Capital city in Beirut Governorate, Lebanon
Beirut
A food, art and nightlife capital with Mediterranean views and fiercely hospitable people, now operating through war, blackouts and a dollar cash economy. Strikes mean the south and southern suburbs are off-limits.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$2,200–3,500Comfortable, one person · $2,200–3,500Details
- Value for money6/100Better value than 5% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 33°CDetails
- Air quality19 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · PollutedDetails
- Internet22 MbpsFixed broadband, Lebanon medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water isn't drinkable; buy bottled or delivered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–80Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashDollar cash dominates; many shops refuse foreign cards.Details
Where to stay in Beirut
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hamra | Long stays: cafés, bookshops, universities, mixed crowd |
| Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael | Nightlife, bars and restaurants; walkable |
| Achrafieh | Quieter, upscale, Christian-majority area with good restaurants |
| Downtown and Zaitunay Bay | Promenade, marina and hotels; empty at night |
Apps that work in Beirut
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Cars only; the main app, also used for airport transfers |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Toters | Local app with the widest restaurant and grocery choice |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Whish Money: Cash pick-ups and money transfers
- Taxis: Taxis don't use meters, so agree the fare first. Prices are quoted in dollars or Lebanese pounds; clarify which.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Lebanon.
- Mostly cash Dollar cash dominates; many shops refuse foreign cards. Upscale hotels and restaurants take cards, and Whish Money handles transfers.
- Currency: Pound (LBP). US$1 ≈ ل.ل89,500.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Some ATMs give dollars to foreign cards, but with high fees and limits; bring enough cash.
- Tipping: Leave 10–15% in restaurants, often in dollars; tip valet parkers and delivery riders.
- Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards work in upscale Beirut places; Whish Money handles cash pick-ups and transfers.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities get a free one-month visa on arrival at Beirut airport, extendable at General Security offices.
- Any evidence of travel to Israel can mean refusal, even with a valid visa.
- Arrivals are checked against a wanted-persons database; name matches can mean delays.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 140 · Fire 175
Plugs
Type A, B, C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
alfa and touch sell prepaid lines at Beirut airport and shops with a passport; bundles are priced in US dollars. touch also offers eSIM. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Lebanon
Going to Beirut solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.