Things to do in Qabb Elias
Discover the best attractions and experiences Qabb Elias has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Lebanon’s ancient stone heritage around Qabb Elias in the Beqaa Valley.
Baalbek Roman Temples
Impressive ruins from the ancient Roman era with towering stone temples and a dramatic setting in the Beqaa valley.
Anjar Umayyad City
A UNESCO-listed desert city from the 6th-8th centuries with well-preserved city walls and arcades.
Deir el-Qamar Historic Village
A well-preserved mountain village with traditional Lebanese houses and a glimpse into historical life.
Museums
Get a sense of Lebanon’s past through regional museums in the Beqaa and surrounding hills.
Zahle Archaeology Museum
A small regional museum highlighting local artifacts and Beqaa history.
Beqaa Valley Museum
A regional showcase of Beqaa culture, crafts, and rural life.
Baalbek Heritage Museum
Exhibits focused on Baalbek’s archaeological significance and Roman-era finds.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites add to the landscape around Qabb Elias, with historic churches and sanctuaries.
Notre-Dame de Zahle (Our Lady of Zahle)
A prominent church in the Beqaa region offering a peaceful place of worship and good views.
Saint Elias Church – Zahle
A local church reflecting Lebanese Christian traditions in the Beqaa.
Mar Touma Monastery (nearby)
A traditional monastery offering a quiet spot for reflection and architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Outdoor escapes in the Beqaa and Lebanese mountains.
Horsh Beqaa Reserve
Protected woodland and wetlands with trails for easy walks and birdwatching.
Barouk Cedar Reserve
Lush cedar groves in the Chouf hills with scenic viewpoints.
Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Diverse landscapes offering hiking, wildlife and traditional villages.
Neighborhoods
Characterful corners around Zahlé and Beqaa towns.
Zahle Old Quarter
Historic streets, cafes, and markets with Mediterranean charm.
Beqaa Valley Countryside Villages
Picnicking spots and hillside lanes ideal for a relaxed day out.
Local Beqaa Market Districts
Vibrant spots to observe daily life and sample regional produce.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the Beqaa without an entrance fee.
Scenic drives through the Beqaa Valley
Wind along flat plains and rolling hills with viewpoints.
Horsh Beqaa walking trails
Gentle trails through wooded areas—great for a quick hike.
Sunrise or sunset viewpoints over the valley
Capture the light on the mountains and vineyards.
Gastronomy
Beqaa wine country and hearty Levantine flavors.
Chateau Ksara winery tour & tastings
Lebanon’s oldest winery offering cellars and regional wines.
Chateau Kefraya winery tastings
Scenic winery with diverse wine selections and tours.
Beqaa farm-to-table lunches in Zahlé
Local eateries with seasonal Levantine dishes and breads.
Nightlife
Low-key evenings with cafes and local bars around Zahlé.
Zahle riverfront cafes
Relaxed spots for coffee, tea or light bites after dark.
Wine bars in Zahlé
Small, intimate spaces to sample regional wines.
Evening strolls through the town centers
Quiet streets with lively bakeries and dessert shops.
Entertainment
Cultural flavor from local events (seasonal).
Localbeqaa cultural festivals
Seasonal events featuring music, food and crafts.
Open-air concerts near Zahlé
Seasonal performances in public squares.
Beqaa cinema nights
Neighborhood screenings in community centers.
Sports
Active pursuits amid the valley's landscapes.
Hiking the Horsh Beqaa trails
Gentle to moderate hikes with valley views.
Cycling along Beqaa valley roads
Scenic routes suitable for road cycling.
Horseback riding in Beqaa farms
Stable rides through rural scenery.
Off the Track
Hidden corners and day trips beyond the obvious.
Sunrise at hillside viewpoints
Early morning panoramas over vineyards and plains.
Countryside picnics at vineyarded slopes
Simple, scenic meals with fresh local produce.
Drive to nearby historic villages
Explore lesser-known towns and rural architecture.