Asia >> Middle East >> Lebanon >> Baalbek

Baalbek بَعلبَك is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Lebanon. Baalbeck or 'Heliopolis' as it was known is the site of great ancient temples built by the Phoenicians, the Romans, and other civilisations that have conquered the region and enjoyed the fertile soil of the Bekaa Valley. Some of the most celebrated temples are the ones of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, and Jupiter, the Roman god of light, of the sky and weather.

Travel to Baalbek - Visa Requirements

Bus

During the summer season daily tours are available from Beirut to Baalbeck from most major hotels; tour operator Nakhal has a guided coach tour several days a week for USD$65. The trip takes a little less than two hours each way.

It is possible to travel from Homs in Syria to Baalbek by bus. Buses leave from the Karnak or Luxury coach stations in Homs and cross into Lebanon at al-Qa'a, arriving soon thereafter at Baalbek. Cost is about USD$3.

Tours and Getting around Baalbek

Baalbek tourist attractions and sightseeing

Visiting in the ruins of Baalbeck cost 12 000 L.L.

  • Temple of Bacchus (Small Temple).  
  • Temple of Jupiter. 1st century A.D. 
  • Great Court.  
  • Temple of Venus.  
  • Hexagonal Forecourt.  

Baalbek city tours

  • Hajar al-Hubla. When you visit Baalbeck, be sure to drop by Abd an-Nabi al-Afi, the fellow who is caretaker to possibly the largest cut stone to be found anywhere on Earth (Hajar al-Hubla). He's working hard to clean up the environment a little bit, and he even offers tours of the area. Ask him to take you to the cafe up on the hill for an evening view of the valley.  

Events

  • Every summer the Baalbeck International Festivals offers great peformances from local and international artists. In the past peformers ranged from Sting, Vanessa Mae and Phil Collins to plays by the celebrated Lebanese Rahbani brothers.

Baalbek souvenirs and shopping

Baalbek Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Evey summer Thers is out door shesha bars, they also serve drinks dessert dinner lunch breakfest.

Baalbek nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Baalbek cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Get out

This page was last edited by ptudor. Based on work by Michele Ann Jenkins, Wikitravel user(s) Huttite and Pjamescowie and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license

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