Baalbeck

Baalbek is a city located east of the Litani River in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, about 67 km northeast of Beirut. It is the capital of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. In 1998, Baalbek had a population of 82,608, mostly Shia Muslims, followed by Sunni Muslims and Christians. Wikipedia.
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Top places to visit

4.8
(508)
5.0
(1264)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Lebanon is a well-preserved and beautifully decorated Roman temple dedicated to the god of wine. It features Corinthian columns, an entablature and a curved stone exterior ceiling adorned with vivid scenes depicting various figures including Mars, Victory, Diana, Tyche, Vulcan, Bacchus and Ceres. The temple is often regarded as one of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the Roman world alongside its neighboring temple of Jupiter.
Breathtaking place. Must visit . Surprising how an old civilisation can build such as huge and fantastic temple full of art.
Mohamad cheayb — Google review
The temple itself is 100/10 However there are some issues with the guides and the marketing strategy there. They try to embarrass the person to buy stuff from there or to give the guides money for services that he/she didn't ask for.
Samir El Hachem — Google review
What an amazing place! We came and had no tour guide, but found one on site. He was amazing, see our pictures. You will not regret coming here. Note the ball back is an extremely dangerous place. However, we made it through OK. We did not go to the souvenir shops which seems sketchy. These are rebuilt! Like a puzzle!
Joshua Knight — Google review
Majestic temple with exquisite details. A big part of the ancient structure is still standing which is extremely impressive.
Anthony Tayoun — Google review
Amazing Roman relic in the Baalbek Temple Complex. It is one of the most well preserved Roman ruins in the world, and one of the grandest. Walking in the Temple of Bacchus makes you feel tiny. I recommend seeing all three temples at Baalbek: the Temple of Jupiter, Bacchus and the Temple of Venus.
World Proven — Google review
I was looking at Baalbek with Satellite when i noticed patterns on the Coast, the land is in the shape of a Bearded Man, are there any famous beared men from ancient times, maybe in Heliopolis
Nathan EverLast — Google review
Beautiful historical landmark that is worth visiting. It's a wonderful place!
Aziz BouChaaya — Google review
Must see in Lebanon,very well preserved Roman temple from 2nd century ad
Mayada Mahfouz — Google review
The Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek is a true architectural masterpiece. Its well-preserved Corinthian columns and intricate carvings showcase the skill and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations. The grandeur and elegance of the temple leave visitors spellbound. A captivating glimpse into the past.
Fadi Tohmeh — Google review
Baalbek is a must visit if you come to Lebanon multiple civilization were here so including the romans , if you like history you will love this place
Waed Elias — Google review
The temple of Bacchus is the most preserved roman temple in the world! And it was inscribed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Amazing history and old architecture located in Baalbek Lebanon 🇱🇧
Fatima Saker — Google review
Seriously the most amazing Roman ruins I have ever seen. I was in total awe of the structure. The most breath taking craftsmanship and simply unbelievable architecture from and ancient civilisation.
Ritta Bayed — Google review
Stunning, well worth the trip from Beirut. Beautiful old temple in great condition. Some of the columns have collapsed, taking parts of the roof with it. These parts can be seen on the ground, and give a glimpse of the fine carving and details in the ceilings and edge work.
Ferry Hendrikx — Google review
Absolutely a must go! Nowhere on earth you will see almost no people on site of a Roman ruins and you can touch everything! On the way you will be 20 min away from Damaskus and maybe see a tank! People there including the soldiers are so nice and obviously terrorists are selling souvenirs!
Fuping Di — Google review
2643+FHG, Baalbek, Lebanon+961 7 852 369Temple of Bacchus reservations
4.8
(4645)
5.0
(86)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Baalbek Roman Ruins, located in the heart of modern Baalbek, Lebanon, is a remarkable archaeological site that showcases the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture. The Temple of Jupiter stands out for its immense size, while the well-preserved Temple of Bacchus boasts intricate carvings. Visitors can explore a museum beneath the complex for insightful information. Additionally, the smaller Temple of Venus and the atmospheric Baalbeck International Festival in summer add to the allure of this historical site.
