Best things to do in Lebanon
A concise starting point for a first itinerary, balancing heritage, landscape and memorable day trips.
What would you like to see and do?
Attractions in Lebanon
Compare Lebanon’s archaeological sites, caves, cedar forests, museums and historic towns, then use the individual guides to plan the walking, timing and nearby stops.
Plan by interest
Find the best things to do in Lebanon
Choose one main visit for each day, then add a nearby place that fits your interests. A museum or old-town meal can complement an exposed archaeological site; a long hike needs its own time. Review current official advice for each destination before making travel arrangements.
Ancient and historical sites
Follow Lebanon's history from Phoenician cities and Roman sanctuaries to Umayyad planning and medieval fortifications.
Natural attractions
Compare caves, cedar forests, valleys, river landscapes and seasonal waterfalls before choosing a route.
Religious landmarks and heritage
These guides explain active pilgrimage settings and landscapes shaped by long religious traditions.
Attractions for families
Choose according to children's ages, walking ability and current access; steps, heat and uneven ground vary considerably.
Day trips from Beirut
Keep each day geographically realistic and allow a generous traffic margin, even when map distances appear short.
Attractions in North Lebanon
The north combines high mountains, cedar landscapes and waterfalls with very different seasonal and road conditions.
Attractions in the Bekaa Valley
Build a Bekaa route around one or two principal stops rather than trying to fit the entire valley into a rushed day.
A Chouf day: palace, village or forest
Beiteddine and a walk in Deir el Qamar make a focused historical day. For a longer cedar hike, choose a Shouf entrance and give the forest a separate morning. The Mount Lebanon guide explains bases, village walking and road planning.
Understand Sidon and Tyre
Sidon’s castle and working souk tell a different story from Tyre’s separated archaeological areas. These guides provide heritage context and future planning; current official advice and local access take priority over an itinerary.
Match the visit to your available time
Pigeon Rocks is a short viewpoint stop; the National Museum or Byblos site needs a longer block. Allow a full day for a substantial valley walk once transport and rest stops are included. Confirm steps and facilities when planning with children or limited mobility.
Published guides
Choose an attraction
The visit lengths in these guides are suggested planning allowances. Current official travel advice, site access and your own pace should determine the final itinerary.
Attraction · Coast and viewpointsPigeon Rocks
Beirut's best-known coastal landmark: two limestone sea stacks just off Raouche.
Read the Pigeon Rocks guide
National Museum of Beirut
Lebanon's principal archaeology museum and an accessible introduction to the country's long history.
Read the National Museum of Beirut guide
Byblos Castle
A Crusader castle at the heart of Byblos's UNESCO-listed archaeological site.
Read the Byblos Castle guide
Attraction · Caves and natureJeita Grotto
A vast limestone cave system with a walk-through upper gallery and, when conditions allow, an underground boat trip.
Read the Jeita Grotto guide
Attraction · Views and cultureHarissa
A major pilgrimage site above Jounieh Bay, centred on the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine and sweeping coastal views.
Read the Harissa guideAttraction · Archaeology and historyBaalbek Temples
One of the Roman world's most monumental sanctuary complexes, dominated by the temples of Jupiter and Bacchus.
Read the Baalbek Temples guide
Cedars of God
A protected grove of ancient Lebanon cedars above Bsharri and part of the Qadisha Valley World Heritage Site.
Read the Cedars of God guide
Qadisha Valley
A dramatic mountain valley of cliffs, paths and historic monasteries, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read the Qadisha Valley guide
Anjar
A rare planned Umayyad city in the Bekaa Valley, with colonnaded streets, palaces and early Islamic remains.
Read the Anjar guide
Chouwen
A steep walking route through the Ibrahim River valley to clear pools and wooded river scenery.
Read the Chouwen guide
Baatara Gorge
A seasonal waterfall dropping through a limestone sinkhole crossed by three natural rock bridges.
Read the Baatara Gorge guide
Jezzine Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall below the mountain town of Jezzine, with viewpoints across the southern highlands.
Read the Jezzine Waterfall guide
Afqa Cave and Waterfall
A powerful seasonal spring emerging from a limestone cave at the source of the Ibrahim River.
Read the Afqa Cave and Waterfall guide
Kfarhelda Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall and river landscape inland from Batroun.
Read the Kfarhelda Waterfall guide
Oyoun el Samak
A river and waterfall landscape in northern Lebanon where access depends on local roads and seasonal conditions.
Read the Oyoun el Samak guide
Baakline Waterfalls
Small waterfalls and river scenery near Baakline in the Chouf.
Read the Baakline Waterfalls guide
Beiteddine Palace
A 19th-century palace complex known for its courtyards, stonework, mosaics and Chouf mountain setting.
Read the Beiteddine Palace guide
Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Lebanon's largest nature reserve, protecting extensive cedar forests, wildlife and marked walking routes.
Read the Shouf Biosphere Reserve guide
Chateau Ksara
A historic Bekaa Valley winery known for its underground cellars and an introduction to Lebanese wine.
Read the Chateau Ksara guide
Sidon Sea Castle
A Crusader fortress built on a small island at the edge of Sidon's old city and harbour.
Read the Sidon Sea Castle guide
Sidon Old Souk
A compact historic quarter of vaulted lanes, workshops and food stalls behind Sidon's harbour.
Read the Sidon Old Souk guide
Tyre Archaeological Sites
Two major archaeological areas preserving Roman streets, baths, a necropolis and a vast hippodrome.
Read the Tyre Archaeological Sites guide