Lebanon travel guide

Lebanon Tourism | Lebanon Guide

You're Going to Love Lebanon

Bathed by the Mediterranean, Lebanon is a country of contrasts where the West meets the Middle East and tradition and modernity coexist.

Home to warm and welcoming people, Lebanon boasts mouthwatering cuisine, gorgeous views, and remarkable ancient ruins.

What to do in Lebanon

1. Visit the National Museum of Beirut

A trip to the National Museum of Beirut provides a ticket into the country's rich history if there isn't time to visit all the archaeological traces scattered around Lebanon.

2. Experience the Outdoors at the Lebanon Mountain Trail

For experienced hikers or those just getting started, go on a guided tour of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Amazing views are guaranteed.

3. Walk Beirut's Most Famous Promenade

Walking on the Corniche by the sea in Beirut is one of the most charming things to do in the Lebanese capital city. Mix with locals going on their daily stroll or spend time at one of the cafes.

4. Discover the Old City in Tripoli

Wander the streets of the Old City in Tripoli and browse the local souks (traditional markets) for gold, perfumes, spices, and brass. Women should dress according to the local dress code in this area.

5. Marvel at Beiteddine Palace

A renovated 19th-century palace, Beiteddine is one of the top attractions in the Chouf Mountains in Lebanon, near Beirut.

1. Visit the National Museum of Beirut

A trip to the National Museum of Beirut provides a ticket into the country's rich history if there isn't time to visit all the archaeological traces scattered around Lebanon.

2. Experience the Outdoors at the Lebanon Mountain Trail

For experienced hikers or those just getting started, go on a guided tour of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Amazing views are guaranteed.

3. Walk Beirut's Most Famous Promenade

Walking on the Corniche by the sea in Beirut is one of the most charming things to do in the Lebanese capital city. Mix with locals going on their daily stroll or spend time at one of the cafes.

4. Discover the Old City in Tripoli

Wander the streets of the Old City in Tripoli and browse the local souks (traditional markets) for gold, perfumes, spices, and brass. Women should dress according to the local dress code in this area.

5. Marvel at Beiteddine Palace

A renovated 19th-century palace, Beiteddine is one of the top attractions in the Chouf Mountains in Lebanon, near Beirut.

When to visit Lebanon

Skiers should travel to Lebanon between December and April. For travelers looking for warmer days, head to this country from June to August to enjoy the popular beaches and nightclubs of Beirut.

How to Get to Lebanon

Entry requirements

Citizens from most countries can enter Lebanon with a free visa on arrival issued at the airport. This type of visa allows travelers to stay for up to one month.

Plane

Lebanon is served by only one airport where all international flights arrive: the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Local airline Middle East Airlines has several regular flights to and from Europe. Travelers going to Lebanon from elsewhere must account for at least one layover.

Entry requirements

Citizens from most countries can enter Lebanon with a free visa on arrival issued at the airport. This type of visa allows travelers to stay for up to one month.

Plane

Lebanon is served by only one airport where all international flights arrive: the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Local airline Middle East Airlines has several regular flights to and from Europe. Travelers going to Lebanon from elsewhere must account for at least one layover.

Popular airports in Lebanon

Popular airlines serving Lebanon

Lufthansa
Good (7,115 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,347 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,918 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,804 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,512 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,655 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,324 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,141 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (783 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (903 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (414 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,896 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (559 reviews)
Pegasus Airlines
Good (631 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (508 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (720 reviews)
Eurowings
Good (293 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Lebanon

Most hotels and hostels will be located in Beirut. It is possible to find all-inclusive resorts in the coastal cities of Byblos and Jounieh.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lebanon

Most booked hotels in Lebanon

Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut, An IHG Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 267+
Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 253+
The Parisian Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 72+
Gefinor Rotana
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 119+
Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 123+
1866 Court & Suites Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 118+

How to Get Around Lebanon

Public Transportation

Some cities are served by a local network of privately run buses. A one-way ticket within the same city costs approximately 1,959 LBP (1.30 USD).

Alternatively, in Beirut, taxis are a popular mode of transportation. Taxis are usually operated by White Taxi and Lebanon Taxi. Ask or negotiate the flat fee with the driver.

Bus

There are regular long-distance minibuses departing from Beirut to other towns in Lebanon. The route between Beirut and Tripoli is the only one served by larger buses.

Look for the government-run buses with red license plates. The ticket is paid to the driver on board, at the beginning or the end of the ride. Usually, the driver will drop passengers where requested, even if it's not an official bus stop.

Car

In such a small country as Lebanon, renting a car is the most practical option to get around. Cars can be rented with a driver, but it's usually cheaper to opt for a driverless car.

Basic traffic rules aren't always strictly followed by local drivers, so be alert when driving in compact traffic.

Public Transportation

Some cities are served by a local network of privately run buses. A one-way ticket within the same city costs approximately 1,959 LBP (1.30 USD).

Alternatively, in Beirut, taxis are a popular mode of transportation. Taxis are usually operated by White Taxi and Lebanon Taxi. Ask or negotiate the flat fee with the driver.

Bus

There are regular long-distance minibuses departing from Beirut to other towns in Lebanon. The route between Beirut and Tripoli is the only one served by larger buses.

Look for the government-run buses with red license plates. The ticket is paid to the driver on board, at the beginning or the end of the ride. Usually, the driver will drop passengers where requested, even if it's not an official bus stop.

Car

In such a small country as Lebanon, renting a car is the most practical option to get around. Cars can be rented with a driver, but it's usually cheaper to opt for a driverless car.

Basic traffic rules aren't always strictly followed by local drivers, so be alert when driving in compact traffic.

The Cost of Living in Lebanon

The local currency is the Lebanese Pound, but travelers can pay in US Dollars practically anywhere in the country. ATMs are frequent to find and cash can be withdrawn in both currencies. Credit card payments are accepted in large chain hotels and restaurants. Most businesses display prices in US Dollars. Groceries for a few days can cost approximately 67,837 LBP (45 USD).

Popular cities in Lebanon