The Best Day Trips From Beirut Lebanon

While Beirut alone is a great place to explore, there are a lot of places to visit in Lebanon. Once you’re done walking through Hamra and seeing the museums and landmarks, it becomes time to branch out to other places. Here is a list of the best day trips from Beirut, Lebanon.

1. Heliopolis, Baalbek

Ruins

The ruins of Baalbek offers a unique insight into the religions of ancient civilizations. From the Mesopotamian to the Ottoman, the site has been a center for worship and a cornerstone of civilizations. Marvel at the giant columns which have puzzled archaeologists and discover ancient carvings on the walls. Who knows what beauty awaits you in the home of Venus.

Location:

Baalbek Roman Ruins, Baalbek, Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon

Ruins, Baalbek |© Frode Ramone / Flickr

2. Byblos, Jbeil

As an ancient coastal city, Jbeil is definitely a must-see for the traveler looking for a dose of history. Take a leisurely stroll through the small town and marvel at all the ancient architecture. Visit the old souks littered with small local shops and bars. Wander through the wax museum, the castle, and the coastline, where you can enjoy one of the best meals made from fish caught fresh by locals.

Location:

Byblos, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon

Byblos, Jbeil |© Karan Jain / Flickr

3. Ksara, Bekaa Valley

Restaurant

Book a tour to one of Lebanon’s biggest wineries, Chateau Ksara. Take a walk through the expansive vineyards in Bekaa Valley and explore the wine cellar that offers one of Lebanon’s best beverages. Enjoy wine tasting along with a meal of cold cuts, cheeses, and salads at the site’s restaurant. This trip is definitely perfect for travelers looking to delight their senses.

Location and Phone Number:

Chateau Ksara, Ksara, Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon, +961 8813495

Caves De Ksara |© Steven Damron / Flickr

5. Jeita Grotto, Keserwan

Rumored to have been a historical site for sword production, the Grotto was officially discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson. Later, many ventured into the cave and expeditions were lead to make the cave a natural marvel. In 1969, the grotto was officially opened to the public with a large music concert but was eventually closed because of destruction from the civil war. It was then restored and reopened in 1995 and has been active ever since.

Location:

Jeita Grotto, Jeita, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon

Jeita Grotto |© Kerimcan Akduman / Flickr

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.