Beirut
The Paris of the Middle East is a resilient Mediterranean city of ancient ruins, legendary cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and a creative spirit that persists through every challenge.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Beirut
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout its 5,000-year history — earning it the nickname "The Phoenix City" for its relentless resilience
Lebanon is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world with 18 recognized sects — Beirut's neighborhoods reflect this mosaic of Maronite, Sunni, Shia, Druze, Orthodox, and Armenian communities
The food scene is legendary — Beirut is widely considered the culinary capital of the Arab world, from lavish multi-course mezze spreads to hole-in-the-wall manakish bakeries
You can ski in the mountains above Beirut in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon — the Faraya ski resort is just 45 minutes from the beach
Beirut's nightlife rivals any European capital — the city's bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are famous across the region
The cedars of Lebanon have been famous since antiquity — they were used to build Solomon's Temple and Egyptian pharaohs' ships, and the cedar tree remains the national symbol on the flag
🏛️Must-See Spots
Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael
🏘️Beirut's twin nightlife and cultural districts with Ottoman-era townhouses converted into bars, galleries, vintage shops, and restaurants. Gemmayzeh's staircase street art and Mar Mikhael's Armenian heritage add character.
National Museum of Beirut
🏛️Lebanon's premier archaeological museum with artifacts spanning 5,000 years — Phoenician sarcophagi, Roman mosaics, Bronze Age figurines, and stunning exhibits on the ancient civilizations that shaped the Levant.
Pigeon Rocks (Raouché)
🌿Dramatic natural rock arches rising from the Mediterranean just off the Raouché coast. One of Beirut's most iconic landmarks, especially beautiful at sunset. Viewable from the seaside corniche or by boat.
Beirut Corniche
🗼The 4.8 km seaside promenade stretching along the Mediterranean from Ain el-Mreisseh to Raouché. Joggers, fishermen, families, and street vendors create a lively scene, especially at sunset.
Downtown Beirut (Solidere)
🏘️The reconstructed city center with Ottoman and French Mandate architecture, Roman ruins, the Grand Serail, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and the adjacent Maronite Cathedral of St. George — a striking visual of coexistence.
Sursock Museum
🏛️A beautifully restored 1912 aristocratic mansion turned modern art museum. The building itself is a masterpiece of Lebanese architecture, and the permanent collection focuses on contemporary Lebanese and Arab art.
Hamra Street
🏘️Beirut's intellectual boulevard, once called "the Champs-Elysees of the Middle East." Home to the American University of Beirut, independent bookshops, old-school cafes, and a cosmopolitan energy.
Roman Baths & Ruins
📌Ancient Roman baths and colonnaded streets discovered during the reconstruction of downtown Beirut. Visible in open-air archaeological gardens alongside Ottoman and Phoenician layers of the city's history.
🗺️Where to Next
Byblos (Jbeil)
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (7,000+ years), with a Crusader castle, Phoenician temples, a charming old souk, and a picturesque fishing harbor.
Baalbek
Home to the most impressive Roman temple complex in the world. The Temple of Jupiter's columns and the remarkably intact Temple of Bacchus are staggering in scale and preservation.
Beiteddine Palace
A stunning 19th-century Druze palace in the Chouf Mountains with exquisite Ottoman architecture, Byzantine mosaics, and panoramic mountain views. The summer festival features world-class performances.
Jeita Grotto
A spectacular limestone cave system with enormous stalactites and stalagmites. The upper grotto is explored on foot, the lower by boat on an underground river. A finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab)
A UNESCO-listed grove of ancient Lebanese cedar trees, some over 1,000 years old. The cedars are the national symbol of Lebanon, featured on the flag. In winter, the nearby ski resort operates.
Dubai
The glittering Gulf metropolis of superlatives with the world's tallest building, luxury shopping, desert safaris, and a booming food scene.
📍Hidden Gems
Badaro Neighborhood
A quiet, leafy residential neighborhood that has become Beirut's most underrated dining and drinking quarter. Tree-lined streets, independent cafes, natural wine bars, and a relaxed village-within-a-city atmosphere.
