🇱🇧 Travel eSIM plans for Lebanon

Lebanon packs a great deal into a small area, so plan your days carefully to avoid wasting time in transit. Base yourself in Beirut for easy day trips. Hire a private driver or join a small group tour rather than relying on public transport, which is unreliable for tourist itineraries.

Carry cash in Lebanese pounds or US dollars; many places accept both but change is often given in the local currency. Expect sporadic electricity and internet, especially outside Beirut. Download offline maps and keep your phone charged. Tipping 10-15% is standard in restaurants. Be prepared for security checkpoints when travelling between regions; remain patient and keep your passport handy.

Pace yourself. The country is recovering from crisis, so some attractions may close without notice. Confirm opening hours a day ahead. Stay in central, well-populated areas after dark and avoid any travel near the Syrian border.

• Byblos (Jbeil) - One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Walk the Crusader castle, the old souk, and the Roman amphitheatre. Allow half a day; it is about 40 minutes north of Beirut.
• Baalbek - The massive Roman temple complex is dramatic. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Check security conditions before travelling from the Bekaa Valley.
• Jeita Grotto - A spectacular system of limestone caves. The upper gallery is walkable; the lower requires a boat ride. Closed on Mondays and during high water in winter.
• Harissa (Our Lady of Lebanon) - A hilltop shrine with a giant statue of the Virgin Mary. Take the cable car for views of the coast and mountains. Combine with a stop in nearby Jounieh.
• Beirut National Museum - A compact, well-curated collection of Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine artefacts. Air-conditioned, which is a relief in summer. Allow two hours.

• Manakish - A flatbread topped with za’atar (thyme and sesame) or cheese, baked in a wood-fired oven. Eat it fresh from a bakery for breakfast. In Beirut, try the branches of Falafel Abou Hassan or Al Soussi.
• Kibbeh nayyeh - Raw minced lamb mixed with bulgur and spices. Only eat it at a restaurant you trust for freshness. Popular in Zahle and Tripoli.
• Fattoush - A salad of toasted bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and mint dressed with sumac. It appears as part of every meze spread.
• Knafeh - A sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with shredded phyllo or semolina. The best versions come from Nablus-style bakeries in Tripoli. Eat it warm.
• Mloukhiyeh - A stew of jute leaves cooked with chicken or lamb and served over rice. A home-cooking staple; try it at a family-run restaurant in the Chouf mountains.

Vegetarians are well served by meze. Avoid tap water; drink bottled water only.

The best months for travel are April to June and September to October. Spring brings wildflowers, mild temperatures, and green hills. Autumn offers settled weather and fewer crowds. Both periods are ideal for sightseeing and hiking.

July and August are hot and humid along the coast, with temperatures often above 32°C. Beirut and Byblos can feel oppressive, though the mountains stay cooler. Winter (December to February) brings rain and snow. Skiing is possible at resorts like Faraya Mzaar and Laqlouq, but coastal sightseeing may be disrupted by storms. Roads in the mountains can be icy.

Ramadan dates shift yearly; during this month, many restaurants close during the day and nightlife slows. Check the Islamic calendar before booking. Political tensions can flare unpredictably, so monitor your government’s travel advice before and during your trip.

Pack for variety. Lebanon has a coastal climate and mountainous terrain, so layering is key. For spring and autumn, bring a light jacket or cardigan for evenings. In summer, use lightweight, breathable fabrics; a scarf is useful for covering shoulders when entering mosques or churches. In winter, a waterproof coat and sturdy shoes are necessary.

Always carry a reusable water bottle with a filter or purification tablets, as tap water is not safe to drink. A portable power bank is essential because electricity cuts are frequent. Bring a headlamp for power outages. Pack a small first-aid kit with diarrhoea medication and antiseptic wipes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are advisable year-round.

Dress modestly outside beach resorts, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Women should cover their hair in mosques. Leave expensive jewellery at home. A cash belt or money pouch helps in crowded souks.