Beirut, Lebanon-6-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
- Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation (approximately $10-$15)
- Where to Stay: Hotel Albergo ($60/night) or similar in the Hamra district
- Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Café des Arts, a cozy spot serving traditional Lebanese pastries and coffee
- 9:00 AM: Visit the National Museum of Beirut (free admission), which offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s rich history and culture
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Fady’s Falafel, a popular street food stall in Hamra serving delicious falafel sandwiches
- Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of Hamra, browsing local shops and cafes
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bistro 99, a French-Lebanese fusion restaurant with great views of the city
Day 2: Beach Day
- Morning: Head to Ain el-Mrayseh (free admission), a stunning beach in Beirut’s coastal area
- 11:00 AM: Relax and soak up the sun on the beach or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Grande Porte, a seaside restaurant serving fresh seafood
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby Pigeon Rocks (free admission), a scenic spot with great views of the coastline
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Al Murr, a renowned Lebanese restaurant serving traditional dishes
Day 3: History and Architecture
- 9:00 AM: Visit the ancient Phoenician site of Byblos (approximately $10 admission), one of Lebanon’s most famous archaeological sites
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Maison de la Culture, a cultural center serving traditional Lebanese cuisine
- Afternoon: Explore the historic city of Beirut, visiting landmarks such as the Grand Mosque and the Sursock Museum (free admission)
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Karama Restaurant, serving innovative Middle Eastern dishes
Day 4: Markets and Shopping
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Souk el Ahad (Sunday Market) in Hamra, a bustling marketplace selling everything from local handicrafts to street food
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Al Baba, a popular restaurant serving traditional Lebanese dishes
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy shops and cafes of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh neighborhoods
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Patio, a charming rooftop restaurant with great views
Day 5: Day Trip to Jeita Grotto
- 8:00 AM: Take an Uber or taxi to Jeita Grotto (approximately $20-$30 each way), one of Lebanon’s most famous natural wonders
- 10:00 AM: Explore the stunning limestone caves and stalactites of Jeita Grotto (approximately $15 admission)
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, serving traditional Lebanese cuisine
- Afternoon: Visit the Byblos Waterfront, a scenic spot with great views of the Mediterranean Sea
Day 6: Last Day in Beirut
- Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring your favorite neighborhood
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at a local restaurant, serving traditional Lebanese dishes
- Afternoon: Visit the Pigeon Rocks (free admission) one last time before departing
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant and head back to the airport for departure
Tips and Reminders
- Currency: The Lebanese pound (LBP) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
- Language: Arabic and French are official languages, while English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Weather: Beirut has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly!
- Safety: As with any major city, take normal precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding walking alone at night.
Additional Recommendations
- Visit the nearby town of Jounieh for its beautiful scenery and historic landmarks.
- Take a sunset cruise along Beirut’s coastline for stunning views.
- Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh for their unique shops and cafes.