Tripmi
Tripmi★★★★★ Use it free online · Web & iOS
Open
Beirut
🇱🇧 Lebanon

Beirut

Mediterranean energy, millennia-old charm — Beirut blends lively Mediterranean nightlife, cutting-edge dining and contemporary art with layers of Phoenician, Ottoman and French history. It's a compact, walkable city where ancient ruins sit beside modern skyscrapers and seaside corniches invite sunset promenades.

▶ Video guide

Beirut in 60 seconds

A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.

  • 📍Top places to visit: National Museum of Beirut, Corniche Beirut, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
  • 🍽️What to eat: Mezze, Kibbeh, Manakish
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: Best visited spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for mild…

Good to know

Best time to visit
Best visited spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and fewer tourists; summers are hot and busy. Winters are mild but can be rainy and occasionally chilly in the evenings.
Getting around
Taxis (use Careem or negotiated metered taxis) and ride-hailing are the most practical options; many central areas are walkable. Traffic can be heavy so allow extra time during peak hours.
Currency
Lebanese pound (LBP) — many businesses price in USD; carry small USD cash for restaurants and taxis as an easy backup.
Language
Arabic (Lebanese dialect) is official; French and English are widely spoken in business, tourism and restaurants.
Safety
Exercise normal precautions — avoid demonstrations and follow local advice as political tensions can flare unpredictably.
Daily budget
$50–$150 per day, depending on style
💶 Travel money in BeirutCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Beirut
Read tips →

Top places to visit

1Museum

National Museum of Beirut

Lebanon's principal archaeology museum houses Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine artifacts and offers essential context for the country’s ancient history.

2Viewpoint

Corniche Beirut

A seaside promenade along the Mediterranean ideal for walking, jogging and watching fishermen and sunset views across the bay.

3Landmark

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

A striking blue-domed Ottoman-style mosque in downtown Beirut, notable for its grand architecture and proximity to Martyrs' Square.

4Museum

Sursock Museum

A restored Ottoman-era villa showcasing contemporary Lebanese and Middle Eastern art with a peaceful garden café.

5Shopping

Zaitunay Bay

A polished marina with upscale restaurants, cafés and boat moorings — a good spot for waterfront dining and people-watching.

6Viewpoint

Pigeon Rocks (Raouche)

Iconic sea-stacked limestone formations off the Corniche that are best viewed at sunset from the coastal pathway or by boat.

7Market

Beirut Souks

A modern shopping district rebuilt after the civil war combining international brands, local boutiques and restaurants in the city center.

8Neighborhood

Hamra Street

A lively commercial street lined with cafés, bookstores, bars and shops that captures Beirut’s cosmopolitan vibe.

9Nightlife

Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael

Two adjoining neighborhoods famed for buzzy bars, gastropubs, street art and a vibrant nightlife scene popular with locals and visitors.

10Landmark

St. George Maronite Cathedral

A historic cathedral in downtown Beirut representing the city’s Christian heritage, near the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.

11Landmark

Sainte-Marie de la Croix (Saint George) Cathedral

An architecturally important Maronite cathedral near central Beirut; visit for its interior and central location.

12Shopping

Beirut Central District (BCD)

The rebuilt core of the city combining museums, restaurants, cultural venues and restored historic façades within walking distance.

13Park

AUB (American University of Beirut) Campus

A leafy, historic campus overlooking the sea with museums, a botanical garden and a lively student atmosphere.

14Landmark

Beiteddine Palace

Although a short drive outside central Beirut, this 19th-century palace showcases Lebanese architecture and hosts summer festivals.

15Beach

Ramlet al-Baida Beach

One of Beirut’s public sandy beaches where locals swim and relax, with nearby cafés and seaside promenades.

Make Beirut a real tripBuild a personalized Beirut itinerary in seconds — free with the Tripmi app.
🌐Free · no downloadUse Tripmi online

Things to do

Stroll the Corniche

Walk or cycle the seafront at sunrise or sunset for scenic views and local life.

Explore ancient artifacts

Visit the National Museum to see Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman mosaics.

Bar-hop in Gemmayzeh

Sample Beirut’s nightlife with diverse bars and live music venues.

Dine on Lebanese mezze

Try a multi-course mezze spread at a well-regarded restaurant to experience local hospitality.

Take a Beirut street art tour

Discover murals and politically charged art that reflect Lebanon’s recent history.

Day trip to Byblos

Combine a coastal drive with exploring one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited towns.

Where to stay

Achrafieh

A charming, slightly upscale area with French-style buildings, boutiques and traditional bakeries.

Hamra

Central and lively with cafés, bookshops and easy access to public transport and the seafront.

Gemmayzeh/Mar Mikhael

Best for nightlife, art galleries and a dense concentration of restaurants and bars.

Ain El Mreisseh/Corniche

Stay here for seaside views and easy access to the Corniche and beachfront cafés.

What to eat

Mezze

Assorted small dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh served as a communal starter.

Kibbeh

Seasoned bulgur and minced meat formed into torpedoes or baked in layers — a Lebanese staple.

Manakish

Flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese or minced meat, eaten at breakfast or as a snack.

Kafta

Grilled spiced ground meat skewers typically served with salad and pita.

Fattoush

A bright salad with toasted pita, fresh vegetables and sumac dressing.

Baklava and Knafeh

Sweet pastries and syrupy cheese desserts popular from cafés and patisseries.

Day trips

Byblos (Jbeil)

A 40–60 minute drive north to an ancient port town with Crusader castles, souks and seaside restaurants.

Baalbek

About two hours away in the Bekaa Valley, home to spectacular Roman temple ruins of Jupiter and Bacchus.

Jeita Grotto

A 30–45 minute drive to impressive cave caverns and an upper and lower gallery connected by boat and cable car.

Insider tips

  • Carry a mix of cash (USD and small LBP notes) for markets and taxis
  • Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites — shoulders and knees covered
  • Download Careem or Bolt for reliable ride-hailing and agree fare or use app pricing
  • Avoid large protests and check local news; closures can affect travel
  • Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants if service is not included
  • Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle — summers are hot and sun-exposed

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
L
Lina A.
France
★★★★★
last month

Incredible mezze and fresh seafood by the Corniche — I spent evenings walking the waterfront and discovering tiny family-run restaurants with the friendliest service.

T
Tomás R.
Spain
★★★★★
3 weeks ago

Loved the contrast between historic streets in Gemmayze and the modern cafés; the city's nightlife surprised me in the best way.

A
Aisha K.
United Arab Emirates
★★★★★
February 2026

Warm, welcoming people made my solo trip feel safe and lively — also the manousheh for breakfast is unbeatable.

M
Mark B.
United States
★★★★☆
2 weeks ago

Amazing history and museums, plus great value dining, though traffic and patchy infrastructure were a bit frustrating at times.

Y
Yuki S.
Japan
★★★★★
March 2026

Vibrant street art and friendly vendors in the souks — I felt the city's creative energy everywhere I walked.

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Lebanon?
Visa requirements depend on nationality; many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, but check current Lebanese embassy guidance before travel.
Is Beirut safe to visit right now?
Safety can vary with political events—monitor government travel advisories and local news, avoid demonstrations and follow advice from your accommodation.
Can I use USD widely in Beirut?
Yes, USD is widely accepted and commonly used alongside LBP; carrying small USD bills is helpful for transactions and tipping.
What power plugs are used?
Lebanon uses types C and D plugs with 230V/50Hz power — bring a universal adapter if needed.

Ask Mike, your AI travel guide

Chat by voice, text or photo for local tips, food and directions — 24/7 in the Tripmi app.

Popular destinations

🌐Use Tripmi free online