A crossroads by the sea
Beirut is Lebanon's capital and largest city, set on a peninsula where the coastal plain meets the slopes of Mount Lebanon. For millennia it has been a port of trade, languages and ideas.
Its districts range from the café-lined streets of Hamra and the leafy campus of the American University to the heritage stairways of Gemmayzeh and the design studios of Mar Mikhael. On the western tip, the cliffs of Raouché frame some of the Mediterranean's finest sunsets.
Arabic is the official language, while French and English are part of everyday life — it's common to hear all three in one sentence: “Hi, kifak, ça va?” The city is famously resilient, generous and always ready to feed you.
Neighborhoods
Each quarter has its own rhythm. Filter by what you're in the mood for — and tap ☆ to add places to your trip shortlist.
Things to see
Museums, landmarks and seaside spots that tell Beirut's story — most are within a 20-minute taxi ride of each other.
What to eat
Lebanese food is meant to be shared. Order a spread of mezze, take your time, and don't skip breakfast manousheh from a neighborhood bakery.
Climate, month by month
Mild, rainy winters and long, hot, humid summers. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the city. Tap a month for details.
Approximate long-term averages; actual weather varies year to year.
Day trips
Lebanon is small: ancient ports, mountain villages and cedar forests are all reachable in a day. Distances are approximate road distances from central Beirut.
Some regions — particularly in the south and the Bekaa — may be subject to travel advisories. Check current guidance before heading out.
History in brief
Phoenician port, Roman law capital, Crusader stronghold, Ottoman trading hub, Mandate-era boomtown — Beirut has been rebuilt many times, and each era left something behind.
Walk downtown and you'll pass Roman columns, Mamluk mosques, Ottoman houses and modern towers within a few blocks.
Plan your trip
The essentials, a few useful phrases, and a checklist that remembers your progress on this device.
Getting there & around
- ✈️ By air
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is about 10 km south of the centre.
- 🛂 Visas
- Rules depend on your nationality — check with Lebanese authorities or your embassy before booking.
- 🚕 Getting around
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easiest. “Service” shared taxis run set routes for a flat fare — agree before you get in.
- 💵 Money
- Prices are often quoted in US dollars. Carry cash in small bills; cards work in many but not all places.
- 📶 Connectivity
- Local SIMs and eSIMs are available from Alfa and Touch.
- 🙏 Etiquette
- Dress modestly at religious sites. Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.
Useful phrases
Lebanese Arabic, written the way it sounds.
| Marhaba | Hello | مرحبا |
| Kifak? / Kifik? | How are you? (m / f) | كيفك؟ |
| Shukran / Merci | Thank you | شكراً |
| Min fadlak | Please | من فضلك |
| Addeish? | How much? | قدّيش؟ |
| Yalla | Let's go / come on | يلّا |
| Ma3lesh | Never mind / sorry | معليش |
| Ahlan wa sahlan | Welcome | أهلاً وسهلاً |
Emergency numbers
Save your embassy's number too, and keep a copy of your passport on your phone.
Packing & prep checklist
Your shortlist
Tap ☆ on neighborhoods, sights and day trips to collect them here.