Ah, summer in Lebanon! The fragrant smell of gardenia and jasmine floats around residential areas, road trips and camping have started, the beach is booming, and everyone looks a little bronzier, and everything around seems to sing the warm season.
It’s definitely a favorite time of the year, but, sometimes it can also be one of the most expensive seasons in Lebanon.
But, if you’re looking to enjoy all that summer has to offer without breaking the budget, don’t fret!
We’ve got you covered with these 11 wallet-friendly ideas to get the most out of the warmer months without blowing your paycheck.
#1 Take advantage of the outdoors
If there’s one thing that Lebanon boasts in the summer, it’s the wonderous lushness of its natural landscapes.
Nature in this country can give you a breath of fresh air from the chaotic urban areas, and the best part is that everything is so close!
If you want to swim, there are plenty of rivers and natural lakes. You can rent a bike for a low price and scale a mountain, or even gather your camping gear and make a weekend out of it.
Here are some great camping destinations in Lebanon.
#2 Have gatherings at your house and your friends’
A great alternative to going out to expensive pubs and clubs is to have friends over.
You can keep it happily simple with drinks and munchies, or get everyone to pitch in for dinner by bringing some kind of dish.
As long as you’re in good company, the location where you gather won’t really matter in having a good time.
#3 Stay updated on cultural events
Lebanon is chalk-full of budding artists, innovators, and cultural collaborators, so much so that there’s always some kind of event going on any given day…. at low fees or none whatsoever!
Stay in the loop with the cultural happenings around town. You can easily find also new independent movie screenings, open mic events, live paintings, etc. that will give you something to enjoy for a modest entrance fee.
#4 Host a game/trivia night
Nothing brings friends closer together than a little friendly competition, am I right?
There are so many options out there for this kind of gathering, from Monopoly to Cluedo, or even a themed trivia night. It’s also pretty affordable to host, as long as you stock up on snacks!
#5 Take advantage of public spaces
Okay, so Lebanon might not be as developed as other places in terms of public spaces, but there are still many good options, nonetheless.
If you do some research, you might just be able to find a green oasis in the middle of the city or a nice public beach where you can soak up some rays without the hefty price of chair and umbrella rentals.
Here’s a list of gardens and parks you can enjoy if you are in Beirut or surrounding areas.
#6 Carpool and go on a kazdoura
Sometimes all you need is a good playlist and some nice rolling hills with friends to have a good time. If you’re just enjoying the scenery, take a drive up the mountainside or on the coastal road to avoid traffic. You’re enjoying the ride anyway, so there’s no need to rush.
For our road trip suggestions, visit here.
#7 Go visit a winery
Contrary to popular belief, visiting a winery is not a super expensive activity to do in Lebanon.
In fact, you could end up paying virtually nothing if you just go take a tour of the grounds, soak up the views, learn a few facts about wine, and maybe even get some free tastings.
Of course, it’s recommended to at least buy a glass or a bottle, as a courtesy to the hosts. And it won’t be much if you split the cost with friends, especially with local wine, which averages to about $10-$30 for a bottle (at the time of writing).
Here are some 21 reputable wineries that you can visit in Lebanon.
#8 Check out your local happy hour offerings and other restaurant deals
If you’re craving a night out on the town with your special date or a friend, Happy Hour is a great option that will allow you to splurge a little without breaking the bank.
So many places around Lebanon offer Happy Hour, with many of them including half-priced appetizers, too!
There are also various spots that offer nights like open wings and beer, or open nachos and margaritas, for about $20 per person on specific days of the week. If you just do a little digging, you’re sure to find a good choice and enjoy it!
#9 Go out for ice cream or fruit cocktail
Warm summer nights and cooling ice cream or a fresh fruit cocktail go hand and hand. And, as an added bonus, they’re both really inexpensive!
So if you’re not quite wanting to go home but also not quite wanting to go out, this is a tasty idea to spend some enjoyable time out of the house.
Here are some places in Lebanon where you can get unconventional yet delicious ice-creams.
#10 Take a stargazing trip
Summer nights are ideally meant for stargazing, and, with just a bit of a drive to see them, it won’t cost you very much. All you’ll need is to pack a blanket and your friends to take in the vast expansiveness that is the cosmos.
Even better, the summer season is full of meteor showers and eclipses that will give you more of a spectacular show.
#11 Have a movie night in with your loved ones
Cozy up and get the popcorn crackling with your loved one for a more low-key summer night in. You can make it a movie marathon, pick a specific genre, or take a vote on what flick you’ll watch.
No matter how you do it, movie nights in are always a good option for not blowing all your cash while having a great time.
No matter your budget, Lebanon has so many alternatives to extravagant summer activities that will leave you entertained and looking forward to the next one without depleting your funds.
So next time you find yourself in a pinch, we hope you’ll enjoy checking out these suggestions!