Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. As of 2014, Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, just under half of Lebanon's population, which makes it the fourth-largest city in the Levant region and the sixteenth-largest in the Arab world. Wikipedia
Known for: Historic ruins, Mediterranean coastline, food scene, nightlife, and resilience through history
Location: Western Lebanon, on the Mediterranean Sea
Spring (March–May): 🌼
✅ Pleasant weather (18–25°C), blooming trees, and fewer tourists
✅ Best for sightseeing and walking
Fall (September–November): 🍂
✅ Mild and sunny with fewer crowds
✅ Ideal for beach trips and exploring mountains nearby
Summer (June–August): ☀️
🔥 Hot and lively — great for nightlife and beach clubs
🌊 Crowded along the coast
Winter (December–February): ❄️
☁️ Mild but rainy in Beirut (10–15°C)
❄️ Snow in nearby mountains — ski trips to places like Faraya are popular
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the main gateway
~15-minute drive from city center
Taxis or rideshare apps (like Bolt or Uber) are available
No public transit from airport — hotel transfers are best
Lebanon’s top archaeological museum
Rich collection from Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras
Iconic sea stacks off the city’s west coast
Best viewed at sunset from the Corniche promenade
Modern and historic fusion
Roman baths, mosques, cathedrals, and chic cafés
Visit Martyrs’ Square, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and Saint George Cathedral
Lively street with bookshops, pubs, and coffee houses
Hub for students and artists
Contemporary art museum in a beautiful 19th-century mansion
Located in the Ashrafieh district
Private clubs like Sporting Club, La Plage, or Iris Beach
Public beaches are limited and often not well maintained
🚶 Walk the Corniche – seaside promenade from Ain El Mraiseh to Raouché
📸 Explore Beirut Souks, Roman ruins, and Ottoman architecture
🍸 Experience Beirut’s famous nightlife — bars in Mar Mikhael, Gemmayzeh, and Hamra
🛍️ Shop for Lebanese fashion and design in Saifi Village
🧑🎨 Visit local art galleries or catch a performance at the Al Madina Theatre
Four Seasons Hotel Beirut – luxury with sea views
Le Gray – stylish and central
Kempinski Summerland Hotel – beach resort within the city
O Monot Hotel – modern boutique hotel in Saifi
1866 Court & Suites – great for extended stays in Hamra
The Key ApartHotel – modern, family-friendly
The Grand Meshmosh Hotel – hostel and guesthouse near Gemmayzeh
Saifi Urban Gardens – creative, budget-friendly lodging with a café
Mezze (hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh, labneh, kibbeh)
Manakish (Lebanese flatbread with za’atar or cheese)
Shawarma and falafel
Kafta, grilled meats, and stuffed grape leaves
Knefeh (sweet cheese pastry) for breakfast
Tawlet – traditional Lebanese food by local women
Em Sherif – upscale, authentic dining experience
Liza Beirut – chic spot with creative takes on Lebanese cuisine
Barbar – open 24/7, famous for shawarma and falafel
Falamanki – nostalgic ambiance, hookah, and Lebanese comfort food
Beirutis are cosmopolitan, multilingual, and proud of their city
You’ll hear Arabic, French, and English spoken interchangeably
Despite hardships, the city thrives on creativity, resilience, and community
Religion and politics are complex but locals are welcoming and open-minded
Tipping: 10%–15% is standard in restaurants
💵 Lebanon uses Lebanese Pound (LBP), but U.S. Dollars are widely accepted
🛜 Internet and SIM cards are easy to get; Touch and Alfa are main providers
🚖 Use ride apps or hotel-arranged taxis — avoid hailing random cabs
📱 Download Moovit for bus navigation (if you're adventurous)
🛑 Political protests are rare but avoid large crowds if they occur
💧 Drink bottled water only
🧥 Dress varies by district — casual in Hamra, trendy in Mar Mikhael, modest near mosques