Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon

If there was ever a prize for the coolest city in the Middle East it would have to go to Beirut.

And who knew?

Well certainly not me before I touched down in Lebanon otherwise I would have allowed myself more than 10 days here!

For while Lebanon is a tiny country, there’s so much to see and do in its wonderful capital that I could easily have spent 10 days here without even seeing a speck of what other treasures lay in this off the beaten track beauty.

For Lebanon is a beauty, a real gem in fact, and here’s my list of the 10 best free things to do in Beirut if you’re thinking of discovering this incredible country soon too.


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#1 Stroll the Corniche on a Sunday

Lebanon, Beirut, Corniche

One of the most picturesque areas in the city, the Corniche, which stretches along the glitzy waterfront of this capital is an amazing place to stroll and doing so is definitely one of the best free things to do in Beirut.

This is particularly true on a Sunday when hordes of families come out to enjoy a stroll too and with local fishermen lining the sea wall and local men sunning themselves on the rocks below, this is a great place to get your people-watching fix.

LEARN MORE: How To Spend 48hrs in Lebanon

 

#2 Snap the Rock at Sunset

Beirut, The Rock, Sunset

Who knew Lebanon had a beautiful natural archway to rival Malta’s now-deceased specimen or those along Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

But it does, and checking out the Pigeon Rocks or La Rouche, as they are called, is definitely one of the best free things to do in Beirut, especially in the evening.

This is especially true at sunset when its Western aspect gives this scene the most stunning colours and you can even walk right down to an outcrop beside it to check out the nearby cave.

 

#3 Marvel at the Mohammed al-Amin Mosque

Lebanon, Beirut, Mosque

Beirut’s largest mosque is a beauty and hard to miss, situated right in central downtown.

Its distinctive blue dome provides some great photo opps especially as, from the right angle, the spire of a church can be viewed directly behind the mosque’s minaret.

Speaking volumes about Beirut and its diverse community, I think it’s fair to say, the magic is in the mix.

 

#4 Soak up the Hipster Vibe in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhaël

Beirut, Gemmayze, Window Shutters

If there’s one bit of Beirut I had to say I loved the most, it would definitely be the Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael area.

This young, vibrant, arty and very fun district has more cool stuff going on than you can shake a stick at and is stuffed full of great cafes, galleries and graffiti.

It’s not cheap, but if you want your green smoothie, yoga class, live music or craft beer this is the place to hang!

Otherwise, wandering the streets here soaking up the vibe and marvelling at the regeneration of this great city after a long and traumatic civil war is another great free thing to do in Beirut.

Top places to drink in the Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael area are Kalei Café, Sip Café, Colonel Bar.

Top places to eat in the Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael area are Le Chef, Saj and Mayrig.

 

#5 Stroll the Producers Market

Lebanon, Beirut, Farmers Market

So if you’re still not getting the impression that Beirut is host to an incredibly bohemian, politically active, environmentally conscious microculture, then the fact that this city also hosts 2 weekly amazing producers’ market will probably seal the deal!

Certainly one of the best free things to do in Beirut, checking out either the Souk el Tayeb on Saturday or the Baradro Urban on a Sunday will not only show you just how amazing the food Lebanon produces is, but also how progressive a city this is.

 

#6 Visit the Sursock Musuem

Beirut, Gemmayze, Sursock Museum

I absolutely loved this cute little gallery, situated in the Gemmayze district of Beirut and found its contemporary exhibitions both thought-provoking and delightful.

Set within a renovated merchant’s house, the second floor beautifully shows some rooms renovated in all their glory, with some incredible old photos from Beirut and the Middle East – including Jerusalem and Jordan – at the turn of the century.

Absolutely captivating – especially if you’ve been to any of these cities and seen what they’re like today!

 

#7 Enjoy a Free City Tour Every Tuesday

Lebanon, Beirut, Cityscape

You can’t go wrong with a free city tour in my opinion, especially in a city as layered and loaded as Beirut.

Trying to wrap your head around the cultural complexity of this city, as well as its chequered history, really is a whole thing, so having someone to help you out with some background info can be a great aid!

And that’s why the weekly free city tour that runs every Tuesday is definitely one of the best things to do in Beirut.

 

#8 Check out the American University

Over in the Hamra region of the city, the American University of Beirut is a gorgeous spot to get away from the pace of the capital and retreat to enjoy a little solitude in Beirut.

With its beautiful gardens and archaeological museum, both free to access, wandering here to spend a peaceful afternoon is definitely one of the best free things to do in Beirut.

 

#9 Learn the Important Story at Beit Beirut

Lebanon, Beirut, Yellow House

An important cultural landmark that few travellers seemingly know about, Beit Beirut beautifully showcases the scars of Lebanon’s civil war, pieced together in the years since as a living cultural centre.

With important political and cultural exhibitions, this is a significant Beirut building whose story is told as much by its walls as by what lies inside them.

Located on the city’s former green line – the infamous physical border of the civil war – heading to Beit Beirut, also known as the Yellow House, is definitely one of the best free things to do in Beirut.

 

#10 Explore the Amazing Architecture

Lebanon, Beirut, Architecture

And this leads me perfectly into talking about my final entry on this list of the 10 best free things to do in Beirut, which is simply to soak in this city, not least its amazing architecture.

Known as the Paris of the Middle East, the beautiful and character-filled buildings here are ripe with beauty and intrigue.

A fascinating, if not scary history, seeps out of the walls here just as much as the outspoken, politically active and positive street art plasters them.

From atmospheric backstreets to geranium-filled balconies, there’s more whispered and forgotten narratives filling every shadow here, than I’ve felt in any place ever.

