Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley is just a few hours from Beirut and the best way to go is to hire a cab for the day which will take no more than 20 - 30 GBP and approximately two hours. Take in the Roman ruins of Baalbek and drive back to Beirut in time for more partying, or a night’s rest if you please.
An hour north of Beirut is Lebanon’s second largest city Tripoli, which is famous for it’s beautiful mosques and traditional souks (outdoor markets).
Further up north, winter is the best time to visit Feraya – a favorite skiing destination where the rich and famous of Lebanon (and the rest of the Arab world) head to see and be seen. Once again, the key to fitting in is looking your absolute best. The pressure to look good all the time is probably the most exhausting factor I came across during my weeklong stay in the country.