Lebanon is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the stunning Roman temples of Baalbek, which are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The site is dominated by the massive Temple of Jupiter, with its …
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Backpacking Lebanon in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Lebanon with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Lebanon
Embark on a journey to Lebanon, a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Pros? Immerse yourself in ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Lebanon offers diverse landscapes in a compact size. However, sporadic security concerns may impact travel plans. For the culturally curious backpacker, Lebanon stands out with its rich heritage and a feast for the senses, making it a unique destination where history meets modernity, and each alleyway holds the promise of a new discovery.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Lebanon
Architecture
People
Lebanese people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They are quick to invite others into their homes and treat them like family. Whether it’s sharing a meal, offering a cup of coffee, or engaging in lively conversation, hospitality is …
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Food
The food in Lebanon is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Lebanese cuisine is a beautiful blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, and European influences, resulting in a wide variety of flavors, textures, and dishes. The use of …
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Scenery
Lebanon is a country with a diverse range of landscapes, making it a great place to explore natural beauty. The lush greenery of the Chouf Mountains and the stunning waterfalls of Baatara Gorge are perfect for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Lebanon is vibrant and diverse, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Backpackers can explore the bustling streets of Beirut, visit ancient ruins in Baalbek, and hike through the stunning landscapes …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Lebanon
1. Beirut - Explore the vibrant capital city, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and lively nightlife.
2. Jeita Grotto - Visit this natural wonder, featuring stunning limestone caves and an underground river, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
3. Byblos - Discover one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its ancient ruins, charming harbor, and picturesque old town.
4. Baalbek - Marvel at the impressive Roman ruins, including the monumental Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, showcasing Lebanon’s ancient heritage.
5. Wine tasting in the Bekaa Valley - Indulge in Lebanon’s flourishing wine industry, with a visit to the scenic vineyards and wineries in the country’s most renowned wine-producing region.
2. Jeita Grotto - Visit this natural wonder, featuring stunning limestone caves and an underground river, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
3. Byblos - Discover one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its ancient ruins, charming harbor, and picturesque old town.
4. Baalbek - Marvel at the impressive Roman ruins, including the monumental Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, showcasing Lebanon’s ancient heritage.
5. Wine tasting in the Bekaa Valley - Indulge in Lebanon’s flourishing wine industry, with a visit to the scenic vineyards and wineries in the country’s most renowned wine-producing region.
But Lebanon offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Lebanon
The best time to visit Lebanon for backpacking is during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to November. During these times, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
In the spring, the countryside is in full bloom with colorful flowers, and the weather is perfect for hiking in the mountains or along the coast. In the autumn, the foliage begins to change, creating stunning landscapes and cooler temperatures for outdoor adventures.
Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows for fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations, making it an ideal time for budget travelers. However, it’s important to note that Lebanon experiences political instability and occasional security concerns, so it’s essential to stay informed about the current situation and travel advisories before planning a trip.
In the spring, the countryside is in full bloom with colorful flowers, and the weather is perfect for hiking in the mountains or along the coast. In the autumn, the foliage begins to change, creating stunning landscapes and cooler temperatures for outdoor adventures.
Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows for fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations, making it an ideal time for budget travelers. However, it’s important to note that Lebanon experiences political instability and occasional security concerns, so it’s essential to stay informed about the current situation and travel advisories before planning a trip.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Lebanon
- The Australian Government has secured seats on flights leaving Beirut. We are communicating directly with registered Australians about departure options from Lebanon, including assisted departure flights. You should only go to Beirut airport if you have a confirmed seat. More flights are planned, subject to demand and security conditions. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Lebanon, you should register on DFAT's crisis registration portal.
- We continue to advise do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further. Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.
- The security situation continues to deteriorate in Lebanon. Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and other locations and Israeli military ground operations in southern Lebanon are likely to continue Australians in Lebanon should avoid known or suspected areas of military activity.
- Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice. You should take the first available flight and not wait for a preferred route. Beirut airport could close at short notice, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period.
- If the security situation deteriorates further, the Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances.
- If you choose not to leave while commercial flights are operating, be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have enough supplies including food, water, medicine, radio, torches and batteries. Know where your identity documents are, including your passport.
- Read our Information for Australians in Lebanon, (also available in Arabic), for advice on what to do if you're currently there.
- Ensure your travel documents are up to date. Ensure you have passports for children born in Lebanon and current passports for all family members travelling with you.
- Due to the current security situation and the risk of it further deteriorating, the Australian Embassy has temporarily suspended all non-essential in-country travel outside Beirut for Australian officials and their families posted to Lebanon. Dependants of Australian officials continue to have the option of voluntary departure to return to Australia.
- Avoid areas where military activity is ongoing. GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Lebanon, which could also affect flight availability. Avoid areas where military activity is ongoing. See our advice on ‘Armed conflict’.
- An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions. Demonstrations and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut. Suicide bombings and attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), air raids and kidnappings have occurred in Lebanon. Extremists may target foreigners. Take safety precautions. Always be alert to possible threats and avoid potential targets.
- Large protests happen and can turn violent. Tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition may be used. Avoid large public gatherings. Celebratory gunfire often occurs and has caused casualties. Stay inside during celebratory gunfire or if you're caught in civil unrest. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- There's a high threat of armed conflict south of the city of Sidon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has a peacekeeping presence there. Israeli forces occupy the southern border town of Ghajar. Tensions remain high in the surrounding region, including the Shebaa Farms, where daily military action is occurring. Avoid areas of military conflict.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
LebanonMy tips to get you on the way!Does Lebanon sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Lebanon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Lebanon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Lebanon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Lebanon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Lebanon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Lebanon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024