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Lebanon Travel Guide

Austin Mayer -
Last Updated: July 12, 2025

Overview

Lebanon is a tiny Mediterranean gem packed with bucket list experiences from ancient Roman ruins to lively beach clubs and snow capped mountains (yes, you can ski and swim in the same day!). The capital, Beirut, is a mix of war torn history and glamorous nightlife (semantic keyword: things to do in Beirut ), while cities like Byblos and Tyre offer some of the oldest continuously inhabited ports in the world. Food lovers will adore Lebanon for its mezze, shawarma, and fresh seafood, while adventure seekers can hike the Qadisha Valley or explore the Jeita Grotto caves.

Quick Facts About Lebanon

Language

Arabic (Lebanese dialect)

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP), but USD is widely accepted

Visa

Visa on arrival for most nationalities (long-tail: Lebanon visa on arrival)

Power Plugs

Type A, B, C, D, G

Religion

Mix of Islam & Christianity

Capital

Beirut

Climate

Mediterranean hot summers, mild winters. Best months: April-June & September-November (long tail: best time to visit Lebanon)

Apps

Bolt (ride hailing), Deliveroo (food delivery), Google Maps

Flights Information for Lebanon

Most travelers fly into Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), Lebanon’s main hub with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and some Asian/African cities. Smaller airports like Rene Mouawad (KYE) serve domestic routes. Tip: Flights can be pricey due to limited competition, so book early using Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Lebanon

Lebanon has faced political instability, but tourist areas remain safe. That said, Avoid protests and border zones, and monitor news updates. Petty theft occurs in crowds stay alert. Dress is moderate, Beirut is liberal, but outside cities, conservative clothing is respectful.

Climate

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate: summers (June-August) are hot (30-35°C) and humid near the coast, while winters (December-February) bring rain and even snow in the mountains. Best time to visit? Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for perfect hiking and beach weather.

Budget

Lebanon is mid range cheaper than Europe but pricier than Egypt or Southeast Asia.

  • Hostels: Approx From $15/night
  • Meals: Approx Street eats ($3-$7), restaurants ($10-$25)
  • Transport: Use Bolt/Uber in Beirut.
  • Hotels: Approx $50-$150+ for mid-range options
  • Food: Street eats Approx ($3-$7), restaurant meals ($10-$25)

Other Must-Know Tips:

  • Cash is king ATMs often run out, so bring USD/Euros to exchange.
  • Public transport is chaotic and uses private drivers or apps.
  • Tipping: 10% in restaurants, small change for taxis.
  • SIM Cards: Buy at the airport (Touch or Alfa networks).

Final Note

Lebanon is history, adventure, and nightlife rolled into one just to pack patience for power cuts and cash shortages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lebanon safe for tourists?
Yes, but avoid protests and borders.
Best time to visit Lebanon?
Spring (April-June) or fall (September-November).
Can I use USD in Lebanon?
Yes, USD is accepted everywhere.

Austin Mayer

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Austin Mayer covers flights and airfare for Travel and Diaries. He writes the site's guides on airline routes, booking timing, stopover strategy, and getting the most out of long-haul economy - with a particular focus on connections between South Asia, the Gulf, and long- haul destinations. Austin's articles track real route networks and fare patterns rather than recycled booking myths: when he recommends a connection through Doha or Dubai, it's because the schedules and prices actually support it. Off the page, he supports the Travel and Diaries flight desk, which helps readers turn his advice into booked tickets.

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