Beirut Souks
Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of the Lebanonâs Mediterranean coast, Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and the countryâs largest and main seaport
The best things to see and do in Beirut
Beirut Souks
Looking for a place to shop in Beirut? The souks are your answer. An architectural wonder Downtown, the Beirut Souks are the hub of designer and mid-range brands. Walk around the popular shopping area, dine, peruse and maybe spend some money. Beirut is one of the Middle Eastâs fashion capitals, and this place is one of the reasons why.
Martyrâs Square
An important landmark in Lebanese history, Martyrsâ Square is dedicated to those who were executed during Ottoman rule. It is also the traditional dividing line between East and West Beirut. First constructed in 1931, the monument has remained relevant due to the repeated political assassinations in Lebanonâs recent past.
Nijmeh Square
In the heart of Beirut, Nijmeh Square was part of the extensive reconstruction Beirut underwent after the civil war. Home to the parliament, two cathedrals and a museum, the square is one of Beirutâs activity hubs. Grab a cup of coffee or a meal overlooking this squareâs 1930âs Rolex clock.
Hamra street
A center of Beirutâs 1960âs intellectual activity, it is no surprise that this street was called the cityâs Champs Elysees. It is a popular place with tourists and locals alike, who gather here to try to absorb the remnants of the intellectual city. Hamra is home to several bookshops, three universities (including the American University of Beirut) and a rich nightlife.
Holiday Inn
An abandoned hotel in the heart of Beirut, the Holiday Inn still stands as a monument to the destruction of the Lebanese Civil War. The hotel was gutted in 1975, at the start of the war. It was only functional for a year before becoming a battlefield. Today, the hotel is a reminder of what Beirut was.
Sursock Museum
A major contemporary art museum in Beirut and home of Lebanese culture, Sursock is a private villa-turned-attraction. The house itself is a marvel as it is the perfect example of Lebanonâs older architecture, having been built in the 19th century by the Sursock family.
Grand Serail
Also known as the Government Palace, the Grand Serail is the Lebanese Prime Ministerâs main base. The building itself is a marvel from the Ottoman Era, and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn about Beirutâs history.
Beit Beirut
A ruin in the heart of Beirut, Beit Beirut will be renovated, with construction starting soon. The house was built in 1932, and was know as the âYellow Houseâ. Ravaged by the civil war, the building was a sniper base because of its strategic location. Today, it stands as yet another result of the warâs devastation, and is set to become a cultural hub of Beirut.
American University of Beirut
Opened in 1866 with the approval of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the American University of Beirut is a landmark of Lebanese society. Ranked first in the country and among the top 300 in the world, the 150 year old university is home to many intellectual historical sites and is home to an archaeological museum.
Roman Baths
Located in Downtown Beirut, marvel at this historical landmark. The ruins havenât been functional as baths for a long time, but it is easy to imagine what life in the Roman Empire may have looked like.
Saifi Village
An upscale residential area in Beirut, Saifi Village is definitely worth walking through. Built in the French Colonial style, the village is home to several art galleries and an upscale farmersâ market.
Saint Nicholas Stairs
Also known as the Escalier de lâArt, these stairs connect Rue Gouraud (in Gemmayzeh) and Rue Sursock. The site is a shortcut to the Sursock Museum and is a popular tourist destination.
The National Museum of Beirut
The main archaeological museum in Lebanon, the National Museum is home to many treasures. The collection rranges from the prehistoric period through the Roman period and into the Arab era. The museum itself is a marvel as it was destroyed in the civil war, and fully restored in 2011.
Zaitunay Bay
A posh yachting dock, Zaitunay Bay is the place for brunch in Beirut, so is part of most localsâ weekend plans. Try places like Babel Bay, Paul and Coast for a relaxing meal by the docks.
2 hours
âą
Admission Ticket Not Included