About Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. As of 2025, Greater Beirut has a population of 2.4 million, just under half of Lebanon's population, which makes it the twelfth-largest city in the Levant region and the sixteenth-largest in the Arab world. The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coast. Beirut has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
Places to visit in Beirut
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Pigeon Rocks
Nature · 3 mi from centreTwo huge rock arches off the Raouché coast, the city's most famous natural landmark. View them from the corniche at sunset, or take a short boat ride for a closer look.
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National Museum of Beirut
MuseumLebanon's main archaeological museum, with Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine treasures from around the country. Watch the short film near the entrance about how staff protected the collection during the civil war.
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Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
ReligiousA large blue-domed mosque in downtown Beirut built in an Ottoman-inspired style, next to Martyrs' Square. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and modest dress is required, with robes available at the door.
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Corniche Beirut
Neighborhood · 3 mi from centreA long seafront promenade lined with palms, joggers, fishermen and families out for a stroll. Walk it at sunset toward Pigeon Rocks, and grab a coffee or corn snack from the vendors along the way.
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Jeita Grotto
Nature · 8 mi from centreA pair of limestone caves with spectacular stalactites and an underground river. The lower cave is explored by boat, and photography is not allowed inside.
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Byblos
Historic · 18 mi from centreOne of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world, with Phoenician ruins and a crusader castle. It is about 40 km north of Beirut, so spend an afternoon there.
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Gemmayzeh
NeighborhoodA historic district known for its bars, cafes and colorful staircases. Come in the evening for the best atmosphere, and explore the side streets on foot.
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Sursock Museum
MuseumA modern and contemporary art museum housed in an elegant 1912 villa in the Achrafieh district. Check the current exhibitions before you go, and stroll the nearby historic streets and stairways afterward.
Things to do in Beirut by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 6 experiences Discover Baalbeck Temples, Ummayad Anjar and Ksara Winery- Full-Day Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Discover the Cedars of God, Besharre/Gibran and Qozhaya Valley- Full-Day Tour -
City tours 2 experiences Discover Beirut Museum, Beitedine Palace and Deir El Kamar - Full-Day Tour -
Art & culture 2 experiences Discover Beirut Museum, Beitedine Palace and Deir El Kamar - Full-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 6
- Youth 5
- Senior 5
- Couples 5
- Families 5
- Private 6
Top experiences in Beirut
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Discover Baalbeck Temples, Ummayad Anjar and Ksara Winery- Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Explore Jeita Grottos, Harissa Shrine and Byblos City
From $106 per adult
Visit the Auhthentic Tripoli and Vibrant Batroun - Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Hiking Day in the Fabulous Cedar Forests of Shouf
From $106 per adult
Discover Beirut Museum, Beitedine Palace and Deir El Kamar - Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Discover Old Sidon and Historic Tyre - Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Discover Historic Beirut: Half-Day Walking Tour
From $90 per adult
The Fabulous Wineries of Bekaa Valley: Wine Tasting Tour
From $106 per adult
Discover Beit Eddine Palace and Deir El Kamar Traditional Town- Half-Day Tour
From $90 per adult
Discover the Cedars of God, Besharre/Gibran and Qozhaya Valley- Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Where to stay in Beirut
Popular hotels in Beirut, out of 127 properties you can book.
Bliss 3000
From $45 per night
Three o Nine Hotel
From $74 per night
Le Royal Beirut
From $240 per night
MidTown Hotel and Suites
From $59 per night
WH Hotel
From $41 per night
Lancaster Plaza
From $182 per night
Four Points By Sheraton Le Verdun
From $97 per night
Beverly Hotel Beirut
From $79 per night
Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel
From $196 per night
Hotel Cavalier
From $65 per night
Louis V Hotel
From $92 per night
Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort
From $239 per night
Best time to visit Beirut
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Beirut is May and October, when average daytime highs are around 78–80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Beirut weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 79° 71° 3%
- Thu 22 Oct 81° 71° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 83° 74° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 83° 74° 5%
- Sun 25 Oct 80° 73° 3%
- Mon 26 Oct 76° 72° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Lebanese pound (LBP)1 US dollar ≈ ل.ل89,500
- Languages
- Arabic, French
- Calling code
- +961
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/BeirutUTC+3
Getting to Beirut
These are the airports closest to central Beirut. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BEY Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Beirut
There are two types of taxis in Beirut; the old (often) battered hail-taxis, and the prebooking taxis.
By service
The more common form of transport, especially with daily commuters, as they are cheaper than the taxis, but ironically, are in fact the same. Service [ser-vee-s] are shared-taxis, the same taxis as above but shared between four or more people. The biggest advantage with the Service system is that the price of the ride is fixed at 2,000 L.L (€1).
By bus
There are two public transport companies. The OCFTC that operates a fleet of blue and white city-buses, and the LCC with a fleet of red and white minibuses; Bus fares cost either LL500 (OCFTC bus 24) or LL1000. The service is very efficient and the buses come very often, to get onto a bus you must stand at the side of the road and signal with your hand as a bus approaches; the buses will stop anywhere.
By car
Driving in Beirut is not to be recommended for much of the day, particularly in the city centre. Traffic is heavy, and impossible during rush hour. Walking around the city is much more of an experience, and is in fact necessary in the very centre since that part of the city is a pedestrian area.
Beirut travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Beirut?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Beirut is May and October, when average daytime highs are around 78–80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Beirut?
August is usually the warmest month in Beirut, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 126 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Beirut?
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Beirut.
What currency is used in Beirut?
Beirut uses the Lebanese pound (LBP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ل.ل89,500.
What time zone is Beirut in?
Beirut uses the Asia/Beirut time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Beirut?
There are two types of taxis in Beirut; the old (often) battered hail-taxis, and the prebooking taxis.
What are the best places to visit in Beirut?
Top sights in Beirut include Pigeon Rocks, National Museum of Beirut, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and Corniche Beirut. Two huge rock arches off the Raouché coast, the city's most famous natural landmark. View them from the corniche at sunset, or take a short boat ride for a closer look.
What are the top things to do in Beirut?
Popular experiences you can book in Beirut include Discover Baalbeck Temples, Ummayad Anjar and Ksara Winery- Full-Day Tour, Explore Jeita Grottos, Harissa Shrine and Byblos City and Visit the Auhthentic Tripoli and Vibrant Batroun - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Beirut?
The most popular types of experiences in Beirut are day trips & excursions (6), zoo, aquarium & nature (2), city tours (2) and art & culture (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Beirut?
Popular areas for hotels in Beirut include Beirut. Well-reviewed options include Bliss 3000 and Three o Nine Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Beirut?
Destina Holidays currently lists 127 properties in and around Beirut, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