While tourists head to Gemmayzeh, locals increasingly prefer Badaro for its calmer pace, excellent restaurants (try Enab for Lebanese cuisine), and proximity to the National Museum and Pine Forest.
Tawlet Restaurant
A unique communal-table concept where a different home cook from a different Lebanese region prepares the daily buffet. Each day brings a completely different regional cuisine — coastal, mountain, Bekaa Valley, or southern.
This is Lebanese home cooking at its finest, prepared by grandmothers and village cooks who bring generations of regional recipes. The rotating menu means no two visits are the same.
AUB Campus & Corniche Walk
The American University of Beirut's green campus is an oasis of calm with a small archaeological museum and beautiful gardens. Walk from the AUB gate along the Corniche toward Raouché for the best sunset views.
The AUB campus is one of the few green spaces in central Beirut, and the walk along the Corniche from Hamra to Raouché at sunset is when Beirut is at its most beautiful and atmospheric.
Souk el Tayeb Farmers Market
A Saturday morning farmers market at the Beirut Souks bringing together small producers from across Lebanon — organic produce, artisan labneh, mountain honey, arak, and traditional foods from different regions.
Founded by slow food champion Kamal Mouzawak, this market connects visitors directly with Lebanon's incredible agricultural heritage and the passionate producers behind the country's legendary cuisine.
☀️Weather
Beirut has a Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers and mild, rainy winters. The coastal location keeps temperatures moderate year-round. Nearby mountains offer skiing in winter and cool escapes in summer. Rain falls mainly between November and March.
Spring
March - May57-77°F
14-25°C
Pleasant and warming with diminishing rain. Wildflowers bloom in the mountains. An excellent time for combining Beirut with trips to Byblos, Baalbek, and the Chouf Cedars.
Summer
June - September73-90°F
23-32°C
Hot and humid along the coast with no rain. Beach clubs and rooftop bars are in full swing. Mountain resorts offer cool relief. Beiteddine Art Festival (July-August) is a highlight.
Autumn
October - November63-82°F
17-28°C
Cooling gradually with the sea still warm for swimming in October. First significant rains arrive in November. One of the best times to visit for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Winter
December - February50-63°F
10-17°C
Mild but rainy on the coast. Mountains receive heavy snow — ski season runs December to April at Faraya/Mzaar and Cedars. Indoor cultural scene thrives. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
🛡️Safety
Exercise Caution
out of 100
Beirut's safety situation can change rapidly. The city has faced significant challenges including economic crisis, political instability, and the devastating 2020 port explosion. Check travel advisories before visiting. Within the city, tourist areas are generally manageable, and Lebanese hospitality is extraordinary. Street crime targeting tourists is relatively uncommon.
Things to Know
- •Check your government's travel advisory before visiting — the situation in Lebanon can change rapidly
- •Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, which can occur with little warning and sometimes turn volatile
- •Certain areas near the southern suburbs (Dahiyeh) and Palestinian refugee camps are best avoided by tourists
- •Power outages are frequent due to the ongoing electricity crisis — carry a phone battery pack and flashlight
- •The economic crisis means the currency situation is complex — see the currency section for guidance
- •Lebanese people are extraordinarily hospitable and helpful toward visitors — genuine warmth is the norm
- •Traffic is chaotic and aggressive — crossing streets requires confidence and vigilance
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
112
Red Cross (Ambulance)
140
Fire Brigade
175
Civil Defense
125
Internal Security Forces
160
🚕Transit & Transport
Beirut has no metro, tram, or formal public transit system. Transport is managed through taxis, ride-hailing apps, informal minibuses, and private cars. Traffic is notoriously chaotic. Uber and Bolt have transformed getting around, providing transparent pricing in a city where taxi meters are essentially nonexistent.
Uber / Bolt
$2-8 for most trips within BeirutRide-hailing apps are the most practical and transparent option for tourists. Prices are shown upfront in USD. Widely available throughout central Beirut. The recommended way to get around.
