Jeita Grotto
Two linked limestone caves north of Beirut: a walkway through a vast upper gallery of stalactites and a quiet boat ride along an underground river below. The country's most visited natural wonder.
Lebanon
Beirut
Beirut is a Mediterranean capital of layers: Phoenician sarcophagi in the National Museum, Ottoman lanes in Gemmayzeh, a rebuilt downtown of souks and squares, and a Corniche where the whole city walks at sunset.
This guide covers the essentials, from the Pigeon Rocks and the Sursock Museum to walking, street food and cooking experiences, then opens out to the classic day trips: the glowing caves of Jeita, the Lady of Lebanon at Harissa, the ancient harbour of Byblos, the Roman temples of Baalbek, Beiteddine Palace, the Cedars of God and the Phoenician ports of Sidon and Tyre. It also matches you to the right hotel, from waterfront luxury and boutique stays in Gemmayzeh to a beach resort and Hamra aparthotels. Conditions in the region can change, so check your government's current travel advice and confirm that tours and sites are running before you book.
Don't miss
Jeita Grotto
Two linked limestone caves north of Beirut: a walkway through a vast upper gallery of stalactites and a quiet boat ride along an underground river below. The country's most visited natural wonder.
Byblos (Jbeil) Ancient City and Harbour
One of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world: a Crusader castle, Phoenician temples, a Roman theatre and a pretty fishing harbour, all on a compact seafront site north of Beirut.
Baalbek Roman Temples
The largest and best preserved Roman temple complex in the Middle East, in the Bekaa Valley: six towering columns of Jupiter, the near-intact Temple of Bacchus and stones the size of buses.
Beirut Walking Tour: Downtown, Souks and Old Quarters
A guided walk through the heart of Beirut: Martyrs Square, Roman remains, grand mosques and churches, the souks and the stairs of Gemmayzeh, with the city's layered story told by a local.
Things to do in Beirut
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Byblos (Jbeil) Ancient City and Harbour
One of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world: a Crusader castle, Phoenician temples, a Roman theatre and a pretty fishing harbour, all on a compact seafront site north of Beirut.
Baalbek Roman Temples
The largest and best preserved Roman temple complex in the Middle East, in the Bekaa Valley: six towering columns of Jupiter, the near-intact Temple of Bacchus and stones the size of buses.
Anjar Umayyad City
An early Islamic planned city of arcaded streets and elegant colonnades, set among orchards in the Bekaa. Lebanon's only major Umayyad site, with an Armenian town and trout restaurants next door.
Ksara and Bekaa Valley Wine Tasting
Lebanon has made wine for thousands of years. Taste reds, whites and arak at Ksara's Roman-era caves and other Bekaa Valley estates on a half-day or full-day tour from Beirut.
Harissa and Our Lady of Lebanon
A white statue of the Virgin Mary with open arms, high above Jounieh Bay. Ride the cable car up from the coast for sweeping views, a spiral ramp to the statue and Lebanon's best known pilgrimage site.
Pigeon Rocks Boat Ride at Raouche
Beirut's natural symbol: two giant sea stacks off the Raouche cliffs. Take a short boat ride around and through the arches, then walk the Corniche promenade at sunset.
National Museum of Beirut
Lebanon's finest archaeological collection: Phoenician sarcophagi, Roman mosaics and statues, and an underground vault of burial artefacts, in a landmark building that survived the civil war.
Sursock Museum
Beirut's modern and contemporary art museum in a graceful early twentieth-century villa in Achrafieh. Rotating exhibitions, a quiet garden and one of the best cultural stops in the city.
Beirut Walking Tour: Downtown, Souks and Old Quarters
A guided walk through the heart of Beirut: Martyrs Square, Roman remains, grand mosques and churches, the souks and the stairs of Gemmayzeh, with the city's layered story told by a local.
Beirut Street Food Tour
Taste your way through Beirut's bakeries and snack counters: manoushe hot from the oven, falafel, shawarma, hummus and sweet knefeh, with a local guide who knows every corner.
Beirut Civil War History Tour
A guided look at the conflict that shaped modern Lebanon, walking the former front line, ruined buildings and memorials, with context on the people, politics and recovery. Thoughtful and sobering.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
Beirut Central District / Minet El Hosn
A waterfront luxury tower beside the Corniche and the marina, with 230 balconied rooms, a Mediterranean grill, a spa and a rooftop pool terrace. The top-end choice for sea views and service.
Check rates →Le Gray
Martyrs Square / Downtown
A 103-room boutique luxury hotel on Martyrs Square, with a rooftop terrace, seasonal pool, spa and the souks, Nejmeh Square and port all within a few minutes on foot.
Check rates →Movenpick Hotel Beirut
Raouche / Pigeon Rocks
A sea-facing resort-style hotel near the Pigeon Rocks, with 297 rooms, three outdoor pools, a private beach peninsula with marina, tennis courts and a spa. The best choice for families and beach lovers.
Check rates →Crowne Plaza Hotel Beirut
Hamra
An Art Deco-styled five-star on Hamra Street, with about 190 rooms, four restaurants, an indoor pool, a gym and even a bowling alley. Good value for a central, lively base.
Check rates →Arthaus Beirut
Gemmayzeh
An art-filled luxury hotel in Gemmayzeh with a gallery, designer stores, garden terrace and seasonal pool, a short walk from Saifi Village and the city's best bars and restaurants.
Check rates →The GEM Boutique Hotel
Gemmayzeh
A small boutique hotel in Gemmayzeh with a spa, city-view rooms and a location two minutes from the Stairs of Saint Nicholas and the port. Charming and good value.
Check rates →Caramel Boutique Hotel
Hamra
A friendly mid-range boutique hotel one minute from Hamra Street, with an on-site gin bar, spa services, an elevator and an easy walk to the Corniche. Good value in a lively district.
Check rates →35 Rooms
Hamra
An upscale aparthotel in Hamra with 35 rooms and kitchen facilities, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour desk. Ideal for longer stays, families and self-catering travellers.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Jeita GrottoStay
Four Seasons Hotel BeirutBeirut Central District / Minet El Hosn
Do
Byblos (Jbeil) Ancient City and HarbourStay
Le GrayMartyrs Square / Downtown
Do
Baalbek Roman TemplesStay
Movenpick Hotel BeirutRaouche / Pigeon Rocks
Beirut guides
Beirut in Three Days: Souks, Museums, Seafront and a Day by the Coast
A three-day plan that balances the city's museums and old quarters with a classic coastal day trip, with tips on sequencing, timing and where to eat.
Where to Stay in Beirut: Downtown, Gemmayzeh, Hamra or the Seafront
How to choose a Beirut base: the walkable downtown, characterful Gemmayzeh, lively Hamra and the beach resort strip, with matching hotels for each.
Eating and Drinking in Beirut: Mezze, Manoushe and Lebanese Wine
A guide to Lebanese food in Beirut: breakfast, street snacks, mezze feasts, sweets, wine and arak, with how to find the best of it.
Day Trips from Beirut: Caves, Ruins, Mountains and Coast
The best day trips from Beirut, from Jeita and Byblos to Baalbek, Beiteddine, the Cedars and Sidon and Tyre, with timing, distances and how to combine them.
Best Time to Visit Beirut: Seasons, Weather and What to Do
When to go to Beirut and Lebanon: what each season offers, from spring waterfalls and autumn wine harvests to summer beaches and winter skiing.
Planning a Trip to Beirut: Money, Etiquette, Getting Around and Safety Basics
Practical advice for visiting Beirut and Lebanon: currency, transport, dress, etiquette, tours and how to stay informed before and during your trip.
