Lebanon

Beirut

Beirut: a resilient Mediterranean capital of sea, spice and nightlife.

Local time: UTC+2
Population: 2.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Moderate

Food$$$$$About $53 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $52 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $6.2 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

LBP =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

BEYBeirut Rafic Hariri International AirportLebanon's only international airport, about 8 km south of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Public minivanDowntown / Charles Helou Station	LBP1,500 or US$1	20-40 min
Flag it outside the upstairs departures; pay on exit.
Service taxiHamra or Downtown	LBP25,000-40,000	15-30 min
Agree the fare before leaving.
Airport taxiCity centre	US$15-30	10-20 min
Bargain hard; start low.
Uber / BoltCity centre	US$10-20	10-20 min
Fixed app fare; avoids haggling.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Beirut

Getting around

Walk in the centre and on the Corniche; use taxi or ride apps for longer trips.

MetroNo metro or tram. Don't plan around rail in the city.
BusOCFTC blue-and-white buses and LCC red minibuses cost LBP500–1,000; flag them at the roadside.
Taxi / ride apps ★Shared 'service' taxis charge a fixed LBP2,000 per person; agree the price first. Hail-taxis charge per destination, not distance; a cross-town ride is around LBP10,000. Uber and Bolt work; airport rides are often a fixed fare.
Rental carDriving is heavy and aggressive. Only rent if you plan trips outside the city.
Walking ★Best in the compact centre and on the Corniche. Use taxis for longer or late-night trips.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, since the National Museum, downtown and the Corniche make a short but complete visit.

Best for

CultureMuseums, galleries and the rebuilt downtown.
FoodMezze, grills and late-night sweets.

Weather by month

16°10°Jan🌧 14d

17°10°Feb🌧 9d

19°12°Mar🌧 13d

22°14°Apr🌧 7d

26°18°May🌧 5d

29°22°Jun🌧 2d

31°24°Jul

31°25°Aug

30°23°Sep🌧 2d

28°20°Oct🌧 5d

23°16°Nov🌧 9d

19°12°Dec🌧 11d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mediterranean climate: mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers by the sea.

Best time: May to OctoberWarm to hot days, little rain and a warm sea. July and August are hottest and most humid.
Wet winter (December to March)About 9–14 rain days a month and highs of 16–19°C. Showers can be heavy; carry a rain jacket.
Hot, humid summerHighs of 29–31°C with warm nights around 22–25°C. Sightsee early or late; rest at midday.
Spring and autumn are mildApril, May, October and November are comfortable for walking, with some rain in spring and autumn.
Sea and beach seasonBeach clubs are busiest June to September. Sea is warmest in late summer.
What to packLight clothes and sunscreen for summer; a light layer for evenings; a rain jacket and umbrella for winter.

Landmarks 11

Must-see · 9

1
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
Beirut's most recognizable landmark, with its blue domes and tall minarets dominating Martyrs' Square. It is a must-see for its scale and central location. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering; visit outside prayer times.
2
Pigeon Rocks
Dramatic natural rock arches rising from the sea, best viewed from the Corniche. A classic Beirut photo spot and a pleasant walk. Go at sunset for the best light; the area is free and open.
3
National Museum of Beirut
Houses an excellent collection of archaeological treasures spanning millennia. Essential for understanding Lebanon's history. Check opening hours (usually closed Mondays); tickets are affordable.
4
Jeita Grotto
A stunning cave system with vast chambers and underground river, a short drive from Beirut. A top natural attraction. Boats operate in the lower grotto; photography is restricted inside.
5
Byblos Citadel
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a crusader castle and Roman ruins. A rewarding day trip from Beirut. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven site; allow half a day.
6
Beit Beirut
A moving museum of modern history housed in a bullet-scarred building on the Green Line. Offers insight into the civil war. Check opening days; entry is often free or by donation.
7
Sursock Museum
A beautiful villa showcasing Lebanese and regional modern art. The building itself is a gem. Closed Mondays; combine with a walk in the nearby Sursock district.
8
Our Lady of Lebanon
A major Christian pilgrimage site with a towering statue overlooking the bay of Jounieh. Worth the trip for the views and spiritual atmosphere. Take the cable car up for a scenic ride.
9
Beiteddine Palace
A magnificent 19th-century palace in the Chouf mountains, known for its architecture and gardens. A cultural highlight. Combine with a visit to Deir el Qamar; check for festival schedules.

