Is Beirut safe for tourists?

The central and touristic areas of Beirut are generally safe for visitors who exercise normal caution. However, the security situation can change rapidly, so it's crucial to stay informed via official travel advisories, avoid protests, and be aware of your surroundings.

What is the local currency and can I use credit cards?

The currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). Due to a severe economic crisis, US Dollars are widely used and often preferred for larger transactions. Carry cash (both USD and LBP) as ATMs are unreliable and many places do not accept cards. Always confirm the payment currency before a transaction.

Do I need a visa to visit Beirut?

Many nationalities (including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) receive a free one-month visa on arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Always check the latest requirements with the Lebanese embassy before travel.

What is the food like in Beirut?

Lebanese cuisine is world-renowned. Must-try dishes include mezze (small plates like hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush), grilled meats (shish taouk, kafta), manakish (za'atar or cheese flatbread), and fresh seafood. Beirut has everything from street food stalls to high-end restaurants.

What language barriers will I face?

Arabic is the official language, but French and English are very widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. You will have no significant communication issues in central Beirut.

Beirut

CityLebanon, Asia

Beirut is a CITY in Lebanon, Asia.

Beirut, the vibrant capital province of Lebanon, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and modern energy, often called the 'Paris of the Middle East.' This coastal metropolis rises from the sparkling Mediterranean, where the iconic Pigeon Rocks at Raouché create a dramatic natural landmark. The city is a living museum, from the Roman Baths and Ottoman-era buildings in the Downtown district to the poignant Martyrs' Square. The National Museum of Beirut houses one of the world's most significant collections of Phoenician artifacts. Beirut's soul is found in its diverse neighborhoods: the upscale Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, famed for their art galleries and buzzing nightlife; the historic Achrafieh with its traditional mansions; and the bustling Hamra street, a hub of culture and academia. The Corniche offers stunning seaside walks, while the reconstructed city center showcases remarkable post-civil war resilience. Food is central to the experience, with incredible mezze, fresh seafood, and legendary bakeries. Beirut's unique appeal lies in its ability to juxtapose millennia of history with a fiercely contemporary, cosmopolitan, and welcoming spirit.

Best time to visit Beirut

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather, with warm, sunny days and mild evenings, perfect for exploring. These seasons avoid the intense heat and humidity of summer (July-August) and the cooler, rainier winter (December-March). Summer is peak tourist season, with vibrant beach club and nightlife scenes, but it can be very hot.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Mostly clear
Temperature: 25°
Feels like: 27°
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 16 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting around

Beirut's public transportation consists mainly of private minibuses (service taxis) that follow set routes; hail them and state your destination. Official taxis (usually white) are available; always insist the meter is used or negotiate the fare beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate reliably. Renting a car is possible but not recommended for first-time visitors due to chaotic traffic and aggressive driving. Walking is a great way to explore compact neighborhoods like Downtown, Gemmayzeh, and Hamra.

Stay connected

Calling code

+961

Stay safe

Exercise increased caution. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, as they can turn confrontational. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Use hotel safes for valuables. Avoid areas near the southern suburbs (Dahieh) and the Palestinian refugee camps on the city's outskirts. Scams are relatively rare but be wary of unofficial taxi drivers overcharging. It is advisable to check your government's travel advisories for the latest security information before and during your trip.

Police

112

Ambulance (Red Cross)

140

Fire

175

Tourist Police

Not a dedicated number; contact general police at 112

Entry and health

Health information

Medical facilities in Beirut are generally good, with several well-equipped private hospitals (e.g., American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hotel Dieu de France). Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water. Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, etc.). Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Travelers should have comprehensive travel health insurance. Pharmacies are widely available. Be cautious with street food; choose busy, reputable establishments. Air quality can be poor at times.

Culture

Local customs

Lebanese are famously hospitable. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). In general, dress is modern and cosmopolitan, but conservative attire is appreciated in traditional areas. Tipping is expected: 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included, small change for café servers and taxi drivers. Haggling is common in souks but not in established shops. Always accept offers of coffee or tea as a sign of hospitality. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.

ArabicFrenchEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP) · ل.ل

Timezone

Asia/Beirut +02:00 (GMT) or +03:00 (GMT during Daylight Saving Time, typically March-October)

More facts

Population

Approximately 2.4 million (Greater Beirut)

Area

19.8 km²

Government

Governorate (Muhafazah) administered by a Governor, with the city of Beirut having a municipal council.

ISO code

LB-04

Type

City

https://media-cdn.zormor.tech/images/cd84a5e9-4a22-428b-8a31-10a14fe24c49/thumbnail.webp

Ra’s Bayrūt

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: ܒܝܪܘܬ, Beiroet, ಬೈರುತ್, ቤይሩት, 베이루트, ബെയ്റൂത്ത്, Beirût, Beirute, பெய்ரூத், 贝鲁特, Bäyrut, 貝魯特, ბეირუთი, Beirut, เบรุต, Bejrut, بېيرۇت, بيروت, ביירוט, Бэйрут, Berytus, Bewout, Barut, Beirút, Bejrút, بەیرووت, बेयरूत, Պէյրութ, Бейрут ошсь, Бәйрут, Bêrût, Beyrouth, Бејрут, বৈরুত, ベイルート, Beirutas, Βηρυτός, Beirots, محافظة بيروت, ביירות, Beirout, Beirūta, Beyrut, པེ་རུ་ཐེ།, Béiriút, Бейрут, بیروت, Bejruto, बैरूत, ဘေရွတ်မြို့