Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut Travel Guide

Welcome to Beirut, the vibrant capital city of Lebanon! This bustling metropolis is a treasure trove of history, culture, and entertainment. From ancient ruins to modern skyscrapers, Beirut has something for everyone.

Places to Visit

Historical Sites

  • National Museum of Beirut: A must-visit museum showcasing the country’s rich history and art.
    • Address: Basta, Beirut
    • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
  • Roman Ruins of Baalbek: Explore ancient temples and arches in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Address: Baalbek, Lebanon (1 hour drive from Beirut)
    • Hours: Open daily, 8am-sunset
  • Pigeon Rocks: A stunning rock formation jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea.
    • Address: Raouche, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, sunrise-sunset

Parks and Gardens

  • Beirut Souks (Old City): Wander through this bustling marketplace filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 9am-6pm
  • Horsh Beirut: A beautiful park offering picnic spots, a lake, and walking trails.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, sunrise-sunset
  • Mar Mikhael Street Art Park: An outdoor art gallery featuring vibrant murals and street art.
    • Address: Mar Mikhael, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 10am-6pm

Markets and Shopping

  • Beirut Souks (Old City): Browse through this bustling marketplace for unique souvenirs and local goods.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 9am-6pm
  • Citymall: A large shopping mall featuring international brands and a cinema complex.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 12pm-10pm

Nightlife and Entertainment

  • Monot Street: Known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants, this street is the heart of Beirut’s nightlife scene.
    • Address: Monot, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 8pm-late
  • Opera House: Catch a performance or concert at this stunning art deco theater.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Varying schedules for performances and concerts

Beaches and Water Activities

  • Raouche Pigeon Rocks Beach: Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on this scenic beach.
    • Address: Raouche, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, sunrise-sunset
  • Marina: Take a stroll along the marina and enjoy water activities like boat tours or jet-skiing.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 9am-6pm

Activities

Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking in Mount Lebanon: Explore the beautiful mountains surrounding Beirut for hiking trails and scenic views.
    • Address: Various locations around Mount Lebanon (1-2 hours drive from Beirut)
    • Hours: Varying schedules depending on location
  • Cycling in Beirut: Rent a bike and explore the city’s scenic routes and parks.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, sunrise-sunset

Water Activities

  • Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Explore the Mediterranean Sea’s underwater world with guided tours.
    • Address: Raouche Pigeon Rocks Beach or other designated snorkeling spots
    • Hours: Varying schedules depending on location and weather conditions
  • Yacht Tours: Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Beirut’s coastline with guided commentary.
    • Address: Marina, Beirut
    • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 12pm-6pm

Where to Eat

Fine Dining Restaurants

  • Bistro Blanche: Savor international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Rue Notre Dame des Anges, Beirut
    • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7am-10pm; Monday, closed
  • Le Rouge Café: Enjoy exquisite French cuisine in an elegant setting.
    • Address: Monot Street, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 9am-late

Casual Eats and Street Food

  • Beirut Souks (Old City): Try street food like falafel or shawarma at this bustling marketplace.
    • Address: Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 9am-6pm
  • Mar Mikhael Street Art Park: Savor burgers and sandwiches in a vibrant outdoor setting.
    • Address: Mar Mikhael, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 10am-6pm

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut: Enjoy world-class amenities and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
    • Address: Pigeon Rocks Beach, Beirut
    • Prices: Starting at $400 per night
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Beirut: Savor luxury and relaxation in this stylish hotel.
    • Address: Rue Maroun Beyhum, Beirut
    • Prices: Starting at $350 per night

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostel Beirut: Experience affordable accommodation with shared rooms and communal spaces.
    • Address: Hamra Street, Beirut
    • Prices: Starting at $15 per night (dorm), $30 per night (private room)
  • Hotel Oasis: Enjoy simple yet clean and comfortable rooms for a budget-friendly price.
    • Address: Rue Emile Eddé, Beirut
    • Prices: Starting at $25 per night

Things to Know

Safety Tips

  • Demonstrations and Protests: Avoid areas where demonstrations or protests are taking place due to safety concerns.
  • Traffic: Exercise caution when crossing streets in Beirut, as traffic can be unpredictable.

Health and Hygiene

  • Tap Water: Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking purposes.
  • Hand Sanitizer: Carry hand sanitizer with you, especially during peak tourist season.

Weather and Climate

  • Summer: Hot weather (June-September) with occasional thunderstorms.
  • Winter: Cooler temperatures (December-February) with some rain showers.

Transportation

Getting to Beirut

  • Beirut International Airport (BEY): Fly into this airport, which is located about 10 miles from the city center.
    • Address: Raouche, Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, sunrise-sunset

Public Transportation

  • Buses: Use public buses for affordable transportation within the city and surrounding areas.
    • Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day
    • Cost: Starting at $1.50 per ride (with a minimum of 3 rides)
  • Taxis: Hail or book taxis for door-to-door service, but be aware that traffic can be unpredictable.

Ride-Sharing Services

  • Careem: Use this popular ride-sharing app to travel within Beirut.
    • Address: Available throughout Beirut
    • Hours: Open daily, 24/7