Cultural

Modern History 1

Palace 1

Castle 1

Islamic 1

Museum 2

Historical Square 1

Christian 1

Natural

Cave 1

Unique Landscape 1

Activities

Food 1

Day trips from Beirut

Baalbek · 1 h 14 by road

★★★★★ · Full day · 87 km from Beirut

Best way: A service taxi or minibus gets you to Baalbek town in about two hours each way, and a short taxi ride covers the last stretch to the temples.

Take a service taxi or minibus from Beirut's Cola or Dora bus area to Baalbek town, then walk or taxi about 10 minutes to the Roman temple complex; allow around two hours each way.

Car1 h 14 · taxi ≈ 10,000 LBP

What to see

Temple of Jupiter
Temple of Bacchus
Roman Great Court
Baalbek old town and souk

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

The Roman temple complex at Baalbek is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Roman sites in the Levant.
Allow about two hours each way, so this works best as a full day.

Tyre · 2 h 17 by bus

★★★★☆ · Full day · 82 km from Beirut

Best way: The 2h 17m bus from Cola Station is workable, but you will need a local taxi from the centre to reach the hippodrome and necropolis.

Take a service taxi or minibus from Beirut's Cola or Dora bus area to Tyre (Sour), then take a local taxi from the town centre to the ancient hippodrome and necropolis.

Bus ★2 h 17 · from $2-$3
Car1 h 05 · taxi ≈ 10,000 LBP

What to see

Roman hippodrome
Al-Bass necropolis
Tyre old town and souks
Crusader-era port area

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

The Tyre hippodrome and necropolis are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Plan on a local taxi for the last leg from the town centre to the ruins.

Sidon · 1 h 10 by bus

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 45 km from Beirut

Best way: The 1h 10m bus from Cola Station is the fastest option, and a short walk or taxi reaches the sea castle and souks.

Take a shared minibus or service taxi from the Cola or Dora bus area in Beirut to Sidon's central bus station, then walk or taxi about 10 minutes to the sea castle and old souks.

Bus ★1 h 10 · from $1-$2
Car35 min · taxi ≈ 10,000 LBP

What to see

Sea Castle (Qal'at al-Bahr)
Khan al-Franj caravanserai
Old souk
Sidon Soap Museum

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

The sea castle and old souks are close together in the town centre, so a half-day visit is enough.
Shared minibuses and service taxis run frequently from Cola or Dora.

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Beirut rewards visitors with a compact, walkable centre, a buzzing food scene and a dramatic corniche. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day of Beirut's museums and rebuilt downtown, all indoors or short walks.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 50,000

Day 1

Museums in the morning, downtown at dusk

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 50,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Go early; the collection is small but rich.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

11:15–12:00 · Free entry

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Short taxi from the museum. Afternoon hours only, so check on the day.

Open Tue–Sun, afternoon hours; check on the day
Taxi · 756 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

12:15–13:15 · Free to walk

Achrafieh old streets walk

Old stone lanes nearby. Stop for lunch on the way.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

15:00–15:30 · Free entry

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Taxi to Downtown. Open outside prayer times; dress modestly.

Open Open daily outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 322 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
5

16:00–16:30 · Free

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Walk over. The clock tower area is calm and photogenic.

Open Always open
Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 2 h 30 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
6

17:00–17:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

Five minutes on foot. Best light late afternoon.

Open Always open

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

A compact first look at Beirut: downtown monuments, one museum and an evening in Gemmayzeh.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 60,000

Day 1

Downtown icons and museum afternoon

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 40,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–10:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

Start here to get your bearings. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 2 h 30 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

10:45–11:15 · Free

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Short walk from Martyrs' Square through the rebuilt downtown.

Open Always open
Taxi · 322 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

11:30–12:00 · Free entry

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Dress modestly. Open outside prayer times; check on the day.

Open Open daily outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

13:00–14:00 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Lunch at a nearby Lebanese restaurant in Gemmayzeh.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
5

15:00–16:30 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Taxi to Achrafieh; roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day

Day 2

Corniche sunset and Gemmayzeh evening

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 20,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

17:00–18:30 · Free

Beirut Corniche

Walk toward Raouche. Best at sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

18:45–19:30 · Free

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

End of the Corniche. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

20:00–21:30 · Free to walk; cafes and bars extra

Gemmayzeh street walk

Bars open late. Taxi back to Gemmayzeh.

