Lebanon Famous For

From ancient ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes, Lebanon is a treasure trove of unique travel experiences. Here are some of the must-visit places that combine the history, culture and beauty of the country:

Baalbek

Baalbek is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Lebanon. It is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the Middle East and has the best-preserved Roman temples in the world.

Some of these include the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. Situated in the Bekaa Valley, this city offers travellers the opportunity to explore monumental ruins that date back thousands of years.

• Best Time to Visit Baalbek, Lebanon: The ideal time to visit Baalbek is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). The temperatures during this time of the year are comfortable for exploring the ruins.

• Weather in Baalbek, Lebanon: With temperatures reaching 30°C, summers can be hot whereas winters can be quite cold, with occasional snow and temperatures dropping to around 5°C.

Byblos

A historical gem along the Mediterranean coast and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos offers travellers a journey through millennia. Among many of Lebanon’s sightseeing places Byblos is famed for its Crusader Castle, Phoenician ruins and charming old souks. This scenic harbour is a must-visit for lovers of history and culture.

• Best Time to Visit Byblos, Lebanon: To explore the ancient sites in pleasant weather, the ideal time to travel to this destination is in spring and autumn.

• Weather in Byblos, Lebanon: While winters here can be rainy with mild temperatures averaging around 14°C, summers in Byblos are hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C.

Jeita Grotto

Among other Lebanon’s tourist attractions, the Jeita Grotto is a prominent one, famed for its breathtaking natural wonders. This site is a system of two separate yet interconnected karstic limestone caves spanning nearly nine kilometres.

Inhabited in prehistoric times, these caves feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites, with both upper and lower galleries open for exploration. For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a boat to explore the lower cave.

• Best Time to Visit Jeita Grotto, Lebanon: Autumn and spring are the ideal times to visit as the weather is pleasant for both outdoor and cave explorations.

• Weather in Jeita Grotto, Lebanon: The summer months are warm, with temperatures around 28°C, and winters are pleasant and cool, averaging 10°C to 15°C.

Beirut

Lebanon’s centre for culture, history and nightlife, Beirut is the capital city of the country. From the lively Hamra Street to the historic Corniche, Beirut offers a dynamic blend of the old and the new.

Boasting of some interesting places to visit in Lebanon, Beirut include iconic Pigeon Rocks and the National Museum. For more contemporary experiences, visit the city’s modern restaurants, bars and art galleries.

• Best Time to Visit Beirut, Lebanon: To enjoy exploring the city in warm and pleasant weather, the best time to visit would be during spring and autumn.

• Weather in Beirut, Lebanon: Beirut enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters (15°C) and hot summers (30°C).

Tyre

Located in the southern part of Lebanon, Tyre is a Phoenician city renowned for its impressive Roman ruins. Of the many beautiful places in Lebanon, Tyre is home to a massive Hippodrome and various temples, exciting history and culture buffs. As this is a coastal city, it also has some beautiful beaches making it a perfect blend of history and relaxation.

• Best Time to Visit Tyre, Lebanon: To enjoy sightseeing and the serene beaches, the best time to visit is during spring and autumn.

• Weather in Tyre, Lebanon: Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C, while winters are mild, averaging around 15°C.

Keserwan

Nestled between the Mediterranean coast and Mount Lebanon, Keserwan offers serene and beautiful views. Among Lebanon’s sightseeing places, Keserwan is famed for offering visitors a sense of peace through its scenic landscapes.

This is the ideal destination for travellers seeking natural beauty with some cultural depth. For unmatched views of Jounieh Bay, consider the iconic cable car ride to Harissa.

• Best Time to Visit Keserwan, Lebanon: Weather-wise, the best conditions to visit Keserwan are during spring and early summer (March to June) with pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.

• Weather in Keserwan, Lebanon: Keserwan experiences mild, wet winters and hot summers, with July and August seeing temperatures around 28°C to 32°C.

Tripoli

The second largest city of Lebanon, Tripoli is a cultural and historical treasure. It is best known for its Ottoman-era architecture, Tripoli Citadel (Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles) and bustling souks.

This city offers travellers a chance to experience its fascinating mix of history and vibrant social life. Food enthusiasts must relish the sweets from Tripoli’s traditional bakeries, which are famous across Lebanon.

• Best Time to Visit Tripoli, Lebanon: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Tripoli, with warm weather perfect for exploring the city’s markets and historical sites.

• Weather in Tripoli, Lebanon: Winters in Tripoli are mild with average temperatures around 15°C and the summers are warm with temperatures around 30°C.

Jounieh

Jounieh is a bustling seaside city in Lebanon and is known for its stunning bay views and lively nightlife. The city’s waterfront is home to Lebanon's most renowned casino Casino du Liban which is popular among tourists and locals alike.

This is the perfect destination for travellers who want to enjoy the modern entertainment scene of Lebanon while enjoying the country's coastal beauty.

• Best Time to Visit Jounieh, Lebanon: The best time to visit Jounieh is during spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.

• Weather in Jounieh, Lebanon: Summers in Jounieh are hot, with temperatures peaking at 30°C, whereas winters are mild, and average around 15°C.

