Things to Do in Lebanon

About Lebanon

Where ancient Phoenician ports meet snow-capped mountains and cedar forests, Lebanon defies every expectation of what a small Mediterranean nation can be. This is a land where civilizations have layered upon one another for millennia, creating a cultural richness so dense that you can taste it in the food, hear it in the blend of languages on Beirut's streets, and feel it in the warm resilience of its people. Lebanon doesn't just invite you to visit—it pulls you into its beautiful complexity and refuses to let go.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Always carry Lebanese pounds (LBP) in cash, as the banking crisis has severely limited ATM withdrawals and credit card usage; exchange USD at local exchange offices ("sarraf") rather than banks for better rates, and note that many businesses now prefer payment in US dollars.

• Electricity and Power: Expect frequent power cuts throughout the day, so bring a portable charger for your devices and don't be surprised when restaurants and shops run on private generators; most hotels and accommodations have backup generators, but confirm this when booking.

• Getting Around Beirut: Download ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, which are more reliable and safer than unmarked taxis; always agree on the fare currency beforehand (USD or LBP) as prices fluctuate, and avoid service taxis (shared minivans) unless you're familiar with the routes.

• Language and Communication: While Arabic is the official language, most Lebanese speak French and English fluently, especially in Beirut and tourist areas; learning a few basic Arabic phrases like "مرحبا" (marhaba - hello) and "شكراً" (shukran - thank you) will be warmly appreciated by locals.

When to Visit

Lebanon offers dramatically different experiences depending on when you visit, with April through June being optimal when temperatures hover between 20-28°C, the Mediterranean coast is perfect for swimming, and the mountains are lush with wildflowers, though this coincides with high-season pricing and crowds at popular sites like Byblos and Baalbek. September through early November provides similar pleasant weather (22-26°C) with the bonus of autumn grape and olive harvests in the Bekaa Valley, plus festivals like the Tyre Festival, though occasional early rains can begin in late October. July and August bring intense heat reaching 32-35°C along the coast with suffocating humidity, making coastal resorts packed with Lebanese diaspora and Gulf visitors, but this is when mountain towns like Ehden and Bcharre offer cool relief at 20-25°C and vibrant nightlife, while winter ski season at Mzaar Kfardebian and Cedars from December through March attracts skiers with reliable snow above 1,800m and temperatures dropping to -5°C to 5°C, though Beirut and coastal areas experience cold, rainy weather (10-15°C) with occasional infrastructure challenges from storms, making this period excellent for budget travelers seeking dramatically lower hotel rates and fewer tourists at archaeological sites.