East definitely meets west in Lebanon. If you want to visit the Middle East, this is by far the country I recommend starting with.

Byblos (Jbeil)

I have to start here because this is my favorite part of Lebanon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (since 5000 BC). I love that they’ve kept it historic and haven’t polluted the bay with fancy yachts. Walk around the old souk for a stroll through ancient history.

Baalbek

Largest ancient Roman ruins outside of Greece. I find it so disappointing that wars have destroyed a chunk of this place otherwise it would have truly been one of the world’s wonders. Take a tour or go with local friends (just to avoid feeling uncomfortable). If you happen to be in Lebanon in July do not miss the chance to go the festival here.

(Crazy hair day)

Downtown

Walk around the center. Everything from luxury designers to old beautiful renovated buildings to religious sites such as the Al-Omari Grand Mosque (feel free to go in). The mosque stands side by side to a church and symbolizes Lebanon’s delicate peace between Muslims and Christians after 20+ years of civil war.

Saifi village

My favorite area downtown. The renovated old houses are colorful and gorgeous. There are lots of arts and crafts and other little shops to browse.

Zeytuna Bay

This is one of the newest additions to the city. Good for a stroll and to see the Beirut skyline. The picture is from the four seasons hotel – a good place to stay if you’re not on a budget.

Raouche

The corniche seaside sidewalk of Avenue de Paris is popular on weekends and evenings where strollers and joggers crowd the streets. An interesting mix of upscale and dodgy. The two large rock formations are notorious for the many people who jumped off them to commit suicide – or so the story goes. A good place to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean from one of the many cafes.

Harrissa

Home of our lady of Lebanon – a religious site up in the mountains. Even if you’re not into the religious aspect, I would just go up here for the view.

Eat, drink, and party

You can’t go to the food and party capital of the Middle East without partying and eating. Check out a suggested list of places to eat here and a list of places to drink and party here.

Go to a beach resort

We may not have the nicest beaches. In fact I know we don’t. They’re quite polluted, but the resorts are top notch and are well worth a visit. Expect to splurge as the lovely greenery, good service, and zen/beach party atmosphere comes at a price. My favorite place so far is Lazy B in Jiyeh but it’s been going downhill as it got more popular and more expensive. The rule of thumb to get a nice/cleaner beach is that you want to choose a beach Batroun onwards if you’re going north, or a beach Jieh onwards if you’re going south. Overly pretentious places such as Orchid need to be avoided like the plague.

Jeita
Stalagmite and stalagtite filled caves. There are more impressive ones in other countries, but if you haven’t been to any this is well worth the trip.

Walk around the American University of Beirut

Okay maybe I’m biased because I went here for undergrad. The charm of this 19th century university is undeniable. The greenery, the beautiful stone buildings, and the tons of cats it houses make it a great place to go for a walk. Then go to the adjacent Hamra street for a snack.

Ski!

People are usually surprised that it is possible to ski in Lebanon. Good ski resorts and the weather is typically sunny. If it’s your thing and you’re there in the winter, check it out, it’s awesome to ski without freezing your ass off. Go early, the conditions deteriorate in the afternoon.

Museum of history

The Beirut museum (history) is worth a visit but will not remotely compare to what you would see in Egypt.

Gem museum

The museums displays more than 2000 minerals representing over 70 countries. Considered one of the most significant private collections of minerals in the world.

Sursock museum

The Sursock museum a good example of how to preserve historic buildings in a city that seems to be losing them by the day.

The Cedars

2.5 hours away from the city. The cedar trees are what this country is known for, hence the cedar on the flag. Great for skiing in the winter.

Beiteddine
The so called “house of religion”. 19th century palace with a museum inside. Good views and interesting mosaics. Also go for the festival if it happens to be on.