Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

BEST Places to Visit in Lebanon – A Local’s Journey Through Beauty, Culture & Hidden Gems

Lebanon is one of those places where every corner tells a story. It is full of historical landmarks and natural sites that will keep you enchanted for days. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or want to explore buzzing city life, this small but wonderful country has something for everyone. 

I’ve been fortunate to wander through most of Lebanon, from its mountain villages to the bustling streets of Beirut and the peaceful Mediterranean. 

If you’re planning a trip and wondering which places to cover, here’s a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Lebanon—each one handpicked for its unique charm and qualities.

To further enhance your trip of Lebanon, ride with CTaxi for a safe, reliable, and super convenient experience.

1. Beirut – The Soul of Lebanon

Timings: Open 24/7 (City – no entry restrictions)

Entry Fee: Free (depends on activity/museum/landmark)

Built By: Ancient Phoenicians; shaped by Romans, Ottomans, French

How Far from the Center: N/A – You’re in the center (Choose a Taxi Service in Beirut for Reliable Rides Anywhere in Lebanon.)

There’s no way you visit Lebanon and not come to Beirut. The capital city is chaotically beautiful, soulful, and full of incredible surprises that will take your breath away. 

Walk along the Corniche at sunset, enjoying the scenic views, sip on Arabic coffee in Gemmayzeh, or head to the National Museum of Beirut for a glimpse of the country’s beautiful history.

Must-do: Have a delicious brunch in Mar Mikhael, hit a rooftop bar at night, and don’t forget to visit the renovated Downtown Beirut with its stunning contemporary architecture.

Getting Around: Use CTaxi to seamlessly navigate Beirut’s maze-like but exciting streets filled with tiny cafes and mesmerizing street art. They also offer taxis from the Airport to Beirut and vice versa.

2. Byblos – Where Time Stands Still

Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Byblos ruins & archaeological site)

Entry Fee: ~40,000 LBP (Approx. $1–$2 USD)

Built By: Phoenicians (~5000 BC), one of the world’s oldest cities

How Far from Beirut: ~37 km (~45 mins drive)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit to see the ancient Byblos port, the age-old ruins, and the old souks, creating a magical setting.

Must-do: Visit one of the harbor cafes for fresh seafood and stroll the cobblestone alleys filled with little shops and cafés offering souvenirs.

3. Baalbek – Temples That Touch the Sky

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)

Entry Fee: ~90,000 LBP (Approx. $3–$4 USD)

Built By: Romans (famous for the Temples of Bacchus & Jupiter)

How Far from Beirut: ~85 km (~1.5 to 2 hours drive)

Located in the Beqaa Valley, Baalbek is another historic and must-visit city in Lebanon. Home to the Roman Temples of Bacchus and Jupiter, known for their sheer scale and careful preservation, this feels like something out of this world.

Must-do: Go during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for insane photo ops and natural effects. Take a guided or audio tour to understand the stories behind those gorgeous stones.

Getting There: Take a CTaxi from the Beirut Airport to Baalbek. It’s safe and smooth, and you can even hire a taxi for a whole day of local sightseeing.

4. Jeita Grotto – Nature’s Hidden Cathedral

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Entry Fee: ~120,000 LBP (Approx. $4 USD)

Built By: Natural formation – Discovered in modern times (1836)

How Far from Beirut: ~20 km (~30–40 mins drive)

One of the most beautiful and rare natural cave systems in the world, the Jeita Grotto features two separate, but interconnected, levels of limestone caves spanning nearly 9 kilometres. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, hanging stalactites, and an unearthly ambiance that feels unmatched.

Must-do: Take the boat ride in the lower grotto to experience clean waters up close.

Pro Tip: When you take a CTaxi, you can combine your trip to Jeita Grotto with a stop at Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, a famous Marian shrine and a pilgrimage site.

5. Zahle – The Heart of the Beqaa Valley

Timings: Open 24/7 (Town – restaurants, winery, river walk timings vary)

Entry Fee: Free (some attractions like wineries may have small fees)

Built By: Founded in early 18th century by Christians seeking refuge

How Far from Beirut: ~52 km (~1 hour drive)

Zahle is the second most popular and exciting city in Lebanon, after Beirut. This is where the wine flows, they say. The food here tastes like home, and the nature and mountains give a warm feeling unlike any other place. It’s perfect for a slower-paced outing.

Must-do: Sip local arak (a distilled Levantine spirit), explore the local wineries, and try a traditional mezze lunch.

Reaching There & Getting Around: CTaxi is headquartered in Zahle, making it the perfect choice for getting there from the Airport as well as exploring nearby attractions like Anjar, Ksara Winery, and more.

6. The Cedars of God – Ancient Forests, Timeless Peace

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (longer in summer)

Entry Fee: ~20,000–40,000 LBP (Approx. $1 USD, varies by season)

Built By: Natural site – protected UNESCO heritage forest

How Far from Beirut: ~125 km (~2.5 to 3 hours drive)

If you’re a nature lover, you simply cannot miss visiting the Cedars of God, an ancient and religiously significant jungle high in the mountains of Bsharri, carefully preserved and flourishing through history. Some trees are said to be thousands of years old, and walking among them is surreal.

Must-do: Take a peaceful walk through the forest. Visit the nearby Gibran Museum, dedicated to the renowned poet Khalil Gibran. In winter, this area is perfect for skiing.

7. Tripoli – Authentic and Underrated

Timings: Open 24/7 (souks, mosques, and sites open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Entry Fee: Mostly free (small fees for certain museums or castles)

Built By: Mamluks, Ottomans – rich Islamic architecture

How Far from Beirut: ~85 km (~1.5 hours drive)

If you want to experience authentic, real Lebanon, Tripoli is a must-visit. As one of the largest cities in Lebanon, it has great commercial importance yet offers an insight into the country’s soul through fantabulous street food, Mamluk architecture, and artisanal soaps and crafts that feel otherworldly.

Must-do: Try the knafeh, a traditional Arab dessert, visit the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, and explore maze-like alleys.

Some of the other must-visit destinations in and around Lebanon include Batroun (famous for its coastal vibes and craft beer), Tyre (offering stunning blue waters & Roman roads), and Deir el Qamar & Beiteddine (famously called Mount Lebanon’s Crown Jewels for their enchanting architecture and breathtaking views).

Final Thoughts – Explore Lebanon, One Ride at a Time

Lebanon might be a small country, but it’s a traveler’s paradise, offering everything from natural beauty to tremendous history, awesome street food, and exciting culture. As CTaxi your travel companion, explore Lebanon better than a local. 

We offer on-demand rides, airport pickups, and custom sightseeing trips, ensuring your Lebanon trip is not just convenient but also enjoyable and safe.

Download the CTaxi app, or book via WhatsApp for an instant ride.