The magical mountains overlooking the rivers and seas are calling all the travelers from around the world. What’s not to love about it? What makes it even more stunning is the beaches and the green lands that surround them. Lebanon attracts people from around the world for its architecture that have their own personality that match up to the beauty of the various places to visit in Lebanon.
There are a million places to explore you will love, beginning with stunning places to see that will blow your mind. So, type in Lebanon travel and make a list of all the places you want to explore.
Top 14 Places To Visit In Lebanon To Admire And Explore
Did you know Lebanon is said to be the “Paris of the middle east?” The country with some of the most stunning landmarks, Lebanon has something amazing to admire and interesting to discover. You will be promised to find a place on your bucket list whether you want to simply explore some of the historical attractions or natural sightseeing. So, when are you planning to visit Lebanon?
- Zouk Mikael Old Souk
- The Cedars of God
- The National Museum
- Baalbek Temple
- Sidon Sea Castle
- Raouche Pigeon Rocks
- Gebran Khalil Gebran Museum
- Harissa
- Al-Amin Mosque
- Phoenician Wall
- Byblos Old Souk
- Jeita Grotto
- The Taanayel Lake
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall
1. Zouk Mikael Old Souk
Connected to the feudalism of the Khazens, Zouk Mikael Old Souk has a rich history. An urban renaissance was given rise to with the construction of bridges and castles by Prince Fakhreddin. This ancient souk was given birth to reach its peak, which then led to the silk industry. The old souk is one of the most beautiful places in Lebanon known for its crafts like weaving, shoemaking, carpentry and gemology. Arabic's, Turkish and European tourists from around the world visit this old souk.
Close to the upper level of the souk, the lower portion is home to a pharmacy, jewelry store, printing house, grocery stores, beverages and agricultural shops. The Old Souk is an amazing place to explore at least once.
Location: Lebanon
Timings: 9 am- 7 pm
Famous For: Weaving, shoemaking, carpentry and gemology
2. The Cedars Of God
One of the most majestic trees in the world, Lebanon cedar or cedar of God are found nestled in Mount Lebanon. The trees are the country’s symbol, pride and are seen on the Lebanese flag. They have trunks with shallow iconic crowns that become flat- headed as they age with time. The dark gray bark and light tone wood are a sight to see. Did you know they secrete gum, that has a sweet aroma? The trees stay green all year round and never shed their leaves and remain fragrant.
It is one of the finest tourist spots people should explore at least once while on vacation in Lebanon. These are heaven on earth, which is not found anywhere else in the world.
Location: Bsharri, Lebanon
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
Famous For: Dark gray bark of the trees
Suggested Read: Places to Go in The Middle East: Top Cities Brimming With Diverse Culture and Traditions
3. The National Museum
The principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon is home to some of the most stunning artefacts collected after World War 1. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1942 and began collecting over 100,000 objects which include antiquities and medieval finds from excavations. Some of the artefacts are from prehistoric times to the medieval Mamluk period. The museum, one of the best places to visit in Lebanon, stood on the front line separating the warring factions during the 1975 Lebanese Civil War.
There is so much to see at the museum and so people should ensure it is on their bucket list of places to visit at least once. Make a plan and explore the museum.
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Timings:
Tuesday- Saturday: 9 am- 5pm
Sunday: 9 am- 2 pm
Monday: Closed
Famous For: Artefacts from prehistoric times to medieval Mamluk period
4. Baalbek Temple
The monumental 2000-year-old temple to Jupiter found sitting atop a 3000-ton stone block, the Baalbek temple is one of most stunning tourist places in Lebanon. There is a lot more to the old shrine tourists have yet to explore. Did you know it has an unexpected origin?
Found nestled on a hill in the Bekaa valley in Lebanon, the construction of the temple began by the Phoenicians, which later was taken over by the Greeks, Romans and then Arabs. It is said that the temple was initially built by people from the east. Those who have visited the temple have said it is one of the most breathtaking places to explore. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to exploring such beauty?
