Baalbek

April–June and September–October for mild dry Beqaa weather; summer middays scorch, so start the site early. The Baalbek summer festival is world-class when held.

• The Temple of Bacchus — the Roman world's best preserved
• The six colossal columns of Jupiter
• The legendary Stone of the Pregnant Woman
• The Baalbek International Festival in summer

Most visit as a day trip from Beirut or Zahle; its simple hotels suffice if needed — Niha temples and Anjar are natural add-ons en route.

In full honesty: the town sits in a region under Western travel advisories, though daytime site visits have run normally since the calm — check conditions before your day, go by daylight with a driver who knows the area, and don't wander off the tourist track.

Getting around: ~85 km northeast of Beirut via Chtaura (2 hours). Best done as a full driver-day from Beirut or Zahle (~$80–120) — public transport isn't practical for visitors here.

Halal & prayer places: A conservative, mostly Muslim town — restaurants are effectively halal and the famous sfiha baalbakiya is its dish. Polished tourist options are few, so plan an early lunch.

Local safety: Same as country →

Cost figures: 2026 prices: the archaeological site ~$10, local guide ~$20–30, sfiha meal ~$5–8.

1 day

Suggested plan:

1. Early start from Beirut
2. 3–4 hours at the site with a guide
3. Sfiha lunch, then Anjar on the way back