Why Beirut is the Most Underrated Destination Right Now

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Visiting Beirut offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, and lively nightlife, making it an ideal destination for travelers, with the best time to visit from March to May or September to November.

Why Visit Beirut?

Beirut is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit Beirut:

• Rich history and architecture: Beirut is home to a stunning array of ancient buildings, including the National Museum of Beirut and the Roman ruins of Baalbek.
• Diverse culture: Beirut is a melting pot of different cultures, with a vibrant arts scene, bustling markets, and a delicious selection of Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Stunning natural beauty: Beirut is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the mountains of Lebanon to the east.
• World-class nightlife: Beirut is known for its lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and lounges to suit all tastes.

Quick Facts

Country	Currency	Language	Population	Timezone	Best Months	Daily Budget	Visa
Lebanon	Lebanese Pounds	Arabic, French, English	2 million	UTC+2	March-May, Sept-Nov	$50-100	No visa required for EU/US citizens

Best Time to Visit

Beirut is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May or September to November. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during each month:

March-May:

These months offer mild weather, with average highs of 22-25°C (72-77°F). It's an ideal time to visit the city's ancient ruins, take a boat tour of the Mediterranean, or explore the nearby mountains.

June-August:

Summer is hot and humid in Beirut, with average highs of 30-35°C (86-95°F). It's a great time to visit the city's beaches, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or enjoy the lively nightlife.

September-November:

Autumn is a lovely time to visit Beirut, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Average highs are 22-25°C (72-77°F), making it an ideal time to explore the city's ancient ruins, take a boat tour, or hike in the nearby mountains.

Top 10 Things to Do

1. Visit the National Museum of Beirut: A must-visit attraction that showcases the city's rich history and culture. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $5. Insider tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds.

2. Explore the Roman ruins of Baalbek: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that's a must-visit for history buffs. Time: 4 hours. Cost: $10. Insider tip: Take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

3. Take a boat tour of the Mediterranean: A great way to see the city from a different perspective. Time: 3 hours. Cost: $20. Insider tip: Book a sunset tour for breathtaking views.

4. Visit the Beirut Souks: A bustling marketplace that's a great place to try local food, buy souvenirs, and soak up the atmosphere. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $10. Insider tip: Haggle politely to get the best prices.

5. Go hiking in the nearby mountains: A great way to experience the natural beauty of Lebanon. Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: $20. Insider tip: Book a guided tour to ensure your safety.

6. Visit the Sursock Museum: A beautiful art museum that's a must-visit for art lovers. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $5. Insider tip: Check out the stunning architecture and gardens.

7. Take a cooking class: A great way to learn about Lebanese cuisine and try your hand at cooking local dishes. Time: 3 hours. Cost: $30. Insider tip: Book a class with a local chef for a more authentic experience.

8. Visit the Corniche: A scenic waterfront promenade that's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $0. Insider tip: Visit at sunset for stunning views.

9. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael: A great place to experience the city's vibrant nightlife and arts scene. Time: 4 hours. Cost: $20. Insider tip: Visit on a weekend for a more lively atmosphere.

10. Take a day trip to Byblos: A historic town that's a must-visit for history buffs. Time: 6 hours. Cost: $30. Insider tip: Book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

Hidden Gems

Beirut has plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Here are a few of our favorites:

• The American University of Beirut's Museum: A beautiful museum that's home to a stunning collection of art and artifacts. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $5. Insider tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds.
• The Beirut Art Center: A contemporary art museum that's a must-visit for art lovers. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $5. Insider tip: Check out the stunning architecture and gardens.
• The historic neighborhood of Ashrafieh: A charming area that's home to a stunning array of historic buildings and quaint cafes. Time: 2 hours. Cost: $0. Insider tip: Visit on a weekend for a more lively atmosphere.
• The trendy neighborhood of Achrafieh's Rue Gouraud: A great place to experience the city's vibrant nightlife and arts scene. Time: 4 hours. Cost: $20. Insider tip: Visit on a weekend for a more lively atmosphere.

