All citiesBeirut Things to do and walking itinerary
Lebanon Beirut travel guide
25 things to do in Beirut, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Beirut
- National Museum of Beirut — museum in Lebanon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque — Muslim mosque (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral — church and museum in Beirut (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Sursock Museum — modern art and contemporary art museum in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Maronite Cathedral of Saint George, Beirut — church in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Al-Omari Grand Mosque — in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- law school of Berytus — ancient school of Roman law, to 551 AD (visit ≈ 60 min)
- St. Elie and St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral — church in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Maghen Abraham Synagogue — synagogue (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Louis Cathedral — 19th-century church in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Berytus — ancient city of Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Martyrs' Square — historical central public square of Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Emir Assaf Mosque — mosque in Beirut (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Baabda Palace — residence of President of Lebanon (visit ≈ 90 min)
- René Moawad Garden — public open-air space in Beirut (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Horsh Beirut — park in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Hadath — place in Mount Lebanon, Lebanon (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Robert Mouawad Private Museum — museum in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Evangelical Church of Beirut (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Roman Baths, Beirut — historic site in downtown Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Al-Majidiyyeh Mosque — mosque in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Emir Munzer Mosque — mosque in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- First Armenian Evangelical Church — church building in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum of Lebanese Prehistory — museum in Beirut, Lebanon (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut — Lebanese-American museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Beirut walking itinerary
Starting point: Hamra. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,770 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): Maghen Abraham Synagogue → Al-Omari Grand Mosque → Sursock Museum → St. Elie and St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral → Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque → Maronite Cathedral of Saint George, Beirut → Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Day 2 (≈ 5.4 km · 7,290 steps · 1 h 12 min on the way): law school of Berytus
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Beirut
- Jeita Grotto — Vast two-level limestone cave system north-east of the city; the lower level is toured by boat. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa — Huge Virgin Mary statue on a hill above Jounieh Bay, reached by cable car, with sweeping views. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Byblos Old Town — One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited towns: Crusader castle, ancient ruins and a little harbour. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Where to stay in Beirut
- Hamra: Cafés, bookshops and affordable hotels; a student vibe.
- Gemmayzeh: Old stone stairways and small restaurants; lively at night.
- Mar Mikhael: The nightlife hub, with bars and design shops.
- Achrafieh: Calm, elegant streets and old mansions.
- Downtown: The rebuilt centre near Martyrs’ Square and Zaitunay Bay.
- Raouche: Pigeon Rocks and the seafront Corniche on your doorstep.
Getting from the airport to Beirut
- Rafic Hariri International (BEY): No public transport; taxi or Uber ≈ 20 min.
Getting around
There is no metro; walk short distances and use taxis or Uber for the rest. Shared “service” taxis are cheap, but ask the route before getting in.
Classic places to eat
- Barbar: Open day and night; shawarma, falafel and manakish.
- Le Chef: Old-style canteen in Gemmayzeh; daily home-cooked dishes.
- Tawlet: Village dishes by a different regional home cook each day.
- Café Younes: A Hamra classic, roasting coffee since 1935.
- Socrate: Long-running Ras Beirut spot for home-style Lebanese food.
Romantic views
- Corniche Beirut (Sunset): The long seafront path faces straight into the sunset.
- Pigeon Rocks (Raouché) (Sunset): The sea rocks turn golden in the evening light.
- Saint Nicolas Stairs (Evening): Colourful steps and old houses make a calm evening walk.
- Zaitunay Bay (Evening): The marina boardwalk is made for an evening stroll.
- Sanayeh Garden (Early morning): An old shaded garden with fountains in the middle of the city.
Good to know before visiting Beirut
- Fine: Photographing military sites and checkpoints is prohibited.
- Fine: Drug offences carry very severe penalties.
- Warning: Security varies by area; check official advice, especially for the southern border.
- Warning: Travellers with evidence of visits to Israel may be refused entry.
- Warning: It's a cash economy; US dollars are widely used and cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 140, fire 175
- Plugs: C/D/G, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: 10–15% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Lebanon, Wikivoyage — Lebanon, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Beirut travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Beirut?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Beirut?
- Highlights: National Museum of Beirut, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Sursock Museum and Maronite Cathedral of Saint George, Beirut. The map has 25 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Beirut?
- Hamra: Cafés, bookshops and affordable hotels; a student vibe. Other options: Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, Achrafieh, Downtown and Raouche.
- How do you get from the airport to Beirut city centre?
- Rafic Hariri International (BEY): No public transport; taxi or Uber ≈ 20 min.
- How do you get around Beirut?
- There is no metro; walk short distances and use taxis or Uber for the rest. Shared “service” taxis are cheap, but ask the route before getting in.
- What is the emergency number in Beirut?
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 140, fire 175.
- Do you tip in Beirut?
- 10–15% is customary.
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