3 Days in Beirut ✔️ ULTIMATE Local Expert’s Itinerary for 2025

If you’re looking for an incredible travel guide to spending 3 unforgettable days in Beirut, this is the place to be!

Our local guide is here to show you all the BEST places to visit during your trip, where to stay, and an incredible trip to the mountains for day 3.

Beirut is gorgeous, infuriating, eclectic, and full of hidden gems. Let our local expert guide you for the most epic trip of your life!

Looking for an itinerary to spend 3 days in Beirut? You’re in the right place! 

I’m an honorary local in this chaotic city, and I’ve spent many years exploring Beirut’s hidden gems. So I’ve got all the most AMAZING tips for you and a detailed itinerary for 3 of the best days of your life.

This isn’t just any ordinary itinerary – I’ll be giving you an off-the-beaten-track local’s tour of the city, away from the tourists, deep into the heart of the Lebanese capital.

Day 1: Spend time in East Beirut

Your first day in Lebanon’s capital city will be spent in East Beirut, my personal favorite part of Beirut!

The first time I went to Beirut, I stayed in East Beirut and felt at home immediately. I stayed in Geitawi, a gorgeous, quiet neighborhood that will quickly become your favorite place. People started to know me after a couple of weeks, so I got to know the local community. Everyone is so nice!

Food always helps me feel at home when I’m in Beirut (the land of the tastiest food in the world), so I’ve picked out the BEST places to eat throughout the day on this side of the city. 

NOTE: I’m assuming that you’re staying in Achrafieh for your trip to Beirut. Trust me, it’s the best area to stay! For more details on hotels, see the Where to Stay tab after the itinerary.

Day 1: Morning

Have breakfast at Abou Hassan

Wherever you choose to stay in Beirut, don’t have breakfast at your hotel!

Trust me when I say this: You need to get out into the city and have breakfast somewhere local. Lebanese food is unrivalled!

It’s early, you’re groggy, Beirut is very hot, and you need caffeine and food. I’ve got you! Head over to Abou Hassan in Bourj Hammoud (see the map here), and on your way just grab a to-go coffee from literally any stand on the street on your way. This is the best way to enjoy coffee in Beirut!

When you arrive, Abou Hassan might look like nothing from the outside. But trust me – in Beirut, the best places look super shabby at first glance. Once you get in, the game changes!

Not sure what to order or new to Lebanese food? Here’s what to order from Abou Hassan:

• Foul
• Fatteh with laban
• Msabbha
• Hummus with meat
• Eggs with halloumi 

They’ll also bring you olives, mint, bread, tomatoes, and pickled turnips, so make sure you try it all! 

Every time my husband and I are in Beirut, we go to Abou Hassan. It’s open 24/7 so we often go there for early breakfast food after a night out. I’m OBSESSED with their Msabbha, it’s so tasty!

Do a tour of the city

The best way to get to grips with a new city is to do a tour! 

The first time I went to Beirut, I did a walking tour. I felt a little silly at first, but actually, it really helped me understand my way around. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s SO easy to get lost in Beirut!

Day 1: Afternoon

Enjoy lunch on the go at Makhlouf Beirut

You CANNOT go to Beirut without tasting the world’s best shawarma – and luckily, you’ll find it in Daoura, which is at the end of Bourj Hammoud. See the map here.

I still remember the first time I went to Makhlouf. It was several years ago, and I sat inside thinking “there’s nothing special about this place!” I was so wrong – it was by far the BEST SHAWARMA I have EVER had. The portion was huge so I could barely finish it, and the meat was juicy and delicious. It’s my go-to place whenever I’m in Beirut now! 

Want to know where you should stay during your trip to Beirut? My updated post for 2025 on all the TOP spots to stay in Beirut is here! Check out it now!

Spend the afternoon at Beirut’s most famed museums

The Beirut National Museum and the MIM Mineral Museum are 3 minutes’ walk from each other, so it makes sense to hit them both in one afternoon! 