Lebanon offers a range of memorable travelling experiences for visitors from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying its serene natural beauty. Here are some interesting things to see and do in Lebanon:

:Explore Baalbek:

Baalbek is the most iconic archaeological site in Lebanon. Lebanon tourists can enjoy exploring the colossal Roman temples such as the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus. Walking through these ancient ruins is an unforgettable journey into history.

:Visit Jeita Grotto:

Lebanon is famous for Jeita Grotto’s fascinating network of limestone caves. Visitors can take a walk along the upper galleries or explore this unmissable natural wonder with a boat ride along the underground river. Every nature-lover must see the impressive stalactites and stalagmites in these caves.

:Walk through the Streets of Byblos:

For travellers interested in the rich history of Lebanon, Byblos is a top attraction. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Byblos offers travellers an opportunity to explore its ancient harbour, Crusader Castle, and charming old souks. This city is a fascinating blend of history and modern life.

:Take a Cable Car to Harissa:

If one is looking for fun things to do in Lebanon, consider taking a scenic cable car ride to Harissa in the Keserwan district. With the ride, one can see the towering statue of Our Lady of Lebanon and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mediterranean coastline and the city of Jounieh.

:Spend a Relaxing Day on Batroun’s Beaches:

The coastal town of Batroun is famed for its scenic beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Travellers can spend a day at the beach and enjoy swimming, water sports,and sunbathing along the Mediterranean coast. Batroun is also renowned for its lively nightlife.

:Discover the Roman Ruins of Tyre:

Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tyre is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lebanon. Travellers can explore the large hippodrome and ancient streets and enjoy a glimpse into Lebanon’s Phoenician and Roman past.

:Explore Old Souks in Tripoli:

From handmade crafts to spices, the bustling old souks of Tripoli are a treasure trove of traditional goods. Visitors can explore this city by walking along its narrow alleyways, visiting the Tripoli Citadel and relishing some traditional Lebanese sweets.

:Hike in the Mountains of Matn:

Another interesting inclusion in the list of fun things to do in Lebanon is to engage in the scenic mountain hikes and nature walks of the Matn region. This is an ideal activity for visitors looking for adventure and tranquillity amidst Lebanon’s natural beauty. Walking along the lush trails around Chouwen Lake or the historic Deir el Qalaa Monastery ensures an unforgettable experience.

Lebanon is renowned the world over for its mouth-watering cuisine. Here are some foods that enthusiasts must not miss when they visit Lebanon:

Appetisers

To explore the various appetisers of the country, start with a mezze which is a collection of small dishes. Must-try among these are hummus (a creamy chickpea dip) and baba ganoush (a smoky eggplant spread). Combine this with a parsley and bulgur salad called tabbouleh and delicious spinach-stuffed pastries called fatayer.

Main course

For a hearty meal and a taste of the street food culture of Lebanon, consider shawarma- thinly sliced marinated meat wrapped in flatbread. Kibbeh prepared with minced meat and cracked wheat is another favourite served either baked or fried. For a more traditional alternative, indulge in Sayadieh, a spiced fish and rice dish from the coastal areas.

Desserts

A mouth-watering sweet dish that is hard to resist is Baklava, made with layers of filo pastry, nuts and honey. Another unmissable dessert from Lebanon is Knafeh- a warm dessert made from cheese and semolina, soaked in syrup, that is perfectly paired with coffee.

To ensure a seamless trip to Lebanon, here are some things that Indian travellers must bear in mind:

• Indian travellers require a visa to travel to Lebanon so ensure you have all your essential travel documents ready.

• Both Lebanese pounds and US dollars are widely accepted in the country so travellers should carry both these currencies. Carry cash as several small establishments do not accept cards.

• As public transport is limited, consider car rental options.

• Dress modestly in rural regions and religious places.

• Invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy for coverage against unforeseeable travel scenarios.

• For better communication, acquaint yourself with some basic Arabic phrases.

Lebanon offers a unique travel experience with its blend of history, culture and natural beauty. From exploring ancient ruins to relishing its mouth-watering cuisine, there is something for every kind of traveller. However, when one undertakes an overseas trip, it is important to secure it with international travel insurance.

A travel insurance policy by TATA AIG is designed to take care of a host of unpleasant scenarios that can hamper your journey. From trip curtailment, and misplaced baggage to lost passports and flight delays, international travel insurance acts as a reliable safety net in an unknown destination.

When planning an overseas vacation, consider our TATA AIG travel health insurance, which can help you cover the high cost of medical treatment in a foreign land. With our plan, you can enjoy medical benefits like cashless hospitalisation, 24/7 medical assistance and coverage for emergency dental treatments. You can also enjoy a host of non-medical benefits like coverage for delayed flights, third-party liabilities and lost or delayed luggage.

With our international travel medical insurance, you can rest assured as you receive the necessary treatment without high out-of-pocket expenses.

What are some Lebanese customs to be mindful of?

When visiting Lebanon, greeting people with “Marhaba” (hello) is polite. When visiting someone’s home, remove your shoes outside and accept offers of tea or coffee.

What are the common languages of communication in Lebanon?

French and English are commonly spoken in cities and these languages can be generally spoken in most tourist destinations.

Are some places unsafe in Lebanon?

When travelling to Lebanon, international travellers are recommended to check the travel advisory and avoid border areas with Syria due to political tensions.