Beirut, Lebanon-5-day-itinerary

Beirut, Lebanon 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Beirut

  • Morning: Arrive at Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in downtown Beirut.
  • Visit: Start your day at Martyrs’ Square, the heart of downtown Beirut. Visit the nearby Parliament Building, Grand Serail, and St. George Maronite Cathedral.
  • Lunch: Head to Al Fakhre restaurant for delicious Lebanese cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Hamra Street, known for its cafes, shops, and nightlife.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset drink at the rooftop bar of the Grand Beirut hotel or similar.

Accommodation: Hotel options in downtown Beirut:

  • Le Gray
  • Hotel Monroe
  • Grand Beirut

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Beirut, which showcases Lebanon’s rich history.
  • Visit: Stop by the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Lebanese street food at Cafe Younes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic neighborhoods of Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, known for their charming streets, boutiques, and art galleries.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mayrig, a popular Armenian-Lebanese restaurant.

Day 3: Coastal Road Trip

  • Morning: Take a taxi or drive to the coastal town of Byblos (30-40 minutes).
  • Visit: Explore the ancient city of Byblos, including the Crusader Castle and the Roman Amphitheater.
  • Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants in Byblos.
  • Afternoon: Continue north along the coast to the picturesque town of Batroun (20-30 minutes).
  • Evening: Return to Beirut and enjoy dinner at BistroBar, a trendy spot with great food and drinks.

Day 4: Nature and Adventure

  • Morning: Take a taxi or drive to the Jeita Grotto (30-40 minutes), a stunning natural wonder.
  • Visit: Explore the grotto’s lower cave, then take a scenic hike in the surrounding hills.
  • Lunch: Head back to Beirut and grab lunch at Roadster diner, known for its burgers and milkshakes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Badaro, with its boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Indigo, a popular spot for international cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip to Baalbek

  • Morning: Take a taxi or drive to Baalbek (1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Bekaa Valley.
  • Visit: Explore the ancient Roman temples of Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine at one of the local restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Return to Beirut and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a new neighborhood.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at Al Sultan Brahim, a renowned seafood restaurant.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available, but you can also use Uber or Careem.
  • Renting a car is an option, but be aware that traffic in Beirut can be chaotic.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Lebanon uses the Lebanese pound (LBP), but USD is widely accepted.
  • Arabic and French are the official languages, but many people speak English.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Other Things of Interest:

  • The Beirut Souks (markets) for shopping and souvenirs
  • The Lebanese Wine industry, with many vineyards offering tours and tastings
  • The vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs in the Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure, giving you a well-rounded experience of Beirut and its surroundings. Enjoy your trip!