Lebanon combines the best bits of the Middle East into a small, easily accessible package. Many travellers are surprised to find just how cool Lebanon is, with everything from snowy mountains to beautiful beaches, pumping nightlife and an abundance of cultural and historical attractions.
Quick Facts
• Capital City: Beirut
• Currency: Lebanese Pound, LBP
• Language: Arabic
• Time Zone: +2 GMT
• Dialling Code: +961
Practical Info
• Religions Practised: Islam, Christianity
• Total Area: 10,452 square kilometres
• Population Size: 4424050
• Voltage and Plug Info: 110-220 V. European plug with two round metal pins.
Visas:
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival but you will not be permitted to enter if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport.
Safety:
Lebanon is a safe place to visit but there can be tensions around the Israeli border so if you are visiting this area it is a good idea to go with a guide. The other usual threats include petty theft so keep your valuables close.
Vaccinations and Health:
Tetanus and hepatitis A are the only recommended vaccines for travelling in Lebanon. You may also wish to have rabies, hepatitis B and typhoid vaccines. If you are entering Lebanon from a country with a risk of yellow fever you will need a vaccine and a certificate to enter the country.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit?
Lebanon is best visited in the summer months between June and August when it is warm and dry with temperatures averaging 30°C. The winter months are cool and wet. Spring and autumn are somewhere in between and also a pleasant time to visit.
Getting There and Away
There are frequent flights to Beirut from Europe, Africa, Asia and the rest of the Middle East making it an easy destination to get to. It is possible to cross at one of the many land borders but there may be hefty fees involved.
Getting Around
Buses are a good way to get around Lebanon and they are cheap and fairly reliable although not renowned for being safe. Private taxis are another good option and run very much like buses that pick people up along the way who will then share the fare. Car rentals are available but with poor road conditions and a high amount of road traffic accidents means drivers must be extremely cautious.
Top Things to Do in Lebanon
Don’t leave Lebanon without…
Joining the buzz
London has Shoreditch, Paris has Le Marais… and Beirut has Gemmayze. Follow the cool kids to this trendy drinking district, where you can dance in bars or just party in the street to cars blaring out beats. View my guide how to spend 24 hours in Beirut.
Satisfying your sweet tooth
In Lebanon’s second city, Tripoli, you can enjoy the gooiest and sweetest nut and honey-filled baklava you’ll ever bite into. Wash it down with a cup of ahweh (Arabic coffee).
Talking to trees
Ramble around the Qadisha Valley, visiting the Forest Of The Cedars Of God, where ancient trees have been watching the world go by for centuries. Think of the stories they could tell.
Going back to school
If history is your thing, head to Baalbek to see the ancient Roman temples. For language buffs, the city of Byblos is believed to be where the world’s first alphabet was written down.
Basking on a beach
The southern town of Tyre has some of the best stretches of sand in Lebanon, but remember to respect the local culture and leave the bikinis and Speedos in your bag. It’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins, should you tire of lazing in the sun.