I was lucky enough to see a snowy Baalbek a few weeks ago, and it was as incredible as so many here have described. Not crowded at all due to current awful crisis, let’s hope that changes asap. Do hire a guide at the gate and be sure to tip generously.
Jason Walker — Google review
The temples and ruins are much more beautiful than the photos! It's huge and you can spend a whole day there looking at the different pieces of history. The place is safe inside but the surrounding is not that much safe.
Malek Hammad — Google review
Magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, a must see in Lebanon. It is one of the great model of Imperial Roman architecture. The temple complex contains two of the largest and grandest Roman temple ruins: the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. An impressive and extraordinary site on the scale and variety of architecture located within. An enjoyable and enriching experience
CK Cheong — Google review
Absolutely stunning piece of history! The freedom to roam around the ground is also great compared to other historic monuments. It is definitely a must see if you are in Lebanon! Pictures can only do so much compared to the physical thing.
Rodrigue Eid — Google review
Impossible to measure the beauty and history of this place! Amidst the ruins, many stories, which are still preserved and heritage of humanity, impossible not to get excited! Lebanon from the airport, has a whole history, of struggles, like species and rebirth, just like Fenix, always rising from the ashes
Mariana Rabelo — Google review
Put on your hats, ladies and gentlemen, it is the The city of Sun. Very few places on earth can make you feel History, and such a place is a simple proof, majestically. Its gigantic constructions were built over 200 years. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage and is considered one of the most and still preserved famous sanctuaries of the Roman world and a model of Imperial Roman architecture. Always that same strange feeling when I visit this place.
Rany SADER — Google review
I was lucky enough to see a snowy Baalbek a few weeks ago, and it was as incredible as so many here have described. Not crowded at all due to current awful crisis, let’s hope that changes asap. Do hire a guide at the gate and be sure to tip generously.
Jason Walker — Google review
Really a stunning place, it's hard to describe the sense of awe. 100,000LL for locals or 1M LL for foreigners. Tour guides for around $20 for an hour. The scale of the Temple of Jupiter is really quite striking, and the Temple of Bacchus is remarkably well in tact. I enjoyed seeing the centuries old graffiti. This place puts Rome to shame!
Kareem Al Gharib — Google review
Beautiful historic ruins at the heart of Baalbek. Would highly encourage visiting to anyone in Lebanon, either tourist or citizen. Recommend to take a tour with a licensed guide for the best experience.
Anthony Jeitany — Google review
I have been longing to go here for years, and finally, a couple of weeks ago, was able to visit. This is a really spectacular place, and although about one and a half hours drive from Beirut, I would definitely recommend everyone to go. We hired a guide (who had 2 names, one of which was Ali). He was very knowledgeable and reasonably priced ($20 for the visit), spoke good English, and answered my many questions patiently! In addition, he was a wonderful photographer & took some amazing photos of us. Normally the visit would be at least 2 hours, but we didn’t have much time, so took about an hour and a half. Although we went on a Saturday, there was hardly anyone else there, and the weather was beautiful . There is a small museum inside the site, but this was closed. Even if you’re not keen on history, this is an incredibly beautiful place which will leave you dreaming. Flat shoes a must ! Go while you can !(3rd photo shows our guide !)
Alexandra M — Google review
Majestic place. I drove to there from Beirut. It is safe to go there. No security permission needed. You basically have two temples in one complex: Jupiter Temple and Bacchus Temple. The area is around 20,000 m^2. Take 40-50 minutes to see all of it.
Omar Osman — Google review
The biggest and best preserved Roman temple in the world, would this be in any other part of the world it would be a major tourist attraction! Visiting Baalbek is a total must if you are in Lebanon it is even possible as a day trip from Beirut with your own car or driver but be prepared for a long drive!