And that’s not to mention the Roman ruins that scatter the city centre too!

Beirut is enchanting, enticing, enigmatic, energetic and electrifying… I dare you not to fall in love with this city.

 

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Other Fun Things To Do in Beirut

Lebanon, Baalbeck, Temple

As a budget traveller, I wanted to base this article on the best free things to do in Beirut to show you that, despite being a notoriously expensive capital, it’s still possible to enjoy this great city on a budget.

Yes if you have a bit of money to spend, then there really is no end to the fun you can have in Beirut and here’s my list of the best…

  • Party in Mar Mikhael – you won’t believe how much parts of this city comes to life after dark!
  • Visit the National Museum – as an ancient land, the treasures in this national archive are astonishing
  • Eat – does Lebanon have the best food in the world? I think so!
  • Shop – choose from traditional markets or the modern downtown souks… I know which I prefer!
  • Catch a Movie at the Metropolis Art Cinema – bohemian Beirut at its best
  • Caffeinate – the trendy Gemmayze is awash with boutique baristas and hipster cafes
  • Be Surprised at the MIM Museum – the mineral museum in Beirut sounds dull… it’s anything but!

 

Best Beirut Day Trips

Lebanon, Byblos, Bar

Being so small, it’s easy to explore much of what Lebanon has to offer simply as part of a number of day trips from Beirut.

These are my top picks, which can also be accessed from the capital in under 2 hours by bus or Uber.

  • The Cave System of Jeita Grotto 
  • The Cable Car Ride and Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa
  • The Ancient City Tripoli
  • The Historic, Seaside Towns of Byblos & Batroun
  • The Cedars Reserve & Qadisha Valley Monasteries
  • The Coastal Cities of Tyre / Sour
  • LipHe Wellness Retreat

Learn more about all these top destinations, how to get there and what to do there after you arrive, in my ultimate Lebanon itinerary.

 

Safety in Beirut

Lebanon, Batroun, Me

I first travelled to Beirut in early 2018 and over the following 12 months returned many times to this epic city.

Travelling as a solo female, I have to say I never once felt unsafe in this warm and welcoming country and this included my time in Beirut where I would go out alone in the day, as well as the evening.

Learn more in the post I wrote about whether it’s safe to travel in Lebanon.

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

 

Best Budget Accommodation in Beirut

Lebanon, Beirut, Gemmayzeh

In my opinion, the best place to stay in the Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael area of this city is Hostel Beirut, which has a great location and some of the best-priced dorms in the city.

There’s also a social / community positive aspect to the work this hostel does, which I really like.

Otherwise, the other good area of Hamra boasts some nice choices too, but you are removed from the fun action a little this way.

For something more private, with kitchen facilities and a balcony, the ZUR Studios and Suites get reviews and are really well-priced.

 

5 Packing Essentials for Beirut

Lebanon, Beirut, Fisherman

#1 Lebanon Bradt Travel Guide

A great guidebook for the maps and background info on this layered and complex country, Bradt make a top job of covering this off the beaten track destination.

#2 Camera

I highly recommend the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera, which is small, compact and ideal for adventurous travellers. I love mine!

#3 Walking Shoes

There’s going to be a lot of sightseeing in Lebanon, so good day-shoes are a must.

I love my New Balance trainers, which are city-friendly and super comfy.

#4 Bikini

When you see that glistening Mediterranean Sea, there’s no question you’ll want to dive straight into it.

Don’t hold back and come prepared to Lebanon with a beautiful Rip Curl Bikini.

#5 Small Day Backpack

With hiking and historical day trips aplenty in Lebanon, having a backpack to house your camera, sunscreen, water, snacks and guidebook is a must here and the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack is ideal for the job – I can guarantee it!

 

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And there it is, my list of the 10 best free things to do in Beirut, plus a host of other useful tips for enjoying your time in this city – I hope it’s been helpful.

So please tell me, have you visited Beirut in Lebanon?

Did you fall totally under its charm too?

Spill all in the comments below…

 

6 thoughts on “Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon

  1. Eric says:

    Thanks for this. Lebanon is one of those countries I’ve wanted to visit for years, but haven’t made it a priority. It’s a country with a rich culture and history that I’m curious to explore first had. Plus, any chance to eat Lebanese food at the source, would be amazing.

    • Steph says:

      Oh don’t get me started on the food Eric… I won’t be able to stop! Honestly, Lebanon blew me away on all fronts and I’m delighted to be able to spread the word about making it a priority in our travel lives! I’ll be heading back there myself in a few months for round 2 – yup it’s one of “those” places. Book those tickets! 🙂

  2. Ron says:

    Yes I’ve fallen in love with this incredible country. The people, the food, the culture, the history, and the beauty are really impressive. I’ve been twice since December and going a third time this summer and then again for 5 weeks to study Arabic. This place has captured my heart.
    One favorite place of mine is the Baalbec ruins. Absolutely breathtaking. In fact, it’s the largest Roman ruin outside of Rome. It’s a must-see! And be sure to hire one of the guides at the entrance. Definitely worth it.

    • Steph says:

      Hi Ron, so amazing to hear from a fellow Lebanon fan. This place really does capture your heart, doesn’t it. I think I mention the Baalbeck ruins in this post as one of the best things to do in the country – they certainly are. That and eat of course! Enjoy the Arabic lessons, would love to do that myself one day too 🙂

  3. Gyan says:

    Got Impressed with the beauty of Lebanon, Its food, culture, warmth and the county it self. Although, a tiny country, yet breathtaking places to visit. Highly recomended.

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