The 19 Best Things to Do in Batroun, Lebanon

After visiting the Roman Temples of Baalbek and the vibrant capital of Beirut, our Lebanon itinerary continued to the beautiful coastal town of Batroun.

Batroun is a charming little town nestled along the northern coast of Lebanon on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Once a fishing village, this well-preserved old town has witnessed the passage of time, bearing witness to the rise and fall of ancient empires. From its Phoenician origins, possibly dating as far back as the 14th century BC, Batroun has evolved into a bustling coastal destination with a fascinating past.

History aside, nowadays, Batroun is a popular seaside destination for those who want to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Whether lounging at one of its beach clubs, taking a leisurely stroll along the coast, or indulging in water sports, there are numerous fun and cool things to do in Batroun, Lebanon.

The Best Things to Do in Batroun, Lebanon

Explore Batroun’s Charming Old Souks

I completely fell in love with Batroun’s charming, narrow, labyrinth-like Old Town streets and souks. The old souks of Batroun were built in the 19th century and then renovated in the early 2000s. The stalls across the souks have since become more and more popular with the appearance of numerous restaurants, pubs, cafes, artisan shops, grocery stores, and fruit and vegetable stalls. 

 

Catch the Sunset at Batroun’s Fisherman Harbor

The fisherman harbor of Batroun is the only port located in the city, and it is a port of the remains of the Phoenician civilization. The harbor includes a huge stone lighthouse and many walls that form the body of the port (at the time that we visited, they were filled with stunning photographs of the city and its people). There is not much to see or do there, but it is a perfect location to watch the sunset. 

Visit Saint Stephen Cathedral

Overlooking the harbor, the Saint Stephen Cathedral is one of Batroun’s biggest attractions. Personally, I am not religious, but I still got to appreciate its beautiful architecture, which has been supervised by the Italian architect Giuseppe Maggiore. The cathedral was built in 1910 on the same site where another church used to be, and it was built mainly with local Batroun sandstones. 

Enjoy the Mediterranean View from the Chuch of Our Lady of the Sea

One of the absolute best things to do in Batroun is to enjoy the sunset view from this small church. The church is small and not anything special on its own, but the balcony it offers overlooking the sea and the Phoenician Wall is one of Batroun’s top attractions. 

See the Historic Remnants of the Phoenician Wall

Explore the remnants of Batroun’s ancient Phoenician Wall, which once served as a defensive fortification against invading forces. Stretching for 225 meters, the impressive structure offers Batroun’s visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along its length. As you walk along the wall, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the charming streets of Batroun on the other. It is a great spot to enjoy the sunset. 

Check out the Diaspora Village

The Diaspora Village is a venture launched by Lebanese Diaspora Energy to establish a central location for the Lebanese Diaspora in their country of origin, with the goal of fostering a united and thriving community. Located in the heart of Batroun, the village brings together the functions of a museum, a library, a guest house, an indoor multipurpose hall, an outdoor space for hosting special events, a café, a gift shop, a bakery, a studio, and a collection of homes for the Lebanese diaspora scattered across the globe.

And yes, you can book a stay at one of the guest houses. 

Walk the Mseilha Walkway

Among my personal favorite things to do in Batroun was the hike along the Mseilha Walkway. The walkway is a man-made trail built on top of a concrete water channel that goes around and above the highway. Because of that, it can be a bit noisy in the beginning, but as you walk further and further, it becomes quieter and calmer, and you can better enjoy nature. 

As one of the most popular attractions of Batroun, the walkway can get busy, but luckily, when we were there, we pretty much got it to ourselves (although we shared part of the walkway with some goats). It is just something to note that depending on the season you visit Batroun, the walkway might be a little overcrowded. In any way, I recommend you start earlier in the morning, and then after the hike, head to the beach to relax. 

 

Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the walkway is very long, and there are only a few spots where you can actually finish it and get back to the road and then to Batroun (alternatively, you can always walk the walkway back to the starting point). The closest points where you can finish it and then easily navigate yourself back to Batroun are the Mseilha Fort and the Mseilha Dam. It is about a 5km walk to the dam, and the walkway is in no way hard to walk. 

The start of the hike is also very easy to reach. From the central area of Batroun, where you would most likely located yourself, you just need to either take a taxi or walk here. Once you reach this spot, you will see where the trail begins. At the beginning of the trail, there is also a small shop where you can get water, coffee, ice cream, or some snacks. The owner can also tell you more about the trail as well. 

Visit Mseilha Fort

One of the places where you can finish your Mseilha walkway hike is the Mseilha Fort. The fort is situated on a lengthy, slender limestone rock and was built in the 17th century to guard the route from Tripoli to Beirut. Unfortunately, when we visited Batroun, it seemed that the fort was no longer open for visitors. It might have been just a temporary thing, I don’t know. However, I still recommend making the time to go to the Mseilha Fort to see it up close. 

Taste Batroun’s Famous Lemonade

When visiting Batroun, you must try the famous local lemonade. It is a big hit here. And I can totally understand why; Batroun is hot, and the lemonades that they serve pretty much everywhere here are super tasty and refreshing. 

