Beirut ★

April–June and September–November are kindest. July–August is hot and humid on the coast — spend days in the nearby mountains and evenings on the Corniche.

• Raouché Corniche and its rock at sunset
• Downtown and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
• The National Museum — among the region's best
• Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael cafés
• Zaitunay Bay family promenade

Families: Raouché and Verdun — near the sea and halal dining, relatively quiet. Hamra is central with a wider price range. Achrafieh feels European and suits a younger crowd.

State power cuts are daily and generators fill the gap — ask your hotel about coverage hours and AC. Never open political conversations. Torn dollar bills get refused — carry crisp ones.

Getting around: No metro — shared 'service' taxis (~$1–2 a hop) plus Uber and Bolt around the clock. Hamra, Downtown and Gemmayzeh are walkable. Agree private-taxi fares before getting in.

Halal & prayer places: High in West Beirut (Hamra, Raouché, Ramlet al-Bayda) where nearly everything is halal; in Achrafieh and Gemmayzeh ask first — alcohol is present and some menus include pork.

Local safety: Same as country →

Cost figures: Approx. 2026 prices: service ride $1–2, mid-range meal $12–25, National Museum ~$5, good hotel $80–200/night.

2-3 days

Suggested plan:

1. Day 1: Raouché & Corniche + National Museum
2. Day 2: Downtown & the mosque + Gemmayzeh evening
3. Day 3: nearby Jeita Grotto & Harissa trip