Capital · Lebanon
Beirutبيروت
Check your own government's travel advisory before booking Beirut, and re-check it within days of departure: conditions here change fast, and this page cannot substitute for that check.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov (mild, before or after peak summer heat)
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid, highest prices)
- Airport
- BEY
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 5Security advice in this region can change within a dayCheck your own government travel advice for Lebanon befor…
- Middle East ↗Security advice in this region can change within a day; re-read your government's page before departure and again before any border or regional flight.
- Middle East ↗Public drunkenness, public displays of affection and offensive gestures or online posts can lead to arrest in the Gulf states and Iran; dress modestly outside beaches and hotels.
- Lebanon ↗Check your own government travel advice for Lebanon before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Lebanon ↗Entry rules depend on your passport; check General Security and your own government's advice before booking.
- Lebanon ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to Lebanon before you rely on it.
Beirut is Lebanon's capital, largest city and main port, on the Mediterranean coast. It has a national museum, a seafront corniche and a mix of Ottoman, French Mandate and rebuilt post-war architecture. The 2020 port explosion, a multi-year economic collapse and periodic regional conflict have strained banking, power and other services.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Beirut, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?US dollar cash is the backbone of payments: see Insurance & payments above.Lebanon-wide
- SafetyFollow your government's advisory closely: day-to-day street crime is not the main risk here, political and security instability is.
- Emergency numbers112 police (isf) · 140 ambulance (lebanese red cross) · 125 Civil Defense (Fire) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBEY Beirut–Rafic Hariri International (About 9 km south of the centre; taxi 20–30 min depending on traffic).BEY Beirut–Rafic Hariri International (About 5.6 mi south of the centre; taxi 20–30 min depending on traffic).
- Getting aroundThere is no metro and no reliable public bus network.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealMezze dinner for twoconfirm locally — prices move fast with inflation and the exchange rate
- Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 miShared service taxi ride$1–2 (confirm locally)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget $25–40 · Mid $50–90
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BEY Beirut–Rafic Hariri International (About 9 km south of the centre; taxi 20–30 min depending on traffic)BEY Beirut–Rafic Hariri International (About 5.6 mi south of the centre; taxi 20–30 min depending on traffic)
Weather and climate
Beirut: next 7 days
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Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
There is no metro and no reliable public bus network. Taxis and shared 'service' taxis (fixed routes, shared with other passengers) are the main way to move around; confirm the fare before getting in, since meters are rarely used.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Byblos (Jbeil)
cautionDoor to door: Half day
Shared taxi or car, about 40 km / 45 minShared taxi or car, about 25 mi / 45 min
Confirm the current advisory status before going.
Jeita Grotto
cautionDoor to door: Half day
Car, about 20 kmCar, about 12 mi
Confirm it is open and accessible before setting out.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hamra
Central, walkable, cafes, banks and Beirut's main pedestrian shopping street.
Achrafieh
Quieter, residential, restaurants; hillier streets, a short taxi from the centre.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $25–40 excl. bed
- Mid
- $50–90 excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Mezze dinner for two | confirm locally — prices move fast with inflation and the exchange rate |
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Shared service taxi ride | $1–2 (confirm locally) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Check your own government's travel advisory before you go, and again close to departure: the security situation can change within days.
- Cash-based economy under strain: banks restrict withdrawals and cards are unreliable, so carry US dollars in small bills.
- Power cuts are routine; hotels and restaurants run on generators, so confirm your accommodation has 24-hour power before booking.
- Some southern suburbs and border areas are advised against or restricted: stay in central and northern neighbourhoods unless locally guided.
Emergency numbers
- Police (ISF)
- 112
- Ambulance (Lebanese Red Cross)
- 140
- Civil Defense (Fire)
- 125
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Beirut. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov (mild, before or after peak summer heat) · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid, highest prices)
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- National Museum guided tour
- Mar Mikhael food crawl
- Corniche walk at sunset
Meanwhile
Sources
- officialLebanon Ministry of Tourism
- secondaryWikivoyage — Beirut