Free
Discovered in 1952, the Baatara Gorge Waterfall in Tannourine is another must-visit place in Lebanon. It is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Besides the attractive waterfall and its refreshing waters where you can take a dip, the Baatara Gorge Waterfall boasts of natural rock formations which geologists believe were formed millions of years ago. In fact, it is also called the “Three Bridges Chasm” because of the three bridges hanging above the limestone cave believed to have existed since the time when dinosaurs still existed. Today, the Baatara Gorge Waterfall is frequented by hikers and tourists who want to capture this scenic Lebanese beauty.
Location: Tannourine El Faouqa, North Governorate, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily (best time to visit is in the morning)
Cost: $15 to $20
Almost anyone who has studied a bit of world history knows that Lebanon is filled with ancient structures that prove the existence of ancient human civilization. If you are one of those travelers who love to seek out these ancient cities, head to the city of Byblos in Lebanon, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Byblos is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the entire country, although some historians believe it is the world’s oldest. You can jumpstart a visit to Byblos by going to the Byblos Citadel, explore the nooks and crannies inside, and learn the city’s history. You can then go to the Old Souk to buy some souvenirs to take home with you, and proceed to the Fish Fossil Museum. There is a $15 entrance fee for the Citadel and $1.3 – $5.3 for the Fish Fossil Museum.
Location: Byblos, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: $20 per hour
Baalbek is the perfect city in Lebanon to see ancient archaeological monuments. Fondly called the “City of Sun”, Baalbek is home to the temples of Jupiter and of Bacchus, among other temples. In Baalbek, you have the chance to marvel at ancient architecture which served as the solace of ancient Romans as they strive to please and worship the gods. The temples of Baalbek are located near the Syrian border but it’s not a cause for worry because the place is secured by armed guards and is surrounded by mountains which divide Syria and Baalbek. Our recommendation in visiting Baalbek is to hire a local guide for a deeper immersion of the place and the temples. For a guided tour, there is a fee of $20 per hour.
Location: Baalbek District, Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: Varies
One of the main streets in Beirut, Lebanon, Hamra is lined with cafés, restaurants, theaters, and universities. Hamra Street is your chance to get to know the Lebanese “Champs-Elysées”. Some of the most prestigious universities found along this street are the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University. Moreover, the street is the venue of the Hamra Streets Festival, which is celebrated in autumn every year. The Hamra Streets Festival is a cultural celebration which aims to highlight the artistic and cultural diversity of the Lebanese. There are decorated floats, carnival parades, dances, concerts, street art displays, and fireworks display during this festival.
Location: Rue 31, Hamra, Beirut, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
A Marian shrine in Lebanon, Our Lady of Lebanon is a popular pilgrimage site in the country. The church is located in Harissa, which is a mountain village in the north of Beirut. It is owned by the Maronite Church in Lebanon and celebrates the 1st Sunday of May as its feast day. Founded in 1904, Our Lady of Lebanon is a 15-ton bronze statue with an 8.5-meter height, and outstretched hands towards Beirut. A cable car links the area to the coast of the Belvedere.
Location: Daraaoun, Harissa, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
The Raouchè Pigeon Rocks is one of the natural wonders you can find in Lebanon. A stunning set of rocks, the Raouchè Pigeon Rocks welcome tourists as they arrive in Lebanon’s capital city. Visitors to the rocks can admire the sea and the rocks while taking a stroll along the corniche. A spectacular sunset awaits travelers at the Raouchè Pigeon Rocks.
Location: Raouche, Beirut, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
Another hidden gem in Lebanon, the Chowan Waterfall in Nahr Ibrahim is a must-visit for tourists. The clear natural waters of the Chowan Waterfall will refresh you after a long road trip and a hike. Chowan Waterfall is a paradise to quench one’s thirst for rare natural beauty.
Location: Nahr Ibrahim, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
Another Marian shrine visited by pilgrims, Our Lady of Nourieh is also called “Our Lady of Light”. The monastery is tucked away in the mountaintops of Hamat in Lebanon. Because of its location, Our Lady of Nourieh also offers a breathtaking view of the ocean. Here you can find a moment of peace as you stare at the serene beauty below you.
Location: Hamat, Batroun, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
Contact Details: 961 6 730370
Cost: Free
An artificial reservoir, the Lake Qaraoun is the largest freshwater body in Lebanon. It is found in the southern part of the Beqaa Valley, and was constructed with the erection of the Litani River Dam. However, the lake does not allow locals to swim in the water. What you can do instead is explore the lake via a boat ride or take a stroll along the lake. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh seafood in one of the restaurants in the area.
Location: Lake Qaraoun, Lebanon
Opening Hours: Daily
This small Middle Eastern country is the perfect travel destination for those seeking to quench their thirst for historical and cultural adventures. If you’re travelling with kids to Lebanon, check out our list of Things to Do with Kids in Lebanon.
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