by Ray Roman | Last updated on November 26, 2023
Ever wondered what are the best cities in Lebanon to visit? Lebanon is a small country located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the west and Syria and Israel to the north and south, respectively.
Despite its small size, Lebanon is a country of great diversity, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Lebanon is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and bustling cities.
From the vibrant capital of Beirut to the ancient ruins of Tyre, there’s no shortage of incredible cities to explore in Lebanon.
Whether you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, or a glimpse into the country’s fascinating history, Lebanon has something that everyone will enjoy.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 cities in Lebanon that you simply have to see to believe and why they’re worth adding to your travel itinerary. So grab your passport, and let’s dive in!
1. Beirut
Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture.
Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut boasts a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with towering skyscrapers juxtaposed against historic landmarks like the Roman Baths and the National Museum of Beirut.
Visitors can spend hours exploring the winding streets of the city’s old quarter, where they’ll find traditional souks, ancient churches, and bustling cafes.
Beirut is also renowned for its world-class cuisine, which draws influences from across the Middle East and the Mediterranean. From classic Lebanese dishes like hummus and tabbouleh to innovative fusion cuisine, the food scene in Beirut is not to be missed.
2. Tripoli
Tripoli is a vibrant and historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Tripoli can explore the winding alleyways of the city’s old town, where they’ll find ancient mosques, historic markets, and stunning architecture.
One of the highlights of Tripoli is the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, a Crusader-era castle that offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
The city is also renowned for its vibrant food scene, with local specialties like kibbeh and manakish available in markets and cafes throughout the city.
Visitors to Tripoli can also take a stroll along the city’s waterfront promenade, where they’ll find stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
3. Tyre
Tyre is a historic city with a fascinating past. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the third millennium BCE, and has been inhabited by a range of different cultures throughout its history.
Today, visitors to Tyre can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Roman ruins of the Tyre Hippodrome and the Al Mina Archaeological Site.
The city is also known for its stunning beaches, which offer visitors the chance to soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors to Tyre can also sample local specialties like grilled seafood and shawarma, and explore the bustling markets and cafes of the city’s historic old town.
4. Sidon
Sidon is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. The city dates back to the Bronze Age and has been inhabited by a range of different cultures throughout its history.
Visitors to Sidon can explore the city’s ancient landmarks, including the Sidon Sea Castle, an imposing fortress that dates back to the 13th century.
The city is also home to the historic Great Mosque of Sidon, a stunning example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 12th century.
Sidon is known for its bustling markets, where visitors can browse everything from traditional textiles and handicrafts to fresh produce and spices.
The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, with local specialties like fattoush and baba ghanoush available in restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
5. Kobayat
Kobayat is a charming and picturesque village surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The village is known for its traditional Lebanese architecture, with many of its buildings dating back to the Ottoman era.
Visitors to Kobayat can explore the village’s historic landmarks, including the St. George Church, a stunning example of Maronite architecture that dates back to the 17th century.
The village is surrounded by lush green forests and stunning mountain vistas, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
Visitors to Kobayat can also sample local specialties like kibbeh and grilled meats and visit the village’s vibrant weekly market, where they’ll find a range of handmade crafts and local produce.
6. Harissa
Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Harissa is a historic village and pilgrimage site known for its stunning views and rich cultural heritage.
The village is home to the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a towering monument that can be seen from miles away.
Visitors to Harissa can take a cable car to the top of the hill to visit the statue and explore the historic Saint Paul Monastery.
The village is also renowned for its vibrant food scene, with local specialties like mezze and manakish available in cafes and restaurants throughout the area.
Visitors to Harissa can also take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the village’s many viewpoints and explore the nearby Jounieh Bay, a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
7. Bcharri
Bcharri is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
Visitors to Bcharri can explore the town’s historic landmarks, including the Gibran Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the famous poet and artist Khalil Gibran.
Bcharri is also known for its delicious cuisine, with local specialties like kibbeh nayyeh and grilled meats available in restaurants and cafes throughout the town.
Visitors to Bcharri can also visit the nearby Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features some of the oldest cedar trees in the world.
8. Zahle
Located in the Bekaa Valley, Zahle is a vibrant and historic city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Visitors to Zahle can explore the city’s historic landmarks, including the 18th-century Great Mosque of Zahle and the historic Souk Al Blat, a bustling market filled with traditional handicrafts and fresh produce.
The city is also renowned for its wine production, with a range of local wineries offering tastings and tours throughout the area.
Zahle is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Zahle Berdawni River Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
9. Jannet Chowen
Jannet Chowen is a charming and picturesque village surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The village is known for its traditional Lebanese architecture, with many of its buildings featuring intricate stone carvings and stunning tilework.
Visitors to Jannet Chowen can explore the village’s historic landmarks, including the historic St. George Church, which dates back to the 19th century.
The village is surrounded by rolling hills and verdant valleys, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
Visitors to Jannet Chowen can also sample local specialties like grilled meats and fresh cheeses and visit the village’s vibrant weekly market, where they’ll find a range of handmade crafts and local produce.
10. Laqlouq
Laqlouq is a popular ski resort in the Lebanon Mountains known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class skiing facilities. The resort features a range of runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a number of hiking trails and outdoor activities in the summertime.
Visitors to Laqlouq can also explore the nearby Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a range of historic monasteries and stunning natural landscapes.
The village of Laqlouq itself is home to several cafes and restaurants, where visitors can sample local specialties like grilled meats and traditional Lebanese sweets.
Best cities in Lebanon Final Thoughts
Lebanon is a beautiful country, and the cities mentioned above are just a few examples of the many amazing destinations that it has to offer.
From the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Beirut to the charming and historic towns of Sidon and Tripoli, visitors to Lebanon will find a wealth of fascinating places to explore.
The country has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. From ancient ruins to stunning historic landmarks, Lebanon is home to a wealth of cultural treasures that will fascinate history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Lebanon Mountains to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, Lebanon is blessed with natural beauty that is sure to take your breath away.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing or you’re more interested in exploring Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, there will be something everyone will appreciate in this wonderful country.
So if you’re getting ready to visit Lebanon, make sure to include some of these amazing cities to your plan. You won’t be disappointed!
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