Tyre (Sour) is a city where ancient history meets the calm of the Mediterranean. Here you can spend the morning exploring ruins and the afternoon relaxing on sandy beaches. Unlike Beirut’s fast pace, Tyre moves to the rhythm of the waves and its fishing boats.
If you’re wondering what to do in Tyre, Lebanon, this guide is for you. We’ll cover the city’s UNESCO sites, its beaches, its local neighborhoods, and the seafood that makes Tyre unforgettable.
🏛 Explore Millennia of History
Tyre is home to two major archaeological sites, both UNESCO World Heritage treasures. To enjoy them fully, visit in the late afternoon. The softer sunlight adds a golden glow to the stones.
Al-Mina (The City Site)
Once an island, Al-Mina offers a seaside walk through Roman history. Highlights include:
- A vast paved road with intricate mosaics.
- A rectangular agora, or marketplace.
- A colonnaded street that leads straight to the sea.
Walking here with the breeze on your face makes you feel connected to Tyre’s past as a great trading hub.
Al-Bass (The Necropolis & Triumphal Arch)
A short drive from the center brings you to Al-Bass. You’ll enter through a 2nd-century Triumphal Arch. The site includes:
- A Roman road lined with hundreds of sarcophagi.
- One of the world’s best-preserved hippodromes.
Standing in the vast arena, you can almost hear the crowd cheering on chariot races 2,000 years ago.
🌊 Relax on Tyre’s Beaches
After history, it’s time for the sea. Tyre’s public beach is wide, sandy, and family-friendly. It’s ideal for swimming or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe.
For a different atmosphere, visit the Christian Quarter beach. Here you’ll find charming guesthouses and seafood restaurants with terraces over the water. Rent a sunbed, order fresh fish, and let the hours drift by.
🏘 Wander the Christian Quarter & Harbor
Tyre’s old Christian Quarter is full of narrow alleys and colorful houses. Flowers decorate balconies and cats nap in courtyards. Walking here is like stepping into a slower rhythm of life.
This area leads to the fishing harbor, a postcard scene of colorful boats and nets drying in the sun. It’s one of the best spots for photos and a chance to see daily life up close.
🍴 Where to Eat: Seafood at Its Best
Tyre is famous for seafood, and it doesn’t disappoint. Restaurants near the harbor and beaches serve the day’s freshest catch. Try:
- Simple grilled fish with lemon and olive oil.
- “Samkeh harra” — spicy fish prepared the Lebanese way.
- Full seafood platters for sharing.
The quality is always high, and the flavors are as authentic as it gets.
See Tyre Through an Explorer’s Eyes
Reading about a place is one thing, but seeing it come to life through the eyes of a passionate explorer is another. We recently teamed up with renowned Lebanese influencer Jad (@lifewithjad), who spent a full day with us to experience the very best of Tyre—from its ancient stones to its vibrant streets.
Jad captured his entire adventure in a beautiful Instagram Reel that shows the real energy, history, and flavor of the city. It’s the perfect way to see exactly what awaits you on your own trip.
Watch Jad’s Day in Tyre Here
His journey showcases the kind of authentic, unforgettable day trips that Lebanon Locals is all about. Inspired by his trip? You can book the same guesthouses and create your own perfect Tyre itinerary directly on our platform.
Ready to Discover Tyre?
Tyre is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s a journey through time, a culinary delight, and a peaceful seaside escape all rolled into one. It represents a side of Lebanon that is authentic, resilient, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Ready to explore the magic of Tyre for yourself? Browse our curated stays and book your trip today!