Location: Lebanon
Timings:
Monday- Saturday: 8 am- 6 pm
Sunday: 9 am- 6 pm
Famous For: Imperial Roman Architecture
Suggested Read: Top Places to visit in Abha: For an Exemplary Escape in the Mountains
5. Sidon Sea Castle
The old Phoenician city, Sidon, is known for its religious, political and commercial value. It is an ancient city that goes back to 4000 BC. The Sidon Sea castle was built during the 13th century by the Crusaders as an island that is linked to the mainland by a short 80m long roadway. The island was once home to the site of a temple to Melqart.
One of the many things to do in Lebanon is to explore the beauty of the old castle, as it has stood the test of time. During a battle, the Mamluks had partially destroyed it when they took over the city from the Crusaders. With a rich history, wouldn’t you want to explore the castle?
Location: Sidon, Lebanon
Timings: 9 am- 6 pm
Suggested Read: Restaurants in Dammam: Savor your Taste Buds with The Relishing Arabian Flavors
6. Raouche Pigeon Rocks
One of the natural wonders of the world, Raouche Pigeon Rocks surround themselves by the sea and offer a stunning look. Tourists visiting the pigeon rocks can enjoy the stunning view of the sunset. It is one of the ideal places to visit in Beirut at least once. In case people feel the need to grab a bite to eat, they can always visit a café. People can even sit and enjoy a beer and food while watching the sunset in the evening.
Watching the sunset is one of the most peaceful views people often enjoy and often come back often. So, if you haven’t been yet, then what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make a plan with your friends.
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Famous For: Sunset
Timings: 24 hours
7. Gebran Khalil Gebran Museum
Home to some of the finest collections of artworks which include 400 paintings and drawings, the Gebran Khalil Gebran Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Lebanon. The museum is home to Gebran Khalil’s furniture and personal belongings along with several manuscripts.
During 1975 and 1995, the museum expanded twice and is said to be the finest place to explore Gibran’s artistic practice that portrays Aestheticism and Symbolism of the 19th century. Gibran saw beauty in various objects which of course were brought out in his paintings and drawings. So, when are you planning to visit the museum? It is one of the best places to explore if you’re the sort who is interested in the world of art.
Location: Bsharri, Lebanon
Famous For: Gebran’s paintings and drawings
Timings: 10 am- 5pm
Monday: Closed
Suggested Read: Discover The Unmissable Taste in Saudi At Some Best Restaurants in Jeddah
8. Harissa
The mountain village in Lebanon, Harissa is nestled a few meters above sea level and is home to Our Lady of Lebanon, a stunning Lebanese pilgrimage site. People can get to the village by road or by a gondola life, called Téléférique. Tourists and pilgrims from around the world are attracted to the stunning view of the bay of Jounieh.
Did you know the Lady of Lebanon is a majestic 15-ton bronze statue, seen with her arms stretched out. Born in 190, there is a small chapel inside the base of the statue. It is not something one gets to see every day, do they? It is one of the top places to visit in Lebanon at least once, for the experience.
Location: Lebanon
Famous For: Lady of Lebanon
Timings: NA
9. Al-Amin Mosque
One of the biggest mosques in Lebanon, Al- Amin Mosque is one of the places to go in Lebanon. Several obstacles were endured while building the mosque. Panels were created signifying a mosque was going to be made. Not much was left after the Lebanon civil war ended. The mosque’s design is a monumental architecture with a built area of about 11,000 square meters.
One of the features of the city Centre skyline is the Al- Amin Mosque. Constructed in 2008, the mosque has several domes made out of light blue tiles. It has several arches and is similar to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. In 2003, the first concrete was poured and in 2005, the architecture of the mosque began to be built.
Location: Lebanon
Famous For: Domes made out of light blue tiles
Timings:
Sunday, Thursday and Friday: 10 am- 7:30 pm
Tuesday- Wednesday: 12pm- 7:30 pm
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Interlaken That Will Leave You Intrigued by the Untouched Charm of Nature
10. Phoenician Wall
A stunning historical landmark found nestled on the coast of the city of Batroun, the Phoenician wall is one of the richest historical landmarks to explore. The name of the town has been inspired by the wall. The word Batroun comes from the Arabic word “bater” which means to cut. It is in reference to the wall that cuts the sea to protect the town from destructive tidal waves.
