Top 5 cities & areas you must visit in Lebanon
Lebanon is famous for its rich culture, diversity, vibrancy, liveliness, spectacular sceneries, churches, mosques, historic ruins, and incomparable beauty. The country has a diverse geography, including forests, lush-green mountains, planes, landscapes, and incredible landmarks.
Besides, it is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Lebanon is a dream destination for many people, with historical treasures, archeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and picturesque beaches. Here are the top five cities you must visit in Lebanon. Read on!
1. Beirut
Beirut, also known as the Paris of the Middle East, is the oldest and charming city, boasting a lively atmosphere, attractions, delectable food, historical sites, and friendly people. The city has some of the most scenic beaches with crystal clear waters and luxury resorts along the Mediterranean Sea. The gorgeous geography with varied coasts, cliffs, rocks, and sand separate the land and sea, making Beirut a paradise for tourists.
2. Brummana
Brummana is another beautiful city in Lebanon famous for its pleasant weather, peaceful environment, picturesque views, mouthwatering food, and historical sites. It is located in Mount Lebanon in the Matn District east of the capital city. There are many things to do and places to see Brummana, including Ferme Mar Chaaya with breathtaking scenery, recreational parks, playgrounds for kids, and local restaurants.
3. Jounieh
Jounieh attracts thousands of visitors every month, thanks to the seaside resorts with scenic views, crashing sound of waves, lively environment, and bustling nightlife. Jounieh is also famous for the old stone souk, paragliding site, ferry port, and gondola lift. You can take the lift to travel to the mountains and see the famous “Our Lady of Lebanon” in Harissa.
In addition, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Lebanon and the Middle East. The coastal city between Byblos and Beirut boasts Ottoman and French Colonial architecture, the Casino du Liban, and luxury resorts on the seaside. Moreover, it is a popular religious touristic destination in Lebanon for Christians and Muslims.
There are numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants crowded with wine-loving and foodies. The nightclubs of Jounieh have exotic dancers, musicians, and singers to amuse locals and tourists. Jounieh has something for everyone. It is worth visiting with your friends.
4. Sidon
Sidon is the third-largest city in Lebanon, situated in the Southern part of the country. Sidon is on the drift of the Mediterranean, about 40 miles of Beirut and 25 miles north of Tire. The place is famous for various attractions, including the sea castle of Sidon, a fortress established by the Crusaders in the 13th century.
The Castle of Sidon attracts many tourists to explore the temple to the God Melkart and see the beautiful and peaceful views of the small island. Another place to visit in Sidon is the Debbane Palace Museum, a famous place in the country and home to thousands of artifacts, hundreds of artworks, and dozens of sculptors.
5. Zahle
Zahle is another best city to visit in Lebanon. The town is famous for its architectural buildings and religious sites, including churches, allowing tourists to spend quality time with their friends or families in a peaceful, serene, and quiet environment.
We recommend visiting the “Our Lady of Zahle and Bekaa,” a shrine that attracts tourists and visitors due to its splendid architectural design, history, and picturesque views of Zahle from the site. Moreover, if you want to stay in private resorts, you will love the traditional red-roofed buildings with decorated rooms boasting 19th-century architecture.
The city has 38 churches and more than seven mosques, attracting Christians and Muslims from different parts of the world. Thus, Zahle is the epitome of interfaith harmony. Don’t forget to visit these religious sites and eat local Lebanese food in restaurants.
Final Words
Visiting Lebanon is a dream come true for many people because the country has some of the most versatile cities in the entire Middle East. The peace-loving people, splendid architecture, world-class infrastructure, beaches, resorts, fresh air, serene environment, delicious food, music scene, and historical ruins and heritage sites are something you would remember for years to come. Until Next Time!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.
