Discover Beirut
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Beirut.
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Must-see attractions in Beirut
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 31 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Beirut has had a tumultuous past, but like the phoenix it keeps rising from the ashes. Forget about the bombings, riots, and violence – Beirut is an amazing city that pulsates with life. New construction, as well as restoration, abounds.
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Beirut
Halal restaurants in Beirut
Beirut’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 19 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
beirutCasino Mhanna
Casino Mhana is a two floor restaurant that serves incredibly delicious Lebanese meals. The raw meat dishes accompanied by arak, the traditional Lebanese liquor, are a specialty of this restaurant. The crowds on Sundays are a proof of its popularity and excellence. Cuisine: Lebanese Wadi Zahle, Autostrade Antelias, Beirut Tel: 00961 4 403 636
beirutAl Dente
Dining in luxurious surroundings is an experience in itself and if coupled with excellent food the entire experience becomes an unforgettable one. This high-end restaurant serves the best Italian food in the country and is the perfect place to go to for a special occasion. It is frequented by big businessmen and politicians. The risottos that melt in your mouth are Italian cuisine at its very best. The fresh pasta made on the premises is great on taste. Also try out the capellini with asparagus and white truffle oil. Cuisine: Italian 137, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Street, Achrafieh, Beirut Tel: 961 1 202440
beirutRestaurant Mounir
Set in enchanting natural surroundings amidst pine and oak trees, a private vineyard, gardens, and waterfalls, Restaurant Mounir will hold you spellbound. A wide variety of the finest Lebanese food is served here including a large assortment of fresh seafood. Make sure to take a table at the window so you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city of Beirut spread below. Cuisine: Lebanese Broummana Tel: 00961 4 873900
beirutLe Sushi Bar
Le Sushi bar is the place to go to for enticing dishes that will tickle your palate. In a new location with décor with understated elegance, the standard of excellence continues to draw diners who value quality and freshness. Try out their marinated salmon. Cuisine: Japanese Abdul Wahab El Englizi Street, Ashrafieh Tel: +961 1 338555, 337888
beirutBurj Al Hamam
The oriental setting with a warm ambience and a variety of delicious Lebanese fare coupled with impeccable service, make this restaurant a much sought after one in Beirut. The house specialty, “kibbe nayye” (raw meat with bughral) is not to be missed. The beef kebabs or chicken liver cooked with pomegranate molasses is a must have. The restaurant is surrounded by gardens with a special one for children to play in. The large terrace makes a very pleasant seating option in summers. The restaurant location on a mountain gives you fascinating views of the city below. A smaller branch of this restaurant is off the highway. Cuisine: Lebanese • Burj Al Hammam Bldg. Mar Chaia Exit, Broumana Tel: +961 4 960058 • Dbayeh Highway, Labibeh Abou Jawdeh Bldg. Antelias Tel: +961 4 405325
beirutCasablanca
Casablanca has a beautiful setting in one of the few intact Ottoman houses on the Corniche. It has a great view of the Mediterranean. The Sunday brunch served there is quite popular. A lot of organic food is used and the wide variety of cuisines served there will make you want to come back for more. Make sure you book a window table so that you can enjoy the view to the maximum. Rue Dar El Mreisseh, Ain El Mreisseh Tel: 009611369334.
Beirut masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Al Omari Mosque
The Omari Mosque is one of the oldest buildings in Beirut. The city’s original mosque was built on the site in the seventh century, after the Muslim conquest. Before that, archaeological evidence shows the presence of a Roman temple. In the twelfth century, it was converted into a church dedicated to John the Baptist by crusaders. After the Crusaders were finally expelled in 1291, the building was once again converted into a mosque by the Mamluks. Renovations have continued in the intervening years, but this is still pretty much the same mosque it was in the thirteenth century. It is named for the second caliph, Omar ibn al-Khattab.
