These are the best places to travel this summer

Lebanon

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
View of Beirut and it has been taken from Harissa at sunset.

Getty Images

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

This diminutive Mediterranean nation is a fascinating nexus point of the Middle East and the West; of Christianity and Islam; of tradition and modernity. It’s a place where culture, family and religion are all-important, but where sectarian violence can too often erupt – claiming lives and scarring both the landscape and the national psyche.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Beirut National Museum, Lebanon.

    National Museum of Beirut

    Beirut

    Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological…

  • Cedars growing at 6,000 feet in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon.

    Shouf Biosphere Reserve

    Lebanon

    The largest of Lebanon’s three natural protectorates, comprising an incredible 5% of the total land area, this is the largest natural cedar reserve in the…

  • Celestine, Beirut Mineral Museum exhibit, Lebanon.

    MIM

    Beirut

    Under the St Joseph university, this atmospheric and beautifully designed museum presents an extraordinary collection of exquisitely selected and…

  • The main square in Deir Al-Qamar, Lebanon.

    Main Square

    Lebanon

    The main square is a showcase of fine Arab architecture, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, built in 1493, and, behind it, a cobbler's souq…

  • St George Crypt Museum

    St George Crypt Museum

    Beirut

    When a bomb fell on the Orthodox cathedral in 1975, the only silver lining was that it revealed these ruins beneath. Though the area is small, an…

  • Beiteddine Palace

    Beiteddine Palace

    Lebanon

    Sitting majestically on a hill surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, Beiteddine Palace is one of the highlights of the Chouf Mountains. This…

  • The Jeita Grotto in Lebanon is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves.

    Jeita Grotto

    Lebanon

    One of the Middle East's greatest natural wonders, the stunning Jeita Grotto cave system extends around 6km into the mountains 18km, northeast of Beirut…

  • Sursock Museum

    Sursock Museum

    Beirut

    This privately owned contemporary-art museum is housed in a 1912 mansion located in one of Achrafiyeh's most attractive streets. After a major facelift…

View more attractions

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Lebanon

Go Beyond

Lebanon and beyond

Beyond Lebanon