Guides
The 11 Best Day Trips To Get Away From Beirut
I have just one rule for my weekends: if, at least, one day is not spent somewhere away from Beirut, then it’s not well spent. Check out our favorite trips and things to do away from the capital and start updating your itinerary.
1. Wine a little, or a lot…
If you haven’t visited Ixsir yet, you should start planning for it for this weekend. Nestled away in Batroun, this winery has all the Instagrammable shots and all the delicious wine your heart can take. The serenity of this place is incomparable.
2. Lunch with a view in Byblos
Tournesol Cafe & Bar is where you’re having lunch, because other than its incredibly charming interior, this restaurant has a gorgeous view of Byblos’s old port and exudes all the good vibes. Get in your car, leave Beirut at around 12 PM and get there around 1:30 PM or 2 PM to enjoy the sun, the sea, and their delicious menu consisting of Italian and French dishes.
3. Fine dining in Bekfaya
Put on those large sunglasses and head up to the beautiful area of Metn to Lola to have the smoothest Turkish coffee and bask in the sunny weather.
4. Cruise in the breathtaking area of Kfar Hilda
Picture this: you’re cruising on a road with zero cars, there’s mountains on your left packed with the greenest trees, and bushes with the most colorful flowers on your right. The cool clean air brushing on your face, no need for AC, with your favorite people singing along to your favorite tunes. This is what you’ll get in the stunning village of Kfar Hila in Northern Lebanon, one that I’ve recently fallen in love with.
After you’re done with that, head to Douma – which is 10 minutes away – and have lunch at Doumanian Coffee Shop which is the cutest village style cafe around, with seating available outside on the pavement so you can enjoy the sun and the unparalleled village weather.
5. Mashewe and mezza in Zahle
Before you get to the renowned Lebanese restaurant Mhanna, cruise around the endless green fields in Zahle, and just revel in the pieces of untouched nature in Lebanon.
6. Soak in the sea in Batroun
Chez Maguy will present to you mouthwatering crispy seafood fried to perfection, along with this priceless view.
7. Jump off a wall in Ras Al Bayada
The cleanest water, the clearest skies, and the best of times in Naqoura at Ras Al Bayada.
8. Picnic and hike in Ouyoun El Samak
This underrated piece of paradise is a must see location. From the heavenly views to the clean fresh air to the majestic waterfall, this place is worth the drive. Pack your own sandwiches, snacks, beverages (be sure not to litter), and friends, and drive up North for this beauty.
9. Day drink like the Peruvians do in Cinco Broumana
Cinco is a hotspot that you must visit, not only because of the cool and charming ambiance, but because it has a wide array of delectable Peruvian meals and drinks, including the delicious Pisco Cinco.
10. Have a beer in the sun in Beit el Qamar
Nothing like a cold beer to compliment this out-of-this-world scenery.
Be sure to take a picture in this corner!
11. Chill in a tree-surrounded pool in Beit Eddine
Travel to another reality in Bouyouti, one of the alluring guesthouses in Lebanon, and enjoy a well-earned day chilling in this pool while the majestic trees shade you.