12 things every tourist must try in Lebanon

It goes something like this:

First, party all night long. 

Where? 

Grand Factory, White, B018 or the O1NE to name a few. 

Second, make the unavoidable traditional after party stop at Zaatar w Zeit. 

Third, enjoy a heavenly knefe at the break of dawn. 

Because let’s face it, the best place to eat Lebanese food is where it was created! 

There is literally nothing in the food pyramid we don’t cover. We even eat wild chicory, aka hendbeh, which oftentimes leaves visitors with so many questions. 

Whether in broad daylight, at sunset or at night, the teleferique ride to Mount Harissa offers one of those rare breathtaking views which capture both land and sea. 

A mini-adventure where the destination matters as much as the journey. So don't miss out on that! 

You can’t visit Lebanon and not go to Byblos, a city that's earned a worldwide reputation. Apart from being a World Heritage Site, it is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. 

Baalbeck, City of the Sun, is considered one of Lebanon’s most popular ancient ruins site. Its monuments have survived everything from war to theft to earthquakes.

Baalbeck is also known for its summer festivals where some of the greatest international and Arab artists perform on an annual basis. 

Apart from Baalbeck, Lebanon boasts other ancient ruins like the Phoenician port city of Tyre and Sidon's Sea Castle. 

The ruins of Tyre and Sidon will make the trip to the south worth it whether you are a passionate archaeologist or a typical tourist charmed by ancient civilizations and looking to travel back in time. 

This view has long been considered as an icon of coexistence between Lebanon's Christians and Muslims ... and you'll definitely want to stick around till the mosque raises adhan and church bells chime simultaneously.  

The bell tower of the 19th century Saint George Cathedral is the same height as the four minarets of Beirut's Mohammad al-Amin mosque. The closer you get, the more you’ll realize how huge those monuments actually are.

Whether you want to warm up for a night of clubbing or just looking to hang out with friends, happy hour in Beiruti pubs is the thing to do. Your options include:

Radio Beirut in Mar Mkhayel, where you can tune in to live music by local talent. That of course comes after taking a picture at the rainbow stairs.

DePrague in Hamra, is also a great go-to place for drinks and an energetic ambiance.

Not familiar with the names? Just walk though any old street and you'll surely find a cozy pub with a happy hour sign! 

The otherworldly formations of the limestone, sculpted for centuries by water and time, have made this Lebanese national symbol a top touristic destination and a source of pride for all Lebanese. 

This is true anywhere in the world: The best sandwiches can be found at quaint restaurants and food kiosks. Case in point: Falafel

And when you say falafel, you say Sahyoun. 

According to the country's premiere food blog, NoGarlicNoOnions, “Sahyoun should be a generic name to all falafel sandwiches – just like the word Kleenex is for tissue paper. Yes it is that good…”

Satisfying our craving for tarator since 1935, Sahyoun has branches all over Beirut. This culinary masterpiece is not to be missed. 

It's so good, that even Bryan Adams had to try it! 

Whether you need fuel for an early morning road trip or hungry for a quick brunch-like meal, man2oushe saj is what you should be looking at. 

Alternatively, you could rent a bike from Beirut by Bike to burn all those calories from that man2oushe you just ate.

Just when you think that you have it all figured out, the lead in the Dabke chain will break into freestyle, jumping up and down while you’re trying to keep it together and count in your head.