Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 89 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should be up to date on routine vaccines like MMR, DTP, and flu shots. Hepatitis A is recommended for most travelers, as well as Hepatitis B if you might have exposure to blood or sexual contact. Consider Typhoid if you’ll be in rural areas or eating street food. Rabies is typically not necessary unless you’ll be working with animals. Check the latest on COVID-19 vaccine requirements before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Lebanon, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LebanonCulture & Customs
Respect elders by showing deference in conversation and body language. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas; women should cover shoulders and knees. Avoid public displays of affection; they’re frowned upon. If invited to a home, bring a small gift like sweets or flowers. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet as attitudes can be conservative. Women might face catcalling; walking confidently often helps. Avoid discussing politics, especially concerning neighboring countries.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Lebanon.
- Tabbouleh: A vibrant salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and soaked bulgur, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing staple that represents Lebanon’s love for fresh, bold flavors.
- Kibbeh: Often considered the national dish, kibbeh is a mix of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), bulgur, and spices, typically formed into balls or patties. Its crispy, spiced exterior with a savory filling is a must-try.
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a simple yet essential part of Lebanese mezze, highlighting the country’s knack for turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
- Manakish: Sometimes called the ’Lebanese pizza’, this is a flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat. It’s a favorite breakfast or snack, showcasing the diverse uses of za’atar in Lebanese cuisine.
- Shawarma: Marinated meat (often chicken or beef) that’s slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s served in wraps or plates with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies. A street food classic that embodies Lebanon’s rich culinary influences.
Tap water in Lebanon isn’t consistently safe for drinking due to outdated infrastructure and potential contamination; locals often use bottled or filtered water. For tourists, it’s safer to opt for bottled water or use a reliable filter. Be cautious with ice and consider using bottled water for brushing teeth.
The main language in Lebanon is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Lebanon includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Lebanon,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas like Beirut. The country has a strong historical connection with the West, and English is often used in business, education, and media. Many Lebanese people, particularly the younger generation and those in the hospitality sector, are fluent in English.
In tourist areas, you will find that most signs, menus, and information are available in English, making navigation easier for English-speaking travelers. However, in rural regions or among older generations, Arabic and French are more commonly spoken, and English proficiency may vary.
Overall, as a traveler, you are likely to encounter many locals who can communicate effectively in English, allowing for a relatively smooth experience when exploring the country.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Lebanon is LBP (ل.ل).
When backpacking in Lebanon, having some local cash is a must. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they might be scarce in rural areas, so plan ahead. While major cards are accepted in many places, smaller businesses and street vendors usually prefer cash.
Bring a mix of US dollars and Lebanese pounds (LBP) when you can. Dollars are widely accepted, and many places quote prices in USD. However, for smaller purchases, LBP is more practical. Carry small denominations to avoid trouble with change.
When it comes to exchanging money, stick to exchange offices rather than banks for better rates and faster service. Avoid airport exchanges if possible, as rates tend to be much higher.
Don’t rely solely on cards, as some ATMs might have withdrawal limits or connectivity issues. Always have a backup stash of cash for emergencies.
Tipping in Lebanon is quite common, especially in restaurants and cafes, where a 10-15% tip is appreciated if service isn’t already included in the bill. Taxi drivers don’t typically expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. For porters or hotel staff, a small tip around 2,000–5,000 LBP (or equivalent in USD) is standard.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.