Best for: All travel within Beirut — reliable, transparent pricing, and English-friendly
Regular Taxis (Service)
$1-2 for shared service rides; $5-15 for private ridesRed-plate taxis are everywhere. "Service" taxis run along fixed routes picking up multiple passengers (shared taxi). Private (taxi) rides require agreeing on a price before departure — there are no functioning meters.
Best for: Short shared rides on major routes, or when you enjoy negotiating prices
LCC Buses & Minibuses
$0.50-1.50 per rideThe Lebanese Commuting Company operates bus routes along major corridors. Informal minibuses (vans) also run set routes. Both are very cheap but confusing for visitors with no posted schedules or route maps.
Best for: Budget travelers comfortable with asking locals for route help
Car Rental
$25-60 per day depending on vehicleCar rental is available but Beirut's traffic, aggressive driving, and limited parking make it stressful. More useful for day trips to Byblos, Baalbek, or the mountains than for getting around the city.
Best for: Day trips outside Beirut — Byblos, Baalbek, Chouf Mountains, and ski resorts
🚶 Walkability
Central Beirut is walkable but challenging — sidewalks are often broken, occupied by parked cars, or nonexistent. Hamra, Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, and Downtown are manageable on foot. The Corniche is the best walking route. Walking between Hamra and Gemmayzeh takes about 30 minutes through the historic core.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Rafic Hariri International Airport(BEY)
9 km south of downtownTaxi to central Beirut costs $20-30 (negotiate before departure, 20-40 min depending on traffic). Uber/Bolt available for $10-20. LCC Bus #5 runs to Hamra/Downtown for $1 but is infrequent. No rail or metro connection.
✈️ Search flights to BEY🚌 Bus Terminals
Charles Helou Bus Station
The main intercity bus terminal on the eastern edge of downtown near the port. OCFTC and private buses run to Tripoli (2h, $3-5), Sidon (1h, $2-3), and Byblos (1h, $2-3). Also serves international routes to Damascus (when border is open).
Cola Intersection (Informal)
An informal transport hub in southern Beirut where minibuses and shared taxis depart for Sidon, Tyre, and southern Lebanon. Chaotic but cheap. Ask locals for help finding the right vehicle.
🛍️Shopping
Beirut has always been the shopping capital of the Levant. From traditional souks and artisan workshops to high-end fashion boutiques and designers, the city offers extraordinary variety. Lebanese designers, artisan food products, and traditional crafts make excellent souvenirs.
Beirut Souks
modern souk / mallA reconstructed open-air shopping district in downtown Beirut combining modern architecture with traditional souk elements. International brands, Lebanese designers, and dining. Built on the site of the historic Ottoman-era souks.
Known for: Lebanese fashion designers, international brands, restaurants, Souk el Tayeb farmers market (Saturdays)
Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael
boutique shoppingIndependent boutiques, vintage shops, artisan workshops, and concept stores in converted Ottoman townhouses. The area for one-of-a-kind finds, local designer fashion, and handmade goods.
Known for: Vintage clothing, local designer fashion, artisan crafts, gallery art, vinyl records
Hamra Street
high streetBeirut's traditional commercial street with bookshops, clothing stores, accessories, and everyday shopping. More accessible and authentic than the upscale downtown area.
Known for: Independent bookshops (Arabic and English), clothing, accessories, everyday goods
ABC Achrafieh / ABC Verdun
department storeLebanon's premier department store chain with international luxury brands, local designers, gourmet food halls, and cinema. The go-to for upscale shopping.
Known for: Luxury brands, Lebanese designers, gourmet food, premium cosmetics
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Lebanese olive oil and za'atar — premium quality from mountain villages, especially from the Chouf and North Lebanon
- •Arak (anise liquor) — Lebanon's national spirit, best from artisan distillers like Massaya or Ksara
- •Lebanese wine — bottles from Chateau Musar, Chateau Ksara, or Domaine des Tourelles
- •Handcrafted soap from Tripoli — traditional olive oil soap in decorative shapes, a centuries-old tradition
- •Arabic coffee sets — ornate brass or copper rakweh (coffee pot) with demitasse cups
- •Cedar wood carvings and products — handmade items from Lebanon's iconic tree
- •Traditional embroidered textiles and kilim rugs from rural Lebanon
💵Money & Tipping
Lebanese Pound (Lira)
Code: LBP
Lebanon has experienced a severe economic crisis since 2019. The Lebanese Pound has lost over 95% of its value. Most transactions in Beirut now happen in US dollars — restaurants, shops, and services quote prices in USD. Bring fresh, unmarked US dollar bills. ATMs may not function reliably. The parallel market exchange rate differs dramatically from the official rate. Always check the current rate before exchanging.