Check out the map here. 

My personal favorite is the MIM Mineral Museum. I don’t know much about geology, but they have such an impressive collection – and I do love sparkly things! 

As of February 2025, it’s free entry!

The Beirut National Museum is pretty amazing to be honest. It’s an archeological museum with a pretty interesting history, and some super rare antiques that will definitely keep you busy for a few hours!

To get from Daoura to the museums, I recommend taking an Uber. If you’re feeling very brave, you can take a service (pronounced serveese)!

Services are shared taxis with red number plates. There’s always loads around Daoura! Just flag one down in the street and say “service aal Mathaf Beirut.” They may or may not say yes – if they do, they’ll give you a nod, and if they don’t… well, they’ll just drive off 😂

As of 2025, a service costs 150,000 LL (~$1.70) for a ride. An Uber will cost you about double that, but it’s still pretty cheap. 

If you’re traveling to Beirut on a budget, have a look at the infographic below to see the 2025 public transport prices to get around Beirut:

NOTE: I always sit in the back when getting a taxi in Beirut. It’s perfectly safe, but you may attract unwanted attention sitting in the front if you’re a woman. 

PRO TIP: Uber is a super reliable option in Beirut, and it’s very safe! Just use the app as normal, but do not pay by card. Always use cash (Lira) – the drivers prefer it and you may have to negotiate the price a little bit. 

Day 1: Evening

Have dinner at Em Sherif

For your first night in Beirut, you should definitely go big on dinner! Em Sherif (see the map here) is fine dining Lebanese food in the most incredible atmosphere. I promise, you’ll love it!

There are 2 Em Sherif restaurants, and my personal favorite is the one on Armenia Street, Em Sherif Cafe. It’s a cozy haven with the most amazing food – and their wine list includes Lebanese wine from Ksara, my fav!!

We always take friends with us to Em Sherif, their tables and ambience are perfect for groups.

However, if you’re solo traveling, you can sit outside in the balmy weather and enjoy your dinner by yourself. Em Sherif does it all!

Go for drinks on Mar Mikhael

Time for happy hour!

Beirut is the nightlife hotspot of the Middle East, so grab those shorts (not too short) and head on down to Mar Mikael, which is just a few minutes away from Em Sherif – see the map here.

Going out in Mar Mikhael is one of my favorite things to do in Beirut. Every time I go there, even if I’m by myself, I always end up meeting people, so it’s a fab place to hang out with solo travelers. 

Mar Mikhael comes alive at night, with most people sitting at tables directly in the street. This means you’ll probably have to walk in the road – but that’s ok! Just do it, everyone else will be doing the same. The street is narrow so it might be a tough squeeze between the cars sometimes, but that’s half the fun.

My favorite bars are Vivyan’s, Strada 51, and Internazionale. So many amazing memories! 

Stay out as late as you want, and meet as many people as you can. In Beirut, community is key, and the more people you know, the better!

NOTE: If you’re a female solo traveler, feel free to stay out late, just make sure you don’t walk home by yourself after 10 PM. Grab an Uber to take you home or, if you’ve befriended a group, they’ll probably offer to drive you back. If you’re just a short walk from your hotel (less than 10 mins) then feel free to walk, but any further than that and you should take a car.

Day 2: Explore West Beirut

West and East Beirut were politically distinct in the 1970s until 1990 to separate warring Christian and Muslim factions during the Lebanese civil war. This line was dubbed The Green Line. You’ll be visiting a sniper’s lookout on The Green Line today!

West Beirut has a totally different vibe from the East side, something I noticed pretty quickly during my first trip all those years ago.

The main western areas you’ll be hanging out during your 3-day trip to Beirut are Hamra and Corniche Al Manara.

Hamra is one of my favorite leafy areas in Beirut, but traffic gets a little crazy around here, so I recommend walking between activities on day 2! I once sat in a traffic jam on Hamra street for 2 hours on my way back to Achrafieh. Learn from my mistakes!

