{"id":24263,"date":"2018-05-04T06:41:19","date_gmt":"2018-05-04T13:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=24263"},"modified":"2025-08-17T18:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T01:46:56","slug":"top-5-lebanon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/top-5-lebanon\/","title":{"rendered":"TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN LEBANON"},"content":{"rendered":"

‘Since when was Lebanon on your bucket list?’ – asked everyone when I told them my plans to visit. My answer? Well, never really<\/em>. But that quickly changed and what better way to start 2018 Spring adventures than exploring out of my comfort zone. With such ancient culture and unspoilt nature, it\u2019s no wonder I fell in love with Lebanon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lebanon is nestled in the Middle East just above Israel, across the Mediterranean from Cyprus and next door to Syria. Syria, that\u2019s right I said it. I guess I\u2019d never really considered visiting Lebanon as it\u2019s not plastered all over social media like destinations such as Dubai, Turkey and Jordan. Does that mean it must be less safe than those places? Certainly not. (Although as always that can change pretty quickly as we have seen with Paris, Barcelona and London.)<\/span><\/p>\n

So if you are fed up with Instagram flooding you with the same destination over and over again, find out why Lebanon should not be overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN LEBANON<\/span><\/h3>\n

1) THE CRUSADER CASTLE, BYBLOS<\/span><\/h3>\n

North of Beirut (the capital city) lies an ancient archaeological site in the town of Byblos. The ruins fall under a UNESCO World Heritage Site so you know it\u2019s going to be a goodie before you even arrive. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The castle and site have ruins dating back to Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman times – it’s totally crazy to think how one location can have so much surviving history left over. The site sits on the coast with views looking out over the Mediterranean Sea and walking through the remains along the coastline you will be met by impressive Roman ruins. <\/span>It really feels like you\u2019re wandering through a Biblical story when drifting through the castle grounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The castle itself has very little restriction in terms of staying on the path and you appear to be able to freely wander the rooms, gardens, and excavating area climbing the steps until you reach the roof. Plus the view from the top makes an amazing photo op!<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. BYBLOS HARBOUR<\/span><\/h3>\n

Assuming you\u2019ve ticked off the Castle, next on your to do list is to stroll down to the harbour in Byblos. Pick and choose side streets to meander in a general direction towards the harbour and you won\u2019t be disappointed by the Mediterranean vibes. The tiny harbour itself is a fishing hot spot so just sit on the edge and watch the world go by.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. JEITA GROTTO <\/span><\/h3>\n

Fix of culture complete \u2013 now it\u2019s time for nature! Jeita Grotto<\/a> is 30 minute taxi ride away from Byblos and without a doubt the most breath taking caves I have ever<\/em> visited. Surprisingly, no photography is allowed in the caves which makes it all the more magical as the only noise you can hear is the soft dripping from stalactites and crystal clear waters beneath your boat ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There are two sets of caves in the mountain: the Lower and Upper Grotto and both are an absolute must! You reach the Grottos by cable car above the river, and can either walk between the two or catch the tourist train between (although there were only about five other tourists when we visited!).<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. MOHAMMAD AL-AMIN MOSQUE, BEIRUT<\/span><\/h3>\n

Back in the capital city, Beirut boasts the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, which is a recent addition to the city\u2019s architecture and seamlessly fits in. What is even more beautiful about this Mosque is its location next to two Churches: St.George Maronite Cathedral and St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If you have time, I would highly recommend visiting inside the Mosque \u2013 we went at night time and unfortunately had hungry rumbling tummies that needed seeing too. The interior looks even more incredible than the outside (if possible!) and I will definitely be coming back to stand under that blue dome.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. LEBANESE FOOD<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before coming to Lebanon the only thing I really knew about the country was that they did food well. And oh my how I was right! When eating in Lebanon ask locals and you are guaranteed a good meal! Here are my suggestions for foodie spots:<\/span><\/p>\n