Image by Wendy Connett / Wendy Connett

Byblos

A pretty fishing port with an ancient harbour, medieval town centre, Crusader-era castle and atmospheric archaeological site, Byblos (Jbail in Arabic) is a wonderful choice for those wanting a night or two out of Beirut, but it's also an easy and enjoyable day trip. The seaside, good accommodation and eating options, and a lively party scene in the old souq make it a likeably hedonistic place that packs out in summer.

Explore Byblos

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Byblos.

  • Sights

  • Castle

    Crusader Castle

    A restored 12th-century Crusader castle surrounded by a 10m-wide dry moat is located just inside the entrance to Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site…

  • Historic Site

    Byblos Archaeological Site

    A well-restored Crusader castle dominates Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site, which incorporates Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins –…

  • Ruins

    Early Settlements

    Head to the archaeological complex's most modern building – a rather lovely 19th-century house – to inspect its oldest. Just south of the house, you can…

  • Ruins

    Royal Tombs

    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…

  • Church

    Church of St John the Baptist

    Construction of this heartwarmingly beautiful Romanesque church in the medieval streets above the harbour commenced in 1115 and the structure was extended…

  • Ruins

    Temple of Baalat Gebal

    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…

  • Ruins

    Obelisk Temple

    Remains of the early 2nd millennium BC Obelisk Temple have 1500 gold-covered votive offerings in the shape of human figures, which were discovered here in…

  • Ruins

    Roman Theatre

    To get access to earlier temples beneath it, this 3rd-century AD Roman theatre was moved and reconstructed by the sea cliff in the 1930s. It's one-third…

  • Ruins

    Temple of Resheph

    This temple dates from the 3rd millennium BC and is thought to have been burned down during the Amorite invasions. It was then replaced with the Temple of…

  • Ruins

    King's Spring

    Used at least as far back as the Neolithic period, this spring supplied the city with water until the end of the Hellenistic era (and where, according to…

  • Ruins

    City Ramparts

    You can begin your tour here by turning left to explore the ruins, which include the remains of city ramparts dating from the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Byblos.

  • Activities