Baalbek, Lebanon: travel guide
Colossal Roman temples rising from the fields of the Bekaa Valley
Home to one of the best-preserved and most monumental Roman temple complexes in the world — the Temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus — in the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border.
About Baalbek
Baalbek is a town in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, famous for one of the most monumental Roman temple complexes anywhere. The scale of the stone blocks and columns is what visitors remember most.
The site includes the Temple of Jupiter, with its six surviving columns, the remarkably complete Temple of Bacchus and the smaller circular Temple of Venus. Large courtyards and stonework recall the Roman Heliopolis that once stood here. Down in the town you can find simple restaurants serving grilled meats and local sweets. The valley is also known for its vineyards, which are worth exploring.
Baalbek suits history lovers and photographers. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit, while summers are hot and winters can be cold at this altitude.
- Country
- Lebanon
- Currency
- LBP
- Time zone
- Asia/Beirut
Last updated
Top places to visit in Baalbek
Baalbek Archaeological Museum
site museum · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A small on-site museum inside the temple complex's ancient quarry vaults, displaying sarcophagi and artefacts recovered from the ruins.
Temple of Bacchus
roman temple · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere in the world, richly carved, and larger than the Parthenon in Athens.
Temple of Jupiter
roman temple · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest Roman temple ever built, of which six colossal columns still stand at nearly 20 metres — the centrepiece of the Baalbek UNESCO site.
Temple of Venus
roman temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A small, unusual circular Roman temple just outside the main Baalbek complex, dedicated to Venus.
Baalbek Souk & Town Centre
local market · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The modest local market street of Baalbek town, just outside the ruins, for basic shopping and cheap eats.
Baalbek Great Court & Propylaea
roman complex · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The monumental entrance stairway, hexagonal forecourt and Great Court of the Jupiter sanctuary, lined with altars and basins.
Ras al-Ain Spring
spring · 4.9 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A natural spring-fed pool at the edge of Baalbek town, historically the water source for the Roman city.
Things to do
- Baalbek Roman Temples Guided Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from USD 35 per person
- Baalbek Sunset Temple Photography Walk Cultural · 1.5 h
Where to stay in Baalbek
Hotels
- Palmyra Hotel Baalbek 3-star
Where to eat
- Palmyra Hotel Restaurant Lebanese · about USD 26 per person
- Baalbek local mezze houses (Souk area) Lebanese · about USD 10 per person
Getting to Baalbek
Nearest airport: Byblos (BEY), about 69 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Taxi
- Walking