Beirut isn’t a classic sightseeing city – it invites you to explore. I walked a lot and barely took any taxis. Here are my favourite places and day trips.
In the city
- Beit Beirut – a museum and cultural centre documenting the city’s history and the civil war. Very striking, because much of the destruction has been preserved. If closed: head down Monot Street, where there are great cafés (e.g. CaféSho).
- Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque – impressive from the outside too. With a bit of luck you’ll catch prayer time and the muezzin’s call.
- Zaitunay Bay – the marina with modern high-rises and plenty of cafés. Just sit down, order a coffee and watch people go by.
- Corniche El Manara – the three-kilometre seafront promenade, at its best on Sundays: anglers, daring cliff divers, families barbecuing. Café with a sea view only at the western end (Manara Palace Café).
- Sporting Club Beach – a 1960s seawater lido with two saltwater pools and direct sea access (around $20/day incl. loungers). A wonderful afternoon, followed by dinner at Feluka.
Day trips
- Téléférique in Jounieh – about 45 minutes north along the coast. With 1960s charm, it takes 10–15 minutes up to Harissa (a Christian pilgrimage site) to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue. Costs just a few euros.
- Jeita Grotto – an impressive stalactite cave, about as far out as Jounieh – easy to combine.
- Byblos – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, north of Beirut. Often recommended (sadly I didn’t make it there).
