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Beirut is among the most stunning metropolises in all of the Middle East. All the attractions in Beirut city share history and character with some of the most fascinating cities in the world, including Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and Greece, thanks to its location on the Mediterranean Sea. It goes without saying that Beirut’s tourism industry has boomed in recent decades. French colonial era boulevards and avenues are equal in grandeur to Ottoman and Mamluk era mosque complexes, and the ruins of Roman temples and bathhouses are the icing on the cake. In this blog, we will take you on a virtual tour of the 10 must-visit attractions in Beirut, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s captivating heritage and contemporary charm.
Lebanon’s capital is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and a wealth of cultural attractions like ancient ruins, mosques, and museums. There are a lot of historical and cultural landmarks you should visit while there. Let’s See:
Lebanon’s Official Museum
The National Museum of Lebanon is a significant cultural institution that houses items from numerous ancient civilizations that formerly called Beirut home. From the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age, the Phoenicians, the Hellenistic, the Roman, the Byzantine, the Arab (Mamluk), and the Ottoman periods are all represented in the museum’s collection of priceless artifacts.
The American University Of Beirut (AUB)
You shouldn’t leave Beirut without seeing the American University of Beirut (AUB), the city’s most prestigious university. The 61 acres that make up the institution are scattered with historic buildings, botanical gardens, a bird sanctuary, and a private beach. There is a big collection of significant ancient relics on display at the local archeological museum, making it a must-see for history buffs. You can arrange a tour of the AUB campus by contacting the school through their website.
Byblos
Byblos is about an hour away from Beirut, making it one of the top destinations for history and archeology buffs in the area. Since at least 5000 B.C., this city has been occupied continuously, making it one of the oldest Phoenician settlements. Visiting the National Museum of Obelisks, which dates back to between 3200 and 3600 B.C., is like stepping into another world. Other historic sites include the Crusader Fort and the Sultan Abdul Majid Mosque.
Al-Omari Mosque
Originally a church constructed in 1153 by the Knights of the Hospitalier in honor of St. John the Baptist, the building was transformed into a mosque by the Mamluks in 1291. The stunning architecture and alluring aesthetics of the Al-Omari Mosque have not changed over the centuries.
Harissa Hill
Harissa is a neighborhood in Jounieh, which is 20 kilometers south of Beirut. For devout Catholics, visiting the statue of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon, also known as “Our Lady of Lebanon,” is a must. It was built in 1908 atop a chapel and is thought to guard Lebanon.
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
The Blue Masjid, a stunning example of post-modern Middle Eastern architecture, has become a must-see for visitors to Beirut. Its construction was completed in 2008. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque’s intricate Zakhrafat, as well as its beautifully embellished interiors and engraved walls. The Sunni mosque was planned and constructed over the course of several decades, expanding from a modest prayer nook. The blue dome at its center is 48 meters high, while the minarets rise to a lofty 65 meters above the city of Lebanon.
Baalbek
One of the few remaining Roman structures, the Roman temple of Bacchus may be found near the town of Baalbek in the Beqaa Valley, about two and a half hours from Beirut. More than 1800 years have passed since the construction of the temple dedicated to the Roman wine god. The plaza in front of the temple is currently the site of the Baalbeck International Festival, an annual festival of history and architecture that attracts history and architecture buffs from all over the world and makes it one of the nicest places to be in all of Beirut.
Tourist Landmark Of Resistance
One of the most visited sites in all of Beirut is this museum dedicated to the city’s military history. The museum is run by the ruling Hezbollah group and features one side of the country’s history over the other, but it’s still worth checking out to get the full picture. The museum is located in the town of Mleeta, some three hours outside of Beirut, and features a bunker and a tunnel dug by the Hezbollah during the conflict.
Raouche
The Avenue de Paris, which fronts the Mediterranean in this posh section of Beirut, is a popular destination. There are numerous coffee shops along this street where you may relax with an evening beverage. Nightlife hotspots may be found in the clubs that line the Avenue, which is a section of the wider Corniche Beirut that stretches along the Mediterranean. Located just off the coast of Raouche, the Pigeon Rock is an outcropping of bizarre rock formations. Locals and visitors alike flock to the clifftop overlooking the rocks to snap the perfect photo.
Roman Baths
The Berytus, in the center of modern-day Beirut, is a must-see for anybody looking for evidence of the city’s Roman past. The four distinct areas of the ancient thermae served as a gathering place for the city’s Roman residents. These two areas have been transformed into very different things: a Mediterranean garden and one of Beirut’s most popular tourist destinations, respectively.
Shopping Destinations in Beirut
The city of Beirut is a shopper’s dream, with a plethora of stores to suit any shopper’s needs. Here are some of the best places to go shopping in Beirut, ranging from upscale stores to lively markets:
- Beirut Souks: Located in the heart of downtown Beirut, the Beirut Souks is a modern and upscale shopping district. Here, you’ll find a mix of international luxury brands, high-end fashion boutiques, and trendy local designers.
- ABC Mall: With several branches across the city, ABC Mall is a popular shopping destination in Beirut. It offers a vast selection of international and local brands, ranging from clothing and accessories to electronics and home furnishings.
- Verdun Street: Known as one of Beirut’s premier shopping streets, Verdun Street is lined with upscale boutiques and designer stores. It offers a luxurious shopping experience, with renowned fashion brands, jewelry shops, and high-end cosmetics stores.
- ABC Achrafieh: Situated in the trendy Achrafieh neighborhood, ABC Achrafieh is a popular shopping mall offering a wide variety of stores. It features international fashion brands, lifestyle shops, electronics outlets, and a gourmet supermarket.
- Souk el Tayeb: For a unique shopping experience, head to Souk el Tayeb, Lebanon’s first farmers’ market. Located in downtown Beirut, this market showcases a wide array of locally produced goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal food products, handmade crafts, and traditional Lebanese delicacies.
- Achrafieh Street: Achrafieh Street is a charming and picturesque shopping destination, known for its boutique shops and concept stores. It offers a mix of local and international brands, along with specialty stores selling unique items like handmade jewelry, designer home decor, and artisanal goods.
A Memorable Airport Journey
Your travel begins and ends at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. To start and end your vacation on the best note, book Beirut Airport Concierge. To make your trip more memorable book airssist chauffeur for your airport transfer. And forget the worries of airport parking or waiting for taxis. Book Now !!
Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.
