Byblos Citadel
The 12th-century Crusader fortress crowning the archaeological site, with sweeping views of the harbor.
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Byblos
Jbeil — Mount Lebanon
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, where the Crusader citadel meets the sea.
Sights
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.
The Itinerary
Top Places to See
The shortlist we always send first. If you have only one afternoon, start here.
Phoenician Royal Necropolis
The royal tombs where the famed Ahiram sarcophagus — bearing one of the earliest known Phoenician inscriptions — was unearthed.
Roman Theatre
A small but evocative theatre relocated to a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean.
Old Souk & Saint John the Baptist Church
Cobbled lanes of the medieval souk wrapping a 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic church.
Insider Notes
Quietly Highlighted
The corners that don't always make the guidebooks but reward the curious.
01
Wax Museum of Byblos
A charmingly old-school museum of Lebanese history through wax tableaux.
02
Pepe Abed Fishing Club
The legendary harbor-side restaurant founded by the man who befriended Brigitte Bardot and Marlon Brando — its walls are part scrapbook, part archaeology.
What to Do
Entertainment & Atmosphere
Where the place comes alive — concerts, festivals, beach clubs, and the best ways to fill an evening.
Byblos International Festival
Summer concerts staged inside the archaeological site — past headliners include Lana Del Rey, Sting, and Mashrou’ Leila.
Old Harbor sunset stroll
Walk the seawall at golden hour and watch the fishing boats come in.
Eddé Sands beach club
A landmark Mediterranean beach club just south of the old town.
The Table
Where to Eat
Tested addresses across categories — from village mountain food to fine modern Lebanese.
Locanda à la Granda
Italian classics in a stone courtyard tucked off the souk.
Bab el Mina
A waterfront institution for Lebanese mezze and the day’s catch.
Feniqia
Modern Lebanese plates with sea views and a strong local wine list.
Chez Pepe
The historic harbor club — go for a long lunch and a glass of arak.
To Take Home
Souvenirs Worth the Suitcase Space
Locally made, locally sourced, and small enough to fly with — what to actually buy.
01
Fossil fish from Hjoula & Hakel
Hand-prepared 100-million-year-old fish fossils from the Mount Lebanon quarries — sold in licensed shops along the souk.
02
Old Souk silver & coral
Family jewellers like Mansour Phoenicia stock filigree silver and coral.
03
Memoirs of the Phoenicians
Replica Phoenician glass beads and oil lamps from the souk artisans.
Continue the field guide
