Home › Destinations › Anjar
Anjar, لبنان - Things to Do in Anjar

Anjar

Anjar, لبنان - Complete Travel Guide

Anjar is a remarkable archaeological site in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, showcasing one of the best-preserved examples of early Islamic urban planning from the Umayyad period. Built in the early 8th century by Caliph Walid I, this UNESCO World Heritage site represents a unique blend of Byzantine and early Islamic architectural styles, with its perfectly preserved street grid, palaces, mosques, and thermal baths offering visitors an extraordinary glimpse into medieval Islamic civilization. The ancient city stands as a testament to the sophisticated urban planning of the Umayyad dynasty, featuring impressive stone ruins that include residential quarters, commercial areas, and grand palatial complexes. Located near the modern town of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley, the site provides an authentic archaeological experience away from crowds, making it one of Lebanon's most significant yet undervisited historical treasures.

Top Anjar

the Umayyad Archaeological Site

Wander through the remarkably preserved ruins of this 8th-century Islamic city, including the Great Palace, Small Palace, mosque, and thermal baths. The site's unique rectangular layout and blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural elements make it a fascinating window into early Islamic urban planning.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $5-8 USD and the site is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to fully understand the historical significance.

the Site Museum

Discover artifacts, mosaics, and architectural fragments found during excavations at Anjar. The small but informative museum provides essential context about the Umayyad period and the city's role in medieval trade routes.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically included with the archaeological site ticket. Allow 30-45 minutes for the visit and check opening hours as they may vary seasonally. Photography inside may require an additional small fee.

Photography Tour of the Ruins

Capture the impressive stone arches, intricate carvings, and panoramic views of the Bekaa Valley from within the ancient city walls. The site offers exceptional photographic opportunities with its well-preserved architecture against the backdrop of surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Golden hour provides the best lighting, typically 1 hour before sunset. Professional photography may require a permit costing $10-15. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the architectural details and site layout.

Bekaa Valley Wine Tasting Experience

Combine your visit to Anjar with tours of nearby wineries in the fertile Bekaa Valley, Lebanon's premier wine region. Sample local varieties while enjoying views of the valley where ancient civilizations once thrived.

Booking Tip: Wine tours typically cost $25-40 per person including tastings. Book in advance, especially during harvest season (September-October). Many wineries offer combined packages with transportation from Anjar area.

Traditional Bekaa Valley Villages

Visit nearby traditional Lebanese villages to experience local culture, traditional architecture, and authentic rural life in the Bekaa Valley. These villages offer insights into contemporary Lebanese mountain culture complementing the ancient history of Anjar.

Booking Tip: Best experienced as part of a day trip costing $30-50 including transportation and guide. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for village walking. Look for tours that include traditional lunch experiences.

Getting There

Anjar is located in the Bekaa Valley, approximately 58 kilometers east of Beirut. The most convenient way to reach Anjar is by car or taxi, taking the Beirut-Damascus highway and following signs to Anjar, with the journey taking about 1-1.5 hours from Beirut. Public transportation options include taking a bus or service taxi (shared taxi) from Beirut's Cola station to Zahle, then connecting to local transport to Anjar. Many visitors opt for organized day trips from Beirut or hire a private driver for the day, which provides flexibility to explore other Bekaa Valley attractions.

Getting Around

The archaeological site of Anjar is compact and best explored on foot, with well-maintained pathways connecting all major ruins and monuments. The entire site can be comfortably walked in 2-3 hours, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels. Within the modern town of Anjar, walking is sufficient for reaching local restaurants and shops. For exploring the broader Bekaa Valley region, including nearby wineries and villages, having a car or arranged transportation is recommended as public transport between rural attractions is limited.

Where to Stay

Zahle city center
Chtaura town
Bekaa Valley countryside
Baalbek area
Beirut (day trip base)
Mountain villages nearby

Food & Dining

Dining options in Anjar itself are limited, with a few local restaurants serving traditional Lebanese cuisine including grilled meats, mezze, and fresh bread. The nearby town of Zahle, known as the 'Bride of the Bekaa,' offers a much wider selection of restaurants, many specializing in regional Bekaa Valley cuisine featuring fresh vegetables, local wines, and traditional dishes like kibbeh and fattoush. Many visitors combine their Anjar visit with lunch at one of Zahle's riverside restaurants or at local wineries that offer food pairings with their wine tastings, providing an authentic taste of Lebanese mountain cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lebanon

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

appetito trattoria

4.7 /5
(1167 reviews)

Un basilico

4.8 /5
(535 reviews)

Stun Sushi Lounge

4.9 /5
(342 reviews)
bar

Appetito Trattoria Hazmieh

4.7 /5
(304 reviews)

Verona Resto

4.8 /5
(238 reviews)

Ryukai

4.7 /5
(243 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Anjar is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring the outdoor archaeological site. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot in the Bekaa Valley, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), making midday visits challenging. Winter visits are possible but can be cold and occasionally snowy. Spring offers the added benefit of wildflowers blooming throughout the valley, while fall coincides with the grape harvest season, making it ideal for combining archaeological exploration with wine tourism activities.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight, as the site offers little shade among the ruins
Combine your Anjar visit with nearby Baalbek (30 minutes away) for a full day of archaeological exploration, as both sites complement each other historically
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months, as facilities within the archaeological site are minimal

Activities in Anjar