So it has been a long time since I’ve done a Lebanon update here, but I hope you have been following my adventures on Instagram and TikTok. By the time I’m posting this, I am back in the U.S after spending 2 years in Lebanon, and the experience is equal parts relaxing and overwhelming.

Lebanon has been an incredible place to live the past 2 years, and the feeling of leaving is bittersweet. Its not the most obvious choice for tourists and there is a lot of misinformation about Lebanon, but it’s such an incredible country it really should be on everyone’s list.

Keep reading for some of the most important things you need to know if you want to plan a trip to Lebanon!

How to Explore Lebanon:

Safety Tips You Need Before You Plan Your Trip

What is Lebanon really like right now?

Lebanon is currently facing a severe economic crisis of historic proportions. The country's once stable banking system collapsed, causing a dramatic depreciation of the local currency and skyrocketing inflation, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. People have had their savings trapped in banks due to limits on how much can be withdrawn, and many have resorted to arming themselves and holding banks hostage to demand their savings.

Even basic necessities like electricity and fuel are in shortage, and people are forced to rely on expensive private generators or spend most of their day with no power, no refrigeration, no AC in the summer or heating in the winter. All of this was exacerbated by the devastating port explosion that occurred in 2020.

The port explosion of 2020 caused immense damage to Beirut's port area and nearby neighborhoods, leaving scars that are still visible today. The rebuilding process is ongoing and I’m astonished and inspired every day by the resilience of the Lebanese people.

But despite the challenges, Lebanon offers a whole different world. Even amidst the economic crisis, you'll find a vibrant and stylish lifestyle and some incredibly high end experiences you will never forget. . The city is buzzing with trendy cafes, eclectic art scenes, and a nightlife that knows no bounds. Lebanon continues to captivate international tourists and its easy to see why. From the ancient ruins of Baalbek to the stunning coastline of Byblos, this country boasts a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Tourists still flock here to explore the diverse culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Is Lebanon safe to travel to?

I am someone who generally speaking pays attention to travel advisories and right now the U.S Department of State has Lebanon on a Level 3 travel advisory. They mention specific areas of Lebanon to avoid and detail the reasons why, so while I live here, I do avoid the areas highlighted because I want to exercise caution. I recommend every traveler check with their embassy or consulate for their guidance on safety.

But I do feel safer and more comfortable here as a woman than I have in several other countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco. In most of the country you can wear whatever you want, there is no street harassment and people are genuinely friendly and helpful to tourists. There really isn’t a scammy culture here, so in that sense it is really easy to relax and enjoy your time as a tourist.

For black travelers in particular, your experience may vary. I was mostly treated well and really don’t have any racist horror stories, but I know that is not the case for many of my friends, especially darker skin travelers or people that are African, not American. There are a lot of African migrant workers that come as domestic helpers in Lebanon, and a lot of those people, mostly women, suffer discrimination and mistreatment and are treated like second class citizens. That kind of sentiment can carry over and impact tourists, but for the most part I was safe and free from harassment, and all my African American friends and family that visited said the same thing. You definitely will draw some attention, but not necessarily in a negative way, but there are just not a lot of black tourists here, so you’ll stand out. If that makes you nervous, you can definitely hire a tour guide or driver and I’ll leave some links below that may help!

What’s the deal with the money?

As I mentioned earlier, the collapse of the banking system caused the Lebanese lira to become completely devalued. The bank rate was pegged to the dollar at 1515 to $1, but as the economy collapsed an almost universally used parallel market emerged. When I moved here in 2021 the parallel market rate was $1 to $17,000 and as I’m filming this video its now $1 to $93,000. The local currency has lost over 90% of it’s value and people that depend on Lebanese lira or get paid in lira are truly suffering.

This won’t impact you much as a tourist because you are coming in with foreign currency and probably won’t even need to change money. Almost every restaurant, grocery store, beach, site, like literally anywhere you will go will have prices in US dollars, so if you are coming as a tourist just bring plenty of cash in small bills and be careful using credit cards. They are not accepted everywhere, some may charge exorbitant fees or even the bank rate making you pay 10 times more. And if you run out of money on your trip, you can always look for an OMT or Western Union and have someone send you some cash.

What should be on my Lebanon itinerary?

The amazing thing about Lebanon is anything you can think of, you can do here! In summer it’s all about the beaches! Private beach clubs or public beaches are amazing, and there are plenty of sunset bars by the sea or in the mountains that have incredible views, plus there is world-class hiking if that is your thing. Don’t miss Batroun and Byblos, two of the oldest inhabited cities and both beautiful places to explore.

If you’re coming in winter, don’t miss ski season! The mountains are stunning and you will have a blast skiing, snowboarding and staying in the cute winter chalets dotting the mountains. If you’re here in Spring you may get lucky and find the perfect weather combination for you to ski and the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon!

Lebanon also has a ton of museums, art galleries, and cultural events, like the Byblos Tango Festival, Beitadine Festival, Balbeck Music Festival, Beirut Chants Classical Music festival and more. And whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to eat all the Lebanese food you can, it is off the charts delicious. I think that is the thing I’m going to miss most about life here to be honest.

Hopefully this post will help you plan a trip to Lebanon if you’ve been curious about visiting. And be sure to check out my playlists on TikTok and YouTube all about life in Lebanon and the best places to visit.