Local Food and Drink

Beirut is a food lover's paradise, with a delicious selection of Middle Eastern cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some must-try dishes and restaurants:

• Mujaddara: A traditional Lebanese dish made with rice, lentils, and onions. Must-try at: Abu Hassan ( Address: 4 Rue Hamra, Achrafieh)

Note: Prices may vary depending on the location and time of day.

Where To Stay

Beirut has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

Budget:

Hotel Al Bustan: A budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of the city. Rates start at $30 per night. Address: 12 Rue Hamra, Achrafieh

Mid-range:

Hotel Le Gray: A stylish hotel located in the trendy neighborhood of Mar Mikhael. Rates start at $80 per night. Address: 13 Rue Gouraud, Mar Mikhael

Luxury:

The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut: A 5-star hotel located on the waterfront, offering stunning views and luxurious amenities. Rates start at $200 per night. Address: 1415 Riad El Solh, Beirut

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

Getting Around

Beirut is a compact city that's easy to get around on foot or by public transportation. Here are some tips:

1. Use taxis or ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available and affordable. Cost: $5-10 per ride.
2. Take the metro: Beirut has a modern metro system that's easy to use and affordable. Cost: $0.50 per ride.
3. Walk or bike: Beirut is a walkable city, and cycling is a great way to get around. Cost: $0.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Here's a sample 3-day itinerary for Beirut:

Day 1:

9:00 am: Visit the National Museum of Beirut (2 hours, $5)

11:00 am: Explore the Roman ruins of Baalbek (4 hours, $10)

3:00 pm: Take a boat tour of the Mediterranean (3 hours, $20)

6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant ( prices vary)

Day 2:

9:00 am: Visit the Beirut Souks (2 hours, $10)

11:00 am: Take a cooking class (3 hours, $30)

2:00 pm: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael (4 hours, $20)

6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (prices vary)

Day 3:

9:00 am: Visit the Sursock Museum (2 hours, $5)

11:00 am: Explore the historic neighborhood of Ashrafieh (2 hours, $0)

1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (prices vary)

3:00 pm: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Achrafieh's Rue Gouraud (4 hours, $20)

6:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant (prices vary)

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation	Food	Transport	Activities	Total
$100	$150	$20	$100	$370

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

Safety Tips

Beirut is generally a safe city, but it's always a good idea to take some precautions:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
2. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use credit cards or traveler's checks instead.
3. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy markets or tourist areas.
4. Avoid traveling alone at night and use reputable taxi services.

Packing List

Here's a suggested packing list for Beirut:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight clothing
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Insect repellent
• Power adapter for charging electronic devices
• Camera and charger
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Beach towel
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Travel documents and insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Beirut?

A: The best time to visit Beirut is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Q: What is the cost of accommodation in Beirut?

A: The cost of accommodation in Beirut varies depending on the season and availability, but budget-friendly options start at $30 per night.

Q: What is the cost of food in Beirut?

A: The cost of food in Beirut varies depending on the location and type of restaurant, but a meal at a local restaurant can cost between $10-20 per person.

Q: What is the best way to get around Beirut?

A: The best way to get around Beirut is by foot or by public transportation, including taxis and ride-sharing services.

Q: What are some popular things to do in Beirut?

A: Some popular things to do in Beirut include visiting the National Museum of Beirut, exploring the Roman ruins of Baalbek, taking a boat tour of the Mediterranean, and enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife.

Q: What is the best time to visit the National Museum of Beirut?

A: The best time to visit the National Museum of Beirut is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Q: Can I track flight prices for cheap flights to Beirut?

A: Yes, you can track flight prices for cheap flights to Beirut using websites such as getpricedropalerts.com.

Book your trip to Beirut today and experience the vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history of this incredible city. Use the link below to find the best deals on flights, accommodation, and activities. Book now!