CountryLebanon
Mediterranean capital
Beirut
Beirut brings together a long seafront, museums, restaurants and neighbourhoods with distinctly different rhythms. Plan one area at a time and allow for traffic and unplanned stops.
Overview
Quick facts
RegionBeirut
AirportBEY
LanguagesArabic; English and French widely used
CurrencyLebanese pound (LBP) and US dollar (USD)
Best forCity life, culture and coast
Beirut
What would you like to discover?
The city and its character
About Beirut
Lebanon's capital sits directly on the Mediterranean, combining contemporary city life with traces of many historical periods. Food, culture and evenings out are central to a stay, while the Corniche keeps the sea in view.
Beirut is better understood through its neighbourhoods than through a single checklist. Hamra, Achrafieh, Downtown, Mar Mikhael, Gemmayze and Raouche each offer a different experience.
Find the right area
Areas to know
Hamra
A dense, everyday district of universities, shops, cafés and restaurants.
Best for: cafés and city life
Mar Mikhael
Restaurants, bars and creative businesses centred on Armenia Street.
Best for: food and nightlife
Gemmayze
Older buildings, stairways and places to eat close to central Beirut.
Best for: walks and dinner
Achrafieh
Residential streets, museums and older houses on the eastern side of the city.
Best for: culture and a quieter baseDowntown
Central squares, Beirut Souks and architecture from several periods.
Best for: landmarks and architectureRaouche
A waterfront district overlooking Pigeon Rocks and the open sea.
Best for: sea views and sunsetWhat to experience
Attractions
Raouche and Pigeon Rocks
Beirut's best-known coastal view, seen from the Corniche and nearby viewpoints.
Read the attraction guide
The Corniche
A long seafront promenade used for walking, running and watching the sunset.
National Museum of Beirut
The clearest introduction to Lebanon's archaeology and long history.
Read the attraction guideDowntown Beirut
Central squares, religious buildings and modern public spaces, where current access permits.
Sursock Museum
Art and architecture in Achrafieh; check current opening arrangements before visiting.
Flavours
Food & restaurants
Beirut ranges from bakeries and quick street food to long mezze lunches and contemporary restaurants. Choose an area to match the pace of the evening rather than relying on a fixed restaurant list.
Practical information
Getting around
Taxis or a verified pre-booked car are often easiest between neighbourhoods. Walking works within individual areas, although pavements and traffic conditions vary.
Group the day's stops geographically. A short distance on the map can take much longer in heavy traffic.
Read the full transport guideBEY
From Beirut Airport
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport lies south of central Beirut. A pre-booked transfer or verified taxi is simplest; confirm the meeting point, fare or pricing method and payment currency before setting off.
Current Beirut Airport informationWhere to stay
Where should you stay?
Downtown
A clear base near central Beirut, subject to current local access.
- Best for
- first visits and central sights
- Strengths
- central, organised and close to landmarks
Hamra
A practical base; check the exact street for traffic and noise.
- Best for
- everyday life and cafés
- Strengths
- services, variety and city energy
Achrafieh
A varied eastern district with several smaller neighbourhoods.
- Best for
- culture and quieter evenings
- Strengths
- museums, older houses and restaurants
Mar Mikhael
Convenient for nightlife; check room noise before booking.
- Best for
- food and nights out
- Strengths
- many evening choices
Before your trip
Good to know
Connectivity
Save maps and bookings offline and compare roaming, SIM and eSIM options before travel.
Read moreOpening times
Museums and businesses may change their hours. Check directly on the day.
Travel advice
Conditions can change quickly. Read current official travel advice before booking and again before each journey.
Read moreKeep exploring
More destinations you may like
Byblos
A UNESCO-listed harbour town where archaeology, a Crusader castle and stone streets sit close together.
Read the guide
Batroun
Historic coastal town with old lanes, swimming places, restaurants and a lively summer scene.
Read the guide
Tripoli
Working souks, Mamluk architecture, celebrated sweets and the coastal district of El Mina.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions about Beirut
Which airport serves Beirut?
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is Lebanon's main international airport.
Which area is best for a first stay?
Downtown is central, Hamra offers everyday city life, Achrafieh suits culture and quieter evenings, and Mar Mikhael is convenient for restaurants and nightlife.
How do I get around Beirut?
A taxi or pre-booked car is usually easiest between neighbourhoods. Walk within an area where traffic and pavements make it practical.
When is a good time to visit Beirut?
Spring and autumn often bring comfortable conditions for city exploring. Summer is hotter and livelier, especially for coastal evenings.