Beirut, Lebanon 4 Day Itinerary

Beirut, Lebanon: A 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Beirut

Morning:

  • Check in at your hotel (Recommendations: Le Grey Beirut for luxury or Airbnb for budget)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick bite from local bakeries like “Man’oushe”

Afternoon:

  • Visit The National Museum of Beirut to understand the history and culture of Lebanon
  • Explore Solidere, the rebuilt downtown area with modern architecture, shopping centers, and restaurants
  • Stop by the Martyrs Square and St. Georges Church

Evening:

  • Dine at Al Mandaloun for traditional Lebanese cuisine or Tawlet Souks el Tayeb for seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, enjoy the sea view, and feel the city’s vibrant nightlife

Day 2: Discover Beirut’s Diversity

Morning:

  • Head to the Bourj Hammoud, Beirut’s Armenian quarter. Visit the Aram Khan Museum and explore the local market
  • Grab lunch at a local eatery in Bourj Hammoud, such as Paprika for Armenian cuisine

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Raouche Rock, also known as the Pigeon Rocks, and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Explore the Gemmayzeh Street with its colorful houses, cafes, bars, and boutiques
  • Take a short trip to Harissa, where you can visit the Our Lady of Lebanon statue and enjoy panoramic views of Beirut

Evening:

  • Dine at one of the many restaurants in Gemmayzeh Street or head to the nearby Zaitunay Bay for international cuisine options
  • Experience Beirut’s nightlife by visiting some of the bars and clubs in Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael

Day 3: Journey to the Past - Baalbek and Anjar

Morning:

  • Depart early for a day trip to Baalbek (approx. 2 hours drive)
  • Visit the Temple of Bacchus, one of the largest and best preserved Roman temples
  • Explore the other temples, the Palace of Jupiter, and the Nympheum at Baalbek

Afternoon:

  • Head to the archaeological site of Anjar (approx. 1 hour drive from Baalbek)
  • Discover the Umayyad palace and the octagonal castle built by Caliph Walid I
  • Return to Beirut in the late afternoon/evening

Evening:

  • Dine at a local restaurant or try street food such as shawarma or kibbeh

Day 4: Relax and Shop

Morning:

  • Spend your last morning in Beirut shopping for souvenirs, visiting the Souks, or exploring other areas of interest such as Auburn or Hamra Street

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Beit Beirut Museum to learn about Beirut’s modern history and the Civil War
  • Relax at one of the city’s beautiful beaches, like Rafic Hariri Beach, Rocky Beach, or Marina Beach

Evening:

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Beirut, such as Sofra 1961 or The Garden

Things to Know:

  • Lebanon uses the Lebanese Pound (LBP) as its official currency. US Dollars are widely accepted as well.
  • The traffic in Beirut can be heavy, so it’s best to allocate extra time for travel.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution, especially at night.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available, but download the “Careem” app for a more reliable service.
  • Public buses (service 1, 3, 5, and 6) can be used to explore the city at a lower cost.