Peter Joachim Passenheim — Google review
Baalbek Roman Ruins are a testament to ancient grandeur and engineering prowess. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale and intricate detail of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tewogbade Fatai — Google review
Easy access visit and parking. staff are very welcoming plus there are guides whose very knowledgeable in the historical culture of each rock and ruins who can guide you through all your visit there.
Rackel Nafaa — Google review
Very impressive! Feels unreal and findings look well maintained! Around 10 dollars entrance fee and takes 2 hours to enjoy the visit at least
Maria Ach — Google review
Nice place Its worth the visit Its about 90 min a way from Beirut This place looks small from outside, but when you get in there you will find out its HUGE! Just make sure to have some water with you and all of the restaurant around it were bad for me.
Mustafa Aswad — Google review
The roads and the site have really changed since our last visit in 2010. The roads around the temple are well paved as for the streets and highways have been completed and are smooth to drive on. It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes only from Bsalim (Metn region). To go back to the site, the entrance and surroundings are now much better in terms of organization, parking slots, tour guides... Baalbeck site is impressive in terms of its history and area of the temples. We will try to visit it in another season.
Alain Francis — Google review
A must see, but i highly recommend coming with a guide or reading first. The layers of history buried there are not all deciphered. I suggest getting an umbrella for the shade on sunny days, hats are nit enough. Tickets are 1.1 usd for residents and 11 for foreigners. It’s a place with huge potential, but it’s development doesn’t seem to be a priority for the city.
Baxter Yazbek — Google review
2644+PCJ, Baalbek, Lebanon+961 8 370 645Baalbek Roman Ruins reservations
4.8
(193)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
The Temple of Jupiter, an ancient and colossal Roman structure, is one of the main attractions in the city of Baalbek, Lebanon. Completed almost two millennia ago, this architectural masterpiece showcases six columns and an architrave. Along with the temple of Bacchus, it dominates the ruins in Baalbek Heliopolis. These mysterious ruins boast enormous megaliths that depict the great power of the ancient world.
Great power of ancient world! Mysterious ruins and enormous megaliths. Very impressive.
Makaso — Google review
A place full of history. Must see while in Lebanon. Temples are colossal and gorgeous.
Andrei — Google review
Perhaps the most impressive place in whole Lebanon. It is hard to believe that such construction could be built without today’s machinery. There were only few tourist around (less than 15), it was really luxury to enjoy the temple in such conditions. If you are driving there, there is a parking site just in front of the main entrance and it was literarily empty; no need to pay extra money at the private ones you will see about a hundred meters before.
Juan H. — Google review
How can you, as a visitor of this magnificent site, throw away your trash all around. How come the people in charge do not put any effort into educating the tourists and cleaning the garbage. Hundreds of plastic bottles all around, people doing that are animals and should be fined severely. Show some respect.
Marco Malaspina — Google review
The Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek is a monumental marvel that defies the passage of time. Its colossal ruins stand as a testament to ancient Roman engineering and grandeur. The sheer size and intricate details of the temple leave you in awe. A must-see archaeological wonder that stirs the imagination.
Fadi Tohmeh — Google review
Very impressive!! Glad I was able to visit during my travels. Hoping to bring my daughter to the temples on my next visit. Pictures definitely do not do justice to these ruins
Charity Gleason — Google review
Best ancient city to visit!
Karim Tarraf — Google review
It takes you to the world of the ancient grandparents. Such incredible views 😍
Haitham Mohammad — Google review
The soaring colonade, among the tallest Roman columns ever constructed is currently under renovation /protection. They are still impressive and thankfully will be protected for ages to come. From the impressive stairs leading up to the Temple, the views of the Heliopolis complex and the snow capped peaks framing the picturesque Beqaa Valley are super. Visit near sunset to view the Temple of Bacchus next door bathed in full sunlight.
