Lebanon-2-day-itinerary

2-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Lebanon

Day 1: Beirut and Byblos

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start your day with a delicious Lebanese breakfast at a local café in Beirut. Try some manakish (flatbread topped with zaatar, olive oil, and sesame seeds) and ahweh (strong coffee).
  • 10:00 am: Visit the National Museum of Beirut to learn about Lebanon’s rich history and culture.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Head to Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (approx. 30-40 minutes by car). Explore the ancient ruins, including the Crusader Castle and the Roman Amphitheater.
  • 4:00 pm: Take a stroll along the picturesque Byblos harbor and enjoy the Mediterranean sea views.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Return to Beirut and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Lebanese cuisine like kibbeh, shawarma, or falafel.
  • 9:00 pm: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Beirut in the Gemmayzeh neighborhood.

Day 2: Jeita Grotto and Harissa

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the breathtaking Jeita Grotto (approx. 30-40 minutes by car), a stunning underground cave system with impressive limestone formations.
  • 11:00 am: Take a short drive to Harissa, a picturesque hill town with panoramic views of Jounieh Bay.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Visit the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa, a famous pilgrimage site and iconic Lebanese landmark.
  • 3:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Jounieh, overlooking the bay.

Evening

  • 5:00 pm: Return to Beirut and spend some time exploring the city’s trendy boutiques and art galleries.
  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Beirut.

Things to Know

  • Lebanon is a relatively small country, making it easy to travel between destinations.
  • Arabic and French are widely spoken, but many locals also speak English.
  • The Lebanese pound (LBP) is the local currency, although USD is widely accepted.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).
  • Check with the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific requirements.

Transportation

  • Rent a car or hire a driver for the day to travel between destinations.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in Beirut.
  • Public transportation is limited, but buses and mini-vans (called “service”) can be used for shorter journeys.

Other Tips

  • Lebanon is a cash-based economy, so have some local currency with you at all times.
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in popular tourist areas.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.

Enjoy your trip to Lebanon!