With that said, you can really find the famous Batroun lemonade at many spots around the town. However, the most popular lemonade shop is Hilmi’s. Hilmi’s lemonade shop was founded by three sisters back in the 1880s, and since then, it has become a landmark of the city. A lot of people might tell you that one of the best things to do in Batroun is to try the famous Hilmi’s lemonade, and they won’t be wrong. Although, I loved all the other lemonades that I tried as well. So, I would recommend you to try other lemonades as well, but also Hilmi’s. One of the most interesting things about Hilmi’s lemonade shop is that it also features a small museum in which you can learn more about the history of the shop and the sisters who founded it. 

Try Koko’s Bakery Brioches

And as we are on the topic of things to try in Batroun, don’t miss the chocolate brioches of Koko’s bakery. I heard that it is advisable to pre-order your brioches in advance, but when we visited in September, that wasn’t the case. The first time we went there, I thought that we had mistaken the place as there was nothing, then we returned the next day and got our hands on this delicacy. I also really loved the small street in which the shop is located – so cute! 

Enjoy the Beaches

If relaxation is what you seek, Batroun’s beautiful beaches are sure to deliver. With their clear waters and soft sand, the Batroun beaches are the perfect place to relax (or party). Whether you prefer lounging on a sunbed with a good book, taking a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply soaking up the sun, Batroun’s beaches have it all. Just keep in mind that you need to pay a fee for some of the beaches. I really didn’t like that, but it is the case in Batroun and the area. 

Get Active in the Water

Batroun is situated on the coast, so getting active in water makes sense, right? And in this aspect, Batroun has a lot to offer. You can opt for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving. 

Take a Boat Trip

From the harbor, you can rent a boat or hire one with a driver for a trip along the coast. We didn’t do that, but we saw multiple people do it, especially for sunset. 

Go to a Yoga Class

Yoga is also popular in Batroun. If you want to go for a class, check out Darma Ji and Ohana space. 

Try the Local Craft Beer

Colonel Brewery is another popular spot for drinks, views, and sunset. It features two floors with high tables (on the second) and lawn chairs (on the first). You can schedule a tour of the brewery or just get a drink and relax. Besides beer, they serve all other types of drinks, as well as some food, such as burgers, fries, and wings. Of course, I encourage you to try their beer, but if beer is not your thing, you can try a local wine instead.

Colonel Reef, the small beach attached to the brewery, is also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. You can hire a kayak or a paddleboard directly from the bar. For more information, ask the staff.  

Explore the Nearby Wineries

Nestled in the heart of a wine-producing region, Batroun boasts its own wine trail, known as “La Route des Vins du Nord”. The route is clearly marked and features several wineries along the way, including the more famous IXSIR Winery and Batroun Mountains. You can visit any for a wine tasting, or you can also do that in the center of Batroun, where there is a tasting room of the Batroun Mountains winery. 

Do a Coastal Trip

Follow the coast to the north to visit some other beautiful places. Such places that could be of interest include Anfeh, Chekka, Chekka train station, Nowhere Beach, Rocca Marina, Nabu Heri Museum, and the Rock of Hammat. 

 

Visit Byblos on a Day Trip

Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is located only 16 km away from Batroun. There are numerous activities and attractions to explore in this small town, reflecting the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal setting. Here are some highlights not to miss when visiting Byblos on a day trip from Batroun:

• Explore the old souks
• Visit Saint John-Marc Cathedral
• Climb to the top of the Byblos Citadel
• Go to the Byblos harbor and home some fresh seafood
• Relax by the beach
• Shop for souvenirs
• Museums – you can visit the Fossil or Wax museum

Enjoy the Nightlife

Among the things to do in Batroun, enjoying the nightlife must be at the top for party lovers. The seaside city attracts people who want to have fun and is full of bars and clubs where one can dance until sunrise. Some of Batroun’s popular party spots include Bolero, Taiga, and Pierre and Friends.  

Visiting Batroun FAQ

How to Get to Batroun from Beirut?

Traveling from Beirut to Batroun is very easy. To reach Batroun from the capital city using public transportation, you first need to take a taxi to the Dowra bus station (please note that this isn’t a real bus station, but a large roundabout filled with plenty of minivans/marshrutkas traveling to different places across the country gather). When you reach Dowra, you will be approached by a person asking you where you want to travel to (or you just ask someone). Tell them that you want to travel to Batroun, and they will direct you to a minivan going in that direction.

An important thing to note here is that there is nothing such as a bus station (or the same kind of large roundabout where minivans gather, for that matter) in Batroun, and the minivan doesn’t even enter the town. By getting the minivan from Beirut, you will get dropped off at the main road. No worries, tho, as there is a bridge that you can use to easily cross to the other side of the road. From here, you can either take another taxi or just walk to your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Batroun?

Batroun offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The best areas to consider staying at include the Old Town and its surrounding areas, as well as the coastal line. We stayed in a guesthouse right next to the Old Town. The location was ideal – it was very close to Batroun’s attractions, but at the same time, it was calm and quiet. I can recommend booking the same property or one of the others provided by the same host. They are beautiful and budget-friendly. We booked with the company Cheez Hospitality. They have rental units in Beirut and Byblos, too.

Is Batroun Worth Visiting?

I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the best things to do in Batroun. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Thank you for reading,

Bilyana