Day 2: Morning

Enjoy a traditional Lebanese manoucheh at Barbar

I can’t let you start your day without trying a manoucheh.

Manoucheh is a doughy, delicious breakfast treat! The classic is za’atar with cheese, but you can also have soujouk (spicy sausage), kishk (cheese made from yogurt and bulgur wheat), cheese and turkey, and so many more!

Barbar on Spears Street (see the map here) is THE BEST place to get a manoucheh. It’s not a fancy place and there aren’t even places to sit down, but that’s why I love it so much. The idea is to get a manoucheh with all the fixings and eat it standing in the street with cheese dripping down your face. YES!!

Don’t forget to ask for all the fixings – double cheese manoucheh with fresh mint, olives, and cucumber. YUM!! It’s classic Lebanese street food!

The great thing about this breakfast is that it’s a grab n’ go! You can wolf it down in 10 minutes and be on your way to discover the awesomeness of Beirut

Have a cultural afternoon at Beit Beirut and Dar El Nimer

The rest of your morning will be spent at some of Beirut’s finest cultural centers – choose the best one for you!

NOTE: Beit Beirut (pictured above) is my personal favorite museum in Beirut, and they have different exhibitions all the time. Occasionally, the opening times are wrong (I’ve turned up many times to discover it’s closed) so give them a call ahead of time to confirm their opening times.

Day 2: Afternoon

Drink wine and eat cheese rolls at Mezyan

On day 2 of your trip to Beirut, you’ll be having the BEST traditional lunch at my favorite hangout spot in Hamra: Mezyan!

I’ve spent countless hours at Mezyan. It’s an amazing place to sit and work using their free Wi-Fi, they have an amazing selection of wines, and their cheese rolls are absolutely insane. The servers are also SO nice! I always sit outside the back of the restaurant which looks out over a leafy, quiet street. It makes for the perfect lunch break.

You can find Mezyan on the map here.

Cycle along Corniche Al Manara & explore Downtown Beirut

After lunch, head down to Corniche Al Manara, the 10km seafront promenade with an incredible view of Beirut and the mountains towards Jbeil.

My husband went to the American University of Beirut, so we’ve spent a lot of time around the corniche over the years. It’s such a beautiful area, and you can choose to cycle or walk it!

If you fancy cycling, I recommend using Beirut by Bike. They’re super reliable and it’s only 100,000 LL per hour (US$1.2), so it’s great for those on a budget. 

Afterwards, grab a taxi to Downtown Beirut, where you can explore the Roman Ruins, Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, Beirut Souks, and stylish streets! Have a look at the map here to see where you’re going.

NOTE: Don’t forget to bring your passport if you want to rent a bike!

Day 2: Evening

Have a classy dinner with a view at Zaitunay Bay

As part of this awesome expert itinerary, you’ll be spending your second evening in Beirut at Zaitunay Bay, a glitzy bay near the port where there are some lovely restaurants, romantic bars, glittering streetlights, and a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. Yes!!

The night before our wedding, my husband and I went for dinner with both sides of the family at Zaitunay Bay. It was such a special evening, and the vibe there never disappoints. We even got lucky and had some fireworks that night!

Zaitunay Bay is also a cozy place for a date in Beirut.

PRO TIP: The restaurants on Zaitunay Bay are almost always busy in the evenings, so I recommend booking in advance. There are lots to choose from, but my personal favorite is Fattouh for the unbeatable service! See the map here.

Take a taxi down to Raouche Rocks for romantic vibes

After dinner, you’ll be going on an exciting adventure to Raouche, where you’ll find calming views, people smoking arguileh on the promenade, hot corn stands, ka’ake vendors, and the incredible Pigeon Rocks!

The best time to see Raouche is in the evening, when the weather is balmy and the lights over the water are sparkling.