Payment Methods
US dollars cash is king in Beirut — bring plenty of clean, recent USD bills. Credit cards are accepted at upscale restaurants and hotels but many establishments prefer cash. Lebanese credit cards may have spending restrictions. International cards work at some merchants. Western Union and OMT are available for transfers. Avoid exchanging money at banks (official rate is disadvantageous).
Tipping Guide
10-15% in USD is standard. Some upscale restaurants add a service charge. In local eateries, rounding up is appreciated.
Not strictly expected, but rounding up by $1-2 is a kind gesture given the economic situation.
$2-5 for porters per bag. $3-5 per day for housekeeping.
$10-20 per person per day for guides. $5-10 for drivers.
Rounding up or leaving 10% is customary. Bar staff appreciate $1-2 per round.
💰Budget
budget
$30-60
Hostel, manakish and street food, shared taxis, free sights and beach clubs
mid-range
$80-150
Mid-range hotel, restaurant meals with mezze, Uber rides, museum entries, day trip
luxury
$200+
Boutique hotel, fine dining, private driver, premium beach club, wine tasting
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | $10-20 | $10-20 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| AccommodationBoutique / luxury hotel | $150-300 | $150-300 |
| FoodManakish (za'atar flatbread) | $1-2 | $1-2 |
| FoodFalafel or shawarma wrap | $2-4 | $2-4 |
| FoodMezze spread for two at restaurant | $20-40 | $20-40 |
| FoodFine dining dinner | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| FoodLebanese coffee or fresh juice | $1-3 | $1-3 |
| TransportUber across Beirut | $3-8 | $3-8 |
| TransportShared service taxi | $1-2 | $1-2 |
| AttractionsNational Museum entry | $1-3 | $1-3 |
| AttractionsJeita Grotto entry | $18 | $18 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Street food is incredible and incredibly cheap — manakish, falafel, and shawarma wraps for $1-4 are among the best meals you'll have
- •Shared service taxis along major routes cost $1-2 per ride and are an authentic local experience
- •Many of Beirut's best attractions are free — the Corniche, Pigeon Rocks viewpoint, Roman ruins, and neighborhood walking
- •Visit the Sursock Museum and Darat al Funun for free art exhibitions
- •The economic crisis means prices in USD are remarkably affordable compared to other Mediterranean cities
- •Bring cash USD from home — exchanging at informal money changers gives better rates than banks
- •Beach clubs charge $10-30 entry but public rocky beaches along the Corniche are free
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
April through June and September through November are ideal with warm, dry weather perfect for exploring the city and day-tripping to mountains and ancient sites. Summer is hot and humid but brings beach season and cultural festivals. Winter is mild but rainy, with skiing available in the nearby mountains.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Moderate — increasing toward summerWarming temperatures with wildflowers in the mountains. Rain decreases through the season. Perfect for combining Beirut with trips to Baalbek, Byblos, and the Chouf Cedars.
Pros
- + Pleasant weather for sightseeing
- + Wildflowers in the mountains
- + Ski season ends in April at higher elevations
- + Comfortable for walking the Corniche
Cons
- − March can still be rainy
- − Some beach clubs not yet open
- − Easter holiday crowds possible
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: High — peak season with Lebanese diaspora returningHot and humid on the coast with temperatures above 30°C. Beach and pool season. Mountain resorts offer cool escapes. The Beiteddine Art Festival and Baalbek International Festival are major draws.
