Beirut Itinerary: Exploring the Best of the City in 7 Days

  • Day 1: National Museum of Beirut
    15 minutes (5.5 km) from Rafic Hariri International Airport

    Start your trip by exploring the rich history and culture of Lebanon at the National Museum of Beirut. The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts and exhibits that showcase the civilizations that have inhabited Lebanon for thousands of years.

  • Day 2: Pigeon Rocks
    10 minutes (5.5 km) from National Museum of Beirut

    Take a relaxing morning walk along the beautiful corniche towards the Pigeon Rocks, two massive rock formations that rise out of the Mediterranean sea, and enjoy the magnificent views of these natural wonders. You could take a boat ride to go closer to the rocks and enjoy the sea breeze.

  • Day 3: Jeita Grotto
    30 minutes (18 km) from Pigeon Rocks

    Visit the Jeita Grotto, a breathtaking natural wonder, consisting of two caves that are filled with stunning limestone formations and an underground river. You can take a tour of the caves via a small train and cable car ride.

  • Day 4: Downtown Beirut
    20 minutes (16 km) from Jeita Grotto

    Take a stroll around Downtown Beirut, known for its luxurious shopping centers, chic boutiques, and high-end restaurants that surround the famous Martyrs' Square. You could find some of the famous landmarks and monuments around and visit some of Beirut's fine museums.

  • Day 5: Byblos Citadel
    40 minutes (37 km) from Downtown Beirut

    Step back in time and explore the fascinating archaeological ruins of Byblos Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the Bronze Age. Get lost in the alleys of the old town and have lunch in one of the best traditional Lebanese restaurants in the country.

  • Day 6: Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
    15 minutes (4 km) from Byblos Citadel

    Marvel at the stunning Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, one of Beirut's most iconic landmarks that combines Ottoman and Arab architecture. The mosque houses an extensive library of Islamic books and manuscripts that will fascinate the bookworms among the travelers.

  • Day 7: Beirut Souks
    10 minutes (3 km) from Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

    Spend your last day shopping and souvenir hunting at the Beirut Souks, the vibrant shopping district in Beirut that has something for every traveler. From luxury brands to local shops, you'll find it all here. Before leaving Beirut, don't forget to taste some of traditional Lebanese sweets in local bakeries!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • National Museum of Beirut (2-3 hours, $10)
  • Pigeon Rocks (1-2 hours, free)
  • Jeita Grotto (2-3 hours, $18)
  • Downtown Beirut (3-4 hours, free)
  • Byblos Citadel (2-3 hours, $8)
  • Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (1-2 hours, free)
  • Beirut Souks (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($36)

Transportation

Getting around Beirut can be quite challenging, so it's best to take a taxi or a private car service to get around the city. Taxis are generally affordable but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. It's also a good idea to download a map app on your phone to help navigate the city's labyrinthine streets.

Estimated Travel Costs: Taxi (average) $10/day, Private Car Service (average) $30-40/day

Useful Tips

To make the most of your visit to Beirut, consider extending your trip by a few days to explore more of Lebanon's diverse regions. Visit the lush green trees in the Chouf Mountains, taste the world-famous wines of the Bekaa Valley, or bask in the Mediterranean sun on one of the country's stunning beaches.

For shorter trips, prioritize visiting popular sites during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and optimize your itinerary.

Airports

Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is Beirut's main airport that welcomes flights from most of the world’s major cities. It's located approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from the city center. Visitors can take a taxi or private car service from the airport to their hotels or other destinations around Beirut.

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