ULTIMATE Local’s Guide to Safe Solo Travel in Lebanon | 2025

Lebanon is a solo traveler’s paradise and a haven of beauty, history, and turbulence.

Wondering if it’s safe? Wondering if Lebanon is all it’s cracked up to be? YES! As a Lebanon local, I’ll answer all your burning questions about solo travel in Lebanon, including practical information, safety advice, planning logistics, and where to stay.

I’ll make solo travel easy for you. Save this post so you don’t miss anything! 

I’ve spent the last 12 years solo traveling around Lebanon, so if you’re looking for tips, hacks, hidden gems, things to do, and practical information, you’re in the right place!

Lebanon is my favorite place in the world, but there isn’t a lot of updated information online about how to visit and enjoy Lebanon properly.

That’s why I’m here: to give you the BEST of solo travel in Lebanon in 2025 – hotels, transportation, must-see sites, and some locally-known hacks to make every day a total breeze.

Don’t miss my specifics for solo female travelers! By the end, you’ll be a pro at solo travel in Lebanon – and I promise you’ll love Lebanon as much as I do.

1. Is it safe to travel to Lebanon now?

It is very safe to travel to Lebanon now!

Lebanon (and the Middle East) has a tumultuous history, and although traveling there means keeping updated on the situation at all times, it is an incredible country to visit and very safe if you take the right precautions. 

In the last year, the situation with Israel made Lebanon unsafe to visit for a while. But in 2025, Lebanon has a new government and is looking to improve conditions in the country – and many of the locals are excited by this prospect, so 2025 is a fantastic time to visit!

I’ve always felt so safe in Lebanon. I lived in Lebanon for a while and constantly travel back and forth, and I feel much safer in Lebanon than in London!

I’m not saying nothing ever happens in Lebanon – quite the contrary! But if something happens, people will rush to help you, and you’ll have the entire neighborhood around you making sure you’re ok in no time. Trust me, it’s happened to me in Lebanon before!

Here are a few precautions to take to travel solo safely in Lebanon:

• Keep track of the news (Al Jazeera, Naharnet, The 961 are all good options)
• Don’t flash your cash
• Be mindful of your clothing choices
• Pre-book your airport taxi with White Taxi (I’ve used them so many times in Beirut, they’re so reliable!
• Book your travel insurance in advance
• Find a cafe to frequent so that, if you’re ever in trouble, they’ll recognise you there and you can ask for help!
• Don’t venture near the border with Israel! It can be touch and go down there, and most of the places you’ll want to see aren’t anywhere near there anyway.

Getting through customs should be pretty easy, I’ve personally never had problems in Beirut airport. Just make sure you’ve got the following details on you so you can get through easy-breezy:

1. How long you’re staying

2. Address of your hotel (addresses in Beirut aren’t usually exact but have at least the name of the hotel and the area)

3. A contact number for your stay (put the hotel contact number if you don’t know anyone)

Want an itinerary for your time in Beirut? Check out my awesome itinerary for 3 days in Beirut with all the things to do in Lebanon you need + downloadable PDF so you can take it with you!

2. Where to stay on your solo trip to Lebanon

You’ll need a base for your stay – so I highly recommend doing what I do when visiting Lebanon, and staying in a hotel or hostel in Beirut.

I recommend checking out my post on all the TOP places to stay in Beirut, including 5 best areas for every type of traveler and all my favourite hotels. Check out the post here!

Using Beirut as your base gives you the freedom to travel around, but also have somewhere consistent to come back to. You’ll also be able to make friends in Beirut, so you can find groups to travel around with!

My favorite place to stay was always Hostel Beirut. It’s right in the heart of Geitawi near central Beirut, and it’s a clean, homey place to stay. It’s excellent for those looking to travel solo to Lebanon on a budget, and it’s right next to all the great nightlife. 

I took full advantage of this during my stay, and ended up finding plenty of people to recruit for my road trips!

3. Practical tips for first-time solo travelers in Lebanon

Let’s dive into some practical info that will help you have a smooth trip traveling solo around Lebanon. 

