Beyrouth en 7 jours
National Museum of Beirut, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque et Corniche Beirut le jour 1, Pigeon Rocks at Raouché et Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael le jour 2 et une excursion à Byblos le jour 3. Les 4 autres jours ajoutent Downtown, une excursion à Baalbek, une excursion à Jeita Grotto & Harissa et Hamra.
Meilleurs mois : mars, avril ou novembre.
Jour 1 : National Museum of Beirut, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque et Corniche Beirut
Matin
National Museum of Beirut
Fin de matinée
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
Quartier : Downtown.
Pour manger
Traditional Mezze
Go with a group to sample as many dishes as possible. Don't fill up on bread—pace yourself for the 20+ plates that may arrive.
Où aller : Em Sherif (full experience), Tawlet (farm-to-table collective), Le Chef (iconic, no-frills spot in Gemmayzeh)
Après-midi
Corniche Beirut
Soir
AUB Archaeological Museum
A small but exquisite museum on the American University of Beirut campus, housing one of the region's most important collections of Levantine artifacts.
Quartier : Hamra.
Jour 2 : Pigeon Rocks at Raouché et Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael
Matin
Pigeon Rocks at Raouché
Pour manger
Street Food & Bakeries
Try 'kaak' from a street vendor for breakfast—it's a sesame bread ring often filled with cheese or za'atar, perfect for eating on the go.
Où aller : Barbar (for manousheh and shawarma), Furn Al Sabaya (for kaak sesame bread rings), Semsom (for fresh falafel sandwiches)
Après-midi
Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael
The epicenter of Beirut's hipster renaissance, these adjacent districts are a maze of narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and vibrant street art.
Soir
Bourj Hammoud Flea Market
A sprawling, chaotic market district across the river from Achrafieh, known as Beirut's 'Little Armenia'.
Jour 3 : excursion à Byblos
40 min by car/taxi north.
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos is a UNESCO site where Phoenician, Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman ruins sit beside a picturesque fishing harbor and souk.
À voir : Crusader Castle, Ancient Phoenician ruins, Old Souk for shopping, St. John the Baptist Church
Jour 4 : Downtown et Sanayeh Garden
Matin
Downtown (Solidere)
The meticulously reconstructed city center, a blend of archaeological sites and ultra-modern architecture. It's polished, upscale, and home to high-end shopping, luxury hotels, and restored historical landmarks surrounding Martyrs' Square.
Aussi dans le coin : Roman Baths archaeological garden, Saifi Village for designer boutiques, The iconic Martyrs' Statue
Pour manger
Seafood
The fish is typically priced by weight. Ask for the 'catch of the day' and have it simply grilled with lemon and olive oil ('sayadieh' style).
Où aller : Abou Naim (fishermen's port classic), Pepe's Fishing Club (legendary Byblos spot, worth the trip), Bay Rock (for views and grilled fish at Raouché)
Après-midi
Sanayeh Garden
A historic public park in the heart of the city, dating back to the Ottoman era.
Jour 5 : excursion à Baalbek
1.5-2 hours by car/taxi east.
Home to the most impressive Roman ruins in the Middle East, the colossal temples of Jupiter and Bacchus at Baalbek are a breathtaking testament to imperial Roman engineering and ambition.
À voir : Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Bacchus, The Stone of the Pregnant Woman, Nearby Temple of Venus
Jour 6 : excursion à Jeita Grotto & Harissa
30 min by car/taxi north.
A natural and spiritual wonder in one trip. Explore the stunning underground limestone caves of Jeita Grotto, then take the cable car up to Harissa to see the towering statue of Our Lady of Lebanon.
À voir : Jeita Grotto Upper & Lower caves, Cable car ride to Harissa, Our Lady of Lebanon statue, Panoramic views of Jounieh Bay
Jour 7 : Hamra et The Egg
Matin
Hamra
The intellectual and cultural heart of old Beirut, known for its historic universities, bookshops, and 1960s modernist buildings. It's bustling, less polished than Downtown, and offers a more local, eclectic vibe with affordable eats and a thriving cafe culture.
Aussi dans le coin : American University of Beirut campus, Hamra Street for shopping and cafes, The iconic Café Younes
Après-midi
The Egg (Al Bourj)
The haunting, unfinished concrete shell of a 1960s cinema and entertainment complex, left ruined since the civil war.
Soir
Mim Museum (Mineral Museum)
A stunning private museum located beneath the campus of the Saint Joseph University, dedicated to minerals and fossils.
Avant de partir
Depuis l'aéroport
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is 9km south of the city. A pre-booked private taxi costs $15-25. Official airport taxis charge $20-30. There is no direct train or reliable bus service; taxis are the standard option.
Se déplacer
Central neighborhoods like Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, Hamra, and Downtown are very walkable and best explored on foot. Distances between these districts may require a short taxi ride.
Conseils sur place
- Carry cash (USD and LBP). Lebanon's economy is heavily cash-based, and while cards are accepted in some places, USD is widely preferred and often gives a better rate.
- Download the 'Bolt' or 'Careem' app for taxis. Negotiate the fare before getting in a regular taxi, or use these ride-hailing apps for fixed, fair prices.
- Tipping ('baksheesh') is customary. Round up taxi fares, leave 10% in restaurants if service isn't included, and tip small change to porters and bathroom attendants.