Open Best in the evening; bars open late

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Eat your way through Hamra and Gemmayzeh, with a mezze dinner as the main event.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 40,000

Day 1

Hamra lanes and Corniche

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 30,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

11:00–12:00 · Free to walk

Hamra Street and side lanes

Side lanes have bakeries and cafes. Late afternoon is busiest.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

13:00–13:45 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Light lunch; most Lebanese restaurants serve it.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

16:30–18:00 · Free

Beirut Corniche

Walk off lunch. Street snacks along the way.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

18:15–19:00 · Free

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Sunset view; cafes face the rocks.

Open Always open

Day 2

Gemmayzeh mezze night

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 10,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

19:00–20:00 · Free to walk; cafes and bars extra

Gemmayzeh street walk

Wander the street before dinner.

Open Best in the evening; bars open late
Taxi · 159 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

20:00–22:00 · Varies widely; check the menu before ordering

Lebanese mezze dinner

Book ahead on weekends. Most places open evening; some also lunch.

Open Most restaurants open evening; some also lunch

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

War memory and old streets in one day, with an early start for a day trip if you have the energy.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 50,000

Day 1

Museums and Achrafieh

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 40,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

11:30–12:15 · Free entry

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Short taxi. Tue–Sun afternoon hours; check on the day.

Open Tue–Sun, afternoon hours; check on the day
Taxi · 756 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

13:00–14:00 · Free to walk

Achrafieh old streets walk

Old streets and a lunch stop on the way.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 42 km · ≈ 2 h 26 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

15:00–15:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

Taxi downtown. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 2 h 30 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
5

15:45–16:15 · Free

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Walk through the rebuilt centre at dusk.

Open Always open

Day 2

Byblos day trip

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 10,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · Small entry fee; check on the day

Byblos Citadel Landmark quest

About an hour by car. Daily, roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 38 km · ≈ 2 h 12 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

12:30–13:30 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Lunch by the harbour before heading back.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the museums, the rebuilt downtown and one big day out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 80,000

Day 1

Arrive, downtown icons at dusk

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 30,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

16:00–16:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

Good orientation point. Taxis and ride-hailing are easy here.

Open Always open
Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 2 h 30 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

16:45–17:15 · Free

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Short walk from Martyrs' Square. The clock tower area is calm at dusk.

Open Always open
Taxi · 322 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

17:30–18:00 · Free entry

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Dress modestly. Open outside prayer times; check on the day.

Open Open daily outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 196 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

19:30–21:30 · Varies widely; check the menu before ordering

Lebanese mezze dinner

Short taxi to Gemmayzeh for a first mezze spread.

Open Most restaurants open evening; some also lunch

Day 2

Museums in Achrafieh

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 40,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Go early; it is quiet on weekday mornings.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 1348 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

11:30–12:30 · Free to walk

Achrafieh old streets walk

Old lanes and small shops nearby. Wear comfortable shoes.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

13:00–13:30 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Lunch stop; most Lebanese restaurants serve it.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

15:00–15:45 · Free entry

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Tue–Sun afternoons; check on the day. A small museum on the city's war memory.

Open Tue–Sun, afternoon hours; check on the day
Taxi · 780 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
5

18:30–20:00 · Free to walk; cafes and bars extra

Gemmayzeh street walk

Evening stroll, then dinner on the same street.

Open Best in the evening; bars open late

Day 3

Day trip to Byblos, then fly

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 10,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · Small entry fee; check on the day

Byblos Citadel Landmark quest

About an hour by car north of Beirut. Check opening hours on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 38 km · ≈ 2 h 12 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

15:00–16:30 · Free

Beirut Corniche

Back in the city; a sunset walk if your flight is late.

Open Always open

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want mezze, street lanes and a long dinner, with a little culture in between.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 70,000

Day 1

Arrive, Hamra lanes and sunset

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 20,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

16:00–17:00 · Free to walk

Hamra Street and side lanes

Side lanes have bakeries, juice bars and small cafes.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

17:30–18:15 · Free

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Walk down from Hamra. Best at sunset; cafes line the cliff.

Open Always open
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

20:00–22:00 · Varies widely; check the menu before ordering

Lebanese mezze dinner

Book ahead on weekends. Order a mix and share.

