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.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut
Landmark five-star hotel on the Beirut waterfront near Zaitunay Bay and the Corniche, with pools, a spa and several restaurants.
Hotel Albergo
Boutique five-star hotel in a restored Achrafieh mansion with individually decorated rooms, a rooftop pool and a rooftop restaurant.
Mövenpick Hotel Beirut
Large five-star seafront hotel at Raouche facing the Mediterranean and close to Pigeon Rocks, with sea-view rooms and a pool and beach club.
Gefinor Rotana
Upscale hotel on Clemenceau Street in Hamra with a rooftop pool, close to AUB, the Corniche and the cafes of Hamra Street.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Rooftop restaurant at Hotel Albergo
Rooftop dining with views across Achrafieh, serving Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes; check the hotel website for current opening days.
Al Falamanki Raouche
Seafront restaurant facing Pigeon Rocks serving Lebanese mezze and grills; a good sunset table when reserved in advance.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private half-day tour of central Beirut by car with driver
Hire a private car with driver through the hotel reception to visit the National Museum, Sursock Museum, Martyrs' Square, the Corniche and Pigeon Rocks without using public transport. Stay within the central districts and do not route through the southern suburbs.
Sunset dinner facing Pigeon Rocks
Reserve a seafront table at a Raouche restaurant such as Al Falamanki Raouche for sunset over the rocks; reserve a day ahead and ask for an outside table.
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Option
- Uber or Bolt premium cars
- Option
- Private car with driver arranged through the hotel concierge
- Option
- Hotel airport transfer arranged in advance