Service taxis (shared vans) are common and affordable for intercity travel. Private taxis are available but negotiate fares beforehand. Car rentals are widely available—driving is challenging due to traffic and mountain roads. Public buses operate between major towns but schedules are irregular. Popular ride-hailing apps include Uber and Careem in Beirut and suburbs. For mountain areas, private transportation is recommended. Cable cars operate in Harissa and Jounieh for scenic transport.
April-June and September-November offer pleasant weather (15-25°C) ideal for sightseeing and hiking. July-August is hot but perfect for beach visits. December-March is ski season in Faraya and other resorts with good snow conditions. Avoid peak summer heat in coastal areas. Major festivals include summer music festivals and religious celebrations at historic sites.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Lebanese hospitality is generous—accept offers of coffee or food politely. Tipping is expected: 10% in restaurants, small change for service staff. Greetings are important—handshakes with direct eye contact. Avoid discussing politics or religion. Smoking is common in public places. Friday and Saturday are weekend days, but many businesses operate normally.
Exercise normal precautions in most areas of Mount Lebanon, especially tourist destinations like Jounieh, Byblos, and mountain resorts. Avoid political gatherings and protests. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas—secure valuables. Road safety is a concern due to aggressive driving; use caution when driving. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial tour guides. Check current travel advisories before visiting border areas. Tourist police are present in major areas and can assist with issues.
Mount Lebanon has good private hospitals in Beirut suburbs (like Clemenceau Medical Center, AUBMC), but public facilities are limited. Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine vaccines, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled water. Air pollution can be high in urban areas. Pharmacies are widely available with many medications over-the-counter. COVID-19 precautions may still apply in healthcare settings.
