Beirut, Lebanon-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start your day with a visit to Zaituna Bay, a beautiful waterfront area with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • 10:30 am: Head to the National Museum of Beirut ( Address: 132-136, Rue de la Mémorial, B.P. 115) to learn about Lebanon’s rich history and culture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Café Younes (Address: Rue du Sursock, B.P. 116), a historic café serving delicious Lebanese cuisine.
  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Sursock Museum (Address: Rue du Sursock, B.P. 116), a stunning art museum showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Comptoir du Pecheur (Address: B.P. 113), a popular seafood restaurant with an excellent view of the sea.
  • 9:30 pm: End your day with a visit to the Beirut Souks, a bustling marketplace filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants.

Accommodation

  • Stay at The Grand Hotel de la Méditerranée (Address: 123-125, Rue Fouad Chehab), a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the sea.
  • Alternatively, consider staying at Hotel Plaza Beirut (Address: B.P. 115), a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Beirut is by taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber.
  • You can also use public transportation, such as buses and minibuses, but be aware that traffic in Beirut can be heavy.
  • Consider purchasing a rechargeable Beirut Bus Card for convenient travel on public transportation.

Tips

  • Be respectful of the local culture and dress modestly when visiting mosques or churches.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled water instead.
  • Haggling is common at markets, but be prepared to walk away if you don’t like the price.
  • Learn a few basic Arabic phrases, such as “merhaba” (hello) and “shukraan” (thank you), to show respect for the local culture.

Day 2: Explore the Coast

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit Raouche, a picturesque coastal area with stunning views of the sea. Take a leisurely walk along the beach and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
  • 11:30 am: Head to the Pigeon Rocks (Address: Raouche, B.P. 113), a natural rock formation popular for snorkeling and swimming.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at La Marée (Address: B.P. 116), a seafood restaurant with an excellent view of the sea.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Jeita Grotto (Address: Raouche, B.P. 113), a stunning limestone cave featuring beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Bistro Le Patio (Address: B.P. 115), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
  • 9:30 pm: End your day with a visit to the Mar Mikhael, a trendy neighborhood filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Transportation

  • The same transportation options as Day 1 apply.

Day 3: Explore the City’s Hidden Gems

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit Gemmayze (Address: B.P. 116), a charming neighborhood filled with quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
  • 11:30 am: Head to the Saint George Maronite Cathedral (Address: Rue de la République, B.P. 115), a beautiful church featuring stunning stained-glass windows.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Café Mabrouk (Address: Rue Fouad Chehab, B.P. 113), a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Baalbek National Museum (Address: B.P. 115), a museum showcasing artifacts from Lebanon’s rich history.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Tournedos (Address: Rue de la République, B.P. 115), a restaurant serving delicious French cuisine.
  • 9:30 pm: End your day with a visit to the Beirut Waterfront, a beautiful area filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants.

Accommodation

  • Same options as Day 1 apply.

Other Tips

  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled water instead.
  • Be prepared for traffic congestion in Beirut, especially during rush hour.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases to show respect for the local culture.
  • Haggling is common at markets, but be prepared to walk away if you don’t like the price.

Language

  • Lebanese Arabic (also known as Shami) is spoken by many locals, but English and French are widely understood in tourist areas.

Currency

  • The Lebanese pound (LBP) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Safety

  • Beirut is generally a safe city, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use credit cards or debit cards instead.

Weather

  • Beirut has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

I hope you enjoy your time in Beirut!