Family Travel Ideas in Beirut

If you are searching for a destination that caters to the vacationing needs of the entire family, considering a Beirut Family Travel plan is recommended. Beirut is now counted among the most popular, global destinations and it hosts thousands of visitors, every year. Among these, there are many families who seek affordable and family-themed trips to various parts of the city. Among such family-centric spots, the most admired Beirut-travel ideas include:

Taking Jounieh's Cable-car Ride

This is a fun-filled way to explore Beirut, particularly its distant, bay area that is often ignored by tourists. For children, the mere idea of exploring a city atop a 600 meter-high cable-car is welcome. The ride is a bit educational too, involving a visit inside the Harrisa mountain range and stops at historical places like the statue of Our Lady, Lebanon’s most-admired version of Virgin Mary.

Visitors should inquire about the Telepherique (Lebanese for suspended cable-car). Jounieh is an easily-accessible port, located about 16 km north of Beirut. To reach the cable car, visitors can hire a taxi.

Visiting Jeita Grotto Caves

The Grotto caves were first discovered in the 19th century and since then these caves have become a preferred touring spot. The grotto caves provide the perfect opportunity for a family to spend a few hours in an adventurous setting. The entire landscape is both spooky and appealing, with massive, cathedral-shaped vaults and giant, prehistoric stalagmites forming the walls. What makes these caves interesting is that the natural elements have still been preserved. As a result, many times a visit inside the caves might be welcomed by a warning of the water level rising in the lower chambers and the visitors are rushed to the safer, upper reaches. A family can also take a boat ride in the lake that is surrounded by sculptured rock formations. Those who are a bit more physically active can look forward to climbing up the 120-meter tunnel to reach the highest point of the caves.

• Location: Within the Nahr al-Kalb valley, Jeita
• Hours: Every day, except Mondays; Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (shortened to 5 p.m. during the winters).
• Visiting Schedule: July to August; Closed for a few weeks during the January to February period).

Visiting the Beirut Balloon Show

This is not just another hot air balloon show. The Aerophile Beirut Balloon gives an amazing ride in a massive air balloon. The ride stretches across the city’s skyline and reaches altitudes of more than 300 meters. The area around the balloon ride booth is filled with local eateries and some flea market-type stalls that are worth exploring.

• Location: Allenby Street, reached by passing through the Biel Convention Centre
• Hours: Everyday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.