Amir Assaf Mosque
Amir Assaf Mosque, also called Babe s-Saraya Mosque was built by Amir Assaf (1572-1580) on the site of the Byzantine Church of the Holy Savior. Downtown, Beirut
Al Omari Mosque
Al Omari Mosque was originally the Church of John the Baptist (1113-1150). It was transformed into city’s Grand Mosque by the Mamlukes in 1291. Weygand and Maarad Streets, Beirut City Center
Amir Munzir Mosque
Amir Munzir Mosque was built in 1620 on an earlier structure. It is also called Naoufara (Fountain) Mosque. It has 8 Roman columns in its courtyard. Downtown, Beirut
Where to stay in Beirut
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
beirutThe Crowne Plaza Beirut
The Crowne Plaza Beirut Located on one of Beirut’s busiest streets, Hotel Crowne Plaza is just a 10 min distance from the downtown city center and government area and ten kms from the airport. The hotel boasts 198 rooms and excellent business and leisure facilities, including a well-equipped gym and an indoor rooftop heated pool with a panoramic view. In addition, the hotel offers a wide range of dining experiences.
beirutThe Beirut Galleria (ex-Marriott) Hotel
The Beirut Galleria (ex-Marriott) Hotel is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. With easy access to the airport and city center, it is a popular hotel. The hotel offers 162 rooms and 12 suites spread over 11 floors. Lavish comfort and spaciousness are yours to enjoy along with stunning views of the sea or the city. The hotel has a number of restaurants including the Atrium Cafe, Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant which is an American-style sports bar, the Palms Brasserie which serves expensive French cuisine, and Waves Pool Bar & Grill, known for its weekend barbecues and buffets. Some other facilities offered are a fully equipped gym, outdoor pool and five conference rooms.
beirutMetropolitan Palace Hotel
The Metropolitan Palace Hotel located in Sin El Fil, Beirut’s business district, has 163 rooms, 11 executive suites, 5 diplomatic suites, a presidential suite, a royal suite, an imperial suite and a penthouse suite, all of which are spacious and comfortable and offer a range of modern conveniences.
beirutInterContinental Phoenicia Hotel
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut is situated along the famous boardwalk “Corniche” a few minutes from the city’s business and banking district, and the ever lively and entertaining city center. Beirut International Airport is only a few kilometers away. The hotel is almost equidistant from Beiteddine, Baalbeck and the Cedars of Lebanon. The InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut offers a diversity of services to meet the needs of the modern businessman as well as families seeking a time of leisure and relaxation. The hotel’s 496 rooms are spread over 33 floors. This stylish and classy hotel is often fully booked with tourists from neighboring Gulf States. Minet El Hosn Tel: (1) 369 100. Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental
beirutLe Royal Hotel, Beirut
Overlooking the Mediterranean in all its splendor, Le Royal Hotel is just 15 Km from Beirut International Airport and Beirut city center, 5 Km from famed Jeita Grotto tourist area and Kaslik- Jounieh commercial and night life districts, and 25 minutes drive from Faraya/Faqra skiing resorts. The hotel offers guests the ultimate in personal comfort and luxury in its 380 spacious guest rooms including 128 suites, all of which have private balconies and sensational, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Innovative business and leisure facilities are provided in an atmosphere of true luxury. From Italian, Mexican and seafood specialties at Le Jardin, to continental cuisine at the Titanic Piano Bar, there is a variety of flavors to tease the palate. Guests can experience legendary Lebanese cuisine at Diwan Shahrayar, the oriental restaurant, complete with oriental dance show. The Pearl Ballroom, divisible into soundproof sections, is the ideal place for meetings and conferences. Adjoining the hotel is Watergate, the aqua-adventure park, one of the most sophisticated in the Middle East, is where you can come and spend a day of thrilling fun with friends and family, or cool off with water games, while slides, wave pools and lazy rides ensure you get the most out of a day spent there. The park is open from 1st of June till 1st of October. Dbayeh, Leisure Hills Complex, Beirut Tel: 961-4-555-555 Fax: 961-4-555-100 www.lhw.com/royalbeirut
History and today in Beirut
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Annual Temperature:
a- January: Average Max- 17 ◦C Average Min- 11 ◦C b- February; Max-17◦C: Min-10◦C; c- March: Max-18◦C Min-12◦C d- April
City Information
Visa Information
Visa requirements for Lebanon
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Exchange Rates
The local currency is the Lebanese Pound, or as locally referred to, the “Lira”. The terms livre (French), pound (English), and lira (Arabic) are used interchangeably, and the currency’s abbreviation is LL (Livre Libanaise) or LBP (Lebanese Pound).
