Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Lebanon
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $15-63 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Lebanon
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, shared rooms, budget hotels in residential areas
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food, local bakeries, shawarma stands, falafel shops, grocery shopping and self-catering
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, shared service taxis (servis), walking, occasional regular taxi for short distances
Activities
$0-15 per day
Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking trails, visiting free religious sites, occasional museum entry
Currency: LBP Lebanese Pound (though USD is widely accepted and often preferred)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Lebanon
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local neighborhoods rather than tourist areas like Downtown Beirut - typically 40-60% cheaper for similar quality
Use shared service taxis (servis) instead of private taxis - usually 70-80% less expensive for longer routes
Stay in residential areas like Hamra or Mar Mikhael rather than beachfront locations - accommodation typically 30-50% cheaper
Shop at local markets and souks rather than malls or tourist shops - prices generally 50-70% lower
Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) when accommodation rates drop 25-40%
Book group tours rather than private tours - typically costs 60-75% less per person
Use public transportation and walk when possible - can reduce daily transport costs by 80%
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating in tourist areas like Gemmayzeh or beachfront restaurants - typically 100-200% markup over local neighborhoods
Taking private taxis everywhere instead of using servis or public transport - can triple your transportation costs
Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season - prices typically 50-100% higher than advance bookings
Exchanging money at airports or hotels rather than official exchange houses - usually 5-15% worse rates