Ten destinations, north to south, mountain to coast.
A walking shortlist of the places we always tell first-time visitors about — from Phoenician harbors and Roman temples to the streets where the country still gathers, argues, and rebuilds.
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, where the Crusader citadel meets the sea.
Explore one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit the Byblos Citadel (Crusader Castle), the old Phoenician ruins, and the Roman theater.
After Dark —The Old Souk comes alive at night with outdoor pubs like Kina Handcrafted Bar and GardenState, offering a charming atmosphere right by the sea.
Read Field Notes
The heart of Beirut's creative scene — French-mandate facades, Saint Nicholas Stairs, and the city's best pub crawl.
These adjacent neighborhoods are the heart of Beirut's creative and bohemian scene, famous for their traditional French-mandate architecture and the Saint Nicholas Stairs.
After Dark —The ultimate pub-crawl destination. Check out Anise for arak cocktails, Internationale, or Coop d'Etat — a famous rooftop bar with a laid-back vibe.
Read Field Notes
The largest and best-preserved Roman temples in the world — a UNESCO site of breathtaking scale.
Home to some of the largest and best-preserved Roman temples in the world, including the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. A UNESCO World Heritage site that is truly breathtaking in scale.
Read Field Notes
A Phoenician coastal town with clear blue water, old churches, and the most famous lemonade in the country.
A coastal gem known for its Phoenician Wall, old churches, and clear blue water. It's famous for its unique lemonade.
After Dark —Trendy, beachy nightlife. Visit Bolero for sunset drinks or explore the microbrewery Colonel Beer for local craft brews.
Read Field Notes
Two interconnected limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river you cross by boat.
A magnificent system of two separate but interconnected limestone caves. Explore the upper galleries on foot and take a short boat ride through the lower river gallery to see incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
Read Field Notes
One of the last forests of Cedrus libani — Lebanon's national symbol, rooted high in the mountains.
Located in the high mountains of the North, this is one of the last remaining forests of the Cedrus libani, Lebanon's national symbol. Nearby, you can visit the Gibran Museum, dedicated to the famous poet Kahlil Gibran.
Read Field Notes
Pristine sandy beaches and Roman archaeology, including a remarkably preserved Hippodrome.
Known for its pristine sandy beaches and massive Roman archaeological sites, including a well-preserved Hippodrome.
After Dark —The Christian Quarter near the port is filled with colorful alleys and boutique bars and restaurants like Cloud 59 on the beach.
Read Field Notes
Once called the Champs-Élysées of the Middle East — bookstores, sidewalk cafés, and a defiant intellectual edge.
Historically known as the "Champs-Élysées" of the Middle East, it remains a bustling hub of intellectual life, bookstores, and street cafes.
After Dark —A more old-school and gritty pub scene. Favorites include Ferdinand, Rabbit Hole, and Neighbors.
Read Field Notes
Ride the cable car up to Our Lady of Lebanon for a panoramic view that sweeps the Mediterranean coast.
Take the Teleferique (cable car) from Jounieh up to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa for a panoramic view of the Mediterranean coast.
After Dark —Jounieh's Old Souk area features several waterfront pubs and late-night spots that overlook the bay.
Read Field Notes
A 19th-century palace masterpiece beside a red-roofed village that once served as Mount Lebanon's capital.
Located in the Chouf mountains, the Beiteddine Palace is a masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture. Just nearby is Deir el Qamar, a picturesque village with red-tiled roofs and stone houses that served as the capital of Mount Lebanon.
Read Field Notes