Planning a trip to Lebanon doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Lebanon?
You should plan to spend around $2.76 (L£248,392) per day on your vacation in Lebanon. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $1.17 (L£105,158) on meals
- $0.44 (L£39,518) on local transportation
- $2.50 (L£225,080) on hotels
A one week trip to Lebanon for two people costs, on average, $39 (L£3,477,488). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$19
L£1,738,744
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$39
L£3,477,488
-
One Month
Per person
$83
L£7,451,760
-
One Week
For a couple
$39
L£3,477,488
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$77
L£6,954,976
-
One Month
For a couple
$166
L£14,903,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lebanon cost?
A one week trip to Lebanon usually costs around $19 (L£1,738,744) for one person and $39 (L£3,477,488) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lebanon on average costs around $39 (L£3,477,488) for one person and $77 (L£6,954,976) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lebanon will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lebanon on average costs around $83 (L£7,451,760) for one person and $166 (L£14,903,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Lebanon expensive to visit?
Lebanon is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within the Middle East, Lebanon is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Middle East for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Lebanon.
In Lebanon, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Beirut, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Lebanon doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $1 (L£108,409) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $3 (L£248,392) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $5 (L£478,433) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lebanon.
For more details, see Is Lebanon Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lebanon?
The average Lebanon trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lebanon travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lebanon cost?
Lebanon on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$0.54
(L£48,811)
|
$1.25
(L£112,540)
|
$2.46
(L£221,227)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$0.19
(L£17,389)
|
$0.44
(L£39,518)
|
$0.82
(L£74,051)
|
|
Food 2
|
$0.51
(L£46,159)
|
$1.17
(L£105,158)
|
$2.21
(L£198,712)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$0.11
(L£10,110)
|
$0.26
(L£23,567)
|
$0.53
(L£47,955)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$0-0
(L£4,531-13,594)
|
$0-0
(L£10,357-31,072)
|
$0-1
(L£19,792-59,375)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Lebanon for just $1 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, Lebanon offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Beirut.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $3 per person.
Lebanon has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Jounieh, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Jounieh, check out Reston Hotel, or consider Hotel Xperience in Jounieh. For couples visiting Kfardebiane, check out Chateau D'eau Hotel for a romantic place to stay. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Lebanon here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $5. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like Beirut. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Land of the Phoenicians - offered by Crooked Compass.
Accommodation Budget in Lebanon
Lebanon offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lebanon for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $2.50 (L£225,080). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $1.25 (L£112,540) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lebanon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Lebanon
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $0.44 (L£39,518) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lebanon. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lebanon is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$0.44
L£39,518
Food Budget in Lebanon
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lebanon can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lebanon is $1.17 (L£105,158) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$1.17
L£105,158
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lebanon is about $1 (L£105158) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $1 to $2 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lebanon are as follows:
- Breakfast: $0 to $0
- Lunch: $0 to $1
- Dinner: $0 to $1
- Coffee: $0
- Fast Food or Street Food: $0
Lebanese food is similar to that found throughout the Middle East, with slight variations to reflect regional differences. Mezza, or small dishes similar to tapas in Spain, is common in many restaurants. Vegetarian dishes are widely available throughout the country as well.
Shish Tawouk: This is a Lebanese form of barbequed chicken that is marinated with a lemon sauce and then grilled on skewers. It is often served with a garlic paste.
Shawarma Sandwich: Comparable to doner or gyros in other countries, shawarma is seasoned with tarator sauce that is made from sesame oil. The sandwich is often prepared with vegetables and rolled in a thin Lebanese bread.
Manaeesh: Served as part of a traditional Lebanese breakfast, maneesh is similar to a folded pizza. It is topped with any number of things, but the most common is zaatar which is a mixture of thyme, olive oil and sesame seeds.