The wall has stood the test of time and offers a glimpse into the culture amongst the stunning surroundings. The wall is one of the places to visit in Lebanon with family while on vacation with your family.
Location: 1640, Batroun, Lebanon
Famous For: Stunning surroundings
Timings: NA
11. Byblos Old Souk
Byblos Old Souk is an old historical tourist spot that was built during the Ottoman reign. It is home to several local shops that sell all kinds of souvenirs, local craft and merchandise. If people want to grab a bite to eat, then they can go into a bar or café.
During the day the old souk is filled with school kids visiting or tourists exploring the place. At night, the souk looks different as the bars offer a unique vibe. So, when are you planning to visit the old souk? Ensure you explore the old market on your visit to Lebanon.
Location: Byblos, Lebanon
Famous For: Souvenirs, local craft and merchandise
Timings: 24 hours
12. Jeita Grotto
Jeita Grotto will take tourists on a magical journey into an underground wonderland. Tourists visiting will find limestone grottoes in various shapes, sizes and colors. It is one of the most stunning and charming places of nature found nestled in the heart of the earth.
The cave was found back in 1836 by an American missionary Reverend Willian Thomson, who explored about 50 meters of the cave. At present, millions of tourists from around the world come to visit the cave, which is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon. So, what are you waiting for? The cave does have a rich history waiting to be explored.
Location: Valley of the Dog River, Keserwan, Bayrut, Lebanon
Famous For: Limestone grottoes
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
13. The Taanayel Lake
One of the tranquil places to visit in Lebanon is the Tannayel Lake. It is without a doubt one of the most stunning places to explore as one can walk around or even ride their cycles under the majestic trees. There are several farm animals to meet and one can even go horseback riding.
Surrounded by greenery, flowers and a peaceful atmosphere, what more can anyone ask for? It should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit. Enjoy the once in a lifetime experience.
Location: Taanayel, Lebanon
Famous For: Farm animals, horseback riding
Timings: 8 am- 7 pm
14. Baatara Gorge Waterfall
Also known as the cave of three bridges, the Baatara Gorge waterfalls is a stunning natural wonder. Plunging into the three-bridge chasm, the waterfall results in several erosions. The melting ice that created the falls trickles down Mount Lebanon.
It is said that the rocks were formed around 160 million years ago, which means they were present during the Jurassic period. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. People have to be careful while walking around the waterfall as the cliffs are slippery. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and ensure you visit the waterfalls at least once.
Location: Baatara gorge waterfall، Meghraq, Lebanon
Famous For: The cave of three bridges
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Lebanon is one of the most stunning places to visit at least once for its attractions and much more. It should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit. It is known for its history and ancient towns and nature. Some of the places people should explore are its waterfalls and mosques.
So, when are you planning your next trip? When you do, ensure you make a list of all the places you want to visit and avail the Lebanon tour packages. Go ahead and make it a memorable trip with your family and friends.
Places To Visit In Lebanon - FAQs
July and September are the best time to visit Lebanon as the weather is pleasant.
Tourists can spend at least 7-8 days in Lebanon exploring every corner of the country.
Zouk Mikael Old Souk, The Cedars of God, The National Museum, Baalbek Temple, Sidon Sea Castle, Raouche Pigeon Rocks, Gebran Khalil Gebran Museum and Harissa are some of the places to visit in Lebanon.
Monday- Saturday: 8 am- 6 pm and Sunday: 9 am- 6 pm are the timings of the Baalbek temple. The temple was first constructed by the Phoenicians, then the Greeks, Romans and Arabs took over.
Lebanon is known for its ancient Roman ruins, castles, limestone caves, churches and mosques, beaches, cuisine, nightlife and ski resorts.
Arabic is the main language spoken in Lebanon. It is one of the stunning places to visit in the world.
The waterfall is also known as the cave of three bridges, a breathtaking natural wonder of the world. Tourists can see the melting ice trickling down Mount Lebanon.
Jeita Grotto is known for its limestone grottoes, known to take tourists on a journey to the underground wonderland.
