About Beirut

Beirut budget travel offers the best of the bustling capital city of Lebanon - a cosmopolitan mix of the exotic and traditional, ancient and modern, with plenty of world-class activities and attractions in this gateway to the Middle East.

Beirut Budget Travel

Beirut budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Beirut to help you plan your budget holiday in Beirut. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Beirut.

Airports

The primary airport in Beirut is:
• Beirut International Airport (BEY)

Read more on Airports in Beirut.

Conservation

Beirut conservation is a point of focus for Lebanon, which is one of the greenest Middle Eastern countries. Sustainable development and forestry practices are encouraged throughout the region, and the forests and parks are well-managed. Marine conservation is also prioritised, as the region is a heavy shipping route.

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Culture

Beirut culture includes the following aspects:
• Food and drink plays a key role in Lebanese family and culture
• Nightlife and entertainment is a popular culture, especially amongst the younger generations
• Music and film are also prevalent across the country
• Traditional folklore and history is still present across Lebanon
• Modern culture is common in the cities and amongst wealthier groups

Read more on culture in Beirut.

Health

Beirut health info for travellers includes the following:
• The most common health risk is travellers tummy from rich foods or tap water
• Health facilities are advanced in the major cities, but not in rural areas
• Pack a basic first aid kit with medication for upset stomachs, nausea and other minor ailments
• Check with your doctor about any health risks or disease outbreaks that may have occurred recently before leaving for your Beirut safari

Read more on health in Beirut.

Languages

Beirut languages include the following:
• Arabic (standard and North Levantine)
• English
• French
• Armenian
• Kurdish

Read more on languages in Beirut.

Malaria

While malaria in Beirut is not a great risk, there may be a malaria risk within Africa and Asia in general. Travellers who are visiting malaria-risk countries before or after travelling to Beirut should consider malaria medication.

Read more on malaria in Beirut.

Money

Beirut money and banking info is as follows:
• The currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP)
• Most establishments accept payment in US dollars but may return change in Lebanese pounds
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops
• Traveller’s cheques are not accepted and cannot be exchanged even in banks
• Cash machines are found in most supermarkets, banks and other commercial buildings

Read more on money in Beirut.

People

Beirut people include:
• Sunni Arabs
• Shiite Arabs
• Armenians
• Greeks

Read more on people in Beirut.

Phrase

Beirut local phrases include the following:
• Hello: Marhaba
• Good morning: S-bahh Al-khair
• Good evening: Masa Al-khair
• Please: Men-fadllaak (m)
• Please: Men-fadllake (f)
• How much: Gha-daish?

Read more on phrase in Beirut.

Plants

Beirut plants are limited to some splendid gardens and public parks throughout the city, including the herbal garden in Downtown. Trees are relatively abundant in the city, but wildflowers and other indigenous flora are limited to parks and gardens. Beyond the city, the region is relatively green.

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Religion

Beirut religion includes the following:
• Shia Islam 30%
• Sunni Islam 25%
• Maronite Catholic 23%
• Greek orthodox and Greek Catholic 12%
• Druze & Alwites 5%
• Armenian Catholic/Orthodox & Other Christians 4%
• Others/Agnostics/Atheists 1%

Read more on religion in Beirut.

Safety Tips

Beirut safety tips include the following:
• The conflict in Israel could have impact in certain areas, especially as there is much unrest across Lebanon as a result of this conflict
• Avoid large crowds and demonstrations that may become violent
• There is a relative risk of terrorism against westerners - keep to your tour group, and do not consider solo travel in Lebanon, especially if crossing near Isreal
• Generally, the country is safe for travel however, with a low crime rate and only petty crime in the towns and cities. Beirut is typical of this.
• Look out for scams run by private taxis that target visitors ' do not be fooled by anything that seems suspicious

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Transport

Beirut local transport includes the following options:
• Bus
• Taxi
• Car
• Bicycle

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Travel Books

Beirut recommended travel books include the following:
• Globetrotter Lebanon Travel Pack by Hugh Taylor and Moira McCrossan
• Spirit of the Phoenix: Beirut and the Story of Lebanon by Tim Llewellyn
• Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon by Lara Dunston and Terry Carter
• The Hills of Adonis: A Journey in Lebanon by Colin Thubron
• A Key to the Lebanon by Salah Stetie

Read more on travel books in Beirut.

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Lebanon

What To Buy

What to buy for holidays in Beirut:
• Extra batteries for your camera
• A water bottle or bottled water
• Phrase and guide books
• A good pair of sunglasses for summer
• Basic first aid kit containing painkillers, nausea, and diarrhea tablets

Read more on what to buy in Beirut.

What To Pack

What to pack for your safari in Lebanon:
• Sunscreen and a sunhat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Smart wear for evenings
• Additional batteries and memory cards for your camera
• Basic first aid kit
• Local phrase book

Read more on what to pack in Beirut.

When To Go

When to go to Beirut:
• Spring has warm days with cool evenings, and is the ideal time to visit Beirut
• In Autumn, the days start to shorten and cool down, with increased rain
• Summer is warm throughout the country, and is perfect for beach holidays
• Winter is cold and wet, with occasional snow, but is a very popular with tourists due to the skiing season in nearby mountains.

Read more on when to go in Beirut.