What are the nearest attractions to Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District)?

Attractions near Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District): Banque du Liban Museum (Musée de la Banque du Liban) Martyrs' Square (Place des Martyrs) Hamra Street (Rue Hamra)

What else should I know about attractions in Beirut?

As well as visiting the Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District), check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: How to Spend 1 Day in Beirut How to Spend 3 Days in Beirut Top Ancient Sites Near Beirut

Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District), - What To Know BEFORE You Go

Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District)

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From Roman relics to rooftop bars, from elegant mosques to designer stores, from bullet-pocked ruins to glitzy restaurants, downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District) is a study in contrasts. Archaeological museums, art galleries, and Mediterranean vistas offer much, but for many the focus will remain on food, drink, and fun in this sophisticated and diverse city.

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The Basics

Compact and attractive, downtown Beirut is best experienced on foot, whether as part of an organized walking tour or food tour or as a self-guided meanderer. Even by Middle Eastern standards, Lebanon has crazy traffic, and driving in Beirut is not for the faint-hearted. Downtown Beirut tours typically visit Nejmeh Square, Martyr’s Square, the Roman baths, and at least one museum, perhaps the National Museum of Beirut with its Phoenician art and artifacts.

Things to Know Before You Go

Downtown Beirut is a must for anyone who loves good food and drink.
The area is usually safe, but the political situation in Lebanon can change rapidly. Review your government’s travel advice and your travel insurance before you visit, as touring a destination your government advises against visiting will invalidate most travel insurance.
If you have Israeli stamps or visas in your passport—or an exit stamp on a border crossing with Israel—you will be refused entry to Lebanon.
Narrow sidewalks, often steep streets, and steps in places make downtown Beirut a challenging destination for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Downtown Beirut is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. Driving in Beirut is stressful and dangerous, and the major international ride-hailing apps have yet to come to Lebanon, so most opt to arrange airport pickup, book a private driver/guide, or join an organized tour.

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Beirut

Three days in Beirut allow you to check off the city’s signature sights and discover the joys of Lebanese food. In addition to the coastal charms of Byblos and the beautiful Jeita Grotto, you can get out into the valleys and add one (or two) more of Lebanon’s UNESCO-listed sites to your list.

How to Spend 2 Days in Beirut

How to Spend 1 Day in Beirut

One day in Beirut gives you enough time to discover Lebanon’s thousands of years of history, cook up a Lebanese feast, and, in summer, party up a storm at one of the city’s rooftop bars and lounges. Here’s how.

Top Ancient Sites Near Beirut

Beirut is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with lots of museums and a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Still, many of Lebanon's most captivating attractions, including some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the Middle East, lie beyond the boundaries of the capital.

When to Get There

If food, drink, and socializing are your interests, then a balmy summer evening (June through mid-September) is the perfect time to explore downtown Beirut, with the rooftops in full swing. Lebanon follows the Christian working week, so the biggest nights are Friday and Saturday. If your interests are cultural, visit during the day, and be aware that many sights close on Mondays.

What to Eat in Downtown Beirut

Lebanese cuisine has traveled the world with good reason, although downtown Beirut’s cosmopolitan dining and drinking scene is not limited to local fare alone. Besides Middle Eastern signatures such as falafel, hummus,kofte, and shawarma, seek out the cheesy breakfast known asmanoushe, savorlabneh soft cheese and spicy Lebanese sausages, and be sure to try some local wine.

Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District)

The Basics

Things to Know Before You Go

How to Get There

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Beirut

How to Spend 2 Days in Beirut

How to Spend 1 Day in Beirut

Top Ancient Sites Near Beirut

When to Get There

What to Eat in Downtown Beirut

More Tours in Beirut

Things to do near Beirut

More attractions near Beirut

Recommended for Beirut

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