Pros
- + Beach season in full swing
- + Major cultural festivals
- + Vibrant nightlife at its peak
- + Mountain cool escapes available
Cons
- − Hot and humid
- − Higher prices
- − Traffic worsens with diaspora visitors
- − Air conditioning essential
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Moderate — drops significantly in OctoberCooling temperatures with warm sea. October is arguably the best month to visit — perfect weather, wine harvest season, and thinning crowds. First rains arrive in November.
Pros
- + Perfect weather in October
- + Wine harvest and olive season
- + Warm sea for swimming
- + Fewer tourists after summer
Cons
- − November rain begins
- − Some summer festivals have ended
- − Weather becomes unpredictable late November
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low — best deals of the yearMild but rainy on the coast. Mountains receive heavy snow with ski season at Faraya/Mzaar. Indoor cultural scene, comfort food season, and the lowest prices for accommodation.
Pros
- + Lowest prices
- + Ski season in the mountains
- + Cozy indoor dining scene
- + Few tourists
Cons
- − Frequent rain
- − Reduced outdoor activities
- − Shorter daylight hours
- − Power outages more noticeable
🎉 Festivals & Events
Baalbek International Festival
July - AugustOne of the world's oldest and most prestigious cultural festivals, held in the ancient Roman temples of Baalbek. International music, dance, theater, and opera under the stars.
Beiteddine Art Festival
July - AugustA premier arts festival in the stunning 19th-century Beiteddine Palace in the Chouf Mountains. Arabic and international music, dance, and theater in an incomparable setting.
Beirut International Film Festival
OctoberShowcasing Lebanese, Arab, and international cinema with screenings, director talks, and industry events across Beirut venues.
Vinifest
OctoberLebanon's premier wine festival bringing together dozens of Lebanese wineries for tastings, masterclasses, and celebrations of the country's 5,000-year winemaking heritage.
💬Speak the Language
Lebanese Arabic is a Levantine dialect heavily influenced by French and English. Most Beirutis are trilingual (Arabic, French, English) and code-switch constantly. "Hi, kifak, ca va?" (mixing Arabic, French, and English in one greeting) is quintessentially Lebanese. You can get by with English in most tourist areas, but Arabic or French phrases are warmly received.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Marhaba | mar-HAH-bah |
| How are you? | Kifak (m) / Kifik (f)? | KEE-fahk / KEE-feek? |
| Fine, thank God | Mnih, hamdillah | mm-NEEH, ham-DIL-lah |
| Thank you | Merci / Shukran | mair-SEE / SHOOK-ran |
| Please | Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f) | min FAD-lak / min FAD-lik |
| Yes / No | Eh / La' | eh / lah |
| How much? | Addesh? | ah-DAYSH? |
| Delicious | Tayyib | TAY-yib |
| Cheers! | Kesak! / Sahtein! | keh-SAHK / sah-TANE |
| To your health (said before eating) | Sahtein | sah-TANE |
| No problem | Mafi mushkle | MAH-fee MOOSH-kleh |
| Beautiful | Helou | HEH-loo |
🛂Visa & Entry
Many Western nationalities receive a free visa on arrival at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport for stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). The process is quick and straightforward. Important: evidence of travel to Israel (stamps, entry cards) may result in denial of entry to Lebanon.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days (extendable to 90) | Free visa on arrival. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. No Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days (extendable to 90) | Free visa on arrival. Same requirements — no Israeli stamps. Passport validity 6+ months. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days (extendable to 90) | Free visa on arrival for most EU nationalities. Check with the nearest Lebanese embassy for specific country details. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days (extendable to 90) | Free visa on arrival with same requirements as other Western nationalities. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa must be obtained in advance from a Lebanese embassy or consulate. Processing takes 5-10 business days. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Do NOT have any Israeli stamps, stickers, or evidence of visiting Israel in your passport — entry will be denied
- •Israel now uses electronic entry cards instead of stamps, but if you have older Israeli stamps, consider getting a new passport before visiting Lebanon
- •Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- •The free 30-day visa can be extended to 90 days at the General Security office in Beirut
- •Arrival is typically smooth at Beirut airport — the visa on arrival process takes only a few minutes
- •Land border crossings with Syria may be closed or restricted — check current status before planning overland travel