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Fast Facts
Location:: Middle East, south west part of Lebanon it is the capital and a port.; Dialing code: Country +961: : City 01 Emergency numbers:; • Ambulance: (01) 865 561: • Fire Department: 175 or (01) 310 105 • Tourist Police: 112/160 or (01) 350 901 • Civil Defense: 125 or (01) 425 244 • Red Cross: 140 or (01) 863 295 • Ministry of Tourism in Beirut: (01) 340940 /4 or 343 074 • Airport: (01) 628 000 • International Calls Operator: 100 • Telephone Directory Services: 120
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Public Holidays
• 1 January-New Year’s Day • 6 January—Christmas (Armenian Community) • 9 February--St. Maroun’s Day • Prophet’s Day-- Varies depending on the Muslim calendar • Easter (Western)--- Varies depending on the Gregorian and Western calendars • Easter (Eastern)-- Varies depending on the Gregorian and Western calendars • 1 May—Labor Day • 6 May—Martyr’s Day • 25 May—Liberation of South • August 15—Assumption of Mother Mary • Eid Al Fitr—Varies depending on the Muslim calendar • 1 November—All Saints Day • 22 November—Independence Day • Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)—Varies depending on the Muslim calendar • Islamic New Year-- Varies depending on the Muslim calendar • 25 December—Christmas • 27 December¬-Ashoora (1431Hijri)-- Varies depending on the Muslim calendar
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When to go
Beirut is good to visit any time of year, it really depends on your preferences. Winters are chilly (temperatures under 20C) and wet, but the mountains are snow covered and have the Middle East’s only outdoor skiing. Summers are hot and dry, but significantly cooler than the rest of the Middle East, thanks to the moderating influence of the Mediterranean. Average temperatures are around 30C, but regularly get into the mid-30s. The best weather is in April, May, October, and November when temperatures are comfortable and the weather is still dry and sunny.
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Residents
The residents of Beirut are educated, widely travelled and savvy. They are outward looking and ready to embrace new developments. With uncertain political conditions and the threat of war a constant factor, Beirutis it is said, party hard and live each day as if it may be their last. Their zest for living is reflected in their lifestyle, most prominent being their sense of dressing. Residents of Beirut are perhaps the most fashion conscious race in the world!
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Beirut Today
Beirut has had a tumultuous past, but like the phoenix it keeps rising from the ashes. Forget about the bombings, riots, and violence – Beirut is an amazing city that pulsates with life. New construction, as well as restoration, abounds.
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Shopping in Beirut
Explore 18 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
beirutABC Mall
The ABC Mall, the largest mall in Beirut, is a place where you can shop for almost anything. With a variety of stores, restaurants, cafes and movie theaters, this mall is quite popular. There is free parking at this mall too. Some of the shops are Vanilian (furniture and house supplies), Maria Pino (shoes), Aishti (branded sunglasses), Accessorize and the Apple Shop.
beirutRue Verdun
Verdun in West Beirut has expensive boutiques selling branded fashion. You can find top names like Zara, Armani, DKNY, etc. Trendy cafes add to the experience in the number one shopping neighborhood of Beirut.
beirutMar Elias Street
One of the most sought after shopping destinations of the capital, Mar Elias Street with its over 250 commercial establishments offers a wide variety of choices ranging from women’s clothes and fashionable shoes, kids wear to leather items, silver jewels and gifts.
