Town in Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon
Byblos
Small Phoenician harbour town 40 km north of Beirut, with Crusader ruins, seafood and an old souk. Suits a day trip or overnight; its calm depends on Lebanon's wider situation.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$1,800–3,000Comfortable, one person · $1,800–3,000Details
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 33°CDetails
- Internet22 MbpsFixed broadband, Lebanon medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or delivered water; ice in tourist restaurants is usually fine.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashDollar cash is king; cards at hotels and a few restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Byblos
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town and harbour | Short stays near the ruins, souk, seafood restaurants |
| Jbeil new town | Cheaper hotels, supermarkets and local life |
Apps that work in Byblos
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works from Beirut; few cars waiting in Byblos itself |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Toters | Limited coverage in the old town |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Whish Money: Cash pick-ups and money transfers
- Taxis: Taxis at the harbour don't use meters; agree prices first. Book return rides in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Lebanon.
- Mostly cash Dollar cash is king; cards at hotels and a few restaurants. ATMs exist, but carry enough cash.
- Currency: Pound (LBP). US$1 ≈ ل.ل89,500.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Some ATMs give dollars to foreign cards, but with high fees and limits; bring enough cash.
- Tipping: Leave 10–15% in restaurants, often in dollars; tip valet parkers and delivery riders.
- Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards work in upscale Beirut places; Whish Money handles cash pick-ups and transfers.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities get a free one-month visa on arrival at Beirut airport, extendable at General Security offices.
- Any evidence of travel to Israel can mean refusal, even with a valid visa.
- Arrivals are checked against a wanted-persons database; name matches can mean delays.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 140 · Fire 175
Plugs
Type A, B, C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
alfa and touch sell prepaid lines at Beirut airport and shops with a passport; bundles are priced in US dollars. touch also offers eSIM. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Lebanon
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.