Lebanon 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Beirut & Its Surroundings

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Breakfast & Co. (Hamra St.): Start your day with a hearty Lebanese breakfast, featuring traditional dishes like manakish, labneh, and foul.
  • National Museum of Beirut: Learn about the rich history and archaeology of Lebanon, dating back to prehistoric times.

Afternoon:

  • Beirut Central District (BCD) & Corniche: Explore the vibrant heart of Beirut, visit historic buildings like the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and the Grand Serail. Take a leisurely walk along the Corniche for stunning sea views.
  • Baalbek & The Beqaa Valley (Optional day trip): If you have time, visit the ancient Roman city of Baalbek, featuring some of the largest and best-preserved Roman temples in the world. This requires a rental car or guided tour.

Evening:

  • Saifi Urban Garden: unwind at this charming rooftop garden, offering local food, drinks, and live music.
  • Dinner at Al Mandaloun (Zaitunay Bay): Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine with a view of the vibrant Zaitunay Bay.

Things to know:

  • Lebanon’s official language is Arabic, but French and English are also widely spoken.
  • Lebanese currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). Credit/debit cards are commonly used in cities, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Tipping is customary in Lebanon; around 10% is standard.

Day 2: Byblos & Jeita Grotto

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or local bakery.
  • Byblos (Jbeil): Drive north to the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos, known as “Gibrlat Byblos” in Arabic. Explore the Crusader Castle and the Old Town, with its narrow, winding streets lined with charming shops and restaurants.

Afternoon:

  • Jeita Grotto: Head to the Jeita Grotto, one of the largest cave systems in the world. Take a boat tour through the lower grotto, known for its stunning limestone formations.
  • Jounieh (nearby town): Enjoy lunch with a view at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Jounieh Bay.

Evening:

  • Return to Beirut and spend your final evening exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Mar Mikhael or Gemmayze, known for their vibrant street art, independent boutiques, and lively bars.
  • Dinner at Tawlet: Experience the flavors of different Lebanese regions with this communal dining concept, featuring dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Transportation:

  • Rental cars are widely available, but Beirut has a good network of service taxis that you can hail from the street or arrange through your hotel. Uber is also available in major cities.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries require a visa to enter Lebanon. Check with the Lebanese Embassy or your travel agent for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and application processes.