The Best Things To See And Do In Baalbek Lebanon

Baalbek is one of the most visited sites in Lebanon for its history and cultural relevance. People from all over the world come every year to experience everything the Lebanese district has to offer. If you still haven’t visited, here are the best things to see and do in Baalbek.

See the Roman Ruins

One of the most iconic landmarks in Lebanon, the Roman Ruins in Baalbek are a must for any tourist. Originally a site of Phoenician worship, the temples were taken over by the Romans after their colonization. What was once the home of Astarte became the home of Venus, the Goddess of Love. The same site also endured the Christian and Islamic eras to become what it is today. Walk the historical steps as you marvel Baalbek’s towering structures.

Learn about the Stone of the Pregnant Woman

See the Sayeda Khawla Shrine

If you’re interested in seeing majestic Arabesque architecture, which defines many countries in the Arab world, Sayeda Khawla Shrine is a good place to experience a taste. A site of reverence for Shia Muslims, the shrine is well-kept as her burial site is thought of as a source of blessing.

Try this iconic pastry

Lebanon is known for its tasty pastries like Manou’ch, sweets and much more. This Baalbek specialty, called the Safeeha Baalbakiyyeh, is a meat-based pocket. It is made by placing a mixture of meat, onion, pepper and spices on the dough and forming a square. It is a variation of the normal Safiha you might have encountered, which is the same meat mixture on a flatbread or pita bread. All of these are served baked to perfection and are definitely an essential part of any tourist’s experience.

Attend the Baalbek International Festival

Happening since 1955, the Baalbek International Festival is one of Lebanon’s biggest music events with local and international artists hailing from all over the world each year! Names like Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Umm Kulthum have all graced the stage of the festival. If you are in Lebanon this summer, make sure to check out this incredible event.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.