Set off for fun and enjoy the breeze of Beirut. Yes, set off, because one of the best things about Lebanon is that you can visit almost any area as a day trip to Beirut. You can also choose to explore these places as a series of day trips or stay overnight in different cities during your travels. In this article, discover Beirut, its top tourist attractions, and the best activities and landmarks you can visit.
In my opinion, the must-see place in Beirut is Raouche Rocks. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. If you are feeling adventurous, take the path down the cliff from the viewing point next to Bay Rock Café (opposite Starbucks) and sit on the rocks facing Raouche. From there, you will not only get a stunning view of the rocks but also witness the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. It is truly a wonderful place to relax and enjoy.
If you are looking for the best tourist attractions in Beirut, you can start by visiting:
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The National Museum of Beirut
One of the delights of Beirut is simply strolling through its vibrant neighborhoods. I particularly recommend visiting this fascinating blend of old and new, with boutique shops and restaurants. It is also an opportunity to see the more luxurious side of Beirut, especially at the famous National Museum.
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Jeita Grotto and Byblos
Jeita Grotto is located just north of Beirut, conveniently near the coastal highway leading to Byblos, making it easy to visit both places on a day trip. You can also choose to stay overnight in Byblos before heading further north.
At Jeita Grotto, you must leave your phone in a small locker near the entrance, as photography is not allowed. Although this might seem concerning, there have been no reports of theft—just follow the rules.
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Batroun
Batroun is a beautiful coastal town in northern Lebanon. It is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring its old town, which is similar to Byblos but less touristy.
There are also several off-the-beaten-path spots worth visiting in Batroun, if you have time.
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Mseilha Fort
Located along the main highway, it is small but impressive, standing alone on a massive rock. The best part? Entry is free.
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Sidon and Mleeta
In Sidon, you will find the most beautiful market (souq) in all of Lebanon, filled with ancient stone arches and locals selling traditional goods (as well as delicious Arabic sweets).
There is also the small but worthwhile Debbane Palace Museum, along with the Soap Museum and the traditional Sheikh Hammam (public bathhouse).
The Sea Castle on the waterfront is also worth a visit—though it is more impressive from the outside than the inside. Its garden area is a great spot to take pictures of the harbor.
Meanwhile, Mleeta is a small mountain village and is home to one of the most well-maintained museums in Lebanon. The museum is very well organized and worth visiting. It is located about 40 minutes by car in the mountains above Sidon.
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Tyre
Tyre is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to an ancient Roman hippodrome. Though the site is somewhat dilapidated, the ruins remain impressive.
The city also has a small old town that attracts fewer tourists compared to other Lebanese cities. It features a colorful harbor filled with fishing boats, and nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood.
To the south of Tyre, you will find Lebanon’s longest sandy beach.
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Chouf Region
The Chouf region is home to the majority of Lebanon’s Druze population. It also contains the largest remaining cedar forests in the country, within the Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
This is an excellent place for hiking, offering trails ranging from five-minute walks to full-day treks.
The region is also home to Beiteddine Palace, built by the Ottomans, and Moussa Castle, which was constructed over several decades by a Lebanese man with a dream of owning his own castle.
The latter features an extensive collection of antique weapons and intriguing displays of Lebanese traditional life, with animated models depicting various scenes.
I love the fact that this man suddenly decided to build a castle for himself!
How to Get to and from Beirut Airport
Uber is a cheap and convenient way to get to and from Beirut airport. The fare costs between 80,000 and 120,000 Lebanese lira (approximately $4-6 at the current black market exchange rate).
However, this can be challenging upon arrival, as you may need Lebanese lira to pay the driver. If the airport currency exchange office is closed or offering a poor rate, you can try negotiating with the Uber driver to pay in US dollars at the black market rate.
There are always many local taxis waiting at the airport to take passengers to downtown Beirut. These drivers often try to overcharge foreign visitors, asking for up to $50 for a 10-15 minute ride.
With some negotiation, you should be able to agree on a fare of around 200,000 Lebanese lira, but negotiated prices tend to fluctuate.
Top Restaurants in Beirut
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Lebanon is the food! This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some of my favorite restaurants.
Since I love coffee, I’ve also included a few café recommendations.
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Resto Ghazar
- My favorite Lebanese-Armenian restaurant. Try the cheese-filled pastries, muhammara (pomegranate with nuts), and manti (Armenian dumplings).
- Although it is not an Armenian dish, the spicy potatoes (batata harra) with coriander are also incredible.
- The prices are very reasonable.
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Ohannes Restaurant
- Another great Armenian restaurant, featuring beautiful tiled decor and amazing food.
- The Ohannes salad and fried liver are especially good.
- This place has a slightly more upscale vibe, with a variety of Lebanese cuisine, located in the heart of Hamra with a nice outdoor seating area.