You’ve seen the headlines. Lebanon usually pops up in the news for all the wrong reasons, and honestly, that’s a shame because the reality on the ground is a wild, beautiful, and slightly chaotic mess of ancient history and high-end nightlife. Most people think it’s just a desert or a war zone. It’s neither. It’s actually Mediterranean cliffs, snow-capped mountains, and a food scene that makes your local Lebanese takeout look like a sad joke.
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that things to do in Lebanon aren't just about ticking boxes on a tourist map. It’s about the vibe. One minute you’re standing in a Roman temple that makes the Colosseum look like a Lego set, and the next you’re stuck in Beirut traffic listening to a mix of Fairouz and deep house.
The Roman Giants and Why Size Matters
Baalbek is the big one. Literally. Everyone tells you to go, but they don't prepare you for the scale. The Temple of Jupiter has these columns that are roughly 20 meters high. Standing at the base, you feel tiny. It’s in the Bekaa Valley, which is a bit of a drive from Beirut, but you can’t skip it.
The Temple of Bacchus is right next door. It’s actually one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Most of the roof is gone, but the intricate carvings of lions and bulls are still there, staring at you from the stone. While you're in the area, look for the "Stone of the Pregnant Woman." It’s one of the largest monoliths ever quarried, weighing about 1,000 tons. It’s just sitting there in a pit, half-finished, a massive "what if" from history.
Quick tips for the Bekaa
- Hire a driver. Don't try to navigate the checkpoints and chaotic turns yourself if it's your first time.
- Eat at Lakkis. Order the Sfiha. It’s a small meat pie, and they do it better than anyone else in the valley.
- Check the news. It sounds cliché, but the Bekaa can be sensitive. Just ask your hotel if the road is clear that morning.
Beirut’s Identity Crisis (In a Good Way)
Beirut is a city that refuses to sleep, mostly because it’s too busy rebuilding or partying. You've got the Corniche, which is this long seaside promenade. Go at sunset. You’ll see old men fishing, kids on rollerblades, and the iconic Raouche Rocks (Pigeon Rocks) jutting out of the water.
Then there’s Hamra. It used to be the "Champs-Elysées" of the Middle East. Now, it’s a bit grittier but still full of soul. The Commodore Hotel, famous for hosting journalists during the civil war, actually just closed its doors in early 2026, marking the end of an era. But the cafes are still there. You can sit for hours with a coffee and nobody will nudge you to leave.
Nightlife is a Religion
If you want the "Paris of the Middle East" vibe, head to Mar Mikhael or Gemmayzeh. It’s a dense neighborhood of old French-mandate buildings, street art, and more bars than you can count.
Honestly, the clubbing scene is ridiculous. Places like AHM or the legendary B018 (which is underground and shaped like a bunker) are world-class. Recently, there was even a Portuguese priest-DJ, Padre Guilherme, who played a massive rave in the city. That’s just Beirut for you—completely unpredictable.
Coastal Escapes and Ancient Ports
Heading north, you hit Byblos (Jbeil). It claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s got a Crusader castle, a Phoenician royal necropolis, and an old souk that’s perfect for wandering. The harbor is the star, though. Sitting by the water with a plate of fried calamari and a glass of Lebanese white wine is basically mandatory.
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Further north is Batroun. If Beirut is for partying, Batroun is for chilling. It’s become the "cool" spot lately. It has these clear pebbly beaches and a famous lemonade—try Hilmi’s or Chez Maggie.
Things to do in Lebanon’s North
- Walk the Phoenician Wall in Batroun. It’s a natural sea wall reinforced by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago.
- Visit the Nabu Museum. It’s a stunning modern building right on the coast with a private collection of ancient artifacts and contemporary art.
- Explore the Old Souks of Tripoli. Tripoli is different. It’s Mamluk architecture, heavy scents of soap and spices, and the best sweets in the country at Hallab.
Into the Green: Mountains and Cedars
You can’t talk about things to do in Lebanon without mentioning the Cedars. These aren't just trees; they’re a national symbol. The "Cedars of God" forest near Bcharre is a UNESCO site. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old.
If you like hiking, the Qadisha Valley is the place. It’s a deep gorge filled with ancient monasteries carved directly into the cliffs. Mar Antonios Qozhaya is the most famous. It’s quiet, misty, and feels a world away from the noise of the coast.
The Waterfall Most People Miss
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall in Tannourine is surreal. It’s a waterfall that drops 255 meters into a cave of three natural limestone bridges. It’s best in the spring when the snow melts. In 2026, local guides have started offering more "off-the-beaten-path" treks to the base of the gorge, which is much more intense than the standard viewpoint.
The Practical Reality
Let’s be real for a second. Lebanon has its challenges. The economy has been a rollercoaster for years. This means prices can be weird, and you’ll see people using US dollars alongside Lebanese Lira. Always carry cash. Credit cards work in big hotels and fancy restaurants, but the "cash is king" rule is absolute in the souks and smaller villages.
Safety is the question everyone asks. Most of the country is perfectly fine for travelers, but you have to be smart. Avoid the southern border areas near the Litani River and the northern border with Syria unless you have a very good reason and a local guide. The security situation can shift, so keeping an eye on travel advisories from your embassy is just common sense.
What to Do Next
Start by booking a base in Beirut, specifically in the Mar Mikhael or Achrafieh areas. This gives you walking access to the best food and art galleries. From there, organize day trips. Lebanon is small—you can go from the beach to a ski resort in about 40 minutes.
Don't over-plan. Leave a day just to get lost in the side streets of Gemmayzeh or to sit in a cafe in Deir El Qamar. The best things to do in Lebanon are often the ones you didn't see coming, like an invitation to lunch from a stranger or finding a hidden beach bar in an old salt factory.
Your Action Plan:
- Download Google Transit. As of early 2026, it’s finally live in Lebanon, making bus routes much easier to figure out.
- Pack for layers. Beirut is humid and warm; the mountains are brisk, even in summer.
- Get a local SIM. You’ll need data for maps and calling "Service" (shared taxis).
- Book a food tour. "Alternative Tour Beirut" offers walks that explain the history through the lens of local communities rather than just dates and kings.