Beirut
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Lebanon
Did you know?
- Gemmayze is the pub district; Monot Street is where clubs cluster.
- A Saint George Yacht Club beach-club day costs US$20.
- Walk the corniche from the marina to Pigeon Rocks for sunset.
See also
Overview
Beirut is a cosmopolitan capital on the Mediterranean with an outdoor café culture and European architecture. It is also Lebanon's commercial and financial hub, making it a lively base for urban exploring.
Languages: Arabic, French
Why go?
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon, a cosmopolitan hub on the Mediterranean. It has an outdoor cafe culture and European architecture, and is the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
The easiest way to get to Beirut is by air via Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, located 7 km south of the city. Most international airlines have daily flights from major European capitals. Buses to other cities leave from Charles Helou bus station and Cola intersection.
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When to go
Beirut enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Come in April to June for warm, dry days (19–25°C). July and August are hotter and humid. The wettest months are December to February. Ski season in Lebanon runs from December to early April.
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Talk
Lebanese Arabic is the native language, but English and French are widely spoken. Shop signs are in Arabic, English, and French; road signs are in Arabic and French.
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See
Beirut has many sights. Highlights include the National Museum of Beirut, Sursock Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of AUB. Each district has its own attractions. The city's architecture reflects its French colonial past.
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Do
Enjoy horse racing at the Beirut Hippodrome on Sundays, visit beach clubs like Saint George Yacht Club (US$20/day), or scuba dive to explore shipwrecks. Walk the corniche from the marina to Pigeon Rocks for sunset.
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Learn
Beirut has several universities and language schools. ALLC International House Beirut offers courses in Lebanese dialect. Saifi Institute for Arabic Language is well-known. American University of Beirut (AUB) and Lebanese American University (LAU) are major institutions.
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Buy
Beirut is the fashion capital of Lebanon with designers like Elie Saab. ABC Mall in Achrafieh has international brands and dining.
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Food and drink
Alcohol is readily available. Nightlife centers on Gemmayze (pubs) and Monot St (clubs). Locally brewed beers include Almaza, Laziza (non-alcoholic), and 961 Beer. SkyBar and Iris are popular rooftop spots.
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Sleep
Hotels range from cheap hostels to luxury. Check different districts for options.
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Stay safe
Photography of military is prohibited; be careful in Dahiyeh. Avoid governmental convoys. Palestinian refugee camps are approachable with a local. Pickpocketing and taxi overpricing are concerns. For health, go to AUB Medical Center (US$40 upfront).
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Connect
Many cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Internet cafés cost about US$2-3/hr in the city center. Payphones use Telecarte (LL10,000 or LL30,000). GSM phones: purchase local SIM from Alfa or touch for as low as US$25, with 3G plans from $10 for 150MB.
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Go next
From Beirut, visit Baalbek, Byblos, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre, Jeita caves, Qadisha valley, or go skiing in mountain resorts. Buses north from Charles Helou station, south from Cola intersection.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- see
Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut
The museum in Hamra District is a museum of archeology and history.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Beirut International Film Festival
Held annually in October, the Beirut Film Festival exhibits films from all over the Middle East, usually in either Arabic or French. The films vary enormously and some can be intensely political.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Beirut International Jazz Festival
Held annually during the month of July over a period of four days, some of the greatest international jazz artists as well as musicians from around Lebanon play some quality music near the Beirut marina.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Festival du cinéma francophone
Held between the month of March and April over a period of two weeks, films are in French. Cinéma Métropolis - Masrah Al Madina, Beirut.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
National Museum of Beirut
The museum in South Beirut/Ashrafieh
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Sursock Museum
The museum in Beirut/Ashrafieh
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
The Silk Museum - Bsous
This might be good if you are into the silk industry. It is set in an old – you guessed it – silk factory.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
ABC Mall
Many international brands are here along with great restaurants, cafés, and a movie theatre all in a mixed indoor/outdoor setting.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in many cafés. Local SIM cards from Alfa or touch for US$25.
Health
AUB Medical Center for emergencies with US$40 upfront. Pharmacies can prescribe drugs.
Language
Lebanese Arabic, but English and French widely spoken.
Safety
Photography of military is prohibited. Avoid Dahiyeh. Pickpockets and taxi overpricing common.
Transport
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport 7 km south. Buses from Charles Helou and Cola.