Top Things to do in Lebanon
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Things to do in Lebanon, Lebanon: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in Lebanon, Lebanon including Qasr Naous, Domaine de Zekrit, Temples of Baalbek, Baalbek Roman Ruins, Hammam Al-Jadeed, Tyre, Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar, Al-Omari Mosque, Fortress of Niha, Tyre Hippodrome.
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1. Qasr Naous
2. Domaine de Zekrit
3. 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?
4. 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).
5. Hammam Al-Jadeed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Hammam Al Jadeed is the largest and most significant bathhouses located in the ancient city of Saida, in the neighborhood known as "Hammam Al Jadeed District". Built in 1720, it was closed down in the late 1940s then re-opened in May 2019 as a heritage and cultural venue.has remarkable ornaments and consists of a large hallway and several small rooms with Ottoman structural design.
6. Tyre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The impressive ruins of a great Phoenician city.
Reviewed By halcatra - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
It is one of two archaeological sites in Tyre - smaller one but also beautiful. It is located at the seaside, which gives us a lot of photo opportunities in great scenery. I definitely recommend visiting both archaeological sites, if possible with a guide who can make them alive by telling all the amazing stories about the people who lived and worked in the ancient Tyre.
7. 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.
8. Al-Omari Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By ElyasA34 - Beirut, Lebanon
Welcoming to non muslims, this mosque was once a crusader church. A really interesting and unique place to visit, full of history and beautiful ornaments!
9. Fortress of Niha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By nancyperlak - Lebanon, null
I love to visit it and watch the sunset, it's a great place, very peaceful and has a nice mountain view. It has a long history and you can feel a special energy. NB: parents should accompany their kids because the road is a bit slippery.
10. Tyre Hippodrome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Roman Hippodrome
Reviewed By halcatra - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
It was the first big archaeological site we visited in Lebanon. It is gorgeous. You can see the ruins of necropolis, hippodrome and aqueduct. We spent here over an hour. It is worth to visit the site with the guide, otherwise you may miss some fascinating stories. It is one of two archaeological sites in Tyre.
