Top Things to Do in the Beirut | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Beirut

Places To Visit In Beirut

Achrafieh

Get lost in this vibrant neighborhood of Beirut, as you explore the side streets and thoroughfares Achrafieh began as a sparsely populated neighbourhood, to be concentrated during the Lebanese War. This hilly tranquil residential and commercial area is dotted with beautiful traditional French and Ottoman houses as well as high rise office buildings. Explore on foot as you stumble upon quaint cafes, shops and galleries. The National Museum and Sursock Museum is in this locality. Read More

This seaside promenade stretches from Ras Beirut on Ave de Paris in the east and ends at the St George Yacht Motor Club in Ain al-Mreisse to the west. The Corniche is a perfect glimpse of Beiruti life from the elderly to the teenagers. Pole fishing is a popular pastime here. Munch on some nuts, corn and ka'ik, handbag shaped circular bread being offered by the handcarts with some Arabic coffee to wash It down. You will also be acquainted with the Nargileh culture of smoking hookah in personal cars with friends. Head to the Corniche if you want to spend a slow lazy evening and watch the sun set in the horizons of Beirut. Pigeon Rocks - These rocks are probably the only natural feature of Beirut. The stretch of the Corniche directly overlooking these rocks are a vantage point. If you are up for some adventure take one of the tracks to the lower cliffs. There are caves and inlets, and in summer boats take you around the caves and rocks. Read More

Take the servees taxis or mini bus to Byblos and Baalbek, amidst the several other cities in Lebanon. Recently selected as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2016, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos sells itself as the first Phoenician city. However, Byblos is steeped in a lot more history having hosted Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Mamluks and Ottomans. Saunter around the Crusader citadel and adjacent archaeological site, soak in the diverse fumes of the Souks, have a bite in Feniqia or Adonis, and watch the sun set over the sea that carried Phoenician merchants all those millennia ago. If you are visiting in summer, donÍt miss the Byblos International Festival, which has been headlined by the likes of Massive Attack and B.B. King. The City of Sun, Baalbek is an ancient ruin site lending its glory since the Roman civilization. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of the Roman temple stand as alluring for sheer grandeur and the Imperial Roman columns soaring to the sky. The Baalbek International festival in summer bring life to the monument. Read More

Downtown, Beirut

Downtown, Beirut's central district, is anything but what you would expect from the center of an old town. In 1990, the Government consolidated all the properties that were severely damaged by offering the owners shares in the privately owned construction cooperation for the development of Downtown. Now modern and chic real estate buildings stand tall, while only few ruins of historical houses still exist to give an impression of pre-civil war Beirut. Traces of the Roman era are still visible, for instance the Roman baths, Columns. Martyr's Square - Although not an attraction for the eye, this square is known for its emotional importance. Having derived its name from the revolutionaries who were hung in front of protestors here, Martyrs Square, true to its name, saw the protests against Syria after the assassination of Rafique Hariri. While in Downtown, do visit some of the Souks, Saifi Village for shopping and the posh Zaituna Bay Read More

It is the largest mosque in Beirut. Head downtown to the Al-Omari Mosque, for a startling insight into antiquty. A microcosm of Lebanese history, the mosque sits on a site of ancient ruins of a Crusader church, which in turn was a Byzantine church when built, that was itself built on the foundations of a Roman temple to Jupiter. In 1291, the Mamluks æestablished the elegant sandstone mosque that stands today. But its history lives on in this warm, intimate sanctuary: Mamluk, Ottoman and Greek inscriptions, along with its cross-shaped plan and Byzantine architectural features, betray BeirutÍs multifaceted past. Read More

Situated in West Beirut, Hamra is the one of the bustling districts, known for its entertainment and shopping galore. Hamra is known to be the home to intellectual activity in Beirut even during the Civil War. This neighbourhood is a blend of religious and ethnical backgrounds, illustrated by presence of churches and mosques. The renowned American University of Beirut, on Bliss Street is an interesting place to visit. Established in 1860s by American Missionaries, the University stood through the Civil War, unscathed. Stroll through the pristine campus to get a fair idea about what the city was like before the Civil War. Sanayeh Gardens have been there since the Ottoman reign and ideal for a leisure stroll or conversation. Read More

These caves are the longest ones in Lebanon and featured as a finalist in the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition.æ Approximately 18 kms away from Beirut, driving to Jeita Grotto is the best way to get there. Alternatively you can take a minibus or taxi. It consists of two separate, but interconnected limestone caves. This place is considered to be one of the world's most amazing agglomerations of stalactites and stalagmites. A boat will take you to the lower grotto, while you can explore the upper grotto on foot. As for what lies inside, its for you to unravel! Read More

Located on the former Green Line, the museum is a magnificent insight into Lebanon history.æ The museum is a 15 minute walk south of Sodeco Square along Rue De Damas. It showcases a number of Phoenician and Egyptian artefacts, depicting the earliest known traces of the Phoenician era. There are numerous artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Age, as well as from the Hellenistic, Roman and Mamluk ages. You will be marvelled by kind of objects used even just for utility purposes in these prehistoric civilizations. Read More

Conceived and funded by jeweller and collector Robert Mouawad to showcase his magnificent and eclectic collection, this museum is a symbol of idiosyncracies. The Museum is housed in the former home of the late Lebanese politician and art collector Henri Philippe Pharaoun. Built in a neo gothich style initially, subsequent remodelling reflectes Pharaoun's interest in Islamic art and architecture. From art, furniture, carpets and antiquities to the USD 11 million precious stone encrusted "Fantasy Bra", the museum boasts of both sacred and profane. Read More

Baalbek, known as Heliopolis or ‘the Sun City’ in antiquity, is a city located northeast of Beirut. Situated in Beqaa Valley, east of the Litani river, it is famous for its Roman ruins, considered one of the best-preserved in the Middle East. The iconic temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter are two impressive structures displaying Roman architecture. Though not as majestic as the other two, the Temple of Venus is still worth checking out. A museum is located behind the Temple of Jupiter. The place is famous for hosting the annual Baalbek International Festival at the temple complex in summer, featuring musical and dramatic performances. Apart from these Baalbek ruins, you will find a sizeable golden-domed mosque upon entering the town. This is the Shia shrine dedicated to Prophet Muhammad’s great-granddaughter, Sayyida Khawla. Numerous restaurants and eateries serve traditional Lebanese food. The summer and spring seasons are the best time to visit the city. Read More