5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Beirut, Lebanon

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Beirut

Morning

• Arrival: Arrive at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
• Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel (approximately $10-$15 USD)
• Check-in: Check-in at Hotel Monroe (5-star) or similar in downtown Beirut
• Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a pastry from a local bakery like Al-Bustan

Afternoon

• Beirut Souks: Visit the historic Beirut Souks, a marketplace filled with shops, cafes, and street performers
• National Museum of Lebanon: Stop by the National Museum to learn about Lebanese history and culture (entry fee: $5 USD)
• Café de Paris: Enjoy a coffee or snack at this iconic café in the heart of downtown Beirut

Evening

• Dinner: Try traditional Lebanese cuisine at Abu Jamil, a popular restaurant serving grilled meats and local dishes
• Nightlife: Explore the lively nightlife scene in downtown Beirut with options like bars, clubs, and lounges on Hamra Street or Avenue de Paris

Day 2: Beach Time and Waterfront Activities

Morning

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick bite from a local café
• Marina Mall: Visit the upscale Marina Mall for shopping, dining, and waterfront views
• Beirut Corniche: Take a leisurely walk along the scenic Beirut Corniche, a 4.5 km pedestrian promenade

Afternoon

• Ras Beirut Beach: Relax on the beach at Ras Beirut, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing (entry fee: $10 USD)
• Waterfront Restaurants: Enjoy seafood or Mediterranean cuisine at waterfront restaurants like La Marée or The Grill

Evening

• Dinner: Try some delicious shawarma from a local street vendor
• Sunset: Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea with stunning views of the city skyline

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Morning

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a pastry from a local bakery
• Ouzo: Visit Ouzo, a historic winery turned cultural center featuring art exhibitions and live music
• Baalbek Ruins: Take a day trip to the ancient Baalbek ruins (approximately 1 hour drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entry fee: $20 USD)

Afternoon

• Beirut Art Gallery: Explore contemporary Lebanese art at the Beirut Art Gallery
• Museum of Oriental Arts and Archaeology: Stop by this museum featuring artifacts from ancient civilizations (entry fee: $5 USD)
• The Sursock Museum: Visit this historic mansion turned art gallery showcasing local artists’ work

Evening

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Grand, a luxurious restaurant serving modern Lebanese cuisine
• Live Music: Attend a live music performance or concert at the Balamand Cultural Center or other venues in Beirut

Day 4: Shopping and Markets

Morning

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick bite from a local café
• Hamra Street: Visit Hamra Street, a lively shopping area with boutiques, cafes, and street performers
• ABC Shopping Mall: Explore this upscale shopping mall featuring international brands and dining options (entry fee: $5 USD)

Afternoon

• Beirut Flea Market: Browse the Beirut Flea Market for unique souvenirs and local handicrafts (every 2nd Sunday of the month)
• AUB campus: Take a stroll through the American University of Beirut (AUB) campus, a beautiful green oasis in the city

Evening

• Dinner: Try some delicious street food at the bustling Souk el Ahbassien market
• Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene on Rue Hamra or Avenue de Paris with bars, clubs, and lounges

Day 5: Markets and Departure

Morning

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick bite from a local café
• Beirut Flea Market (if not visited previously): Visit the Beirut Flea Market for some last-minute shopping or browsing
• Check-out: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure

Other Tips and Reminders:

• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English and French are widely spoken.
• Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) is the local currency; credit cards are widely accepted.
• Weather: Beirut has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
• Safety: Exercise caution when walking alone at night or in crowded areas.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hotel Monroe (5-star): A luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Beirut
• InterContinental Mzaar Kfardebian (5-star): A resort-style hotel with stunning mountain views, approximately 30 minutes from Beirut

Transportation:

• Taxi: Available at the airport and throughout the city; prices are negotiable.
• Uber: A popular ride-sharing service available in Beirut.
• Metro: A modern metro system connecting downtown Beirut to the surrounding areas.

Other Recommendations:

• Foodie Tour: Join a guided food tour to sample local cuisine and drinks.
• Day Trips: Take day trips to nearby cities like Byblos, Tyre, or Sidon for cultural and historical experiences.
• Beach Club: Visit a beach club like the Saint George Beach Club or the Al Hamriya Beach Club for some relaxation time.

Enjoy your trip to Beirut!