Beirut

Beirut is best discovered area by area, between the sea and the hills. For a first visit, Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh or downtown put most sights within walking distance or a short ride.

What to see in Beirut

• The National Museum: Lebanon’s archaeological treasures, reopened after 2020;
• the Corniche and the Pigeon Rocks (Raouché), especially at sunset;
• downtown: the Mohammad al-Amin Mosque, St George’s Cathedral, the Roman baths and Zaitunay Bay marina;
• Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael: bars, restaurants, galleries and the St Nicholas Stairs;
• the Sursock Museum, in Achrafieh, reopened in 2023.

All the sights are detailed in our guide Things to do in Beirut.

Arriving and getting around

Rafic Hariri International Airport is about ten kilometres south of the centre: 15 to 30 minutes by road depending on traffic. Take an official taxi (agree on the fare first), a ride-hailing app or a pre-booked transfer. In town, traffic is heavy: taxis, ride-hailing and “services” (shared taxis) are the most practical options.

Day trips from Beirut

Byblos, Jeita Grotto, Harissa and Batroun are easy day trips; Baalbek takes a long day. See our guide Travel in Lebanon.

Before you go, check entry requirements and your mobile plan (a travel eSIM can help), and bring cash: the US dollar is widely used.