Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Beirut

Beirut Attractions Guide 2026

Beirut's essential sights and the lesser-known places locals would rather you found.

By Updated

This guide covers 16+ attractions in Beirut — National Museum of Beirut, Sursock Museum (Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum) and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, a Mediterranean port of mosques, churches, Ottoman and French-mandate architecture, museums, corniche promenades and one of the Arab world's best food scenes. In October 2026 it is also a city under very restrictive government travel advisories (US Level 4 Do Not Travel; Canada avoid all travel; Australia do not travel; UK against all travel to parts of the city), so this guide leads with the security picture and then covers what is open, where to stay and eat, and how to get around.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Beirut.

  1. 1

    National Museum of Beirut

    MuseumSmall paid ticket, cash only; reduced rate for students and Lebanese residents. Budget about $5 (about 450,000 LBP) as a planning figure and confirm at the desk1.5 to 2 hours

    Lebanon's national archaeology museum, home of the Ahiram sarcophagus and a restored lower-level crypt gallery.

    Tip: Arrive at opening; the doors close early afternoon and listings disagree on 14:00 versus 15:00. · Bring cash in US dollars or Lebanese pounds; card payment at the desk may not work. · Ask for an audio guide at the desk if one is available. · Check the museum's Facebook page the day before, since it is closed Mondays and on public holidays. · Allow about 45 minutes for highlights only.
  2. 2

    Sursock Museum (Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum)

    Art museumTicket required for most exhibitions; confirm the current price on the museum website1 to 2 hours

    Modern and contemporary art in a restored 1912 Venetian-Ottoman villa, reopened after the 2020 port blast repairs.

    Tip: Check the calendar at sursock.museum; galleries close between exhibitions. · Phone +961 1 202 001 for same-day hours. · Combine with the Gemmayzeh stairs and Armenia Street, about 10 minutes downhill. · Bags may need to be left at the desk.
  3. 3

    Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

    MosqueFree; modest dress required30 to 45 minutes

    The blue-domed Ottoman-style mosque beside Martyrs' Square, open to respectful non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times.

    Tip: Cover shoulders and knees; women carry a scarf for the head; robes may be lent at the entrance. · Avoid the five daily prayer times and Friday midday prayers. · Remove shoes and keep voices low. · Do not photograph worshippers.
  4. 4

    Pigeon Rocks (Raouche Rocks)

    Natural landmarkFree to view; boat trips are paid directly to the boatmen (reported about $5 to $10 per person, confirm on the pier)30 to 90 minutes

    Two giant limestone sea stacks off the Beirut coast, the symbol of the city.

    Tip: Agree the boat price and duration before boarding; wear a life jacket. · Do not swim near the rocks; currents are strong. · Go on a clear evening for sunset; the Corniche is crowded on summer weekends. · Wear sturdy shoes if descending to the small harbour.
  5. 5

    Beirut Souks

    Shopping districtFree to enter1 to 2 hours

    Rebuilt downtown shopping district on the footprint of the old souks, with international shops and cafes, near Roman-era remains.

    Tip: Check shop hours on the day; some stores open only from late morning. · Combine with the Roman Baths and Nijmeh Square. · Carry cash in USD for small purchases. · Expect quiet lanes on weekdays.
  6. 6

    Zaitunay Bay

    Waterfront promenadeFree to walk the promenade1 to 2 hours

    A marina promenade of restaurants and cafes beside the Saint George Yacht Club, built after the civil war.

    Tip: Walk it at sunset, when the marina lights come on. · Reserve a terrace table for weekend evenings. · Prices are at tourist level; check menus before sitting. · Keep valuables out of sight; it is generally calm.
  7. 7

    Gemmayzeh (Armenia Street and Saint Nicolas Stairs)

    NeighbourhoodFree1 to 3 hours

    Historic Ottoman and French Mandate house-lined street of bars, cafes and bakeries, rebuilt after the 2020 blast.

    Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to see both daylight architecture and evening life. · Check a map app for current openings; some venues closed after the blast. · Pavements are narrow and traffic is heavy; walk carefully. · Use ride-hail after midnight.
  8. 8

    Mar Mikhael

    NeighbourhoodFree1 to 3 hours

    The arty bar-and-gallery quarter east of Gemmayzeh, with street art and live-music venues.

