Lebanon

Lebanon is a country that has captivated travelers for centuries. Its rich history is on display everywhere, from the magnificent Roman ruins of Baalbek to the ancient Phoenician port cities of Byblos and Tyre, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital, Beirut, was once known as the "Paris of the Middle East" and, despite its recent troubles, retains a dynamic spirit, with a world-class food scene, vibrant art galleries, and legendary nightlife. The country's landscape is also stunning, with the snow-capped Lebanon Mountains offering skiing in the winter and the beautiful Qadisha Valley providing scenic hiking in the summer.

However, the country is currently in the midst of a severe and ongoing economic crisis, which has led to shortages and a breakdown of services. The security situation, especially in the south, can be very volatile. It is essential to check the latest travel advisories before considering a trip.

Reasons to Visit

• World-Class Ancient History: Explore the magnificent Roman temples of Baalbek and the ancient Phoenician cities of Byblos and Tyre.
• Vibrant Beirut: Experience the energetic capital, with its incredible culinary scene, art, and nightlife.
• Delicious Cuisine: Indulge in one of the world's most beloved food cultures, with its fresh mezze, grilled meats, and sweets.
• Beautiful Scenery: Discover a diverse landscape, from the Mediterranean coast to the high peaks of the Lebanon Mountains.

Things to Avoid

• The Southern Border Region: It is essential to avoid all travel to the southern border region with Israel due to the risk of armed conflict.
• Political Demonstrations: Avoid all protests and large public gatherings, which can turn violent.
• Ignoring the Economic Crisis: Be aware that the economic situation is dire. Be sensitive to the challenges faced by locals. The currency situation is very complex.
• Being Careless with Valuables: Street crime can be an issue in Beirut. Be aware of your surroundings.

Local Transportation Tips

Shared taxis ('service') and minivans are the most common way to travel between cities. Within Beirut, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are available. To explore the historical sites, hiring a private car with a driver for the day is a popular and convenient option.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings:A friendly greeting is always welcome.
• Hospitality:Lebanese people are famously hospitable and generous.
• Appearance Matters:People in Beirut, in particular, are very fashion-conscious. Smart casual dress is common.
• Respectful Conversation: Politics and religion are central to life but are extremely complex and sectarian. It is best to listen and not offer strong opinions.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The ancient city of Byblos in Lebanon is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is also where the Phoenician alphabet, the precursor to our modern alphabet, was developed and exported, giving us the root of the word 'Bible.'

Cool Lebanon Stats

• A Forest of Cedars: The cedars of Lebanon are a national symbol and are featured on the country's flag. The Cedars of God forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Most Religious Diversity: Lebanon has the most religiously diverse society in the Middle East, with 18 officially recognized religious sects.
• Ancient Wine: Lebanon has one of the oldest wine cultures in the world, with winemaking dating back over 5,000 years.

Recommended Age Group

Due to the current economic and security situation, Lebanon is most suitable for experienced and resilient Adults.

• Babies (0-2 years):Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years):Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years):Not recommended.
• Adults (20-64 years):Recommended only for experienced travelers who have a clear understanding of the current political, economic, and security situation.
• Seniors (65+ years):Not recommended.

Accessibility Level: Low

• The country's infrastructure is not designed for accessibility.
• The capital, Beirut, has some modern areas, but sidewalks are often blocked or in disrepair.
• The ancient archaeological sites are not accessible.
• There is no accessible public transport.