Beirut Lebanon 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Beirut’s History and Culture

Morning

9:00 AM - Museum of Lebanese Prehistory

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory. This museum is a treasure trove of Lebanon’s ancient history, featuring artifacts from the Stone Age to Roman times.

10:30 AM - National Museum of Beirut

From there, head over to the National Museum of Beirut. The largest and most comprehensive museum in Lebanon, it houses a wide array of Lebanese, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arab, and Ottoman artifacts.

Afternoon

1:00 PM - Lunch at Al-Saydi Club

Take a break for lunch at Al-Saydi Club, a historic restaurant located within the heart of Beirut. Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine in an elegant setting that reflects the city’s rich past.

2:30 PM - Sursock Museum

Spend your afternoon exploring the Sursock Museum. This museum showcases a collection of art from Lebanon and the Middle East, with works ranging from ancient artifacts to modern paintings.

Evening

7:00 PM - Dinner at Abu Chaker

For dinner, head to Abu Chaker, a highly recommended restaurant in Beirut known for its traditional Lebanese dishes. Enjoy your meal in a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re dining with locals.

9:30 PM - Nightlife in Gemmayzeh

End the day by exploring Gemayze Street, where nightlife comes alive in Beirut. This vibrant street is filled with bars, clubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a nightcap or continue the evening’s festivities.

Day 2: Exploring Beirut’s Modern Side

Morning

9:00 AM - Martyrs’ Square

Start your day at Martyrs’ Square, one of Beirut’s most historic sites. This square was once the center of anti-French protests and is now home to a beautiful park and memorial.

10:30 AM - Beirut Souks

From there, head over to the Beirut Souks, an upscale shopping mall that offers a unique blend of traditional Lebanese shops with modern boutiques and restaurants. You can find anything from local handicrafts to international brands here.

Afternoon

1:00 PM - Lunch at Bardo Restaurant

Take a break for lunch at Bardo Restaurant, known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. This is an excellent place to rest and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.

2:30 PM - Waterfront Beirut

Spend your afternoon along the waterfront in Beirut, where you can take a leisurely walk, enjoy some street food, or simply sit back and admire the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Evening

7:00 PM - Dinner at The Grill Restaurant

For dinner, consider heading to The Grill Restaurant, located on the waterfront. This restaurant offers a range of Lebanese dishes in a cozy setting with beautiful views of the sea.

9:30 PM - Beirut Marina

Finish your evening by exploring Beirut Marina, where you can see luxury yachts and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to end your trip in Beirut.

Places to Go:

  • Museum of Lebanese Prehistory
  • National Museum of Beirut
  • Sursock Museum
  • Al-Saydi Club Restaurant
  • Abu Chaker Restaurant
  • Gemmayzeh Street (for nightlife)
  • Martyrs’ Square
  • Beirut Souks shopping mall
  • Bardo Restaurant
  • Waterfront Beirut
  • The Grill Restaurant

Activities:

  • Explore ancient artifacts at the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory and National Museum of Beirut.
  • Visit modern art collections at the Sursock Museum.
  • Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine in upscale settings like Al-Saydi Club, Abu Chaker, and Bardo Restaurant.
  • Experience nightlife in Gemmayzeh Street or relax at the Beirut Marina.

Where to Stay:

Beirut has a wide range of accommodations for tourists. Consider staying in areas that are close to your preferred activities. Some recommended hotels include:

  • Hotel Al-City
  • Plaza Inn
  • The Grand Hotel Beirut

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try to communicate with locals by learning a few words of Arabic.
  • Enjoy the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fruits, and vegetables.

Transportation:

Beirut has several options for transportation:

  • Taxi services are readily available but can be more expensive than public transport.
  • The Beirut Bus Company offers affordable public transport options across the city.
  • Walking is also a good option as many attractions are within walking distance.

Tips and Other Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs, especially during prayer times or when visiting mosques or churches.
  • Be mindful of your dress; covering shoulders and knees in religious sites is recommended.
  • Don’t miss trying local delicacies like tabbouleh, shawarma, and kibbeh.

This itinerary offers a mix of Beirut’s historical past and modern culture. Enjoy your trip!