Top 10 Places You Should Visit in Beirut 2023
Beirut is a captivating city on the Mediterranean coast and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East. Its attractions have a shared history and personality with some of the world’s most fascinating cities, such as Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and Greece. The Ottoman and Mamluk empires built beautiful mosque complexes to enhance their charm alongside the remains of ancient Roman temples and bathhouses -all are worth seeing!
Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is a popular tourist destination that has survived the test of time and battles. Despite this, the city still has many attractions worth seeing. We recommend visiting some of the must-see sights in Beirut. The city has a rich history influenced by civilizations such as Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman. Visitors can explore the varied legacy of the city through its many archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks.
10 Best Destinations To Visit in Beirut
For every travel lover, we have compiled a list of the top attractions in the city. Lebanon has been attracting many tourists from all over the world due to these fantastic places. Which one of these is your favourite:
Beirut Souks
Discover the rich cultural legacy of Beirut while enjoying modern dining, shopping, and leisure opportunities at the Beirut Souks. With a vibrant atmosphere and a range of retail options, visitors can explore high-end international brands, opulent boutiques, department stores, and speciality businesses. The Beirut Souks offer a contemporary and upmarket shopping experience, from clothing and accessories to cosmetics and electronics. As the centre for high-end and designer brands, this Downtown architectural marvel is a renowned shopping district that will leave you wanting more. Come and experience why Beirut is one of the fashion capitals of the Middle East!
Martyrs' Square
Martyrs’ Square, also known as Sahat al-Shuhada in Arabic, is a significant public space in Beirut, Lebanon. It honours and commemorates the Lebanese patriots who fought for freedom from Ottoman rule in the early 1900s. The Square is home to the Martyrs’ Monument. It showcases structures like the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, the Grand Serail (Government Palace) from the Ottoman era, and the Barakat Building in neoclassical design, which serves as reminders of Beirut’s evolution and history. Today, it is an important location for public demonstrations and meetings and represents Lebanon’s resilience, nationalism, and social activism. Located in the heart of Beirut, this landmark symbolizes the country’s rich history, political participation, and commitment to national identity.
Beit Ed-Dine Palace
The Beit Ed-Dine Palace, also known as Beit al-Din or Beiteddine Palace, is magnificent in Lebanon’s Chouf Mountains, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Beirut. It boasts an exquisite architectural style combining the best Arab and Lebanese designs. The palace complex hosts the annual Beiteddine Festival, showcasing local and foreign music, dance, and theatre. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, terraces, and fountains that offer a serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, inviting visitors to stroll. The Beiteddine Festival and museum make the 19th-century Beit Ed-Dine Palace a must-visit destination that provides a glimpse into Lebanon’s rich history and an opportunity to appreciate the palace’s grandeur and museum exhibits!
Zaitunay Bay
Zaitunay Bay is a modern waterfront development in the Beirut Central District of Beirut, Lebanon. It’s a beautiful promenade on the Mediterranean Sea. It provides a picturesque environment for visitors to enjoy leisurely walks, admires the stunning sea views, and relax in a delightful coastal atmosphere. Tourists can immerse themselves in the bay’s nautical ambience, explore the boats, and witness the lively maritime scene. The neighbourhood frequently hosts cultural events, live music performances, and festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere for leisure and recreation. Visitors can indulge in aquatic activities to explore the breathtaking Mediterranean waters. Zaitunay Bay is famous for immersing in the coastal ambience and enjoying various culinary delights!
The American University Of Beirut
If you’re in Beirut, you should check out the American University of Beirut (AUB), a highly regarded institution of higher learning. The AUB is on 61 acres, boasting beautiful botanical gardens, a bird sanctuary, and even a private beach. Don’t miss the city’s archaeological museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts. AUB offers plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and student organizations. You can enjoy art exhibitions, theatrical productions, and music concerts. AUB is a key player in developing scholarship and education in Lebanon and the region. So why not explore it?
Byblos
Byblos, also known as Jbeil, is a historical and archaeological coastal city in Lebanon inhabited for over 7,000 years. It boasts well-preserved archaeological sites that glimpse the city’s rich past. One of the most notable sites is the Byblos Citadel, a medieval fortress built on top of earlier ruins, featuring walls, towers, and courtyards that visitors can explore to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Other significant Phoenician landmarks include the Royal Necropolis, the Temple of the Obelisks, and the Temple of Baalat Gebal. Additionally, visitors can check out the Sultan Abdul Majid Mosque, the Crusader Fort, Byblos Harbour and a modest museum that showcases the castle’s history. Take the chance to explore Byblos’ fascinating past!
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, is an iconic landmark in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital. It boasts a unique style of architecture that combines modern elements with Ottoman and Islamic designs. The mosque is adorned with intricate details and features a large blue dome as its signature. A spacious courtyard surrounds the mosque, home to well-manicured gardens, fountains, and seating areas. Visitors can climb the two towering minarets for panoramic views of the city. The Blue Mosque is a prime example of post-modern Middle Eastern architecture and a must-see for Beirut tourists. Its interior is exquisitely designed with beautiful Zakhrafat and engraved walls, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for all who visit!
Baalbek
Baalbek, an ancient city in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, is famous for its massive Roman ruins and historical importance. One of the last remaining Roman structures is located in Baalbek town, about two and a half hours away from Beirut. This temple, constructed over 1800 years ago to honour the Roman God of wine, is well-preserved and is the venue for the Baalbeck International Festival, an annual celebration of history and architecture. The Roman ruins at Baalbek are some of the most significant and impressive in the world, with the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Bacchus, and the Temple of Venus being the most notable buildings. These temples have large stone blocks, majestic columns, and exquisite architectural features. An inevitable destination to your itinerary!
Roman Baths
Roman baths were a popular aspect of the culture in the ancient Roman Empire. They served as both a place for hygiene and socializing. The Roman baths were often large buildings with amenities such as gyms, massage rooms, libraries, and gardens. These buildings typically contained rooms such as the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium, which varied in temperature. Additionally, Roman baths were decorated with ornate features such as mosaics, frescoes, statues, and architectural designs. Some bathhouses even contained luxurious features such as marble columns, pools, gardens, and dressing rooms. These impressive structures demonstrate the advanced engineering and cultural ideals of the Roman Empire, and their grandeur and importance can still be appreciated today thanks to their preservation or reconstruction.
Raouche
Raouche, known as Pigeon Rocks, is a natural landmark in Beirut, Lebanon. These majestic rock formations rise from the Mediterranean Sea near the city’s westernmost point. Over time, the sedimentary layers forming the rocks have undergone weathering and erosion, creating a stunning sight. Known as Pigeon Rocks due to the large number of pigeons living nearby, the formations have become an iconic representation of Beirut. From Raouche, visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s skyline. The area surrounding Raouche is also a popular spot for strolls along the Corniche, a waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the rocks and the ocean. Tourists can join boat cruises around Raouche for a closer look at the formations and the area’s beauty from the water, offering a stunning view of the entire region when strolling along the Corniche.
Epilogue
Beirut is an incredible destination with the best nightlife, cuisine, shopping, history, and architecture. You must not miss out on these incredible experiences, so plan your trip to the Middle East to explore what Beirut offers!