2025 Byblos Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Byblos, one of the world heritage sites One of the cities where the ancient Phoenicians lived in the coastal area of Lebanon The gentle ancient port city. With the passage of time, it still retains many ruins of ancient city walls If you come to the city of Jubail, be sure to go to Byblos It is one of the oldest cities in the world where people have lived to this day . Today's Jubail retains the open-air market of Byblos and the castle of Byblos Although the civil war has lasted for several years, Jubail is a quiet place Climbing up the castle, you can enjoy the distant sea view, which is very cozy After coming to this ancient city, you can really experience the feeling of Little Paris in the Middle East . 【Visit the small shops in the ancient city】 Walking in the ancient city is like some small towns in Europe It doesn't look like the Middle East at all, with all kinds of colorful souvenir shops There are also local specialty soap shops, grocery stores, and small taverns The Lebanese shopkeepers in the ancient city are also very enthusiastic They always invite you to their shop, even if you just chat with them This ancient city is very comfortable, and I found a very special Lebanese dish . 【Taste the delicious Lebanese food】 It's really cozy to stroll around the market here and have a special Lebanese lunch When it suddenly rained while strolling in the old city of Byblos in Jubail, I wanted to find a place to hide and drink coffee, The sign outside this restaurant is only 24 dollars for a Middle Eastern meal, which looks very cost-effective, so we decided to sit down and eat . The environment is particularly beautiful, the space inside is very large, there is a bread room at the door, the Arabic bread ring hanging is super cute, which is attracted Each small bowl is different, the black one is lamb liver, mashed potatoes, sour cream chickpea milk, Mixed with eggplant chickpea sauce, traditional chickpea sauce, Stir the vinaigrette evenly and have crispy on top～ After visiting the ancient city, you can also go to the beach, it is definitely worth your careful discovery

“Lebanon is a small country, yet it is as old as time itself.” 🇱🇧 At the heart of our flag stands the cedar tree, proud and eternal, the symbol of Lebanon itself. It is more than just a tree, it is our history, our strength, our promise of endurance. 🌲 The Cedars of Jaj, among the oldest groves in the land, were once the lifeblood of empires. Their timber built the great Phoenician ships that carried goods, culture, and the alphabet across the Mediterranean. They were felled for temples and palaces of kings, sought by Pharaohs and emperors alike, and revered as sacred trees where the divine was believed to dwell. 🏛️ In Baalbek, you find one of humanity’s greatest wonders: Roman temples of a scale unmatched anywhere on earth. The Temple of Bacchus, astonishingly preserved, is larger than the Parthenon in Athens! The Temple of Jupiter was once crowned by columns so immense they leave you in awe even today, each stone weighing hundreds of tons, moved and lifted with a mastery still debated by historians. To stand in Baalbek is to stand where empires measured their greatness. ⛵ Byblos (Jbeil), the city where history itself was first written. Recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Byblos gave the world the alphabet through its Phoenician sailors, who carried not only goods but ideas across the Mediterranean. Its ancient harbor, still dotted with fishing boats, has welcomed travelers for over 7,000 years. Within its citadel and narrow souks, you feel the rhythm of time, the layers of civilizations. 🍸 Beirut, the capital, reflects Lebanon's living soul. Along the Marina, the Mediterranean sparkles with modern energy, while it's narrow streets come alive with art, music, and the spirit of a people who love life against all odds. 💎 In the Chouf Mountains, the Beiteddine Palace stands as a testament to elegance and artistry, carved in stone and adorned with mosaics that celebrate Lebanon’s cultural soul. 🙏 On the heights above Jounieh, the statue of Our Lady of Harissa opens her arms wide, a blessing over both sea and land, a symbol of faith and resilience. ✨ And in the north, Tripoli bears its own grandeur. The Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles dominates the skyline, a fortress that has witnessed Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans alike. Below it, bustling souks and centuries-old hammams carry forward traditions that make the city as alive today as it was in the Middle Ages. ❤️ Lebanon is not perfect, no love ever is, but it is real, raw, and beautiful beyond words. It is the Mediterranean in its truest form: a land of connection, of culture, of eternal light. #mediterranean #lebanon #hiddengems #levant #historicallandmarks #phoenicianlegacy #roman #beirut #byblos #baalbek #tripoli #cedarsanctuary

🌟Itinerary🌟 Day 1: Explore Beirut • Pigeon Rocks: A landmark of Beirut, located on the Mediterranean Sea at the edge of the city. The two rocks are very famous. Recommended visit time: 1–1.5 hours. Free entry. • Downtown Beirut: Visit the landmarks of Beirut, such as the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and experience the perfect combination of ancient and modern. • National Museum of Beirut: Showcases the history and culture of Lebanon. The museum has a rich collection, including exquisite mosaics, sarcophagi, and sculptures. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. Day 2: Day Trip • Beiteddine Palace: Located in Beiteddine, this is a magnificent palace with beautiful surroundings. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours. • Jeita Grotto: Located in Jeita, this is a spectacular underground cave with two levels. You can take a boat tour. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. • Byblos: A historic ancient town with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. Recommended visit time: 0.5–1 day. Free entry. 🍔Food Recommendations🍔 • Beirut Coffee: Taste the famous Beirut coffee at the open-air market and experience the local coffee culture. • Traditional Lebanese Cuisine: Try local restaurants or markets for grilled meat, salads, and desserts. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations🏨 • Hotels near Pigeon Rocks: Convenient for visiting Pigeon Rocks and other downtown attractions. • Downtown Hotels: Close to major shopping and dining areas with convenient transportation. 🚗Transportation Guide🚗 • In the City: You can take a taxi or bus. Transportation in the city is convenient. • Day Trips: For Beiteddine Palace, Jeita Grotto, and Byblos, we recommend renting a car or joining a day tour. 📝Tips📝 • Cultural Etiquette: Pay attention to your attire when visiting mosques. Women need to wear headscarves and take off their shoes and socks. • Safety Tips: Pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings during your trip and comply with local laws and regulations.

this historical city in Lebanon was the main port for numerous cultures. Jebail, like how native Lebanese call it now, still at the same attraction for people who are seeking to dig into the past.

The castle was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century from indigenous limestone and the remains of Roman structures. The finished structure was surrounded by a moat. It belonged to the Genoese Embriaco family, whose members were the Lords of Gibelet from 1100 to the late 13th century. Saladin captured the town and castle in 1188 and partially dismantled the walls in 1190. Later, the Crusaders recaptured Byblos and rebuilt the fortifications of the castle in 1197. In 1369, the castle had to fend off an attack from Cypriot vessels from Famagusta. The Byblos Castle has distinguished historical buildings for neighbors. Nearby stand a few Egyptian temples, the Phoenician royal necropolis and the Roman amphitheatre. This is a must go if you are heading to Tripoli you can just stop there for a couple of hours to visit this fantastic place.

Built in 1228 and built by the Crusaders, this picturesque castle is situated on a small island that was once dedicated to the temple ruins of Melkart, the Phoenician version of Hercules and passed through sturdy stones. The causeway is connected to the mainland. In order to prevent the Crusaders from returning to the area, most of the Mamluks were destroyed and it was refurbished by Fakhreddine in the 17th century. On a calm day, you can see many broken rose granite columns lying on the surrounding seabed. In the winter of 1227-1228, the Crusaders decided to strengthen Saida Port. In just a few months, they built this impressive fortress on the Phoenician site. The castle was partially destroyed and rebuilt several times until it was bombed by the British Marines in 1840. This is the symbol of the city of Saida. Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm in the winter / 9 am to 4 pm