Listomania
Nur Turkmani

Ten Things Tourists in Lebanon Should Never Do

We all like to jump at the chance to tell tourists what they should do from the minute they arrive to the minute they leave, but what about the stuff they should stay away from doing? Take a look.

1. Don’t think that touring around Dahiyeh is okay

(Image via Al Akhbar))

Just because you’ve read about it in the news does not mean Dahiyeh should be treated like some goddamn tourist attraction. Anyway, this is one of those cases where you probably won’t get very far doing this. Someone is going to spot you out for the weirdo you are and probably escort you from the area anyway.

2. When you stop a service, and he says “taxi?” don’t get in

(Image via David Lansing)

Services around Beirut cost a dollar, but when the driver says “taxi” it means he’ll be taking a lot more money from you. If you’re willing to pay, it’s not an issue. But don’t claim you were kidnapped by a taxi driver because you couldn’t agree on the price. Service works like this: agree on a price, and then get in. I’ve heard multiple people over the past few years claim they’ve been “kidnapped” by the taxi driver because they refused to pay the amount he was asking for and so they couldn’t get their change back and refused to get out of the vehicle. For one, this doesn’t qualify as a kidnapping. Secondly, you should have just agreed on a price to begin with instead of hopping in the vehicle and hoping for the best (assuming that’s what you did).

3. Refrain from wearing mini-shorts around Tripoli and Saida

(Image via CNN)

Unless you want to be swallowed up by the eyes of God-fearing men (that will whisper horrific flirtations under their breath).

4. Let the Connex be the only bus you get into

(Image via Bus Planet)

Connex is super safe and reliable – it goes from Charles Helou port in Beirut to Sahet el Nour in Tripoli. You can ask it to stop if your destination is anywhere in between. Don’t get into random buses – if you don’t speak Arabic, you will probably have a very difficult time reaching your destination.

5. Don’t stay in Beirut and think you’ve experienced Lebanon

(Image via the Guardian)

Yes, Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon but for a more authentic Lebanese experience, get out of the city.

6. Don’t only eat at high-end restaurants in Downtown

(Image via Eating the World Blog

In most countries, you’re advised not to eat from the streets. In Lebanon, it’s the other way around. Taouk, manakeesh, ka’ak and falafel are MUST-TRY street foods. So balance out your meals between street food and restaurants – they’re both worth a try.

7. Don’t take pictures of women wearing hijab or niqab.

(Image via ibTimes.com)

They will definitely be disturbed that you see them as some sort of tourist attraction.

8. Don’t take pictures of the army

(Image via Al Akhbar)

It’s illegal. Just don’t.

9. Don’t read one book about Lebanon and then proceed to lecture Lebanese about what’s wrong with their country

(Image via Munir Nasr)

They won’t take it too kindly. Also, PLEASE do not discuss politics with taxi drivers – this will be a never-ending saga that reaches no other resolution than you running out of the car, possibly before your reach your intended destination.

10. Don’t only hang out with foreigners at foreign-owned pubs

(Image via Beirut.com)

Try as much as possible to spend your evenings in the local pubs scattered around Hamra or Gemmayzeh. Also, if you’re here for only a short while don’t waste your time pubbing – pubbing is (generally) the same everywhere. Try to go to Lebanese concerts or comedy shows for the more Lebanese-esque experience.