Anderson England — Google review
An incredibly well preserved Roman temple site. The Temple of Jupiter would have been superb in it's day, however today there are only a few columns left standing. In fact, the 6 columns "in a row" are, what I have heard, what most Lebanese associate with the Baalbek site. The nearby temple of Bacchus is much better preserved, but in it's day would have been dwarfed by the temple of Jupiter. Well worth the visit if you're in the country.
Ferry Hendrikx — Google review
Biggest Roman temple to be ever built outside Rome. Jupiter Temple was built on the ruins of old Phoenician temple by the Romans to hail Jupiter and warship him. I recommend taking the guided tour at this UNESCO World Heritage site for Lebanese and tourists alike to know some of the great history behind these magnificent ruins. Some photos are tagged as: © Rami Rizk (Twitter: @rami_rizk). Rami Rizk holds the copy rights of this content and has kindly authorized to geotag it. The review does not necessarily reflect his opinion.
Ali — Google review
Very impressive!! Glad I was able to visit during my travels. Hoping to bring my daughter to the temples on my next visit. Pictures definitely do not do justice to these ruins
Charity El Zein — Google review
Perhaps the most impressive place in whole Lebanon. It is hard to believe that such construction could be built without today’s machinery. There were only few tourist around (less than 15), it was really luxury to enjoy the temple in such conditions. If you are driving there, there is a parking site just in front of the main entrance and it was literarily empty; no need to pay extra money at the private ones you will see about a hundred meters before.
Juan H. — Google review
2643+MGG, Baalbek, LebanonTemple of Jupiter reservations
4.7
(77)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Built to worship the goddess of love. A vast temple for this roman god many stones still in the area and columns stood still. you'll get to this temple on your way out from bacchus temple at the exit and through a concrete underground passage.very beautiful and the art is amazing.
david antoun — Google review
Great place to visit during every season. But I will suggest not to go in the town without a local guy.
Renovirai com — Google review
A fantastic preview of the larger temples. The serene rounded shape of this temple to Venus emphasizes beauty and femininity. No surprise. The temple is accessible from a tunnel under the main road next to the entrance. If this was the only antiquity in the area it would be treasured by any nation or any town. However she is eclipsed by her giant neighbors. What a great start to the Heliopolis site.
Anderson England — Google review
Holds its own, though a mere preview of the grand attractions inside the temple complex.
Augustine Baidya — Google review
Some teasing ruins near the main Roman ruins that are just a taste of things to come once you buy your entrance ticket.
Rodney Egel — Google review
Sometimes we have to admire what ancient civilisations did on earth ... very beautiful
Hassan 3aMMo — Google review
The temple of Venus was built in the third century. It has a highly original design: built on a horseshoe-shaped platform, it consists of a circular shrine with a square entrance that is almost as big. The outer façade of the shrine is graced by five niches, which means that there is not a single square wall. In the niches are representations of doves and shells, which has been taken as evidence that the shrine was dedicated to Venus.
cutelady baluch — Google review
If around. Must see attraction
Sarah — Google review
2644+9GR, Baalbek, LebanonTemple of Venus in Heliopolis reservations
4.1
(240)
Mentioned on 
Hotel
The Palmyra Hotel Baalbeck is a historic gem located just steps away from the ancient Baalbeck ruins. Dating back to the 19th century, this hotel has welcomed numerous celebrities including Nina Simone and Charles de Gaulle. The vintage decor and furniture exude old Lebanese grandeur, creating an authentic atmosphere for guests. While some rooms may require maintenance, the overall experience is enriched by the generous and delicious breakfast served on-site.
