Lebanon is a small nation in the Middle East. It may be known more for its prior wars, Hezbollah, or the current refugee crisis with Syria. However, what most don’t know about Lebanon is how many amazing things there are to do. Beirut is a major financial hub and one of the liveliest cities in the Mediterranean.
Lebanon has historical sights, scenic mountains, waterfalls, wineries, food, and of course the Beirut nightlife. Read on to learn all about our top things to see in Lebanon.
Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The Top 13 Things to See and Do in Lebanon
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Top Things to See and Do in Lebanon
1. Watch the sunset at the Raouche Rocks in Beirut
The Raouche Rocks are also known as Pigeon Rocks and these are stone landmarks off the coast of Beirut. Besides how amazing these rock formations look, their story is one of legend. It is said that the remains are those of a sea monster the Greek hero Perseus killed to save Andromeda.
2. Eat traditional Lebanese food
Lebanese food is some of the best food we have had in the Middle East with great dish options for vegetarians. You’ll find many traditional dishes with added lemon or pomegranate to give your taste buds extra flavor.
3. Wander around some of the oldest ruins at Byblos
Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to some of the oldest ruins consisting of Crusader fortifications, a Roman colonnade, Phoenician ramparts, temples, and a necropolis.
4. Climb to the top and take in views from our Lady of Lebanon
Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the most important centers in the world that honors the Virgin Mary drawing thousands of people each year to see it. There’s also a pine forest that overlooks the Bay of Jounieh providing you with breathtaking panoramic views.
5. Drive to countryside churches in Qadisha Valley
The churches in Qadisha Valley are an amazing cultural landscape and early Christian monastic settlement. There are four monastic complexes – Qannubin, St. Anthony of Quzhayya, Our Lady of Hauqqa, and Mar Lichaa.
6. Walk through some of the few remaining cedars groves
In the Qadisha Valley, there’s the Forest of the Cedars of God which has some sacred trees giving Lebanon its fame for antiquity – some of these are claimed to be over 3000 years old!
7. Check out the stunning Baatara Falls
The Baatara Falls in Tannourine is just stunning and unlike any waterfall that we have ever seen! The waterfall drops 255 meters into a cave known as the Cave of the Three Bridges. Totally worth the trip!
8. Take a boat ride through the Jeita Grotto
The Jeita Grotto is a system of two caves that are separate but interconnected with a length of a little over five miles. You can take a boat tour through this stunning grotto that takes you through the caves.
9. See sea castles in Saida
The south coast of Lebanon has a beautiful coastal city called Saida which has one of the best traditional souks in Lebanon. It is directly from the Saida Sea Castle. It was built by crusaders in the 13th century to serve as a fortress of the holy land and nowadays, it is one of the most historical sites in Saida.
10. Walk into a traditional khan
You can take a walk in the Kahn al-Franj to take in its size, the state of preservation, and the large central courtyard. It used to be a lively one-stop trade center for travelers and salespeople back in the day. It’s a great location for those who love architecture and photography.
11. Drink wine in the Bekaa Valley
The Bekaa Valley is the most important farming region in Lebanon. It’s also where the Chateau Ksara is located – a wine company since 1857. You can tour the winery and two-kilometer network of Roman caves, do a wine tasting, and or enjoy a good wine pairing with a meal at their restaurant.
12. See some of the best Roman ruins in the world at Baalbek
Baalbek is home to some of the best Roman ruins and largest temple complexes in the world. You’ll find well-preserved and gorgeous ruins.
13. Go to the beach in Tyre
During your visit to the beach in Tyre, you can walk through the old town starting at the lighthouse then going through small streets and alleyways, and back to the port of Tyre.
Lebanon has a lot of things to do. In such a small country, it is easy for all of these activities to be day trips from Beirut. Stay for one week and explore the best of the coast, countryside, mountains, food, and nightlife.
That’s it – we hope you have an amazing time exploring Lebanon!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
