There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Lebanon Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Lebanon – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B , Type C
Type A:
   Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Lebanese Pound (LBP) £1 ≈ LBP 119,864 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in major cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are widely used in upscale restaurants, hotels, and shops, while mobile payment options are still emerging.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Lebanon. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is expected, although some restaurants include a service charge. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Lebanon, particularly in bars, restaurants, and designated areas. However, drinking in public spaces like streets and parks may be frowned upon. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is very common in Lebanon. A 2011 law bans smoking in indoor public spaces such as restaurants and cafés, but it is widely ignored, and smoking indoors is still common. |
| Independence Day (22 November) |
National celebrations with parades and festivals |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr (variable) |
Celebrations marking the end of Ramadan with feasts and family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police), 140 (Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber |
| Other: | Lebanon has a rich history and offers diverse experiences, including ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes. Be aware of the security situation, particularly near borders. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Lebanon, Lebanon
Climate and season vary by region: coast best for beaches June to September, mountains for skiing December to March and hiking May to October, cities and ruins for sightseeing spring and autumn
Ski season at Faraya and the Cedars usually runs late December to March
Ramadan: daytime food options limited outside tourist areas, many restaurants closed until sunset
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek
- 🌅 Stroll along Beirut’s Corniche and watch the sunset
- 🪨 Visit Jeita Grotto’s stunning underground limestone caverns
- 🎿 Ski in the Cedars then swim in the Mediterranean
- 🍷 Taste mezze and local wine in a Beirut restaurant
- 🛍️ Wander the old souks of Byblos, one of the world’s oldest cities
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Lebanon?
Lebanon's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity packed into a small country. It boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine annually alongside stunning geographical variety – from pristine Mediterranean beaches to ski-worthy mountains just an hour's drive apart. The cultural experience is enhanced by some of the region's best-preserved Roman ruins, vibrant nightlife in Beirut and a world-renowned cuisine that reflects the country's position at the crossroads of civilizations. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. Political instability has affected the country in recent years, so it's advisable to check current travel advisories before planning your trip. Infrastructure can sometimes be unreliable, with occasional power outages. The climate varies dramatically between regions, with coastal areas experiencing hot, humid summers while mountain regions can see heavy snowfall in winter, requiring careful packing.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Beirut
A vibrant crossroads of history and modernity, Beirut in Lebanon boasts the iconic Pigeon Rocks and bustling Corniche. Its eclectic cafés, resilient art scene and seaside promenade offer a lively escape from crowds, especially early mornings. -
2
Byblos
Ancient Byblos stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, featuring impressive Roman walls and a historic harbor. Its sandy beaches and archaeological ruins offer a unique blend of history and relaxation along the Mediterranean coast.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
National Museum
The National Museum of Beirut houses one of the world's most significant archaeological collections, featuring Phoenician artifacts and Roman mosaics within a historic building that stands as a cultural landmark in the capital. -
2
Baalbek
Ancient Roman ruins dominate this highland town, featuring massive marble columns and a well‑preserved amphitheater. The surrounding plateau offers panoramic views of the Beqaa Valley and nearby vineyards for tourists. -
3
Sidon
-
4
Tyre
-
5
Cedars of Jej
-
6
Beiteddine Palace
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Baalbek International Festival
-
Byblos International Festival
-
Beirut International Film Festival
-
Beiteddine Festival
-
Jounieh International Festival
-
Beirut Art Fair
-
Vinifest Wine Festival
-
Al Bustan Festival
-
Beirut Design Week
-
Ehdeniyat International Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Monitor travel advisories. Security risks remain high.
- Carry passport copy always; checkpoints common across country roads and cities.
- Avoid south Beirut, borders; respect religious sites with modest dress and no photos.
- Watch for landmines near Bekaa Valley; stick to marked tourist paths and paved roads.
How to travel to Lebanon
Most international visitors arrive in Lebanon through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which has connections to major cities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ferry services occasionally operate from Cyprus and Turkey to Beirut and Tripoli ports. As of March 2025, most nationalities require a visa to enter Lebanon, which can be obtained on arrival for many Western countries, though it's advisable to check current requirements before traveling.
Access summary
- Beirut: Fly to Beirut Rafic Hariri (BEY) from major regional hubs.
- From neighbors: Limited land crossings; check current Syria/Israel border regulations carefully.
- Middle East Airlines hub at BEY; SkyTeam member with extensive connections.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Lebanon
Lebanon offers accommodations ranging from international luxury chains in Beirut to boutique hotels in historic buildings and mountain resorts in scenic areas. Beirut features the widest selection, from high-end options along the corniche to mid-range and budget properties in districts like Hamra and Gemmayzeh. Mountain regions offer ski resorts in winter and cooler retreats in summer. Prices tend to be moderate by Middle Eastern standards, though luxury properties can be expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Lebanon
Getting around Lebanon varies by region. In Beirut, taxis and ride-sharing services are the primary means of transportation, while shared vans called 'servees' offer affordable rides along fixed routes. For intercity travel, private taxis and minibuses connect major towns and cities, though schedules can be irregular. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring rural areas and mountain regions, but be prepared for challenging driving conditions and occasional traffic congestion in urban areas.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Lebanon are around 31% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to LBP) is 78% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Safety varies across Lebanon. Tourist areas are generally safe, but political tensions can flare up. Check current travel advisories before visiting, avoid border regions with Syria and Israel and stay informed about local developments. Exercise normal precautions regarding petty theft in urban areas.
Health & Medical
Lebanon has good quality private healthcare in major cities, though services may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in urban centers. No specific vaccinations are required, but standard travel immunizations are advised.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Lebanon. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, with uneven sidewalks and few ramps. Historical sites and natural attractions present significant barriers with steps and rough terrain.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking throughout Lebanon, though it's treated in major cities. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels and restaurants serve bottled water by default.
Packing recommendations for Lebanon
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🧥
Waterproof jacket
winter/spring
🧥
Light jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🩱
Swimwear
for beaches and hotel pools
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for religious sites
🏖️
Beach towel
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for variable temperatures
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Lebanon
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