beirutDowntown Beirut
High-end designer stuff from Lois Vuitton to Prada and everything in between is what you can find in this posh shopping district. The pedestrianised, cobbled streets are full of cafes awash with Gucci, Boss, Karen Millen, Versace, and the likes.
beirutCity Mall
City Mall is a popular shopping area due to the diverse range of products sold in the 100 stores located there, a Geant hypermarket, 9 movie theatres and 15 cafes and restaurants. The play area for kids is an added attraction. Dora Highway Roudabout Nahr el Mot, Greater Beirut Tel: 00961 1 905555
Signature sights in Beirut
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Beirut
Plan around 14 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
beirutMzaar Winter Festival
The Mzaar Winter Festival, an event that started just three years ago, sees hordes of ski fans gathered on the Refuge terrace of the InterContinental Mzaar to witness an authentic ski show. International and Lebanese skiers and snowboarders present impressive, competitive displays. Prizes are awarded for the Best Jump.
beirutThe Al Bustan International Festival of Music and the Arts
The Al Bustan Festival is an important cultural event with 30 performances spanning five weeks from Feb to March. This festival takes place primarily at the Emile Bustani Auditorium and also at the Crystal Garden glass conservatory at Al Bustan Hotel in the village of Beyt Meri in picturesque surroundings of pine trees and flowering gardens. The performances include opera-symphonic, choral and chamber music, dance, theatre, solo recitals, oriental music, Russian ballets and jazz.
beirutBeirut Fashion Week
Beirut Fashion Week is a week-long extravaganza of the latest in style in ready-to-wear collections for the fashion conscious. Latest trends in bridal gowns and footwear are also part of the collections that are showcased by designers of national and international repute. Fashion shows are held through the week. The Fashion Week provides a platform for trade professionals to network and grow in terms of creativity and business.
beirutBeirut International Tango Festival
The Beirut International Tango Festival showcases Argentine dance in its authentic form to the American University of Beirut. This festival gives an opportunity to take a dance class, catch a typical tango quartet concert and head to El Derwendi restaurant for the nightly milonga club nights and shows.
beirutThe Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music
The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music conducts concerts with a local flavor. Led by Lebanese Conservatory director Walid Gholmieh, they perform a season of concerts in the Pierre Y Aboukhater Amphitheatre at Saint Joseph University, Beirut.
Beirut tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
beirutWalkBeirut
This recently launched project is run by Lebanese students who know the city inside-out and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with tourists. Beirut’s diverse history is unfolded as you go on foot through the neighborhoods and absorb the essence of the city as you learn about its rich and often troubled past. The tour stops include Ras Beirut’s Hamra district, the preserved buildings of Clemanceau and Kantari neighborhoods, the Jewish Quarter Wadi Abu Jmeel, the Grand Serail, Martyr’s Square, the Samir Kassir garden, downtown’s old shopping street “Rue Foche”, St. George Hotel, Rafic Hariri’s memorial and Beirut’s seaside promenade.
beirutNakhal Tours
Minimum four tours per day, all of them with guaranteed departures and escorted by licensed and experienced tour guides who are fluent in English, French and Arabic. Meals are served in first class restaurants. Tours depart from the office building but tourists can avail of the pick-up and drop-off service that is provided to all hotels in Beirut. Tours are different for each day of the week. Some tours run daily:
beirutTania Tours
Tania Tours operates guided tours in Beirut and within Lebanon, the cost of which includes transportation, lunch, guide (French or English) and entrance fee. Packages can be customized according to the tourists’ needs and can be adjusted for shorter periods at lower costs.
beirutAdonis Travel and Tourism
Adonis Travel organizes visits to cultural and archaeological sites in Lebanon in half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours. In addition to the tours, they offer incentive programs and a 4x4 outdoor adventure tour. Tel: +961 9 949599
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Beirut travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
