Despite its small geographical size, Lebanon is one of the most diverse countries in the Middle East. If you are thinking of visiting – you should – it’s fascinating and with a cuisine that is famously delicious. Though there are plenty of other things to do in Beirut that make it well worth a visit.
- Travel to Lebanon
- About Beirut
- Best time to visit?
- How long do you need?
- Getting there
- Things to do in Beirut
- Other things to do
- Day trips from Beirut
- Getting around
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- More about travel in Middle East
About Beirut
At the height of economic boom, Beirut was the glamorous tourist centre of the Middle East. The city was often referred to as ‘Paris of the East’ – and it still is somewhat today.
Now though, albeit fascinating to visit this Parisian touted destination. It has an eerie feel to the downtown area.
The buildings still stand and retain their Parisian architecture and image. But they are empty and desolate reminding anyone who visits of the unmistakably gloomy past.
We found it an interesting travel destination amidst the gloom. Though I think the food and hospitality of the locals we met made up for a lot of that!
Travel to Lebanon
Lebanon is a complex country. It has had a tumultuous past with changes in leadership, the rise and fall of empires and eras and even now with war raging in the region.
But it is also complex in its people. In Lebanon there are so many different groups of ethnicities and religions that call Beirut home.
There is no other country quite like it where there can be so many groups of people living in such a tiny space.
There are Sunni and Shia, Catholics, Orthodox and Druze, but also Armenians, Palestinians, and Syrians.
It is an incredible mix of people that comprise the culture of Lebanon.
We found it a heart-tugging type of destination for travel. Obviously Lebanese food is famous. Plus, the country has coastlines, beaches and history.
Though the most standout part for us was the empty and rather gloomy state of Beirut. It is unlike anywhere we have ever travelled before.
Visa for travel to Lebanon
Most nationalities can get a free 30-day visa on arrival at the airport in Beirut.
The visa on arrival for Lebanon is extendable for two additional months.
However, as mentioned more below. Note that you cannot visit Lebanon if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport or any evidence of past travel to Israel.
What is the best time of year to visit Beirut, Lebanon?
The best time to visit Lebanon is during the spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
We visited in October and had fabulous sunny days in Beirut.
How long do you need?
To experience Beirut’s highlights, including its cultural attractions and famous food scene, two days in the city is a good start.
Obviously the longer you have to explore somewhere new, the better. But most of the things to do in Beirut listed below are doable with two days in the city.
If you have longer than 2 – 3 days in Beirut there are some great day trips nearby to more historic and beautiful sites of Lebanon.
About money and currency in Lebanon
In Lebanon, the official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP).
The official exchange rate versus USD $ is currently 1 USD = 1500LBP.
However, that is the official (and old) bank rate. Because of the crisis, the official rate in the black market is today: 89,400 LBP.
But – this changes all the time!
We bought two coffees and a water at one of the cafes in Hamra and our bill came to $87.33 USD!
Obviously we didn’t pay $87.33 USD for our coffees. (Nescafé and all; but that is over $150 NZD!).
For both Lebanon and Syria you need to budget carefully and carry cash FOR YOUR TRIP – the entire trip!
It is not actually even possible to withdraw cash in the country.
Instead you must carry USD or EURO to budget for your trip and exchange that cash daily on what is known as the black market for currency.
It isn’t in fact an illegal market or underhand. So it isn’t as scary as it sounds. But the rate changes daily – HOURLY even.
Good maths helps! If you weren’t good at maths before you will be by the time you leave!
Getting there
The main international airport in Beirut is serviced by daily flights to Middle East, Turkey, Cyprus and Europe.
Though note one of the most important things to know about visiting Beirut and Lebanon, is about past travel:
You cannot enter Lebanon if you have evidence of travel to Israel in your passport.
This could be either an Israel or Jordan stamp that shows evidence of overland travel from Israel to Jordan.
The immigration process at the airport is extremely thorough to check for this.
Things to do in Beirut, Lebanon
In no particular order, here are 10 top things to do in Beirut, Lebanon.
Al Raouche Rocks – Things to do in Beirut
Al Raouche Rocks, also known as the Pigeon Rocks, are iconic limestone formations off the coast of Beirut in Lebanon.
They are officially one of the most photographed sites in the country!
- Tip: You can see the Pigeon Rocks from the nearby Corniche.
2. Beirut Corniche
Like many other Middle Eastern cities, Beirut has a fabulous Corniche. It is essentially a long, waterfront promenade lined with palm trees and views of the harbour and coastline.
It is a great place for a leg stretch and has particularly great views of the coast at sunset.
3. Zaitunay Bay
The upmarket and rather posh waterfront area in Beirut is known as Zaitunay Bay.
There is a yacht marina bordered with a wooden deck and lined with cafes and restaurants.
4. Mohammed Al Amin Mosque – Things to do in Beirut
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also referred to as the Blue Mosque, is a Sunni Islam Mosque, located in downtown Beirut. This is perhaps one of the most iconic things to do in Beirut.
The mosque stakes claim as being the largest mosque in Lebanon. Though it was actually only built in 2008.
5. Beirut Souks
The Beirut Souks is a major commercial district in Beirut Central District.
At the height of economic boom when Beirut was the glamorous tourist centre of the Middle East the city was often referred to as ‘Paris of the East’.
