Jounieh, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1108
33.97415, 35.620063
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jounieh is a coastal city located north of Beirut, famous for its stunning seaside views and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 20 Mbps, but available fiber optics can offer up to 100 Mbps in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Lebanese Pound (LBP); 1 USD ≈ 30,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz; adapters for Type C and D sockets are needed. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Touch and Alfa; prepaid SIM cards are readily available at kiosks. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; ATMs are available but may charge withdrawal fees. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments for rent, hotels, and hostels; Airbnb is popular among expats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; while many places accept cards, cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate sites offer short-term rental options, with prices starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like The Green Tower Hotel offer budget stays starting at $25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office, located in Byblos, about 20 minutes from Jounieh, offers a conducive working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café D'Antoine is known for its Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Facebook groups and community boards frequently post about networking events, especially in Beirut nearby. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Jounieh Expats Meetup group regularly organizes social gatherings and outings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Jounieh for on-demand ride services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops; scooters can be rented through 'Scooters Lebanon.' |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jounieh Beach is a popular spot, featuring clear water and beach facilities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) is the main carrier servicing regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lebanon Air, Middle East Airlines, and others serve international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Beirut-Jounieh highway provides easy transportation to the capital and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jounieh has bus stations; Dr. Hanan coaches operate between Jounieh and Beirut. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is predominantly bus-based; there are no transit passes available yet. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently between Jounieh and major cities, including Beirut and Byblos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | International Medical Center (IMC) offers emergency and general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Jounieh provides classes focused on wellness and relaxation. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Jounieh offers extensive gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide both self-service or drop-off cleaning options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Talabat are popular for food delivery in Jounieh. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish Kibbeh, a traditional Levantine dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at Al-Bayt Al-Aniqi and Munchies Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Don't miss Sakr's Sweets for authentic Lebanese desserts like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local supermarkets and souks are great for budget shopping, including the Souk El Tayeb. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon's Jumia offers various goods online, including groceries and electronics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Farm Fresh provides organic grocery delivery services in Jounieh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Jounieh's promenade features various bars and nightlife spots, notably Le Pirate. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lebanon breweries like 961 Beer offer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit the Wine Haven Wine Bar for a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy Kaak, a local bread, at various street vendors around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Chili's offer international dishes in Jounieh. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a prominent cultural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Jounieh Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Byblos, nearby, are one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Key religious sites include the Harissa Shrine and St. Joseph Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Jounieh International Festival features music, dance, and fireworks every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town of Jounieh offers traditional architecture and local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater of Jounieh hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Jounieh Souk is a bustling market offering local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often host live music, especially during the summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals and street art throughout the coastal promenade. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Lab in Jounieh offers classes on traditional Lebanese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie D'Art showcases local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-style buildings line the streets of Jounieh, reflecting its rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local cuisine and hospitality are key components of Jounieh's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Jounieh Bay offers beautiful views and places for picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Qadisha Valley is about an hour away, offering hiking and scenic views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Jounieh coastal path is popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Harissa viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the bay and mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The forests near Harissa are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Qadisha Valley allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Fast delivery services like DHL and Aramex operate in Jounieh. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops like Jounieh Tech Repairs cater to electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Arabic and French across Jounieh. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries provide quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Jounieh Community Center hosts various classes and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Liban is located in Jounieh, offering various gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $60,000) for studios in central Jounieh. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000) for studios outside the city. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) for 1-bedroom apartments in central areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) for 1-bedroom apartments outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) for 2-bedroom apartments in the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) for 2-bedroom apartments in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is currently 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon has a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate in Lebanon is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on estimated rental values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 5% during property purchases. |