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Sightseeing in Beirut

The city centre: The heart of Beirut, which was destroyed during the civil war and was afterwards completely rebuilt beats in the Place d’ Etoile, around the perimeter of which you can see some of the most important sights in the city. The Cathedral of St George, Al Omari Mosque and the splendid Grand Serail are just some of these. You can admire the excellently renovated Roman baths and the fantastic ruins of an ancient Roman Forum (cardo maximus), which was discovered in 1968. In the city centre you will also see the boutiques of large fashion houses and beautiful cafes with tables on the pedestrian streets. The centre is not known for its nightlife.

The Coastal Promenade: Beirut is built on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, opposite Cyprus. One of the most famous images of the city is of its famous coastal promenade (Corniche), with a length of 4.8 km. Here, and especially at weekends, the colourful and diverse population of the city pours out. A favourite natural attraction of locals and visitors alike are the Pigeon Rocks situated just in the sea. The seafront is pedestrianised, with palm trees, cafes and restaurants overlooking the coastline. It is perfect for an afternoon stroll, amongst the cyclists, joggers, families, young men on rollerblades, street vendors and fishermen.
Address: Hamra district.

On Serail Hill there are three Ottoman buildings that are the seat of the Lebanese Government, the most important being the magnificent Grand Serail. This is a renovated Ottoman-era building that today houses the government buildings and the prime minister’s residence.

The Rene Moawad Garden, or Sanayeh Gardens according to the locals, is the oldest public park in Beirut, which since its opening in 1907 has been one of the most popular points in the city. Use its specially adapted paths to go for a bicycle ride, skating or simply a relaxing stroll that will end in a picnic.
Address: Rue Spears, Sanayeh.

Museums, monuments and archaeological sites of Beirut

The National Museum of Beirut is housed in a splendid 1930s building and has massive lotus-shaped columns on its facades, a replica of the Luxor temples in Egypt. The museum contains an important collection of artefacts, figurines, sarcophagi and coins, from the prehistoric period and ancient Phoenicia, up to the 19th century. Through these finds, the visitor will get an overview of the 5000-year history and myriad civilizations that passed through Lebanon.
Address: Corner Rue de Damas & Avenue Abdallah Yafi |Tues-Sun 9.00-17.00 www.beirutnationalmuseum.com

Visit the Roman Baths of Beirut, which were discovered in 1968. This is an impressive complex that, with the completion of the excavations in 1997, revealed the great Roman heritage of Beirut. One of the most important features of the Roman baths, is the intact underground hypocaust heating system with its myriad of brick domes, an example of the excellent Roman engineering skills of the era.
Address: Rue Riad El Solh.

The Al-Omari Grand Mosque, with its amber glow at dusk, was initially built in the 12th century as the Byzantine church of St John the Baptist and Protector of the Crusaders and was converted into a mosque in 1291 by the Mameluke invaders. During the civil war it suffered significant damage but was restored in 2004. Highlights are the ornate inscriptions on the walls and the golden cage that surrounds the altar dedicated to St John.
Address: Rue Waygand.

The Cicilia Museum is dedicated to the Armenians and houses Armenian relics of inestimable value. The largest part of this collection is comprised of works that were brought into Lebanon by Armenian monks who were escaping the Genocide of 1915.
Address: between Rue Sawma Jaber & Rue Akhawain Rahbani.

If you want to get a taste of the contemporary art produced by Lebanon's emerging artists, visit the Beirut Art Centre (BAC), which opened in 2009 and in which works of modern painting, sculpture and photography are exhibited. The Centre also has a cafe and bookshop.
Address: Jisr El Wati - Off Corniche an Nahr. Building 13.

The AUB Archaeological Museum of the American University in Beirut was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest archaeological and history museums in the Middle East. Its collections include works of art from Lebanon and the Middle East dating to the Neolithic period, Phoenician glasswork and Arabic coins from the 5th century BC, terracotta figurines and a large collection of pottery from 3000 BC.
Address: Rue Bliss 33, Hamra.

Excursions near Beirut

Baalbek, the Roman Heliopolis, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Middle East. Located northeast of Beirut, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find one of the largest complexes of Roman cult temples ever built, with the colossal temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus. The ruins of the Grand Court of Trajan are also located in Baalbek. If you are here in August, don't miss the Baalbek International Festival of the arts which is held in the city.

The Kadisha Valley, the name of which means “holy”, is one of the most idyllic landscapes that you will find in Lebanon and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the most important Early Christian communities in the world are found here, along with the valuable cedar tree forests of Lebanon.

Shopping in Beirut

The heart of fashion in the Arab world beats in Beirut, where internationally renowned Lebanese designers and the most expensive local designer boutiques along with those of the big international houses are all found together.

The main shopping streets in Beirut are Hamra Street, Mar Elias Street and Rue Verdun.

For the creations of local designers and craftsmen, visit the shops in Saifi Village, near the Place des Martyrs.

For local traditional handicrafts and souvenirs (from traditional silver jewellery and handmade robes, to embroideries, toys and colourful handbags), visit the Artisans du Liban et d' Orient in the district of Ain EL Mreisseh. If you are a fan of antiques and vintage items, then head to the Gemayzeh district.

Food and nightlife Beirut

In every restaurant, you will be served Lebanese mezze, a large selection of hot and cold starters, from which you must try the tabboule, fattouch, hummus, falafel, batata bi-Kizbara, fuul, waraq’ inab, sambousseks, baba ghanouj, makdous, swawarma, shish taouk and muttabal, which are always served with Lebanese flat bread.

For dessert, try ma'amoul. A popular breakfast snack is Manqoushe, a Lebanese pizza with cheese and thyme in its most basic version, which you will find in every bakery and especially in Forn Manqoushe.

Beirut has many options for international cuisine, such as the Japanese sushi bars in the district of Ashrafieh and the Italian bistrot in Gemmayze.

Beirut is famous for its vibrant nightlife, which lasts until the early hours. If you are in the mood for crazy clubbing, go to Rue Monot and Gemmayze near the district of Ashrafieh, Uruguay Street in the centre and to Mar Mekhael.

Getting from Beirut Airport to the city centre

The only international airport in Lebanon, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is located just 9 km south of Beirut. As there is no public transport connection between the city and the airport, you will need to take a taxi from the airport, after first having agreed on the fare. Journey time is around 15-20 minutes. Some hotels also offer to take you to and from the airport. The airport’s official site is https://www.beirutairport.gov.lb/