Top Things to do in Bekaa Governorate
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The 8 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Bekaa Governorate, Bekaa Governorate
Discover the best top things to do in Bekaa Governorate, Lebanon including Temples of Baalbek, Chateau St Thomas, Baalbek Roman Ruins, Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar, Chateau Ksara, Hajar al-Hibla, Our Lady of Zahle and Bekaa, Sayyida Khawla Shrine.
Restaurants in Bekaa Governorate
1. Temples of Baalbek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,059 reviews
Reviewed By MarieTips - Virginia, United States
One of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the world with a gorgeous mountain background. And basically devoid of tourists which made the visit so pleasant and special. We hired a chauffeur for the day from a company used by the University for safety reasons--one has to be mindful--and drove through the Bekaa valley which was pretty fascinating. We also went to Anjaar--not grandiose like Baalbek but it felt more intimate in a way and is well worth the visit. Important: toilets are on the left, right at entrance gate of Baalbek. Or you will have to wait upon exiting. Then you go to the right to buy tickets at the booth and go through a turnstile entrance (employees barely speak English and told us that toilets were inside the ruins). Guides are available, some speak English well; the one who offered his services had a very strong accent difficult to understand. They only accept "legitimate" parties and, as a principle, refuse people who want to join as a group in order to share the fee. The guy behind us was alone--so that hardly qualifies as a group--and offered to join us and share the fee, as we were just a couple. That was a no go; and it was too much effort to understand the guide, so we passed. However, later on we had and opportunity to converse with another guide whose accent was very good; so it's the luck of the draw. If you travel on a very tight budget, make arrangements with other people before you get to the ticket booth. Otherwise "splurge"...it is their livelihood and there are not that many tourists. But my advice is to inform yourself about the history in advance, so that you can relax and take all your time enjoying this exceptional monument from the past at your own pace and contemplate its breathtaking beauty, as well as take as many photos as you'd like (nobody in the background!!!) without any pressure. We spent at least three wonderful hours there. I'd say that the very minimum time you need to visit is one hour but you'll want to take your time...how often can you access a place like this in an area that is not always the safest?
2. Chateau St Thomas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Established in 1990 by Said Touma and his family on a hill overlooking the Bekaa valley, Chateau St Thomas estate is a vineyard spreading over 65 ha & a wine storehouse for fermentation and ageing. Winery is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm for winery tour, visit of St Thomas chapel & wine tasting.
3. Baalbek Roman Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By 22jasper - Dunedin, New Zealand
Went Oct19, there were riots but still felt safe so if Lebanon doesnt collapse, Baalbek is astonishing and worth the effort. The journey from Beirut is a potpourri of civil war ruins and arriving in baalbek in a shoddy old minivan just takes your breath away, the magnitude of the site is gob-smacking. Moreso for me than Petra (in an indescribable way) There are quite a few little hotels so dont be put off by google searches yielding nothing. But the Palmyra is a groovy treat for a night. Also check out the unfinished stones hewn from the rock, again the scale is mindboggling. So glad I made the effort (and it truly was an effort during a mini revolution).
4. Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By halcatra - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
It is not Baalbeck but it is absolutely charming place to visit. It is not an accident that Anjar is at the Unesco list. I would recommend securing around 1,5h for a walk around the ruins. It is worth taking a guide as you may learn a lot about the history of the place. In the winter season it is quite windy so wrap yourself up.
5. Chateau Ksara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Chateau Ksara, the country's oldest winery, founded in 1857 by Jesuit Fathers. In August 1973, sold to a consortium of Lebanese businessmen Chateau Ksara's motto is "Modernity in Tradition". It is an idea that captures perfectly our position as Lebanon's oldest winery and the pioneering spirit that has kept Chateau Ksara at the forefront of Lebanon's wine industry, for over 156 years. Today's wine drinkers are both informed and discerning, and therefore we are committed to producing quality wines - varietals and blends made from our 25 local and international varieties - that will satisfy all palates and suit all occasions. Not only are our wines made to the most exacting standards with state of the art equipment, they also reflect the terroir of the Lebanon's historic Bekaa Valley, an area that has been making wine for over 2,000 years. It is a legacy that we respect with every bottle we make. Brand values The name of Chateau Ksara has become associated with the three core values: tradition, nobility and modernity. These are emphasized through name and lineage (tradition); through a high-quality product (nobility) and the tremendous innovative advances made since 1991 (modernity). Visit one of the world's most beautiful Wine Cellars 7 days per week from 9a.m till 6 p.m
Reviewed By Yucef-GB - Beirut, Lebanon
Famous for it's underground wine caves,the tour is informative and fun and the wine tasting part is the best part if the whole visit...
6. Hajar al-Hibla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By AnonymousZ1234 - Somerset, United Kingdom
This was a recommendation to visit - and it is a must see if you are in the area. The quarry, the huge stone and the tombs and above all the story which goes with it of one man's struggle against bureaucracy to do what is right. If you love Roman remains it's great but if you like a human interest story and to support maintaining our world heritage visit the site and support the guy who is running it himself.
7. Our Lady of Zahle and Bekaa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By farahelzein - Beirut, Lebanon
The lady of Zahle and Beqaa is nestled between the sky and the berdawni river valley. The chapel at first a beautiful cozy wooden and glass capella then moving forward to the big church . In the middle between them the lady of Zahlé can be reached by stairs and you can overlook the whole area.
8. Sayyida Khawla Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By jfazeli - Kittery Point, United States
The “Grand Mosque” is really not the right name. It is a Shia shrine, not a mosque, built over the grave of one of the young daughters of Hussein, the third Imam (or saint) in Shia Islam. The correct name is Seyedeh Khawleh Shrine. Worth a visit regardless of religion if you happen to be in Baalbek. You won’t be asked for ID, but you maybe searched. Visitors are segregated by sex and female visitors are required to wear a hijab (cover their hair) and cover arms. Wearing a legging doesn’t count for modest attire, as one visitor ahead of us found out-The female guards offered her something to put on before they let her in. Best times to visit are morning hours up to 10 am and after 7-8 pm to avoid the noon crowds. There is no fees to enter. Leave your shoes at the door in designated area. If you are given a ticket you are not expected to pay the attendant but you can make a donation. Locals and visitors throw money at the grave site inside the shrine, but it is not a requirement. Don’t film others, but you are free to film or take pics of the site and yourselves without attracting too much attention, just don’t over do it, as the site is primarily a religious site, and definitely no photos or video at the entrance in front of the guards.