Open Most restaurants open evening; some also lunch

Day 2

Old city, then Gemmayzeh evening

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 40,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–10:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

Start here, then walk into downtown.

Open Always open
Taxi · 43 km · ≈ 2 h 29 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

10:45–11:15 · Free entry

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Open outside prayer times; check on the day.

Open Open daily outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

13:00–13:30 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Lunch. Ask for it with grilled meat or fish.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

18:00–19:30 · Free to walk; cafes and bars extra

Gemmayzeh street walk

Bars open late. Walk first, then pick a spot.

Open Best in the evening; bars open late
Taxi · 159 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
5

20:00–22:00 · Varies widely; check the menu before ordering

Lebanese mezze dinner

Second dinner in Gemmayzeh; try a different kitchen.

Open Most restaurants open evening; some also lunch

Day 3

Museum morning, then fly

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 10,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Good rainy-day option.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 1348 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

11:30–12:30 · Free to walk

Achrafieh old streets walk

Pick up sweets and coffee before the airport.

Open Daytime

2 nights · History

Travellers who want ruins, war memory and the old mountain palaces.

Tickets & tours: ≈ LBP 0
Taxis: ≈ LBP 70,000

Day 1

Arrive, downtown and war memory

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 30,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

15:00–15:30 · Free

Martyrs' Square

The square tells a lot of modern Lebanese history.

Open Always open
Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 2 h 30 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

15:45–16:15 · Free

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Walk the rebuilt downtown streets around it.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1279 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

16:45–17:30 · Free entry

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Tue–Sun afternoons; check on the day. Housed in a bullet-scarred building.

Open Tue–Sun, afternoon hours; check on the day
Taxi · 796 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

19:30–21:30 · Varies widely; check the menu before ordering

Lebanese mezze dinner

Dinner in Gemmayzeh, a short taxi away.

Open Most restaurants open evening; some also lunch

Day 2

National Museum and the Corniche

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 30,000

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee; check current price at the door

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Strong collection from Lebanon's ancient sites.

Open Closed Monday; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 1348 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

11:30–12:30 · Free to walk

Achrafieh old streets walk

Old streets and stairways nearby.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
3

13:00–13:30 · A few thousand LBP at a casual restaurant; more in upscale places

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Lunch stop.

Open Served at most Lebanese restaurants, lunch and dinner
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
4

16:30–18:00 · Free

Beirut Corniche

Walk west toward Raouche at sunset.

Open Always open

Day 3

Byblos day trip, then fly

Tickets ≈ LBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ LBP 10,000

1

09:00–10:30 · Small entry fee; check on the day

Byblos Citadel Landmark quest

One of the oldest continuously settled towns. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day
Taxi · 40 km · ≈ 2 h 17 min · ≈ LBP 10,000
2

15:30–16:15 · Free

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Last stop before the airport if time allows.

Open Always open

Swap in instead

Add a day for Byblos (Jbeil): ancient harbour and crusader castle, roughly an hour north by car or bus.
Swap an afternoon for the Jeita Grotto and Harissa cable car; check opening days on the day.
Beach clubs along the coast north and south of the city fill in summer; book ahead on weekends.

Getting around

No metro or tram; travel is by bus, minibus, service taxi and taxi.
OCFTC blue-and-white buses and LCC red minibuses cost LBP500-1,000; flag them at the roadside.
Shared 'service' taxis charge a fixed LBP2,000 per person; agree the price first.
Hail-taxis charge per destination, not distance; a cross-town ride is around LBP10,000.
Uber and Bolt work in Beirut; airport rides are often a fixed fare.
Driving is heavy and aggressive; walking is best in the compact centre and on the Corniche.

Where to stay

Downtown · ≈ LBP 1,200,000–4,500,000 a night
Walk to Martyrs' Square, the Grand Serail and the National Museum area; central for taxis. Quieter at night.
Hamra · ≈ LBP 700,000–2,500,000 a night
Student quarter with cheap eats, cafés and the American University; good bus links and a short walk to the Corniche.
Gemmayzeh · ≈ LBP 900,000–3,000,000 a night
Old-house streets full of bars and restaurants; walkable to Downtown and Mar Mikhael nightlife.
Achrafieh · ≈ LBP 1,000,000–3,500,000 a night
Leafy, calmer residential area with hotels, cafés and malls; easy taxi rides across town.

