Lebanon
Lebanon squeezes Roman temples, Phoenician harbours, cedar groves and Ottoman-era souks into a country you can cross in a morning. Baalbek's colossal columns and the layered ruins of Byblos are world-class, Beirut's restaurants and bars are among the region's best, and the mountains offer cool air in summer. Check conditions carefully before booking.
Overview
Lebanon is a narrow strip of coast backed by two mountain ranges, with the fertile Bekaa Valley between them. Distances are short, so most visitors base themselves in Beirut and make day trips: north along the coast to Byblos and Batroun, up into the mountains to the Jeita Grotto and the Qadisha Valley, and over the Mount Lebanon range to Baalbek and the Bekaa wineries. The Chouf, south-east of the capital, adds Beiteddine's palace and the cedar forests of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. A week covers the essentials, ideally with a driver, since public transport is informal.
Lebanon is sociable, food-obsessed and stylish, and its hospitality is famous. Since the 2019 financial collapse the economy has run largely on US dollars in cash, and prices in Beirut can match those in southern Europe, though the countryside is cheaper. Mains electricity has long been patchy, so many hotels rely on generators. Political and security conditions can change quickly, and the FCDO advice differs sharply between regions, so check it before every trip. Visitors are often surprised by how freely Arabic, French and English mingle in a single sentence, and by how late Beirut eats and parties.
Map of Lebanon
Top 5 highlights
- 1History
Baalbek
The Roman temple complex of Heliopolis, in the Bekaa Valley, includes the remarkably intact Temple of Bacchus and six surviving columns of the Temple of Jupiter, among the largest the Romans ever raised.
- 2History
Byblos (Jbeil)
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited towns, layered with Phoenician temples, a Roman theatre and a Crusader castle above a small harbour. The restored souk and seafood restaurants make it an easy evening out.
- 3Nature
Jeita Grotto
Twin limestone caves north-east of Beirut: explore the upper gallery on foot among huge stalactites, then take a boat along the underground river in the lower cave, which usually closes in winter.
- 4Sacred site
Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God
A deep gorge in the north sheltering cliff-side monasteries and hermitages of the Maronite church, crowned by one of the last groves of ancient Lebanon cedars. Walk between villages such as Bsharri and Hasroun.
- 5Architecture
Beiteddine Palace
Emir Bashir II's palace in the Chouf mountains, built over some thirty years from 1788, with marble courtyards, painted reception rooms and a fine collection of Byzantine mosaics. Combine it with the old village of Deir el Qamar nearby.
Biggest cities
Beirut
A seafront capital of contrasts: walk the Corniche, see the National Museum and the rebuilt downtown, then eat and drink in Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh, still recovering from the 2020 port explosion.
Tripoli
Lebanon's second city has the country's most atmospheric Mamluk souks, hammams and khans, a Crusader-era citadel and famous sweet shops, with far fewer visitors than Beirut.
Sidon
The southern port of Saida has a thirteenth-century Crusader Sea Castle on an islet, a covered old souk and an engaging soap museum housed in a former soap factory.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Lebanon
Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in Beirut
Festivals & events
- Jul–AugBaalbeck International Festival
Concerts, opera and dance staged among the Roman temples, a tradition dating to 1956 that has hosted Ella Fitzgerald and Fairuz; programmes depend on each year's conditions.
- Jul–AugByblos International Festival
Summer concerts on a stage beside the medieval harbour and ruins of Byblos, mixing international pop and rock acts with stars of the Arab world.
- Jul–AugBeiteddine Art Festival
Opera, classical music and big-name concerts in the palace courtyards of Beiteddine, with the Chouf hills cooling the evening air.
How much does Lebanon cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Kibbeh
Minced lamb pounded with bulgur wheat and spices, shaped into fried torpedoes, baked in trays or served raw as kibbeh nayyeh with mint and olive oil.
Tabbouleh
Lebanon's parsley salad, far more herb than grain, with a little fine bulgur, tomato, mint, lemon and olive oil; a fixture of every mezze table.
Man'oushe
Breakfast flatbread straight from the bakery oven, spread with za'atar and olive oil, cheese or minced meat, then folded and eaten on the move.
Getting around
There are no trains, and public transport is informal but cheap. Shared 'service' taxis and minibuses run fixed routes from Beirut's Charles Helou and Cola hubs to Byblos, Tripoli, Sidon and the Bekaa. Uber works in Greater Beirut. For mountain sights, hiring a car with a driver for the day is common and sensible; traffic on the coastal highway is heavy, so start early.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- ABCDG220V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +961
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Around 10–15% in restaurants unless service is already included; tip valets, drivers and guides, ideally in US dollars.
- Etiquette
- Lebanon is multi-faith: cover shoulders and knees in mosques and churches. Avoid political or sectarian debate unless invited, never photograph military sites or checkpoints, and accept offered coffee graciously.
- Main airports
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), Beirut
Visas & entry for Lebanon
Shown for a British passport.
Visa on arrival
British citizens can normally apply for a free single-entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival at Beirut airport. A tourist visa is valid for one month from the date of entry. Travellers can extend their visa for up to three months at the General Security offices.
British citizens can also obtain a visa from the Lebanese Embassy in London. These may be valid for a different time period. Travellers should make sure they understand their visa validity to avoid any penalties for overstaying.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Hepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Lebanon
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Independence Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Armenian Orthodox Christmas Day |
| Tue 9 Feb 2027 | Saint Maron's Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Feast of the Annunciation |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Catholic Good Friday |
| Fri 30 Apr 2027 | Orthodox Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sun 2 May 2027 | Martyrs' Day |
| Sun 9 May 2027 | Resistance and Liberation Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year Day (date may shift) |
| Tue 15 Jun 2027 | Ashura (date may shift) |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Lebanese Arabic
| English | Lebanese Arabic | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | مرحبا | MAR-ha-ba |
| Thank you | شكراً | SHOO-kran |
| Please | من فضلك | min FAD-lak |
| Excuse me | عفواً | AF-wan |
| How much is this? | قدّيش هيدا؟ | ad-DAYSH HAY-da |
Know before you go
- Bring plenty of US dollars in clean, small notes. Since the 2019 crisis many prices are quoted in dollars, card acceptance is patchy and change often comes in Lebanese pounds.
- Check the FCDO travel advice before booking and again before you travel: it differs sharply from region to region and can change at short notice.
- Leave Beirut early for day trips: the coastal highway north towards Jounieh and Byblos jams by mid-morning and again in the evening rush.
Lebanon travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Lebanon?
The best time to visit Lebanon is generally Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Peak months are April, May, June, September and October. Average highs in Beirut range from 18°C to 32°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Lebanon cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £110 mid-range and £250+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Lebanon?
Lebanese pound (LBP).
What plug type does Lebanon use?
Type A, B, C, D and G sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Lebanon?
Traffic drives on the right in Lebanon, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Lebanon?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Lebanon?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: British citizens can normally apply for a free single-entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival at Beirut airport. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Lebanon before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lebanon/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Lebanon?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A and Tetanus for most travellers, with Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
