Travel guide to Lebanon

Before the war Lebanon was known as the 'Paris of the Middle East' and this is a title they would like to regain. Lebanon is both West and Middle East simultaneously. The best of both worlds is often brought together here, and sometimes the worst. The charm of Beirut, the long promenade, expensive shops and the Western oriented Lebanese people. Experience a Middle-Eastern bazaar and the exotic atmosphere in Tripoli. Walk among millennia-old world famous cedar trees - the trees from which allegedly Noah built the ark and which Solomon used for the first Jewish temple. Be impressed by one of the most magnificent ancient sights in the Middle-East - the temple in Baalbek. Or if it is more to your taste, fritter away your money at the casino in Jounieh.

Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

Beirut (1.500.000)

10.452 km2

Arab and French

Islam and Christianity

3.000.000

Republic

With Syria to the north and west and Israel to the south, Lebanon is one of the worlds smallest countries (180 km from north to south). But despite this size there is great variety - with bathing beaches and Mediterranean climate by the coast - and mountains including the more than 3000 metre tall Qornet as-Sawda. In the Bekaa valley on the side of the mountains towards Syria, wine and crops are grown. The climate by the coast has both wet winters and hot summers. The mountains have a typical alpine climate and the Bekaa valley has hot, dry summers and cold winters with plenty of snow.

The summer is sunny and very hot. Along the coast the heat is humid. May is beautiful because all the flowers blossom. Autumn is also a lovely season and the climate is still warm. In the winter skiing is possible

Lonely Planet Lebanon
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon Handbook

In Lebanon, the following measurements are used:
Length: Metre
Weight: Kilo
Liquid: Litre

There are many beautiful scenarios in Lebanon. If you wish to photograph the locals, ask in advance. In the country, be a bit more careful about photography.

The water is not exactly unhealthy - but there are bacteria in it other than you will be used to, so it is best to buy water in a bottle. However its not a problem to brush your teeth using the tap-water.

In Lebanon the following power source is used:
220V, 50 Hz

In Beirut it is no problem how you dress - but when in Muslim dominated areas do be careful not to wander around half-naked. At public beaches it is not appropriate for girls to bathe in bikini or a bathing suit. A T-shirt works wonders. If you wish use the expensive private beaches where dressing is less important. But even if you're bathing on an expensive Christian beach, they are still not used to women being publicly topless.

Shops are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday)
Offices are open from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday, Friday however from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. (Monday to Saturday)

Lebanese food can be delicious. The most common order is mezze, which means 'small dishes'. You can order different small first courses. For example humus, tomato salad, aubergine salad or kebbe (bulgur ball with stone pine seeds, beef-flesh and onions). There are a vast number of these sort of dishes. Served with it is bread and different flesh dishes as the main course such as lamb, chicken, fish or beef. Kebab and falafel are widespread as fast-food. Sweet tea and Turkish coffee are common drinks among the locals.

The expensive hotels are more often prepared for disabled visitors - unlike museums or restaurants. Also bear in mind that no thought has gone into city and town design - such as kerbs - with regard to disabilities.

New Years Day, 1st of January
Mar Maroun, 9th of February
Qana Day, 18th of April
The workers day, 1st of May
Assumption, 15th of August
All Saints Day, 1st of November
Independence Day, 22nd of November
Christmas Day, 25th of December

Moveable holidays
Good Friday and Easter Monday, March or April

Lebanon has a well-developed bus system which is extremely cheap. The buses have air-conditioning and they are clean and comfortable. Share-taxis are a widespread mode of transport. At some taxi ranks there are taxis which leave when they are full. This is a quick way to get around. Furthermore there are minibuses to the different cities. Due to the country's small size, it is also possible to take a taxi from one city to another without being bankrupted.


Book your Hotel in Lebanon here

Its possible to camp in various places but the facilities at the different camping sites vary a lot.

There are many hotels in Lebanon. Quite a lot them are at the expensive end of the price scale but you can also manage to find hotels at the more reasonable end.

In some cities its possible to spend the night in private homes, which have been made into hotels. For example try the super-clean Pension Haddad in Tripoli.

Lebanon has a well-developed bus system which is extremely cheap. The buses have air-conditioning and they are clean and comfortable. Share-taxis are a widespread mode of transport. At some taxi ranks there are taxis which leave when they are full. This is a quick way to get around. Furthermore there are minibuses to the different cities. Due to the country's small size, it is also possible to take a taxi from one city to another without being bankrupted.

There are no domestic Flights at the moment.

Buses are cheap and comfortable. Buses drive to most cities and its a very cheap mode of transportation

There are taxis everywhere in Lebanon. Not all drivers want to drive with a taximeter so it is a good idea to settle on a price in advance

In Beirut it is possible to rent a car. Its an excellent way to see the country - though it is not cheap. You will need an international drivers license.

Share-taxis are a fast and an excellent way to get around. At the taxi rank, share-taxis for different cities wait. Its does not take a long time to fill up five seats - and off you go.

 • Cedars of Bcharré

 • Beirut
 • Baalbek
 • Tripoli