I learned these the hard way, so let me make life easier for you!

• Don’t put toilet paper down the toilet! Or anything else for that matter. Those delicate little pipes were not made for it! Just put paper into the bin next to the toilet. 
• If the electricity goes off in a restaurant, bar, or other public place, don’t panic. This is totally normal. It will come back in a jiffy. Do as the locals do – ignore it!
• If you rent an apartment, make sure you have all the info you need to get the electricity back if it turns off. Ask the landlord how many amps you have, and know how many amps the fridge uses, and whether you can turn on the AC at the same time as the washing machine etc. 
• The best restaurants look shabby from the outside. But don’t be fooled! Some of the best food you’ll ever eat will be from places like this. 
• If you have an old Israeli stamp in your passport, you won’t get into the country. I know, I know – but it’s old beef between the 2 countries. Get a new passport before you go!
• Drinking the tap water will end badly. Unless you like the idea of drinking dirty water, buy bottled water. If you’re renting an apartment for a while, ask your neighbors for their water delivery guy’s number, they’ll deliver it weekly for you!
• If you’re meeting up with Lebanese people, expect them to be late. Keeping time is for the weak in Lebanon, so expect pretty much everyone to be late. All the time. Embrace it!

Finally, I highly recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo to avoid getting ripped off! You can get SIM cards in Beirut locally, but the most hassle-free (and cheapest) option is Airalo in my opinion.

I used to buy physical SIM cards from MTC in Beirut, but getting an eSIM in advance is much less of a hassle.

4. Lebanon currency, money tips, & exchange rates

When you Google the currency in Lebanon, you’ll probably see that there are 2 main currencies: the American Dollar and the Lebanese Lira. 

Cash is KING in Lebanon! Your bank card will get a little dusty while you’re there, so come prepared with a purse!

TIP 1: Don’t rely on ATMs. The exchange rate is absurd and you’ll just get ripped off. I made that mistake in the beginning, but quickly learned ways around it!

TIP 2: You’ll need to exchange all your cash before you go (+extra) into USD. You might not use USD all the time while you’re there, but I can pretty much guarantee you won’t be able to get Lira (LL) from your home country, at least not at a good rate. 

TIP 3: Once you’ve arrived, look up the daily exchange rate here and go to one of the licensed exchangers in Beirut. Due to Lebanon’s financial situation, the rates can change every day.

TIP 4: If you need more cash while you’re there, use Western Union to send yourself USD and just collect it from one of the WUs in Beirut (see the map). For an even better rate, I always use Taptap Send since there’s an app which is much faster!

PRO TIP: There’s a huge expat community in Beirut, and if you’re getting ripped off by money exchangers, there’s always someone in the Facebook group willing to exchange. I recommend playing it safe and exercising caution here, but I’ve done it many times with other female expats and you can have a glass of wine together while you’re at it!

5. Getting around: walking, public transport, and renting a car

Once you know Beirut well, it’s easy to get around. It’s almost second nature to me now, but in the beginning many years ago, I got lost all the time.

Even after years of exploring the city, I still occasionally find myself taking a detour!

However, if you’ve never been before, Beirut is a maze! Google Maps isn’t always reliable, local taxis are hilarious, and while Uber is pretty decent it shouldn’t always be your first point of call. 

To help you get around, I’ve put together a few tips based on my experience:

5.1 Walking in Beirut

In our lovely city of Beirut, sidewalks are often crowded with poorly-parked cars, uneven pavements, and sometimes wanting to get away from an overflowing bin means walking on the road.

But don’t fret! Walking on the road is totally fine, just walk on the side and know that drivers in Beirut are used to seeing pedestrians in the street. Just be mindful (obviously) and don’t wear headphones while you’re walking.

Walking around Beirut is a great way to get to know the city, so I highly recommend it.

It’s easy to get lost, but you can always ask the locals for directions – they’ll be glad to help you out. Every time I’ve been lost I can always count on a lovely Lebo to send me in the right direction.

