10 Unique Lebanese Souvenirs You Need To Take Back Home

If you’re visiting Lebanon anytime soon, you know that the country is a mix of several different cultures and histories. With Ancient, Roman, Ottoman and French influences, this small Mediterranean country is full of gems to take back home. Here are 10 unique Lebanese souvenirs to look out for.

Books

For a small country, the number of intellectuals and writers that have come out of Lebanon is staggering. It seems that every couple of years a Lebanese citizen or resident is recognized for a unique (and often controversial) publication. The country’s history of war and social strife has made for interesting stories to tell. From Khalil Gibran to Rawi Hage, there are many books worth picking up on your next visit. Not sure where to go? Visit these independent shops.

Sarah’s Bag

2nd floor, M’hanna building, 100 Rue Du Liban, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 575 585

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbf-7kMBu6i/?tagged=sarahsbag

Sweets

Perhaps one of the best gifts to take back home from Lebanon is food. Stores like Hallab and Douaihy have packages especially for travelers and outlets at the Beirut International Airport. Indulge in a taste of Lebanon once you’ve left with sweet treats that’ll last a while.

Al Hallab Sweets: Camil Chamoun Road, New Karout Mall, Gallery semaan, Chiyah, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 271 881

Douaihy Sweets: Autostrade Zalka towards Jounieh Centre Le Baron, Beirut, +961 1 878 886

Roasted nuts

Assorted roasted nuts are a local favorite. More often than not if you’re visiting a Lebanese home you’ll eventually find a bowl of roasted, salted nuts and seeds in front of you with a drink. Like sweets, you can easily find them prepared for travel at places like Al-Amine or Al-Rifai Roasteries all across the country.

Al-Amine Roasteries: Tripoli, Ryad El Soleh Str., Akkar, El Abdeh, Tripoli, Lebanon, +961 71 608 434

Al Rifai Roasteries: Fouad Chehab Street, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 888 884

Turkish Coffee Pots

Usually found in old souks like the one in Tripoli, silver home trinkets and Turkish coffee accessories are some of the most Lebanese items you could take back home. When you visit you’ll soon find that the locals love their Turkish coffee, with many drinking several pots throughout the day! Take the beloved tradition home with you in style.

Cheikh Abdul Karim Ouaida, Tripoli, Lebanon

Rana Salam’s home decoration items

Like Sarah’s Bag, this is a home-wear brand with a twist. Rana Salam’s home decoration items include plates, prints and pillows, all dedicated to reflecting Lebanese heritage with a modern touch. Explore an assortment of beautiful trinkets that’ll leave you wishing you’d budgeted better!

Mar Maroun, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 446 216

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbhqaa8FvD_/?taken-by=ranasalamstudio

Message carved in cedar wood

If you’re going to the cedars, you’ll probably see these wood carvings all around you. Take a piece of the forest’s magic with you, and even personalize it with your or a loved one’s name.

Cedars of God, Bcharri, Lebanon

Artisanal clothing

Like any other Arab country, Lebanon is full of stores selling the country’s traditional clothing, including beautiful kaftans. If you’re looking for an original dress as a wedding guest, or just love the culture, make sure to pick one up from the numerous high-end oriental shops.

499, Omar Daouk, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 369 499

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwGEBOBo8P/?tagged=orient499

Art 7ake merchandise

Another witty take on local youth culture, Art 7ake is a Lebanese brand dedicated to sarcastic Lebanese millennials. With items inspired by ’60s Beirut and contemporary realities, the various prints, T-shirts and totes are a perfect souvenir to take back home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/3bClsnNWmt/?tagged=art7ake

Local wine

Quickly gaining momentum worldwide, Lebanese wines like Chateau Ksara are an essential part of experiencing Lebanon, and a good reminder of the time you spent in the country. With good pricing and even better taste, take a bottle or two home to age, and take it out when you miss Lebanon!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFqagHBYLv/?tagged=chateauksara

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.