Top Things to do in Bekaa Governorate
Things to do in Bekaa Governorate, Bekaa Governorate: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Bekaa Governorate, Lebanon including Saint Elie Church, Temples of Baalbek, Baalbek Roman Ruins, Cardo Maximus (Aanjar), Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar, Hajar al-Hibla, Our Lady of Zahle and Bekaa, Aammiq wetland, Sayyida Khawla Shrine, Kamouh el Hermel.
Restaurants in Bekaa Governorate
1. Saint Elie Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Temples of Baalbek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,059 reviews
Reviewed By MarieTips - Virginia, United States
One of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the world with a gorgeous mountain background. And basically devoid of tourists which made the visit so pleasant and special. We hired a chauffeur for the day from a company used by the University for safety reasons--one has to be mindful--and drove through the Bekaa valley which was pretty fascinating. We also went to Anjaar--not grandiose like Baalbek but it felt more intimate in a way and is well worth the visit. Important: toilets are on the left, right at entrance gate of Baalbek. Or you will have to wait upon exiting. Then you go to the right to buy tickets at the booth and go through a turnstile entrance (employees barely speak English and told us that toilets were inside the ruins). Guides are available, some speak English well; the one who offered his services had a very strong accent difficult to understand. They only accept "legitimate" parties and, as a principle, refuse people who want to join as a group in order to share the fee. The guy behind us was alone--so that hardly qualifies as a group--and offered to join us and share the fee, as we were just a couple. That was a no go; and it was too much effort to understand the guide, so we passed. However, later on we had and opportunity to converse with another guide whose accent was very good; so it's the luck of the draw. If you travel on a very tight budget, make arrangements with other people before you get to the ticket booth. Otherwise "splurge"...it is their livelihood and there are not that many tourists. But my advice is to inform yourself about the history in advance, so that you can relax and take all your time enjoying this exceptional monument from the past at your own pace and contemplate its breathtaking beauty, as well as take as many photos as you'd like (nobody in the background!!!) without any pressure. We spent at least three wonderful hours there. I'd say that the very minimum time you need to visit is one hour but you'll want to take your time...how often can you access a place like this in an area that is not always the safest?
3. Baalbek Roman Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By 22jasper - Dunedin, New Zealand
Went Oct19, there were riots but still felt safe so if Lebanon doesnt collapse, Baalbek is astonishing and worth the effort. The journey from Beirut is a potpourri of civil war ruins and arriving in baalbek in a shoddy old minivan just takes your breath away, the magnitude of the site is gob-smacking. Moreso for me than Petra (in an indescribable way) There are quite a few little hotels so dont be put off by google searches yielding nothing. But the Palmyra is a groovy treat for a night. Also check out the unfinished stones hewn from the rock, again the scale is mindboggling. So glad I made the effort (and it truly was an effort during a mini revolution).
4. Cardo Maximus (Aanjar)
5. Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By halcatra - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
It is not Baalbeck but it is absolutely charming place to visit. It is not an accident that Anjar is at the Unesco list. I would recommend securing around 1,5h for a walk around the ruins. It is worth taking a guide as you may learn a lot about the history of the place. In the winter season it is quite windy so wrap yourself up.
6. Hajar al-Hibla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By AnonymousZ1234 - Somerset, United Kingdom
This was a recommendation to visit - and it is a must see if you are in the area. The quarry, the huge stone and the tombs and above all the story which goes with it of one man's struggle against bureaucracy to do what is right. If you love Roman remains it's great but if you like a human interest story and to support maintaining our world heritage visit the site and support the guy who is running it himself.
7. Our Lady of Zahle and Bekaa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By farahelzein - Beirut, Lebanon
The lady of Zahle and Beqaa is nestled between the sky and the berdawni river valley. The chapel at first a beautiful cozy wooden and glass capella then moving forward to the big church . In the middle between them the lady of Zahlé can be reached by stairs and you can overlook the whole area.
8. Aammiq wetland
9. Sayyida Khawla Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By jfazeli - Kittery Point, United States
The “Grand Mosque” is really not the right name. It is a Shia shrine, not a mosque, built over the grave of one of the young daughters of Hussein, the third Imam (or saint) in Shia Islam. The correct name is Seyedeh Khawleh Shrine. Worth a visit regardless of religion if you happen to be in Baalbek. You won’t be asked for ID, but you maybe searched. Visitors are segregated by sex and female visitors are required to wear a hijab (cover their hair) and cover arms. Wearing a legging doesn’t count for modest attire, as one visitor ahead of us found out-The female guards offered her something to put on before they let her in. Best times to visit are morning hours up to 10 am and after 7-8 pm to avoid the noon crowds. There is no fees to enter. Leave your shoes at the door in designated area. If you are given a ticket you are not expected to pay the attendant but you can make a donation. Locals and visitors throw money at the grave site inside the shrine, but it is not a requirement. Don’t film others, but you are free to film or take pics of the site and yourselves without attracting too much attention, just don’t over do it, as the site is primarily a religious site, and definitely no photos or video at the entrance in front of the guards.