Walking also means you’ll see parts of the city you’d have otherwise missed. Leafy street corners, political artwork and graffiti, a café you’d never know existed – Beirut is a melting pot of hidden gems, so be on the lookout!

NOTE: When attempting to cross the road in Beirut, look left, right, up, and down, then left and right again. The crossings aren’t functional as the traffic lights often don’t work. Just make a run for it when there’s a break in the traffic and hold your hand out to slow people down. It’s more fun than it sounds, I promise!

5.2 Using public transport in Beirut

Inside the city, transport means either vans or services. Here’s a breakdown:

• Services (pronounced serveese) – these are shared local taxis. You can recognize them from their red number plates, and these cars are often in obvious need of an MOT! Just flag them down when you see them in the street and tell them where you’re going. The price will depend on your negotiation skills!
• Buses – I personally don’t use inner city buses often, as they’re tiny and tend to be crammed full of people! However, for the experience, I recommend doing it at least once.
• Uber – Uber is super reliable in Beirut. Just always pay in cash (Lira) rather than use your card. Some negotiation might be necessary but it’s very safe. I often use Uber in Beirut if I don’t want to share a ride with strangers!

Nervous about getting into a service? I understand, I was nervous too the first time I did it in Beirut! Rule number one about shared taxis in Lebanon is, if you’re a solo female traveler, don’t sit in the front – and if you get a strange vibe, just don’t get in. 

Use common sense and chat with the driver with your fancy Arabic skills!

The reason I tell you not to sit in the front of a shared taxi is because you might find yourself attracting unwanted attention. I didn’t know this in the beginning, but I learned pretty darn quick!

Here is an updated list of 2025 public transport prices in Beirut:

NOTE: Don’t pay with dollars on public transport. Lira is expected and even if you pay in dollars they’ll give you change in LL.

5.3 Renting a car in Lebanon: is it right for you?

Remember what I said about chaos? Get ready for it! 

Renting a car in Beirut (and the Middle East in general) is a fantastic idea IF you’re a confident driver. If you’ve driven in chaotic places before then go ahead, you’ll love it! 

However, if you’re not that confident or you haven’t driven in the Middle East before, I’d stay away from renting a car until you’re familiar with Lebanon and its isms. 

Driving here is confusing, mad, frustrating, (fun) and all “rules” are there to be broken, right? 

Technically, there are speed limits of about 100 km on the highway. But to be honest, does anyone really pay attention to this? No. Only when there’s so much traffic that 100 km is physically impossible 😂

If you want to rent a car, just use RentalCars until you know local Lebanese people who can give you referrals. It’s super cheap, just make sure you get the insurance on it!

For a fun (but useful and realistic) guide on driving in Lebanon and solo road trips in Lebanon, check out this post from Escape Artistes, which sums it up pretty well!

NOTE: If a man in an army uniform is standing in the middle of the road, do what he tells you. Even if the light is red, if he’s waving you forward, go for it. Enjoy the ride!

6. Nightlife in Beirut for solo female travelers

Looking for things to do alone in Lebanon? Head to any cafe or bar and you’ll meet people so easily!

Every time I go to Lebanon, the Beirut nightlife draws me back in. It’s SO much fun – there are bars and clubs, and the streets are crowded with young people. 

Trust me when I say this: Lebanese people KNOW how to have fun!! 

The last time I went out in Beirut, I ended up at a house party with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met – I immediately felt comfortable with them, and we’ve been friends ever since!

NOTE: Have all the fun you want, just remember to keep your wits about you. Traveling solo as a female means you need to be responsible, especially if you’re going for drinks!

7. Must-visit destinations in Lebanon for solo travelers

Getting out of Beirut after a couple of weeks in the city feels like a breath of fresh air after hanging out in an airport smoking room.

I LOVE Beirut, it’s my favorite city in the world. But it’s a mad place, so follow the locals and get out every once in a while.

Most Lebanese leave Beirut on a Friday and come back Sunday evening. Be prepared for traffic jams during peak hours on the highway, but it’s still worth doing.