Historic hotel established by a Greek businessman in 1874. He recognised the appeal of the stunning ruins, which sit just across the road, long before the site was first excavated in 1884. Since then, the Palmyra Hotel has seen two world wars and a brutal fifteen-year-long civil war. Amazingly though, it has never closed its doors for a single day just in front of Baalbeck Temples🌟
Hanadi Shreif — Google review
It feels like sleeping beauty. This hotel offers a glimpse in the past. It is overly charmful but did not move on with the level of service you would expect nowadays. Staff is extremely friendly. However I only managed to get a Turkish coffee. Not milk no coffee machine....
Delphine Mousseau — Google review
A 150 year old historic hotel, full of stories, memories and famous guests. Once you set your foot in this hotel, a beautiful journey begins, starting from the old authentic items, artifacts to the famous guests' portrait/photos. The view from the second floor is mesmerizing straight into the Roman Temples. However, the rooms are not equipped with a TV and need some maintenance, yet wifi and hot water are available. The stay includes breakfast, which was generous and delicious.
Alain Francis — Google review
It is one of the oldest historic hotels in Lebanon with some amazing stories inside. Built in 1874. Many elegant travellers in the 1930s and 40s passed through it.
Nicole — Google review
The location is good. A 10mn walk from baalbek site. The staff is friendly. The breakfast is very good. The art (jean Cocteau originals) is not displayed to its advantage. Booking a room opposite the site is not worth the extra 25$ as you are too little and the road is very noisy. The resident cat Mira is such a sweetie! The hotel is VERY tired. It’s actually a joke. No hot water. Doors not closing. It’s clean however. But to pay 85$ in a hotel without hot water in Lebanon is not right. We stayed at beit el Nassim in Tripoli in a stunning renovated house for the same price.
olivier cebe — Google review
Great location facing the temples of Baalbek with a great view over the columns. The hotel has a history and you can feel the charm of it as if you're sleeping in a museum. However, there are some downsides when it comes to room equipments (no ac / no fridge / no tv / no landlines) and at some times there is no one at the reception desk. Breakfast is good but the coffee that is served is a bad quality instant 3 in 1 sachets....
Mano EID — Google review
An absolute gem of a place that is flooding with heritage. A must-stop for anyone visiting the ruins for the day or looking to spend some time in Baalbeck.
N H — Google review
Had just a breakfast on the terrace. Its one of those Agatha Christie like hotels. Charmingly shabby. Run by few lovely people.
Lukas Kubin — Google review
Such a wonderful, romantic hotel, frequented by famous people as Charles de Gaulle, Jean Cocteau, Ataturk and more. Situated right across the Roman ruins of Baalbek, the hotel offers large rooms, a decent breakfast and great service.
Guido Beauchez — Google review
I only had lunch there and am so eager to go back to stay at their rooms. Charming interiors that tell the history of years back where artists and many famous people stayed at the hotel that is facing the ruins of Baalback. The food is homey and the service is top
Hanine Abdel Rahman — Google review
The hotel is a charming place that offers a truly memorable experience. Hasan, the owner, welcomed us with genuine warmth, and the restaurant serves incredible Lebanese cuisine. The cozy rooms and delightful atmosphere add to the overall charm. For an authentic stay in Baalbek, Palmyra Hotel comes highly recommended.
Celine Assal — Google review
Historic hotel with a great view to the Roman ruins of Baalbek. The infrastructure is a bit old, the hotel is lacking upkeep. The potential is all there.
Inês Matos — Google review
Very friendly owner and her team made my stay at this historic hotel with incredible views unforgettable. Very good breakfast, lovely tours to beautiful places are offered. Enjoy Lebanese hospitality! Stay at least 2 nights!
Thomas H. (Travel Consultant) — Google review
Really incredible and authentic place, hence don’t expect fancy luxury. The location is perfect and the view from the hotel rooftop is spectacular. The staff is very professional and welcoming. My favourite thing was delicious Lebanese breakfast with some of my favourite local dishes enjoyed with the view over Baalbek ruins.
Paulina Bockowska — Google review
2633+CM9, Baalbek, Lebanon+961 3 371 127Palmyra Hotel Baalbek reservations
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