Lebanon Flag
Why visit Lebanon?
For the traveler seeking to explore the Middle Eastern to enjoy archaeological ruins, caving, coastal towns, cultural diversity, hiking, historical sites, mountains, nightlife, scuba diving, skiing, water sports, and whitewater rafting.
Raouché (Pigeons Rock), Beirut, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Tülay Arsal/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, copper, embroidered linens, gold jewelry, lace, leather, mosaic trays, pottery, and rugs.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Baba Ghanouj (dip). Baladi Cheese. Ka'ak (bread). Kibbe (meat pie). Kubideh (kebab type). Manaeesh (pizza). M'Juhdara (stew). Mulukhiyah (stew). Sambousek (stuffed pastry). Sayadieh (fish). Shawarma (sandwich). Sfouf (anise cake). Tabbouleh (salad).
- Local Drink to Try: Almaza (beer). Arabic Coffee. Arak (anise-flavored liquor). Ayran (yogurt). Chateaux (wine). Jallab (sweet drink). Kefraya (wine). Ksara (wine). Musar (wine).
Beirut, Lebanon. Photo Credit: mathewscaria/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- During the Ancient Period (3000 BC – AD 500) home to cedar tree forests.
- In the Bible, during a Wedding at Cana, Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11).
- In the Book of Jonah, Jonah Hebrew Prophet, directed by God disobeys his request and attempts to flee Khalde. Thrown overboard by sailors. Swallowed by a large fish. He prayed to God. God commands the fish to vomit Jonah out three days and three nights later.
- One of the smallest Asia countries.
- Compared to any other Arabic country produces the majority of skilled laborers.
- Formerly known as "Switzerland of the East '' for their financial power and stability.
- Beirut was considered "Paris of the Middle East" amongst tourists.
- They follow the French legal system.
- Most tourists are from Japan, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
- Moustafa Farroukh (1901-1957), Painter was trained in Rome (Italy) and Paris (France) produced over 2,000 artwork pieces.
- The Prophet (1923) written by Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), Writer/Poet was the second best selling book behind the Bible.
Baalbek Roman Ruins, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Photo Credit: djedj/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (March) Beirut Pride, (July) Baalbeck International Festival, Batroun International Festival, Beiteddine International Festival, Byblos International Festival, Dhour Chwer Festival, Ehmej Festival, Jounieh International Festival, Tyre & South Festival, Zouk Mikael International Festival, (September) Tyr Festival, and (November) Kobayat International Festivals.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Armenian Christmas, St Maroun Day, Feast of the Annunciation, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Workers' Day, Martyrs' Day, Liberation & Resistance Day, Feast of the Assumption, Lebanese Independence Day, Christmas Day, Islamic New Year, Day of Ashura, Mawlid, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
- Falougha Lakes, Falougha-Khalouat, Lebanon. Photo Credit: kab_s/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Entry is known to be denied for travelers Egyptian Border Stamp, Jordanian Border Stamp, Israeli Border Stamp, and/or Israeli VISA.
- Not all beaches are swimmable due to inland waste dumping.
- Has a moderate Mediterranean climate; winters are cool and rainy while summers are hot and humid.
- A International Driver’s License is required.
- Scars of the Civil War remain prevalent (Beirut).
- Ski Season is generally from December - April.
- Dinner time is late, usually not until 8PM.
- During Ramadan (Holy Month) avoid drinking or eating in public places.
- Mosques will enforce entry and have strict dress codes.
- Beirut and Mount Lebanon have a severe garbage crisis.
- Open garbage dumping and waste burning is prohibited.
- LGBTI status and/or conduct is prohibited. Punishable by up to one year in prison.
- Lebanese Arabic is the spoken language; English and French are significantly spoken.
- Nightlife ranks #1 in the Middle East.
- Avoid Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel.
- Avoid demonstrations and protests.
- Pickpocketing and purse snatching is known to occur in crowded public areas.
- Importation of medication and medical supplies are limited.
- Medical care and treatment does not meet our standards.
Lebanon. Photo Credit: Bobby Guidry/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with validity for ninety days following entry and one blank stamp page. No Israeli stamps or visas.
- Tourist VISA required.
Bsharri Mountains, North Governorate, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Raimund Andree/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: April - December
- Coldest Month: January
- Hottest Month: August
- Peak Season: June - August
Tyre, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Peggychoucair/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Anjar, Baalbek, Bodai, Byblos, Cedars of God, Kadisha Valley, and Tyre.
Sidon Sea Castle, Sidon, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Mesut Toker/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