Though now much of the old shopping district area of the city has an eerie feel to it. The buildings still stand and retain their Parisian architecture and image. But they are empty and desolate reminding anyone who visits of the unmistakably gloomy past.
The Beirut Souks is a busier and more alive part of the city to visit.
6. Roman Berytus – Things to do in Beirut
The Roman Berytus (Roman Baths) are in the middle of downtown Beirut, Lebanon between Banks Street and Capuchin Street.
Admittedly it is quite surprising while walking through the built-up district to see such history. But right there in the middle are the remains of the Roman Bath of Berytus.
Albeit now surrounded by government buildings. Though the ruins of the baths were found and conserved for posterity.
7. Hamra – Things to do in Beirut
Hamra Street or Rue Hamra is one of the main streets of the city of Beirut. We stayed in Hamra district when we visited each time.
The Hamra district is one of the main economic and diplomatic hubs of Beirut.
8. Martyrs Square
Martyrs’ Square is historically known as ‘Al Burj’ or ‘Place des Cannons’. It is the historical central public square of the city and one of the things to do in Beirut that honours the tumultuous history of Lebanon.
The historic square took its name to commemorate the martyrs that were executed under Ottoman rule. There is a huge statue in the centre and plinths depicting the dates of the historic memorial.
9. Place de l’Etoile – Things to do in Beirut
Nejmeh Square or Place de l’Étoile is the central square in the Downtown area of Beirut.
Today this area is home to the Lebanese Parliament as well as two cathedrals and a museum.
10. Souk al Ahad – Things to do in Beirut
Souk Al Ahad is like a Lebanese flea market. ‘Ahad’ means Sunday in Arabic. So fittingly this is a weekend market that opens on Saturday and Sunday.
It is like most bustling markets in the Middle East. There are rows of stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique handicrafts. Then further around are market spaces with second hand clothes, homewares and all sorts of trinkets.
We actually bought some second-hand winter clothes here for our next destinations in Europe after our travel in Lebanon and Syria.
- Read more about things to do in Damascus, Syria.
Other things to do in Beirut, Lebanon
If you have more time, there are more things to do in Beirut worth a visit:
- Saint George Greek Orthodox Church
- Gouraud
- Nicolas Sursock Museum
- Al-Omari Grand Mosque
- Souk El Tayeb
- Le Grand Theatre
- Green Line
- Sanayeh Garden
- Mineral Museum
Day trips and things to do near Beirut, Lebanon
If you have longer in Beirut or plan to stay and use Beirut as a base to explore more of Lebanon, there are some great day trips from the city.
- Jeita Grotto: The grotto is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves. It is incredible to visit on a day trip from Beirut.
- Baalbek: Believed to be an ancient Phoenician city and one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee.
- Byblos: This is an ancient port city on the coast of north Lebanon. It is believed to have been first settled between 8800 and 7000 BC and continuously inhabited since 5000 BC!
- Heliopolis: This is a series of huge, worked stone blocks discovered in a quarry near Baalbek. They are some of the largest stones ever quarried, with some weighing over 1,000 tons, intended for the Temple of Jupiter.
Getting around in Beirut and Lebanon
In the city, many of the things to do in Beirut are within walking distance. Otherwise to get around in Beirut it is easy to flag down a taxi and negotiate a price for the fare.
For the day trips and things to do from Beirut it is convenient to book a driver and car for the day. We did this through our hotel and found a great driver who we ended up touring with to Baalbek, Byblos and Jeita Grotto.
Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanese food is famously delicious!
Though I must confess we found a new favourite in the fast-food Beirut chain store of Barbar. Definitely check it out in Hamra.
- Afif Café: This is a relatively new café in downtown Beirut serving good sandwiches and good coffee.
- Al Rawda Café: This is located right on the waterfront serving delicious fish and seafood platters.
- Barbar: This fast became our favourite go-to food in Beirut! It is a chain store with separate shops serving kabab, salads, sandwiches, full meals, fresh juices and desserts.
- Rainze: This is a lively pub type café on Makdessi Street in Beirut with good food and Shisha. We stayed on the same street and ate here several times.
- Toot: A popular Shisha café opposite Rainze.
Accommodation and where we stayed in Beirut, Lebanon
These are the two hotels we stayed at in Beirut, Lebanon.
- Beirut: Mayflower Hotel
We had a good few nights stay before getting a taxi across the Lebanon Syria border. It is located in Hamra and only 2 minutes walk from Hamra Street. Breakfast is included and plenty of restaurants within a 3-5 minute walking radius.
- Beirut: Embassy Hotel
We also stayed a couple of nights around the corner at Embassy Hotel. A basic but friendly hotel directly across the road from several restaurants. Very basic breakfast included (wouldn’t rate it for the breakfast). But for a night or two before crossing the border to Syria this was a reasonably priced hotel in Beirut.
Read more about travel in the Middle East
- 10 Things To Do In Damascus, Syria.
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
- Jordan Travel Guide.
- Visiting Umm Qais In Jordan
- Border Crossing From Israel To Jordan Via Allenby Bridge.
- UAE With Kids: Three Emirates In Three Days.
- Visiting Sheik Al Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi With Kids.
More useful links for your travels in Middle East and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before travel to Lebanon and things to do in Beirut!