Did you know Beirut’s famed Pigeon Rocks are shrouded in legend? According to local lore, a fearsome sea creature had threatened the land around Raouche. The locals sacrificed a beautiful princess to set the creature at ease, but this didn’t stop the monster. Instead, the demigod Perseus slayed the monster and turned him permanently to stone!

Every time we go to Beirut, we stop by Raouche. While you’re there, you may be confronted with small children trying to sell you flowers – don’t buy anything! It’s sad, but these children are employed by mafia gangs using them to generate money. 

Instead, buy them some hot corn!

Day 3: Take a day trip from Beirut

On your third day, you should take a Lebanon day trip. 

Although this is a 3-day Lebanon itinerary for Beirut, Lebanon is much more than just its capital city. It’s the most beautiful country in the world (in my opinion), and there is much to see beyond Beirut – something many tourists forget!

Snow capped mountains, stunning beaches, mountainside lakes, and views for days. Amazing!!

My personal favorite day trip out of Beirut is to the Cedars of Lebanon & surrounding countryside. The landscape around Jbeil and East Lebanon is absolutely stunning, with Bcharre being one of the most gorgeous villages in the country. 

The first time I went to the Cedars, I was absolutely mesmerized. I remember walking through the great forest and feeling so tiny! These trees are so ancient they are mentioned in the Bible. If these Cedars could talk, they would tell so many stories.

Spend your evening at Mayrig and Sole Insight

Upon your return to Beirut, you should have dinner at my favorite Armenian restaurant in Mar Mikael – Mayrig! 

Please try the Manti, it’s SO GOOD. I took my parents to this restaurant and my mum raved about the Manti for weeks. You’ll be desperate to come back! See the map here.

Once you’ve stuffed yourself with game birds, manti, and soujouk, head just a few minutes away to Sole Insight to play a quiet game of backgammon over a glass of Arak.

Sole is less than 15 minutes from Mayrig on foot. Check out the directions here.

When I first tried Arak, I hated it. I’m serious – I really hated the stuff. But over time, I learned to love it for its cultural inferences and the shared moments I had with friends over a cold glass. It tastes like aniseed or sharp licorice, and I adore it now. You have to try it at least once, and Sole Insight is the best place to do it!

Where to stay in Beirut for 3 days

If you’re going to Beirut for 3 days or a long weekend, I recommend staying in Achrafieh or Geitawi. These are calm, predominantly Christian areas, and you’ll be in the perfect spot to enjoy everything on this itinerary. Plus, it’s an easy 30-minute taxi ride to Beirut airport.

From personal experience, I recommend staying in Hostel Beirut for the ultimate experience. It was incredible every time I stayed there, and I met so many amazing people!

Here are the best hotels in Beirut, Lebanon for every budget if you prefer something different:

Luxury (US$150+)

• O Monot Boutique Hotel – Looking for an epic rooftop pool to enjoy the sunrise in Beirut? O Monot has gorgeous, modern rooms and it’s right next to downtown Beirut & Sodeco so you’ll be able to get around easily. 
• Arthaus Beirut – This place is the stuff of legends. It’s like a hidden palace amongst the chaos of Beirut! Totally worth the price, the whole place is stunning and the outdoor pool is to die for.
• Albergo Hotel – just 10 mins from Gemmayze, Albergo screams elegant luxury. Marble bathrooms, cozy bedroom furniture, and lush outdoor spaces abound here!

Mid-range (US$50 – 150)

• Charbel’s Airbnbs (Dayf Lebanon) – Charbel and his team have loads of Airbnbs, but my husband and I stayed in this one and loved it! It’s right next to Armenia street and it’s so cute and cozy. They’ll even give you a SIM card and help you out with anything you need!
• Sodeco Suites –  The staff here are lovely! For luxury at a great price, this place has a gym, kitchenettes in the rooms, and it’s right next to the National Museum. 
• Saifi Suites – If you love a private balcony and your own kitchenette, go with this one in Saifi Village. Saifi Suites is next to Gouraud street & the St Nicholas Stairs, so you’ll be close to all the fun. 

