Byblos, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1109
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Byblos is a coastal city in Lebanon, renowned for its ancient history as a major Phoenician port and for its scenic beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Lebanese Pound (LBP). 1 USD ≈ 39,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not generally drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Alfa and Touch with reasonable data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Fransabank and Bank of Beirut, which are accessible to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels to local guesthouses and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options, but cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and local property managers offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and guesthouse options start around $15 a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area is popular for its proximity to historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area near the marina offers great views and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-working space at Berytus Port offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Ville is popular among remote workers for its ambiance and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expat meetups can be found via local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for organized events at the Byblos Souk for social opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in the area for convenient ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at various shops near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Byblos Beach is within walking distance and well-maintained. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Middle East Airlines and Air France are popular options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway 51 connects Byblos with major cities like Beirut. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Byblos does not have a train station, but buses from Beirut are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Byblos to Tripoli and Beirut regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Byblos Governmental Hospital provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studio near the Old Town offers sessions for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Club Aquarius offer good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are accessible throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato is popular for food delivery services in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Taste the local specialty, kibbeh, at restaurants like Fakhreldine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Karam Restaurant offers various vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the local baklava at Les Vignes Bakery. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks provide a variety of fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon's online market, Souq.com, offers a variety of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket chains like Spinneys offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Byblos Old Town has several bars and lounges for nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Try the local craft beers by 961 Beer, available in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit Chateau Ksara's wine bar for local wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls at Byblos Souk feature various local delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza at Pizza Verde is a favorite among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Byblos Castle and the ancient port are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Byblos Archaeological Museum showcases local artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ancient ruins in the historic district. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. John the Baptist is historically significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Byblos International Festival takes place in July, showcasing music and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is vibrant with art galleries and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air performances occur during the summer at the Byblos Citadel. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Explore the Byblos Souk for local crafts and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Variety of live music events at various cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Old Town features murals and local artists' works. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes in Lebanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galery 1 presents works from local and regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Phoenician wall still stands and is a remarkable structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Byblos is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby mountains offer hiking trails with stunning vistas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Qadisha Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Byblos Citadel offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal wetlands near Byblos attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas accommodate bonfires in summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers operate in Byblos for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Byblos Electronics provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Learn Arabic at local institutes available in Byblos. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library near the sea offers a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are available in nearby towns. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Byblos; closest ones are in Beirut. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax generally is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon's tax system is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Lebanon does not have strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Lebanon has initiatives for attracting expats, with some favorable conditions. |