Food & drink

Start with mezze: hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh and kibbeh. Order a few plates and share.
Try a mixed grill and Lebanese sweets like knafeh and baklava; portions are large, so share.
Hamra and Gemmayzeh have the widest choice of cheap and mid-range places; prices vary, so check the bill.
Ask if prices are in LBP or USD; both are quoted, and the rate can differ. Confirm before you order.
Alcohol is widely served in bars and restaurants. Dress is casual; book popular dinner spots at weekends.

Tips

The nightlife in neighborhoods like Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh is world-renowned
Bring cash (USD and LBP) due to the ongoing banking and currency crisis
Power outages are common, so ensure your accommodation has a reliable generator
The food scene is incredible, particularly local mezze and shawarma
Street art is a powerful medium for local expression and history

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Byblos Citadel

Visit the Roman temples of Baalbek
Explore the Ksara caves and wine cellars
38 reviews · 4.9 rating

Entry includedHotel pickup

Baalbek Temples & Ksara Caves w/pick-up,guide, entries+lunch

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (38)

$140View tour

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Jeita Grotto

Byblos Citadel

Our Lady of Lebanon

Boat ride through Jeita Grotto
See the Byblos Citadel and Harissa statue
32 reviews · 4.9 rating

Guide includedGroup tour

Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos group tour & Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (32)

$120View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Jeita Grotto

Byblos Citadel

Private guide for Beirut, Jeita and Byblos
Lunch included
18 reviews · 4.8 rating

Private tourLunch included

Beirut, Jeita Grotto, Byblos Private Tour and Lunch

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (18)

$150View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Beiteddine Palace

Explore the Chouf Cedars
Visit Beiteddine Palace
12 reviews · 4.7 rating

Entry includedHotel pickup

Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine with Pickup, Guide, Entry Fees and Lunch

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (12)

$140View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

Walk through downtown Beirut
See Nijmeh Square and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
12 reviews · 4.9 rating

Private guideWalking tour

Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour)

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (12)

$51View tour

Souvenirs

Baklava

USD 18–35About 500g box · estimate

A sweet layered pastry of thin dough, nuts, and syrup. Beirut's old shops are known for it, and it is a classic Lebanese treat.

Where: Al Bohsali, near Hamra

Check the nuts and butter type, and confirm the best-by date before buying.

Za'atar

USD 5–10200 to 250g bag · estimate

A blend of Lebanese herbs and sesame seeds, used on bread and with olive oil. It is a everyday staple of Lebanese breakfasts.

Where: Souk El Tayeb farmers' market

Prices are often quoted in US dollars, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

Lebanese wine

USD 15–40750ml bottle · estimate

Lebanon has a long winemaking history in the Bekaa Valley. Château Musar is its most famous producer.

Where: Château Musar shop or airport duty-free

Prices vary a lot by vintage, so compare bottles of the same year before you pay.

Flights

Hotels

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eSIM

Get an eSIM for BeirutStay connected in Lebanon from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$9.5 USDSelect plan →1 GB7 days$19 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 2 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in BeirutDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 11

Must-see · 9

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

Pigeon Rocks

National Museum of Beirut

Jeita Grotto

Byblos Citadel

Beit Beirut

Sursock Museum

Our Lady of Lebanon

Beiteddine Palace

Cultural

Modern History 1

Palace 1

Castle 1

Islamic 1

Museum 2

Historical Square 1

Christian 1

Natural

Cave 1

Unique Landscape 1

Activities

Food 1

Day trips from Beirut

Baalbek · 1 h 14 by road

What to see

Good to know

Tyre · 2 h 17 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Sidon · 1 h 10 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Plans

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Achrafieh old streets walk

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Martyrs' Square

Hamra Street and side lanes

Beirut Corniche

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Gemmayzeh street walk

Lebanese mezze dinner

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Martyrs' Square

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Byblos Citadel Landmark quest

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Martyrs' Square

Our Lady of Lebanon Landmark quest

Martyrs' Square

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Landmark quest

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Beirut Corniche

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Gemmayzeh street walk

Hamra Street and side lanes

Tabbouleh Landmark quest

Beirut Corniche

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Gemmayzeh street walk

Lebanese mezze dinner

National Museum of Beirut Landmark quest

Beit Beirut Landmark quest

Achrafieh old streets walk

Martyrs' Square

Nijmeh Square Landmark quest