Budget (Up to US$50)

• Hostel Beirut – I’ve stayed in Hostel Beirut SO many times. I practically lived there, and with good reason! Staff are amazing, it’s a great place for solo travelers to meet new friends, and the location is unbeatable in the quiet neighborhood of Geitawi.
• Heritage Apartment – Located on Mar Mikhael, this place is perfect if you want to enjoy a true Lebanese-style apartment all to yourself. It’s bright, airy, and celebrates old-fashioned Lebanese living!
• Hamra Urban Gardens – HUG in Hamra is excellent on a budget and fantastic for solo travelers. They also have an epic rooftop pool and bar where you can relax and take it easy when the chaos gets too much.

FAQs about this 3 days in Beirut itinerary

⚡ Is Beirut safe to visit?

It’s very safe to travel to Beirut. I’d recommend taking the same precautions as anywhere else (like keeping your valuables hidden, not walking alone late at night etc) but generally Lebanon is super safe. It’s also well worth the visit! 

🎉 Is Beirut a party town?

Beirut is definitely a party town! There are different vibes in different parts of the city, but the main party areas are Hamra and the area around Mar Mikhael.

🩳 Is it ok to wear shorts in Lebanon?

Yes! You can wear shorts in Lebanon provided you’re not going into a religious institution. The main rule of thumb, however, is that you shouldn’t wear tiny shorts, as you’ll get lots of people staring!

⏱️ How should I spend 2 days in Beirut?

You should definitely follow the first 2 days of this Beirut itinerary! That way, you can see all the most important sites and eat at the best restaurants Beirut has to offer.

📆 How many days in Beirut is enough?

If you’re new to Lebanon, I think spending around 3-5 days in Beirut is enough. If you’re staying in Lebanon for longer, use the extra time to travel around the country, and you can always return to the madness after! 

🚱 Can you drink the tap water in Beirut?

No! Unless you want a bad tummy bug (or worse, D&V), I’d stay safe with bottled water. If you’re staying in a hotel, they should provide it. If you’re staying in an apartment, ask your neighbors for the local water guy’s number and he’ll send someone round with a gallon!

🚶🏽‍♀️ Is it safe to walk around in Beirut?

Yes! It’s not a city that was really made for walking, but it’s totally doable. Don’t forget, if there’s no sidewalk, just walk at the side of the road. This is normal, and drivers are expecting you to do it. PRO TIP: If you’re attempting to cross a road, cars won’t stop for you, so just make a run for it because the traffic lights don’t usually work!

🌧️ What is the weather like in Lebanon?

The weather in Lebanon is seasonal. It gets cold, snowy, and rainy in the winter months, and lovely and hot in the summer! 

🗣️ Is English widely spoken in Beirut?

Most people in Beirut speak English. Many people also speak French, since Lebanon used to be a French colony. I still recommend learning a few Arabic phrases, as the Lebanese love it when you make an effort! I use Mondly to keep up to date on my Arabic since my husband’s parents don’t speak English, so I recommend doing the same!

✖️ What to avoid in Beirut?

There’s nothing to necessarily avoid in Beirut, but I wouldn’t walk the streets alone after dark. I’ve done it before a few times and been fine many years ago, but nowadays it’s a bit less safe to do so.

🚗 What are the Beirut airport parking fees in 2025?

As of 2025, the Beirut airport parking fees are 100,000 LL (US$1.2) for 1 hour, 150,000 LL for up to 4 hours, 200,000 LL for up to 8 hours, and 300,000 LL for 24 hours.

Conclusion

Ok guys, you made it! I hope you loved the itinerary, so let me know how it goes! If you need any extra tips, don’t forget to check out my post on solo travel in Lebanon, for all the info you’ll ever need for an easy, breezy vacay!

If you want more Lebanon content, I’ve got so much – check out all my other Lebanon posts here.

Let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them. As you can see, I LOVE talking about Beirut, so ask away!

Happy travels Habibi!

Lizzie