Lebanon is a small country but it has a lot to offer for tourists. There’s fantastic food, culture, art, nightlife, sightseeing and many other amazing things to see and do. I love the diversity in Lebanon. Wherever you go, there’s something special about each and every city.
My name’s Jubran Elias and I’m a multidisciplinary designer with broad experience in branding, digital design and experience design. I’m passionate about creating designs that communicate ideas and stories that involve all of the senses.
I love exploring and sharing the beauty of nature, fusing different worlds of cultures and getting lost in the right direction. When I’m not in front of the computer, taking photos or making videos – I paint stairs, walls, and buildings with my team Dihzahyners at “Paint Up”.
We are a team of inspired, driven and passionate artists/designers. Our mission is to create initiatives that make Beirut brighter and more beautiful through colours.
I grew up in Beirut and love the city as much as I hate it. It’s a complicated relationship! I fell in love with travel and photography after I graduated from high school several years ago.
I’ve always been a person who loves traveling, adventures and getting outdoors. I also love to take my camera with me and capture photos on my journeys. There’s nothing better than capturing special moments in time.
Over the years, I have watched many photography tutorial videos and learnt from leading photographers in the field. Recently, I fell in love with aerial/drone photography.
The new perspectives that drone photography gives you is amazing! I’m continuing to explore aerial photography day by day and learning as I go.
My Favourite Place in Lebanon: Tyre
Lebanon is one of the world’s oldest countries. We have experienced a lot of wars but there is still so much beauty and good news that comes out of our country. There are four main cities in Lebanon which are amongst some of the oldest cities in the world: Byblos, Beirut, Sidon and Tyre.
Tyre is my favourite city. It’s one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It has this magical feel about it. Everytime I visit I feel like I’m back home. You can still see the old architecture inside the city.
Exploring these ruins will lead you to one of the biggest Roman Hippodromes – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the second century A.D.
Also you must check out the vibrant souk market in Tyre and the breathtaking sandy coastline. Since we have the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, you can get lucky and swim with turtles. I should add the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and Akkar as my favourite locations to go hiking in nature.
We have so many beautiful places to go hiking in Lebanon. I once went hiking on the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve in autumn.
I passed through four seasons in one day. I hiked up a little hill and the weather changed to mist. Then it started to rain and ended with snow. This has to be one of my favourite memories from all my travels in Lebanon.
11 Best Things To Do in Lebanon
Despite decades of civil war and various conflicts, Lebanon is still home to an enduring culture and civilisation which I am proud of. Travelers can enjoy so many wonderful activities and adventures in this pearl of the Middle East! Below are my top experiences:
1. Enjoy the Phenomenal Lebanese Cuisine
Food comes first in Lebanon and when you get here it’s easy to see why. The cuisine is absolutely delicious. Most meals start with vegetarian mezze entrées and are followed by mains featuring seafood or grilled meats. Then sweet pastry desserts cap off the meal.
2. Experience the Vibrant Nightlife in Beirut
Beirut has a surprisingly awesome nightlife from glitzy rooftop bars to pumping underground nightclubs. You’ll be spoilt for choice on a night out.
The people of Beirut are also famous for their warm hospitality – so making new friends is always a breeze. Enjoy stunning views of the Beirut skyline with a drink in hand and flavoured shisha smoke filling your lungs.
3. Go on a Epic Road Trip in Lebanon
Lebanon is a compact little country (225km in length) which is tailor-made for road trips. You’ll discover so many hidden gems along the way.
Driving times between destinations are short – no more than three hours – and traffic is basically non-existent. Go from Beirut to Jbeil and discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site or drive to Baalbek to see ancient ruins.
4. Hike the Epic Lebanese Mountain Trail
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is a 293 mile long trail starting from the north in a village called Aandqet moving all the way south to a town called Marjaayoun.
Views on this hike are stunning as you take in Lebanon’s coast, mountains and valleys. Seeing all the beautiful little Lebanese villages and meeting the people of the countryside is certainly a highlight!
5. Visit the Museums and Street Art Landmarks
Lebanon has a fascinating history that goes from the Phoenicians to the Romans to the Ottomans. Across the country you can find a variety of museums showcasing this history including the National Museum of Beirut, Gibran Museum and Beiteddine Palace.
Street art is another feature of Lebanon where colourful murals brighten up the cities. The history of this street art is just as fascinating as the actual art itself. It started as “tagging” during the Civil War and has transformed into colourful artistic works reflective of Lebanon’s culture and history.
6. Discover a World of Ancient Ruins
Remains of ancient civilisations can be found all over Lebanon. The Phoenicians started their rule in Sidon and Tyre and then came the Persians, Greeks and Romans.
After the Romans, the Byzantines, Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans and French rulers followed. Places like the Roman Amphitheatre in Batroun and Qalaat Faqra tell the rich historical story of Lebanon.
7. Chase the Majestic Waterfalls of Lebanon
Seeing water flowing down the mountains of Lebanon is always a wonderful sight! One of the best waterfalls in the country is Baatara Gorge Waterfall (also known as Balou Balaa).
The falls are located in Tannourine close to Byblos, Batroun and Chekka. It’s a 255 metre drop into the Balaa Pothole – an incredible limestone cave on the Lebanon Mountain Trail.
8. Explore the Religious Heritage of Lebanon
Lebanon is a diverse land of different cultures and religions. Two of the world’s major religions – Christianity and Islam – have shared this land for centuries. While the footprints of Ancient Rome and Greece can still be seen in the countries ruins and buildings.
Some of the best religious sites in Lebanon to visit are the Temples of Baalbek, Our Lady of Lebanon and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Saint Charbel Tomb and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George.
9. Tour World-Class Wineries and Vineyards
For centuries, Lebanon has been a fertile land for the production of wine due to it’s cool climate and mountainous landscape. There are world-class wineries and vineyards scattered right across the country.
Perhaps the best two regions are the Bekaa Valley in the east of Lebanon and the Batroun region on the northern coast. Visitors can delight in tasty reds and whites as well as the traditional Lebanese arak wine.
10. Stay at a Guesthouse or Boutique Hotel
Staying in a cozy guesthouse or boutique hotel gives you a much more authentic and relaxed experience when you travel.
Lebanon has seen a massive growth in guesthouses recently – not just for tourists but also for Lebanese looking for a weekend escape. Stay at amazing places like Beit Douma, Bouyouti Hotel, Dar Alma Boutique Hotel and Beit al Batroun Bed & Breakfast.
11. Make Friends with the Awesome Lebanese People
Nothing beats good old fashioned Lebanese humour! The people of Lebanon will make jokes about any given situation good or bad. We are also very generous people and welcome visitors with warm hospitality like no other people on earth.
Lebanese people will happily invite you into their homes and into their families. No matter what the situation is you will have a good time. We are defined by an easy-going attitude so don’t hesitate to talk to locals during your visit. They will help you more than you expect.
Tips for your Visit to Lebanon
Every season has its own character and charm in Lebanon. Personally, I love spring and summer time the best as there is so much going on. The country is pulsating with regular events, vibrant nightlife, outdoor adventures, beach life and camping activities.
So I say to you: buy the tickets, pack your bags and come experience Lebanon! Reading about it doesn’t compare to seeing it in real life. As people say, the most unplanned adventures are often the best ones!
