Lebanon, city by city
Lebanon packs Roman temples, Crusader castles, mountain towns and Mediterranean beaches into a country smaller than Connecticut. Here are the cities worth building a trip around.
Beirut
The capital is loud, layered and reborn after every setback. Wander the restored downtown, the Corniche seaside promenade, and the boutique-lined streets of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh.
- Highlight: Sunset at Raouche, where the Pigeon Rocks (Rawche) rise straight out of the sea.
Byblos (Jbeil)
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, Byblos charms with a Crusader castle, a fishing harbor and cobblestone souks. It is an easy 40 km north of Beirut.
- Highlight: The seaside Crusader castle and the ancient Phoenician ruins right beside it.
Baalbek
In the Bekaa Valley sits the Roman world's most colossal temple complex. The Temple of Bacchus is astonishingly intact, and the Temple of Jupiter's six standing columns are unforgettable.
- Highlight: Standing under the towering columns of the Temple of Jupiter.
Tripoli
Lebanon's second city is its most authentic, with a medieval Mamluk old town, steaming hammams and the country's best Arabic sweets.
- Highlight: The Crusader Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles overlooking the souks.
Sidon (Saida)
This southern port city wraps an offshore Sea Castle, a covered souk and a fascinating soap museum into a half-day visit.
- Highlight: The 13th-century Sea Castle reached by a stone causeway.
Batroun
A breezy coastal town famous for its Phoenician sea wall, fresh lemonade and a lively summer beach-bar scene.
- Highlight: Sipping fresh lemonade by the old Phoenician wall at sunset.
Practical tips
- Most of these cities are easy day trips from Beirut by car or shared taxi (service).
- Pack layers: the coast is warm while the mountains and Bekaa can be cool.
- Carry small cash; many souks and service taxis do not take cards.
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