Beirut Guide
What is the best way to get around Beirut?
Take a taxi
It's easy to find metered cabs in Beirut. Travellers buying flights to Beirut can expect short trips around the city to cost on average 10,000 LBP ($9.78 AUD).
For a cheaper option, you can use the shared taxi called ‘Service’. All you need to do is say “service” to the driver when you get in, and he will pick up other passengers along the way and you can split the cost of the ride. Service rides average around 2,000 LBP ($1.96 AUD).
It's a great option for travellers buying cheap flights to Beirut that want to keep transportation costs down.
Rent a car
If you need more independence getting around Beirut, or you have a few day trips planned, hire a car. When purchasing your return flights to Beirut with Webjet, you can choose a vehicle for your trip at the same time. Your car will be ready for you to collect upon arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).
Hire a private driver
For travellers buying an airfare to Beirut and who don't feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, you can hire a private driver for the day. It's a great way to explore the city in comfort and have a knowledgeable local who may double as a guide.
Transport from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
The most convenient way to get from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to your hotel is with a taxi. Travellers buying flights to Beirut can expect to pay around 15,000 LBP ($14.66 AUD) for a one-way trip into the city.
If you're on a budget, you can catch a local minibus. If none are waiting on the second level of the arrivals terminal, you can leave the airport and walk towards the main road. There are usually plenty of minibuses about 500 metres from the airport.
What are the dos and don'ts of visiting Beirut?
Languages
Many Beirut locals are bi- or trilingual. The main languages spoken are French, English and Arabic. Travellers with tickets to Beirut can expect to hear a mix of these languages in greetings. For example: "Hi, Kifak, ca va?" translates as ‘Hi, how are you?’ and is a mix of all three.
Immigration
It's not possible to visit Lebanon with an Israeli stamp in your passport. If you’re buying flights to Beirut and have previously been to Israel using the same passport, you will be barred from entering even if you have the correct Lebanese visa.
Money
Travellers with airfare to Beirut can use both US dollars and the Lebanese lira throughout their visit. Most vendors will accept US bills, and the ATMs give you the option to withdraw one of the two currencies.
Beirut's LGBTQ+ Community
As one of the most liberal Arab countries, Lebanon is an excellent destination for LGBTQ+ travellers buying flights to Beirut. The capital city is home to various LGBTQ+ groups and held its first gay pride event in 2017.
What are the best things to do in Beirut?
Sursock Museum
Sursock Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in Beirut. It's also where you'll find impressive exhibitions of artworks. Plus, it's free to visit!
t's an excellent option for travellers buying flights to Beirut that want to keep their sightseeing costs down as much as possible. Once you're done exploring the museum, stop for a drink at the outdoor cafe in the courtyard.
Jeita Grotto
For a memorable adventure in Lebanon, carve out time in your Beirut itinerary to visit the Jeita Grotto. The caves are a natural world phenomena that everyone buying return flights to Beirut should visit.
The impressive Jeita Grotto is made up of karstic limestone caves that span a length of 9 kilometres. The upper galleries of the cave network are home to the world’s largest stalactite.
Baalbek Temples
To take in some of Lebanon’s incredible ancient ruins, head to the Baalbek Temples. The site is located 85km from Beirut and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once here, visitors will find two of the world’s largest Roman temples (the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter). Both temples are incredibly well preserved so this day out is sure to be a hit with history-buffs!
Travellers buying cheap flights to Beirut will need to hire a driver or join a tour to get there. The site is located close to the Lebanon-Syria border so be sure to check if travel to the complex is possible during your visit.
Chateau Ksara
For wine aficionados, plan a trip to Chateau Ksara. It's the oldest winery in Lebanon and has been in operation since 1857. Travellers buying flights to Beirut can easily add a visit to the estate into their holiday itinerary.
It's on the way to the Temples of Baalbek, and you can stop by for a tasting before making your way back to the capital.
