Lebanon, Damascus and Algiers Travel Guides · L’Hôte Libanais

Orientalist painting - Baalbek, Lebanon

Seeing Lebanon through Orientalist eyes

To understand Lebanon’s present, you must first be familiar with its past and the way others saw it. Allow us to take you on a journey through Orientalist eyes—one that travelers, writers, and poets undertook centuries ago—to discover the beauty of everyday life in Lebanon.

Baalbek

Journey to the Center of Lebanon

The road to Baalbek can be long, bumpy, and uninspiring, especially along the stretch connecting Chtaura to the City of the sun. However as is often said, it is the journey and not the destination that counts. Below is one suggested itinerary to explore Baalbek as a part of a roadtrip, and discover the surroundings of this district in all its beauty.

Mosque in Tripoli, Lebanon

A Journey up North

North Lebanon is full of beautiful beaches, historical sites and delectable local treats. Here are our best picks for an exciting itinerary across three northern Lebanese regions: Batroun, Bsharre and Tripoli. A L’Hôte Libanais Family member awaits you at each destination.

Tyre travel guide - South Lebanon

Tyre: The Queen of the Seas

One of the most important coastal cities in Lebanon is Tyre (referred to as Sour in Arabic), located in the country’s Southern Province. Often referred to as Sayidat Al-Bihar (Queen of the seas) for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, the city of Tyre boasts unique experiences of the Mediterranean and a rich cultural history worth exploring.

Bourj Hammoud - Beirut

Bourj Hammoud: Beirut’s Armenian Soul

Bourj Hammoud is a town and municipality with a unique character and flair, quite possibly Beirut’s sole authentic souk, topping even Basta. It’s a kaleidoscope, a mix of artisanal, industrial and commercial areas, narrow alleys, with plenty of Armenian flags and Armenian signage to remind visitors that they are close to Armenia.

Tannourine cedar reserve, Lebanon

Lebanese Hikes: Nahr El Joz and Tannourine

It’s true that amidst the chaos that has overtaken our lives in Lebanon, we have forgotten how to slow down, how to pause and smell the flowers, how to listen to the sounds of nature. Most importantly, we have forgotten the many hidden gems that make life in this small country a far better one. So take a break, slow down, and learn again how to treat your senses to the beautiful nature that we’re still lucky to have…

Mar Mikhael - Lebanon

Beirut: The Many Faces of Mar Mikhael

Lying at the outskirts of Downtown, Mar Mikhael is a quaint area dominated by art spaces and artisanal shops by day and restaurants and bars by night. It is home to Beirut’s favorite architectural relics, to its unoccupied train station and some of the the best night experiences in the Middle East.