The contrast between the intense, chaotic city and the tranquility of Jabal Lubnan, the Chouf (East Lebanon), and South Lebanon is something I truly appreciate. It’s a constant reminder of Lebanon’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.

I always feel so refreshed after spending the weekend in the mountains, and I’m always ready for the next Middle East adventure. 

So here’s a short list of my favorite, MUST-do day trips and best places to go in Lebanon! I’ve done these countless times, so suffice it to say they are tried and tested excursions.

7.1 Solo day trips from Beirut: North Lebanon coast

I recommend starting off with the coastline. You can easily grab any of the mini buses that run all the way up the country, right from the south to the north. 

There are no designated bus stops in Lebanon, the land where the wild roam free and rules run amok! 

Some of the best places to visit solo in Lebanon are along the northern coastline, including:

1. Jounieh (including Harissa and Jeita Grotto) 

2. Jbeil (including the ancient city of Byblos, my personal favorite!)

3. Batroun (for beaches, beach parties, clubs, whatever your heart desires)

4. Tripoli (a cultural must!)

Head to Daoura (here’s the map) at the end of Bourj Hammoud and grab the first bus you see. They all go to the same place!

The best thing to do is grab a bus that isn’t full yet. I recommend sitting close to the driver! I always do and I feel very safe up there. The back is also fine, but if you’re in full view of everyone and close to the driver you’re more likely to get help quickly if you need it.

I’ve been lucky enough to sit next to the driver in the front on my way up to Jbeil! It was SO much fun and he even let me choose the radio station!

Here’s an updated 2025 list of public transport prices to North Lebanon from Beirut:

HACK: If you’re heading straight to Tripoli (which I highly recommend as Tripoli is a goldmine of culture and one of my favorite places to go) then use Connexion (timetable and prices here). These buses are bigger, sometimes air conditioned, and more reliable in terms of safety to get to Tripoli. They leave from opposite the Mohamed Al Amin Mosque in Downtown Beirut.

7.2 Solo day trips from Beirut: South Lebanon

Southbound buses go from Cola (see the map here), so just grab one and go! 

They’re smaller than the ones that go up north, so just squeeze in with the locals and bring lots of water with you if you’re going in the summer. 

Those vans get sticky as hell – worth the ride for sure in my opinion, definitely good if you’re traveling on a budget, and an adventure, but stay hydrated people!

If you’re planning to travel more “off-piste” into the wild and rural areas of Lebanon, I recommend making friends in Beirut first so you can all go together! You can hire private taxis that way and it’s much cheaper as a group. 

Here are the 2025 public transport prices from Beirut to South Lebanon:

My husband is from the south of Lebanon, so we visit his village near Saida all the time. It’s so beautiful in the south, and I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to visit so often!

NOTE: If you’re visiting the beaches in Tyre, be mindful that some beaches are sensitive areas that don’t allow traditional swimsuits as it’s a primarily Shi’a region. 

7.3 Solo day trips from Beirut: Baalbek & Bekaa Valley

Going wine tasting or visiting the ancient ruins at Baalbek? You can easily get a bus from Beirut to Bekaa if you head over to the Cola intersection (see the map here) and ask the bus drivers for Baalbek. 

You’ll likely be told you need to get 2 buses, the first of which will take you to Chtoura and you can get a second bus from there. 

Here’s an updated list of public transport prices for destinations in the Bekaa Valley:

7.4 Public transport tips for traveling solo in Lebanon

Here are a few essential tips to help you blend in with the crowd and travel seamlessly around this crazy place:

• Sit near the driver wherever possible, it makes it much easier to grab someone’s attention if you need help.
• When you’re coming close to your destination, lean forward and tell the driver to open the door. There are no bus stops, so just get out when you want! 
• Payment is always made when you’re getting off, don’t give them money before that.
• For my girls out there, don’t wear skimpy clothing, even if you’re going to the beach. You’ll attract unwanted attention – nothing will happen, people will just stare at you – so just try to blend in and cover up a little.
• If a guy tries to make conversation with you, be polite, but don’t give him any personal information, including where you’re going. Public transport is not the best place to meet Lebanese people, so try to keep to yourself. If someone is harassing you, move further towards the driver and ask him for help.
• Don’t flash your cash.
• Don’t get on a bus past 7 PM. If you need to stay somewhere overnight to avoid that (or splurge on an Uber), do that instead. 

