Introducing Lebanon
Travel Alert: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends against all travel to some areas and against all non-essential travel to others, please check with your relevant national government.
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Coolly combining the ancient with the ultramodern, Lebanon is one of the most captivating countries in the Middle East. From the Phoenician findings of Tyre (Sour) and Roman Baalbek's tremendous temple to Beirut's BO18 and Bernard Khoury's modern movement, the span of Lebanon's history leaves many visitors spinning. Tripoli (Trablous) is considered to have the best souk in the country and is famous for its Mamluk architecture. It's well equipped with a taste of modernity as well; Jounieh, formerly a sleepy fishing village, is a town alive with nightclubs and glitz on summer weekends.
With all of the Middle East's best bits - warm and welcoming people, mind-blowing history and considerable culture, Lebanon is also the antithesis of many people's imaginings of the Middle East: mostly mountainous with skiing to boot, it's also laid-back, liberal and fun. While Beirut is fast becoming the region's party place, Lebanon is working hard to recapture its crown as the 'Paris of the Orient'.
The rejuvenation of the Beirut Central District is one of the largest, most ambitious urban redevelopment projects ever undertaken. Travellers will find the excitement surrounding this and other developments and designs palpable - and very infectious.
Finally, Lebanon's cuisine is considered the richest of the region. From hummus to hommard (lobster), you'll dine like a king. With legendary sights, hospitality, food and nightlife, what more could a traveller want?
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Explore Lebanon in a week
- ... or do it in 5 days, including the spectacular Qadisha Valley
Last updated: Apr 2, 2012
Tips & articles
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Eat your way around the world in Beirut
7 May 2012
Is there anything more distinctly Lebanese than a greasy late-night kebab? Perhaps not. But while Beirut may have built its...
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10 November 2011
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Visa Hassles for The Indian Backpacker - A Solution
by ana_musafir 26 May 2012
@ barkingcard: I want to travel to Lebanon. The embassy in New Delhi is insisting on a pre-authorised visa from General Security office…
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RE: Beirut situation now ?
by davedanger 26 May 2012
I arrived here two days ago myself and have seen nothing so far to give me pause. I'm staying with in laws here and they have expressed…
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Re: Safety in Lebanon
by ana_musafir 26 May 2012
@robean Hi, Since you have friends / connections living in Lebanon, I thought of writing to you to get a little piece of information.…
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Lebanon
Things to do
- All things to do (194)
- Activities (28)
- Entertainment (27)
- Restaurants (50)
- Shopping (22)
- Sights (64)
- Tours (3)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Lebanon
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1 Baalbek
Transport yourself back to the ‘Sun City’ of the ancient world, including one of Rome's most lavish temples, and study its debauched past
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2 Aanjar
Amble down the main street of the majestic remains of the Middle East's only Umayyad fortified city
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3 Beirut
Explore the Corniche, then discover the clubs of Beirut and find out why it's the Middle East's most vibrant capital
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4 Byblos
Wander the impressive archaeological remains knowing that a seafood feast awaits at a charming ancient harbour
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5 Tripoli
Sample Tripoli's famous sweets and then walk off the calories exploring the medieval souqs
Fast Facts about Lebanon
- Money
Lebanese lira (LL) - known locally as the 'Lebanese pound'; US$1 = LL1502; €1 = LL1774
- Official name:
Republic of Lebanon
- Area
10, 400 sq km
- Population
4.4 million
- Country code
961
- Language
Arabic
- Capital
Our favourite Lebanon Blogs (beta)
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When one prejudice hides another
Blog: ginger beirut - 23 May 2012
Yet again Lebanon is split by pro-Syrian and anti-Syrian feeling. Which reminds me of a joke I was told here. A Lebanese, a Syrian, and a black man are in a hospital waiting room. All of their wives are in labour. The men are talking anxiously to one another trying to stay calm. Then the [...]
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Old town of Jounieh
Blog: ginger beirut - 19 May 2012
Jounieh could be summarised as a collection of ill-assorted concrete shapes lining a motorway and littering a whole hillside. But in the old town of Jounieh, a lot of the lovely old buildings are being beautifully renovated. And there’s a lot of work in progress.
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Sky bar on a budget
Blog: ginger beirut - 11 May 2012
I’m always fascinated by construction workers, up in these skyscrapers, miles above the rest of us. Their nonchalance is striking. We pay to climb monuments for a lesser view. When I see the shacks they live in at the foot of these megalomanic projects, I’m glad they get to have lunch up there.
