Byblos
These nine tombs were cut in impressive vertical shafts deep into the rock in the 2nd millennium BC and discovered after a landslip. Some of the…
Must-see attractions in Lebanon
Byblos
Construction of this heartwarmingly beautiful Romanesque church in the medieval streets above the harbour commenced in 1115 and the structure was extended…
Saida
Erected in 1228 by the Crusaders, this picturesque castle sits on a small island that was formerly the site of a temple dedicated to Melkart, the…
Tripoli
Standing on its own to the south of the souqs on the outskirts of the Old City, but well worth the walk, is this restored green-domed mosque by the…
Beirut
This activity centre and interactive science museum in the Souks shopping arcades is aimed at young children and offers a science museum that's very hands…
Tyre
Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, this well-preserved Roman hippodrome was built in the 2nd century AD and once held more than 20,000 spectators. A…
Tripoli
Used from the 13th-century right up until 1975, this historic hammam is an extensive complex that is undergoing an elegant restoration. There's a…
Beirut
The large and verdant Horsh Beirut could be the city's version of Central Park, but opening hours are irregular to the point of arbitrary, and it’s manned…
Beirut
The IFI holds the distinction of being the only Zaha Hadid-designed building in Beirut. The structure is distinctive in appearance too: it’s a…
Beirut
Built in the 12th century as the Church of John the Baptist of the Knights Hospitaller, this attractive building was converted into a mosque in 1291. It…
Beirut
One of the last remaining Beirut manor houses from the Ottoman era, Sursock Palace stands behind high gates across from the Sursock Museum (the Sursock…
Qadisha Valley
Just beyond Qannoubin is the Chapel of Mar Marina, a female saint who, disguised as a man, lived as a monk at Qannoubin for many years before being…
Qadisha Valley
Near where the winding Qadisha road hits the valley floor is one of the most important monasteries, Deir Mar Elisha, which can be accessed by car and now…
Beirut
A very well-maintained public park with soothing greenery and water, this has playground equipment for the kids to let off steam, and plenty of paved…
Qadisha Valley
In the Qadisha valley below the village of Hawqa, this monastery (Our Lady of Hawqa) can be reached by a 4.5km path beyond Deir Qannoubin. It's a…
Beirut
Housed in a gorgeous 1930s villa, Dar El Nimer features rotating art exhibits and an impressive permanent collection including decorative arts, glass,…
Bekaa Valley
One of only a couple of wineries in Lebanon that you can currently visit without pre-booking, this produces quality wines of all three colours. You might…
Beirut
Conceptualised as a museum dedicated to the memory of Beirut, Beit Beirut started off as the stately home of the Barakat family in the 1920s and was then…
Tyre
Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, this sizeable funerary complex has hundreds of ornate stone and marble sarcophagi as well as collective tomb…
Jounieh
Dubbed the Terrorifique by those who are nervous of heights, this cable car runs from the waterfront road steeply upwards some 650 vertical metres to the…
Tripoli
Built on the site of a 12th-century Crusader cathedral and incorporating some of its features, this mosque has a magnificent entrance and an unusual…
Saida
Entered from the souq via a tall staircase marked with a sign, this former Ottoman aristocrat’s building built in 1721 has intricate Mamluk decoration,…
Saida
Just behind the Khan Al Franj, on a picturesque square, the Bab As Saray Mosque is the oldest in Saida, dating from 1201, and is filled with beautiful…
Tyre
The most curious building at the Al Mina site is this 4th-century rectangular arena that would have held up to 2000 spectators. Its exact use is unknown;…
Tyre
This impressive archway towers over the Roman road that runs beneath it. It marked the entrance to the city and probably dates from the time of Emperor…
Qadisha Valley
In the southern section of the valley, accessed via a path just over a kilometre west (ie further from Bcharré) from the main road down to the valley…
Bekaa Valley
A winery that you don't have to prebook, Ksara is a reliable producer that offers tours and tastings. The tour includes a visit to an atmospheric Roman…
Qadisha Valley
The working monastery of Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya is in the northern section of the Qadisha valley between the villages of Hawqa and Ehden and accessible…
Tyre
This unusually large bathhouse at the Al Mina ruins complex dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. You can clearly see the masses of brick columns that…
Lebanon
Between the old town and the sea, sections of what is labelled the Phoenician sea wall still stand. It actually dates from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD…
Lebanon
This harmonious khan just above the square was built in the late 16th century and chiefly served as a souq for silk and jewel traders. These days a French…
Tripoli
This long straight souq is fragrant with perfumes and spices. It segues into the main food-selling portion of the market area.
Beirut
One of the Middle East’s most prestigious and expensive universities, the AUB was founded in 1866 by American Protestant missionary Daniel Bliss. Spread…
St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Beirut
This was built in 1767 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. In 1975, during the civil war, a bomb fell here and unearthed the ruins of a…
Maronite Cathedral of St George
Beirut
The neoclassical facade of this late 19th-century cathedral, next to the Mohammed Al Amin mosque, was inspired by the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in…
Lebanon
Built over the remains of a Roman temple, this 18th-century Maronite monastery was extensively damaged during the civil war but has been fully restored. A…
Beirut
Named for the starburst formed by the radial streets of the main square, Place de l’Étoile seems to either be totally empty or rammed with families with…
Byblos
The site's oldest temple dates back to the early 3rd millennium BC and was dedicated to the goddess of the city. Destroyed by the Amorites, it was…
Beirut
The largest outdoor sight in downtown Beirut hearkening back to the days when the city was a centre of Roman law, the baths here underwent a major…
Tyre
The hefty bones of this sizeable cathedral are visible near the main Al Mina site. It was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Mamluks who…
