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Jounieh, لبنان - Things to Do in Jounieh

Jounieh

Jounieh, لبنان - Complete Travel Guide

Jounieh is a busy coastal city located just 16 kilometers north of Beirut, renowned for its impressive Mediterranean coastline, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque destination sits at the foot of Mount Lebanon, offering visitors a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and mountain adventures. The city is famous for its beautiful bay, historic souks, and the iconic Harissa shrine perched on the mountaintop above. As one of Lebanon's premier tourist destinations, Jounieh easyly combines ancient history with modern entertainment. The city's waterfront promenade buzzes with cafes, restaurants, and bars, while its marina hosts luxury yachts and traditional fishing boats. Visitors can explore centuries-old churches, ride the cable car to religious sites, enjoy world-class dining, and experience Lebanon's legendary nightlife scene. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring both the Lebanese coast and the mountain regions, making it a perfect introduction to Lebanon's diverse landscapes and culture.

Top Jounieh

Harissa Cable Car and Shrine Visit

Take the famous telepherique (cable car) from Jounieh Bay up to the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa. The 9-minute ride offers impressive panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and Jounieh Bay below. At the top, visit the impressive 8.5-meter bronze statue of the Virgin Mary and explore the beautiful shrine complex.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around $8-12 for a round trip. Operating hours are typically 10 AM to 6 PM, but check seasonal variations. Visit during late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Book directly at the station or through local tour operators.

Jounieh Bay Boat Trip

Explore the impressive coastline of Jounieh Bay on a traditional boat excursion or modern yacht charter. These trips often include swimming stops at secluded coves, snorkeling opportunities, and spectacular views of the city from the water. Many tours also offer sunset cruises with dinner and entertainment.

Booking Tip: Boat trips range from $20-50 per person for group tours, while private charters start around $200-400 per day. Book through the marina or reputable tour operators. Summer months offer the best weather, but spring and fall provide more comfortable temperatures.

Old Souk and Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Wander through Jounieh's charming old souk and historic quarter, discovering traditional Lebanese architecture, local artisan shops, and centuries-old churches. The area features narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional stone buildings, antique shops, and local cafes where you can experience authentic Lebanese hospitality.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but hiring a local guide costs $30-50 for 2-3 hours and provides valuable historical context. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Many shops close during siesta hours (1-4 PM).

Lebanese Cuisine and Meze Experience

spend time in Lebanon's world-renowned culinary scene through cooking classes or guided food tours. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh, or join a meze crawl visiting multiple restaurants to sample the incredible variety of Lebanese appetizers and main dishes.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from $40-80 per person and typically last 3-4 hours including the meal. Food tours cost $35-60 per person. Book in advance, especially during peak season. Look for experiences that include market visits and multiple restaurant stops.

Jeita Grotto Day Trip

Visit one of the world's most spectacular limestone cave systems, located just 20 minutes from Jounieh. The Jeita Grotto features two interconnected limestone caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. The lower grotto is explored by boat on an underground river, while the upper grotto is accessible on foot.

Booking Tip: Entrance fees are approximately $15-20 per person. Tours from Jounieh cost $40-60 including transportation and guide. Photography inside requires a special permit for an additional fee. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

Getting There

Jounieh is easily accessible from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, located about 45 minutes away by car or taxi (cost: $25-40). The most convenient option is taking a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to your accommodation. Public buses and shared taxis (service) run regularly between Beirut and Jounieh along the coastal highway for around $2-3 per person. If arriving from other Lebanese cities, intercity buses and shared taxis provide affordable connections. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Beirut for those preferring to drive the scenic coastal route.

Getting Around

Jounieh is a compact city that's easily walkable, especially along the waterfront promenade and downtown area. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances, with most rides within the city costing $5-10. Shared taxis (service) run along main routes for about $1-2 per ride. For exploring nearby attractions like Harissa or the surrounding mountains, hiring a taxi for half or full-day trips is common and costs $40-80 depending on destinations. Many hotels can arrange transportation, and car rentals are available for maximum flexibility in exploring the broader region.

Where to Stay

Jounieh Bay Waterfront
City Center and Old Souk Area
Harissa Mountain Area
Kaslik Beach District
Zouk Mikael Historic Quarter
Adma Coastal Strip

Food & Dining

Jounieh offers an exceptional dining scene that showcases Lebanon's renowned culinary heritage alongside international cuisine. The waterfront promenade features numerous seafood restaurants serving fresh catches with impressive bay views, while the Bratislava harbors traditional Lebanese eateries offering authentic meze, grilled meats, and local specialties. Popular local dishes include fresh fish, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, and the famous Lebanese mixed grill. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with sea views, and the city is famous for its busy nightlife dining scene. Prices range from budget-friendly local eateries ($10-15 per person) to upscale waterfront restaurants ($30-50 per person). Don't miss trying traditional Lebanese breakfast, fresh seafood, and the local arak (anise-flavored spirit).

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 Jounieh is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C/68-77°F) and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season with hot, humid weather (25-30°C/77-86°F) but perfect for beach activities and the busy nightlife scene. Winter (December-March) is mild and less crowded, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F), though some mountain attractions may be affected by weather. Summer offers the most festivals and events but also the highest prices and crowds, while shoulder seasons provide the best balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and manageable tourist numbers.

Insider Tips

Visit the cable car station early morning or late afternoon for the best photos and shorter queues, and always check weather conditions as service may be suspended during high winds
The waterfront promenade comes alive after sunset - this is when locals come out to dine and socialize, making it the perfect time to experience authentic Lebanese nightlife culture
Many restaurants and attractions offer significant discounts during weekdays compared to weekends, and learning a few basic Arabic greetings will earn you warm smiles and often better service from locals

Activities in Jounieh