I personally LOVE the buses in the Middle East. They’re unpredictable, fun, and can be super reliable. I highly recommend experiencing it at least once for the true Lebanon experience!

8. Solo female travel in Lebanon: safety tips & advice

As a solo female traveler myself, I think traveling alone in the Middle East has SO many perks. It can change your whole outlook on life and even make you a better person.

Going solo around Lebanon is totally safe for solo female travelers. Obviously, there are certain safety precautions you’ll need to take, but Lebanon is really no different to anywhere else in that sense.

There is one thing I do want to drive home before I give you a few essential tips on solo traveling in Lebanon as a female: Lebanon is very safe. 

You won’t find yourself in a tough situation if you take the necessary precautions and use common sense, and solo travel there can open you up to friendships you’d otherwise never have the pleasure of experiencing. 

So, here are some awesome tips for solo female travelers to help you have the best time of your life!

1. Dress with a bit of common sense. Going to a mosque? Traveling into the mountains? Always bear in mind where you’re going before you slap on that crop top. 
2. Don’t get smashed in Beirut by yourself. This kind of goes without saying for pretty much anywhere you travel solo. The nightlife is so fun, but always remain aware!
3. If you hit a demonstration anywhere, just bow out. It’s not your space, and you have no idea how it’s going to end. If you see groups of people gathering, just head in the other direction.
4. Try to grab as many friends as possible! See a group of girls in a bar? Another solo traveler like yourself? Just go introduce yourself! Lebanese people are SO nice and the sooner you can get a band of people around you, the better your experience will be. Trust me!
5. Go to beach parties! There are tons in Batroun every weekend, and it’s a great way to take the edge off and meet new people. 
6. Don’t give money to kids begging in the street. I know, it’s sad. But they’re often part of mafia-style gangs and they don’t get to keep that money. Instead, buy them a manoucheh! 
7. Street harassment isn’t particularly common, but don’t engage with them if it happens. More often, you’ll experience people staring at you – and not just guys, but women, too! They’re just curious, and that’s usually the extent of it. Try not to let it get to you, you’re perfectly safe.
8. Many men will tell you you’re beautiful! Don’t engage with this too much, they say this to all foreign women to try to get their attention. It’s not all as romantic as it seems 🤪
9. Join Couchsurfing! Even if you’re not looking for a place to crash, they do weekly meetups either in Aaliyah’s Books in Gemmayzeh or a bar in Badaro. They have a Whatsapp group you can join, just check out their Facebook page. 
10. Join the Expats in Beirut chat to meet people. It’s a really active group and there are always solo travelers like yourself up for meeting! Check out the group here. 
11. If you’re heading to Tripoli by yourself, don’t take a service there. They’re way less reliable. You can easily walk around Tripoli as it’s really small, and there’s Uber up there if you need it. Try to go with friends, it makes Tripoli more fun!
12. Learn some Lebanese Arabic! I’m not talking about MSA, the formal Arabic. I’m talking about the local dialect. Local people will LOVE that you’re trying and it’ll make it easier to make local friends. People do speak English (and often French) so you’ll be fine if you don’t, but it does make life a lot easier.

And finally: try to let the little things go! Electricity can be a nightmare, traffic is insane, and there’s trash everywhere. But look past all that, and Lebanon can be a haven if you just embrace the chaos. 

9. Dating in Lebanon as a solo female traveler

For all my single solo travelers out there, I just wanted to tell you a bit about what to expect before you download Tinder.

Lebanese guys are freaking awesome. They’re beautiful, sweet, romantic, beards for days, etc etc etc. However… exercise some caution!

It can be difficult for Lebanese guys to date Lebanese women, especially if the girl’s parents don’t allow them to date. This often means that free and open relationships like we might have in the west don’t exist in the same way in Lebanon.