When dining out with children, be sure to look for a restaurant that features a kids' menu. This can help you save a lot, as these meals tend to be more affordable. Also, since some places don't advertise their kids' options, it's good to ask the waiter before ordering.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring your own water bottle instead of buying drinks at every turn. It's also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you understand which meals are included. If you end up paying for some meals yourself, it could have an impact on your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Lebanon, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers for $142 details
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class for $40 details
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon for $30 details
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut for $100 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lebanon
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lebanon typically cost an average of $0.26 (L£23,567) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$0.26
L£23,567
A nice way to explore destinations in Lebanon is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Lebanon Tour Jeita-Harissa & Byblos w/pickup,lunch,entries +guide for $130 details
- Full-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa and Byblos for $50 details
- Guided Small-Group Tour to Tripoli and Batroun with Lunch for $65 details
- PRIVATE Tour of Baalbek Temples, Umayyad Anjar & Ksara Winery for $90 details
Nightlife Budget in Lebanon
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $0.23 (L£20,715) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lebanon per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$0.23
L£20,715
Enjoying nightlife is great, but being mindful of your drinking can help keep your budget in check.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Lebanon. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour for $56 details
- Wine Tasting and Culture for $69 details
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut for $91 details
- Bekaa Valley Wine Tour: Savour Lebanon's Finest for $50 details
Traveling in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East that has a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. It shares a border with Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south. The people of Lebanon come from a variety of different backgrounds and ethnic groups. The religion within the country is split between Christianity, Muslim and Druzes. Due to the recent civil war in Syria there are now almost 1,600,000 Syrian refugees (as of late 2014). There are also about 250,000 Palestinian refugees in the country as well.
The people in Lebanon are generally quite friendly and welcoming. They will happily welcome you to their country and do everything possible to act as good hosts. The general population is highly educated, particularly in Beirut and other urban areas. The Bekaa Valley and the rural north and south tend to be the more conservative parts of the country.
Recent nearby civil wars have dramatically impacted tourism in Lebanon. The people remain friendly and hopeful, however, and, as is often the case with the Middle East, the future is unpredictable.
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate that has hot and dry summers and cold and wet winters. Most visitors come during the summer months because rain is almost nonexistent between June and August and the temperatures are generally pleasant. The coast can be very humid during these months but the mountains are cooler and comfortable. Although there is a little more rain, fall and spring are also great times to visit. The crowds are less and the temperature remains comfortable. During the winter months there is snow in the mountains and it is a good time to visit the country's many ski resorts.
At A Glance
- Most visitors travel around Lebanon with "service taxis". These taxis are similar to small buses in that they follow set routes on a schedule. They carry anywhere between 4 and 6 passengers. You could also hired a "private taxi" and pay the entire fare and negotiate the route and schedule.
- Beirut is famous as the party capital of the Middle East. The city has several different nightlife districts which include Gemmayze, Uruguay Street in the Down Town district and Mar Mekhael Street. The city is known for its open air nightclubs and many of the bars and clubs are open 24 hours a day. Nightclubs range in style from "oriental" to "occidental" Near the beach the party scene takes advantage of the Mediterranean climate and beautiful scenery. These resorts and clubs are incredibly expensive though and not ideal for budget travelers.
- The Lebanon Mountain Trail covers over 350 kilometers and travels between Al Qobaiyat in the north and Marjaayoun in the south. It is best to take a guide with you as the trail is not well marked, but guides can be quite expensive. Negotiate the price and ask around for recommendations. If you decide to hike independently, the countryside is populated in most areas and you'll see a decent number of people along the way.
- Skiing in Lebanon is a popular winter activity. There are six ski resorts that offer facilities for both skiers and snowboarders at any level. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also options.
- Standard Arabic is the official language of Lebanon and the native language is Lebanese Arabic which is similar to that spoken in Syria, Jordan and Palestine. Many people also speak some English or French, particularly in the urban areas.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Delhi or Goa? Heading to Kathmandu or want a party in Tel Aviv?
Top Tourist Attractions
Downtown Beirut: Beirut's downtown is surprisingly beautiful. There are many places to grab a delicious bite to eat, relax with locals, or party in a nightclub. The city truly illustrates how modern and fun Lebanon really is. There is something for everybody, regardless of their style or budget.
Jeita Grotto: Nominated as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Jeita Grotto is a popular destination for all visitors to the country. It is easily accessible just 18 kilometers north of Beirut and offers natural beauty that is worth seeing.
Al Bass Archaeological Site: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best preserved Roman archeological sites in the world. It includes a Roman Road, an acqueduct, and a Roman Hippodrome.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.