Top reasons to visit Beirut
- Vibrant Culture: Experience Beirut's lively streets filled with historic architecture, bustling markets, and a rich tapestry of cultural sites.
- Beautiful Neighbourhoods: Explore charming areas like Verdun, showcasing the friendly spirit and local atmosphere of the Lebanese people.
- Diverse Activities: Enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and immersive cultural experiences suitable for families and business travellers alike.
- Delicious Cuisine: Savour authentic Lebanese dishes at local eateries and restaurants that highlight the region's culinary heritage.
- Varied Accommodation: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses, from luxury stays to family-friendly options, catering to all preferences.
Find great hotels in Beirut
Discover the vibrant accommodation options in Beirut, where a variety of hotels and guesthouses await to suit every traveller's needs. Whether you seek a luxurious getaway, a comfortable family stay, or a business-friendly environment, Beirut’s hotels offer a range of services and facilities to enhance your visit. From chic urban hotels to serene resorts, you’ll find the perfect base to explore this captivating city and its surroundings.
- Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut: Nestled along the stunning coastline of Beirut, the 5-star Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort offers a luxurious beachside retreat. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this resort is ideal for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, along with a range of amenities designed for children, including a playground and a supervised children's pool. The resort also features a variety of dining options and wellness facilities, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay for all ages.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun stands out with its elegant decor and family-friendly atmosphere, boasting a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This 5-star hotel is perfect for those seeking a spa-themed getaway. Guests can indulge in a full range of spa services, including deep tissue massages and couples treatments. The hotel also provides amenities for children, such as cribs and a children’s club, making it a suitable choice for families. Its central location ensures easy access to local attractions and dining venues.
- ParkTower Suites: Offering a blend of comfort and convenience, ParkTower Suites is a 4-star accommodation with a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10. This hotel caters to families, business travellers, and spa enthusiasts alike, featuring an on-site full-service spa and pool. Guests can unwind with various treatments, including massages and wellness therapies. The hotel’s family amenities, such as free cribs and breakfast options for children, make it a welcoming environment for all. Its strategic location in Beirut allows easy exploration of the city’s vibrant offerings.
Where to stay in Beirut
Beirut, a vibrant metropolis, offers an unforgettable travel experience with its captivating blend of culture and hospitality. Explore the bustling streets of downtown Beirut, where historic architecture meets modern life, or unwind in the scenic neighbourhoods that showcase the friendly spirit of Lebanese people. Discover the charm of central Beirut, where every corner reveals a new facet of this vibrant capital, making it an ideal destination for families and business travellers alike.
- Baabda: Nestled in the Beirut Governorate, Baabda is a vibrant city that offers a blend of urban and natural attractions. With visitor numbers peaking from July to September, this city is a popular choice for families, business travellers, and those seeking cultural experiences. Highlights include a bustling shopping centre, an arts centre, and a renowned historic university. The proximity to a picturesque nature reserve and a marina gives visitors ample opportunities to explore the outdoors, making Baabda a well-rounded destination for both leisure and education.
- Haret Sakher: Located in the vicinity of Beirut, Haret Sakher is a charming neighbourhood perfect for those who love beach life and cultural exploration. Like Baabda, it sees its highest influx of visitors during the summer months. The area is known for its outdoor activities and offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, including local education venues. Key attractions nearby include a scenic marina, a significant place of worship, and a notable monument that reflects the rich history and culture of the region, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and discovery.
- Adma wa Dafneh: Adma wa Dafneh, another city in the Beirut area, attracts visitors seeking an eco-friendly and outdoor experience. Peak travel times mirror those of its neighbours, with the summer months bringing families and nature enthusiasts alike. The city boasts a lively market and shopping area, complemented by educational venues. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions such as a marina and a nature reserve, as well as a historic university, all contributing to a rich tapestry of experiences that make Adma wa Dafneh a delightful addition to your itinerary.
Things to do in Beirut
Shopping
Beirut offers a vibrant shopping scene. Visit the ABC Mall for a mix of international brands and local boutiques. For a traditional experience, head to Souk El Tayeb, a bustling market showcasing artisanal goods and Lebanese delicacies, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
At the Le Royal Hotel, indulge in luxurious spa treatments, including massages and facials, set against stunning views of the Mediterranean. Explore the tranquil gardens or unwind by the pool, creating a rejuvenating atmosphere for relaxation and wellness.
The Retreat offers yoga classes and holistic therapies, surrounded by lush greenery. Participate in guided meditation sessions, enhancing your inner peace while enjoying the serene landscape of the Lebanese countryside.
For a unique experience, visit the Zen Wellness Centre, where you can enjoy traditional hammam rituals and therapeutic treatments. The calming ambiance and skilled therapists create an ideal setting for rejuvenation and self-care.
Adventure
The Teleferique du Liban offers an exhilarating cable car ride with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. This adventure venue is ideal for families seeking outdoor fun and adventure, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Lebanon from a unique perspective.
Nightlife
Beirut's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Venues like The Gemmayzeh district are known for their lively bars and eclectic crowd, while Skybar offers stunning views alongside pulsating beats. Enjoy the local flair at Mar Mikhael's trendy spots, where music and atmosphere blend seamlessly for an unforgettable night out.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Beirut
Beirut offers various free activities such as Zaitunay Bay and Hamra Street, making it easy to explore on a budget. For transport, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services. The best months to visit for lower prices are February to March and November, with Monday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find affordable accommodation by filtering for eco-certified hotels and arranging packages that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Keep an eye out for deals on room rates to maximise your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Beirut are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Beirut is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Beirut is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel accommodation in Beirut with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Beirut
Beirut is an excellent destination for city-themed, family, and business vacations, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Visitors can explore vibrant streets, historic churches, and significant cultural sites both within the city and its surroundings. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a deep dive into local culture, Beirut caters to all. Don't miss a stroll in Verdun for a taste of the local atmosphere and charm.
- Jeita Grotto: Explore the stunning limestone caves of Jeita Grotto, where you can marvel at impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The grotto offers both a scenic boat ride on an underground river and a guided walking tour, providing a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.
- Mohammed Al Amin Mosque: This grand mosque features exquisite architecture and intricate details, reflecting Lebanon's rich cultural heritage. Visitors are welcome to admire its stunning dome and minarets, and experience the peaceful atmosphere within.
- Baabda Palace: As the presidential palace of Lebanon, Baabda Palace boasts modern architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. A visit here offers insight into Lebanon's political history and the opportunity to appreciate its elegant design.
Best time to go to Beirut
The best time to visit Beirut can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Beirut falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Beirut falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Beirut
Flying into Beirut is convenient as it is served by Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), located approximately 4.8km from the city. For luxurious accommodation, the Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut, a 5-star establishment, is a mere 4.8km from the airport, offering easy access. Alternatively, the Hotel Albergo and Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun, both 6.4km away, provide excellent services with transportation options including on-request airport shuttles and paid airport transfers. These hotels ensure a comfortable stay with convenient access to the airport, making your travel experience effortless.