The Pigeon Rocks is one of Beirut's most iconic natural landmarks. These two giant rock formations rise up from the Mediterranean sea near the coast of Raouche District. The rock formations stand tall as one of Beirut's most famous tourist attractions and a venue for romantic outings, offering magnificent sunset views and a serene atmosphere.
The Jeita Grotto is a system of two separate but interconnected limestone caves and boasts a unique ecosystem with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the caves from the comfort of an electric boat, making it a very serene and relaxing cruise. Tourists should be mindful that photography is prohibited inside the caves.
The Beirut National Museum is located at the heart of the Lebanese capital in a lush public garden that also contains the Hippodrome, the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, and the neighboring Horsh Beirut. The museum collection contains over 100,000 pieces, spanning prehistoric times to the Mamluk period, alongside halls dedicated to the history of Phoenician civilization.
The Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum is an art museum located in the historic center of Beirut. The museum's permanent collection includes over 800 works of art by Lebanese and international artists, alongside a growing collection of contemporary art. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in exhibitions ranging from contemporary installations to long-held art collections of prestigious visionaries.
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is the largest mosque in Beirut and an iconic landmark located in Martyrs' Square. Visitors can roam within its vast structure as the interior contains intricate marble finishes, stunning chandeliers, and an expansive main prayer hall. It is a breathtaking visual representation of Islamic architecture, with views of the surrounding city that are equally as impressive.
The Downtown Beirut district is the hub of the city's business, culinary, cultural, and entertainment scenes. Visitors are invited to explore the beauty of the area through the district's ancient churches, mosques, and other age-old relics. With an ambiance well-balanced between creativity, modernity, and history, it is conducive to strolls, shopping, and immersive experiences.
Beirut's transportation options include taxis, buses, and rental cars, and the city is easily walkable. Taxis and buses are the most affordable options, and renting a car offers the most freedom to explore the many attractions in and around Beirut. With an efficient public transportation system, getting around the city is comfortable and convenient. Estimated travel costs including taxis, and buses typically cost between $2-5, while rental cars can range anywhere from $20-50 per day, depending on the type of car.
If you have more days to spare, you may want to explore the city's other popular destinations like the Gemmayze neighborhood, the Mar Mikhail district, or the Beirut Souks. Alternatively, those with less time may opt to remove one of the destinations mentioned or shorten their stay at each site. Beirut's coastal neighboring towns like Jounieh, Byblos, and Batroun make for excellent day trips as well.
The main airport in Beirut is Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), located approximately 9 km from the city center. It is well-connected to the city by taxi and bus services. Airport lounges are also available for travelers seeking some relaxation before departing.