    Tip: Visit after 20:00 for the nightlife; mornings are quiet. · Check opening status on a map app before choosing a venue. · Use ride-hail after midnight. · Walk Armenia Street from Gemmayzeh for a continuous route.
  9. 9

    Beit Beirut (Yellow House)

    Heritage buildingVaries by exhibition45 to 90 minutes

    Bullet-scarred 1920s Barakat Building turned into a memory museum and cultural centre.

    Tip: Check beitbeirut.org before going; the building is not always open. · The facade is visible from the street at any time. · Combine with the National Museum, about 10 minutes away by taxi. · Pair with a coffee in nearby Achrafieh.
  10. 10

    Beirut Corniche (Ain el Mreisseh to Raouche)

    Waterfront promenadeFree1 to 3 hours

    A seafront promenade of about 4 km for walking, jogging and fishing with views over the Mediterranean.

    Tip: Walk in the early morning or at sunset; midday summer heat is intense. · Carry water; shaded stretches are limited. · Keep valuables secure. · Start at Ain el Mreisseh and end at the Pigeon Rocks.

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Museums_and_culture

Historic_and_religious_sites

Waterfront_and_outdoors

Neighbourhoods_and_markets

Free_attractions

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Hidden gem

Self-guided Achrafieh heritage walk

A free route linking the Sursock Museum, Gemmayzeh's Saint Nicolas Stairs and Mar Mikhael with architecture and cafe stops.

Where: Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Access
Beirut is open to visitors of all faiths. Mosques and churches welcome respectful visitors outside prayer and service times; dress modestly. Many neighbourhoods are safe by day, but visitors must check advisories before travel.
Hours
Museums open daytime hours: the National Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 10:00 to 14:00 or 15:00 (closed Mondays); the Sursock Museum keeps daytime hours and is reported closed Tuesdays; Beit Beirut opens only for exhibitions. Open-air sites (Corniche, Pigeon Rocks, Zaitunay Bay, Martyrs' Square) are open at all hours.
Fees
Most sights are free (Corniche, Pigeon Rocks, Zaitunay Bay, Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, mosque and cathedrals). National Museum: budget about $5 (about 450,000 LBP). Sursock Museum and Beit Beirut vary by exhibition. Boat trips at Raouche cost about $5 to $10. Rate used: about 89,500 LBP per US dollar; USD cash is widely accepted.
Best Times
April to June and September to November are the most comfortable (about 20 to 28 C). July and August are hot and humid; winter is mild and rainy.
Booking
No booking is needed for most sights. Check beitbeirut.org, sursock.museum and the National Museum's Facebook page for current hours. Pay in cash.
Visa
Most nationalities need a visa or visa on arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport (BEY); rules vary, and Israeli stamps or travel are an issue for entry. Check with the Lebanese General Security (generalsecurity.gov.lb) or the nearest Lebanese embassy before travel.
Getting There
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is about 9 km south of Downtown; taxis cost about $25 to $35 and take 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hail apps (Uber, Bolt) operate in the city.
Advisories
As of late October 2026, official sources describe a reduced but unresolved conflict. The German Foreign Office (July 2026) warns against travel to south Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahieh), the Bekaa and Palestinian camps, and strongly discourages other travel; the UK FCDO advises against all travel to specified areas, and the US lists Lebanon at Level 4. Check your government's current advice and keep insurance valid. Avoid protests and the southern suburbs.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

Dress modestly at mosques and churches: cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf.

Tip

Carry small USD notes and some LBP; card payment is unreliable at small sites.

Tip

Check official travel advisories and local news on the morning you travel, and avoid protests and the southern suburbs.

Tip

Use ride-hail apps (Uber or Bolt) or a negotiated taxi price; agree fares before departure.

Tip

Visit museums early in the day, since the National Museum closes in early afternoon and on Mondays.

Frequently asked questions

Is Beirut safe to visit?

Central areas such as Hamra, Downtown, Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh and the Corniche have been much less affected than the southern suburbs, but governments' advice remains at high alert levels. Check your government's advisory and avoid protests.

Can non-Muslims enter the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque?

Generally yes, outside prayer times and in modest dress. Women should carry a headscarf; robes are usually available at the entrance.

How much does the National Museum cost?

It charges a small ticket in cash; budget about $5 (about 450,000 LBP) and confirm at the desk. It is closed on Mondays.

Is the Pigeon Rocks area free?

Yes. The promenade is free; boat trips around the rocks are paid separately, around $5 to $10.