So, when a lovely-looking foreigner with parents far, far away ventures to Beirut hoping to meet a dashing young bearded man, they might find a ton of men falling at their feet. 

Be aware that the men might see you as “easy” because you’re not Lebanese. They also might be after a foreign passport!

I was lucky enough to find (and marry) the most amazing Lebanese man, and he’s nothing like these stereotypes. But I have met plenty of guys who are exactly like this. And some of them really do go as far as to marry a foreigner for a passport. 

So go out, date, and enjoy yourself! You’ll hear many local people tell you your eyes are just so beautiful, you’re more lovely than the moon, you’re sweet like baklava… but don’t take these to heart too much unless you really trust them. They say this to everyone!

Some good news? There are plenty of amazing Lebanese guys. And once you have one, you’ll never look back! They’re sweet, loyal, and will always look after you. Just choose the right one!

FAQs about female solo travel in Lebanon

🧳 Is Lebanon safe for solo travelers?

Yes! I actually recommend Lebanon specifically for solo travelers. It’s too easy to make friends there in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, and you’ll soak up the culture better by yourself. Trust me! It’s the perfect solo getaway for women and men!

⚠️ What precautions should be taken during a trip to Lebanon?

I recommend getting some travel insurance from Safety Wing for the best coverage if you’re traveling to Lebanon. Also be mindful of your surroundings, your clothing choices, and don’t flash your cash. Finally, as a Lebanon solo traveler, don’t go near the Israeli border!

💵 Is Lebanon cheap or expensive?

For most travelers, Lebanon is considered very cheap. However, certain things are more expensive, like hotels (not including hostels, these are super cheap), fancy restaurants, and private taxis. 

📆 How many days do you need to visit Lebanon?

I always visit Lebanon for at least 2 weeks when I’m traveling solo. You’ll make friends so easily over there, you’ll never want to leave. I once stayed there for 6 months during my travels because it was so incredible!

🤑 How much should I tip in Lebanon?

Tipping between 10% – 15% is customary in Lebanon, depending on your activity. Be generous if you can, local people often don’t get paid very much and the cost of living for them in Lebanon is pretty high, so they rely on tips!

🎒 What are the best places to visit solo in Lebanon?

The best places to visit solo in Lebanon are Beirut, Tyre, Saida, Jounieh/Jbeil, Chouf, Batroun, Tripoli, and Baalbek. There are many more areas you’ll discover along your way!

💃 What’s the best way to experience the nightlife solo in Lebanon?

I recommend exploring the nightlife solo in Hamra and Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Start off here (Mar Mikhael particularly has a whole street full of bars) and just chat to people. You’ll make friends in no time, and then just follow the vibe! Who knows where you might end up 🤪

👩 Is Lebanon safe for female solo travelers? 

Lebanon is super safe for female solo travelers! Just remember to be aware of your surroundings like in any other country. Dress respectfully, make friends, and have fun!

🗓️ Which month is best to travel to Lebanon?

If you like hot weather, the best month to travel to Lebanon is July. During the Spring the weather is balmy and perfect as well! All the major cities in Lebanon get very hot in the summer, so go traveling in Lebanon during the springtime if you prefer not to sweat!

🚶 Where are the best places to go hiking in Lebanon?

The best places to go hiking in Lebanon are around Chouf and Jbeil, where the Cedar Trees are! The Chouf is one of my all time favorite places to hike when I’m in Lebanon. 

Conclusion: Your solo adventure in Lebanon awaits!

I hope this guide for solo travel in Lebanon was helpful! If you need any other tips and tricks, just hit me up in the comments below. 

Don’t miss my other articles on Lebanon – you’ll be the queen of travel in Lebanon before you know it!

If you were on the fence about going, I hope I’ve managed to change your mind. Lebanon is a place that shouldn’t be missed. I would know, I’ve spent so long traveling around Lebanon – so come, maybe we’ll meet!

You’ll fall madly in love with it and I promise you, you’ll never want to leave. I never do!

Give me a shout if you want more info!

Until the next time, habibi!

Lizzie