Where to stay In Beirut [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

BEIRUT, LEBANON - : Unidentified people at sunset on La Corniche, a seaside promenade in Beirut Central District.

We’re heading to an unconventional holiday destination next. This is a place that mixes cityscapes and beach escapes perfectly. This is the budgeters version of Dubai (love a good destination saving).

Also known as the “Paris” of the East, this is Beirut, Lebanon. Inspired by its french influence, vibrant culture and intellectual lifestyle, Beirut is a popular destination for those who want to meet in the middle of a Mediterranean escape and a Middle Eastern cultural escapade.

Sounds like paradise? A place that caters to a variety of needs? but the real question is, “Where to stay in Beirut?”.

❤️ Best Area first timersHamra
💸 Best Luxury HotelRoyal Tulip Achrafieh
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesSofitel Beirut Le Gabriel
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelRamada by Wyndham Downtown Beirut
🛏️ Best Budget HotelHamra Urban Gardens
✨ Best Hotel near the AirportKempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut

Whether you’re a tourist, traveling with the fam, want to live like a local, are only coming for the vibes at night, are down to your last few pennies, are only worried about your next meal, or are looking for a convenient stopover destination, these are the best places to stay in Beirut according to your preferences.

Plan your trip?

Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card. You can hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app.

Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Check out these helpful links:

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Downtown Beirut – Where to stay in Beirut for Tourists

Located in the center of the city, Downtown Beirut is covered in attractions and activities for the restless soul. 

Why stay in Downtown Beirut?

If you want to explore Beirut’s well worn paths and see the picturesque area that encompasses all that Beirut has to offer, you’ll want to head over to Downtown Beirut.

Downtown Beirut is a perfect blend of history, culture, nightlife, food, shopping and more. Once you enter the city center, it’ll be hard for you to leave it.

Which is why Downtown Beirut is perfect for tourists who want to see and experience everything Beirut has to offer.

Things to do in Downtown Beirut

You’ll start off your tour of Beirut in style, literally, at the Beirut Souks. This modern shopping district is filled with high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes. All of which provides tourists with a unique, yet cosmopolitan experience.

Taking a stroll down memory lane, you’ll head over to Martyrs’ Square. The central square is an important part of Beirut’s history and was the site of many protests and demonstrations.

No trip is complete without learning about the history of the city you’re in. So go and explore the National Museum of Beirut. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times, as well as exhibits on Beirut’s rich history and culture.

While you’re sightseeing, be sure to tick off the Corniche, which is a waterfront promenade from which you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the city skyline. As well as the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Downtown Beirut

Best places to stay in Downtown Beirut

Budget accommodation in Downtown Beirut

Mid range accommodation in Downtown Beirut

Family Friendly accommodation in Downtown Beirut

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Downtown Beirut

BEIRUT, LEBANON -  Rush hour in Beirut downtown and view of the historical Al-Omari Grand Mosque at summer sunny day.

Gemmayzeh – Where to stay in Beirut for for Family

Gemmayzeh is warm and cozy, just like a big hug, and is perfect for a family vacation that takes little one’s, parents and kids into consideration. Gemmayzeh is a popular neighborhood located in the eastern part of Beirut. 

Why stay in Gemmayzeh?

Gemmayzeh has a wide variety of restaurants that can cater towards both kids and adult needs with an atmosphere that fits your family dynamic.

Additionally, Gemmayzeh has plenty of parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy and is also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Beirut, with a low crime rate and plenty of police presence.

Things to do in Gemmayzeh

Take the family to visit the multiple art galleries that Gemmayzeh has to offer. Art enthusiasts should specifically not miss a visit to the Agial Art Gallery, which is known for its contemporary art exhibitions.

Encourage the family to try new foods from food stalls that are dotted around the town, serving up delicious Lebanese cuisine. Challenge everyone to try traditional dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh at local favorites like Em Nazih and Liza.

Experience Lebanese traditions at a local concert or event. Gemmayzeh is home to a number of venues that host concerts, plays, and other cultural events. Check out the program at venues like The Palace and Metro Al Madina to see what’s on. This is a great family bonding activity.

Finally, don’t let the kids go home without a souvenir from their time in Lebanon. You’re bound to find a treasure as you walk the streets of Gemmayzeh.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Gemmayzeh

Best places to stay in Gemmayzeh

Budget accommodation in Gemmayzeh

Mid range accommodation in Gemmayzeh

Family Friendly accommodation in Gemmayzeh

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Gemmayzeh

Beirut, Lebanon - The street in Beirut city, Lebanon

Achrafieh – Where to stay in Beirut like a Local

Achrafieh is a place for those that crave the opposite of the above. For those who don’t want to see the same things as everyone else and for those who want to come back with a unique story about how they uncovered a new street in Beirut.

That will lead them on a mysterious journey that has never before been recorded, Achrafieh is for you. If undiscovered, local paths intrigue you, then you’ll be making your way to Achrafieh.

Why stay in Achrafieh?

Live, eat, dress, look and feel like a local in Achrafieh, which is a predominantly residential neighborhood. This means that you’ll get to experience the local Lebanese culture and way of life.

You’ll be surrounded by locals going about their daily routines, giving you a more authentic feel of Beirut. What’s more, you’ll eat some of the best, traditional Lebanese food in the world.

The best way to learn more about a city is to immerse yourself in the small things for extended periods of time.

Maybe even make a friend over a drink in the evening and learn about their way of life.The town is also close to main attractions should you wish to see them. 

Things to do in Achrafieh

Shop like a local at The ABC Mall, which is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Beirut, located in the heart of Achrafieh. It offers a variety of high-end stores, as well as restaurants, cafes, and a cinema.

Then, relax at the Sassine Square and take in the thrill of being in a new and exciting destination. You’ll also notice the variance in architecture and the blend of old and new buildings.

Learn more about the artistic history of Achrafieh by going to the Sursock Museum. It is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Achrafieh. It’s housed in a 1912 mansion and features a collection of modern and contemporary art from Lebanon and the Middle East.

Eat like a local at Le Chef. This is a popular restaurant in Achrafieh that serves traditional Lebanese cuisine in a casual and welcoming setting. It’s known for its delicious food and friendly service.

As the night draws on, enjoy a walk along Rue Gouraud – A popular street in Achrafieh that’s lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Finally, get a taste of local music at Music Hall, which is a popular music venue in Achrafieh that hosts concerts and events featuring local musicians.

Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Achrafieh

Best places to stay in Achrafieh

Mid range accommodation in Achrafieh

Family Friendly accommodation in Achrafieh

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Achrafieh

Panorama of Beirut skyline, from Meitn in Lebanon. Achrafieh buildings and the Mafaa port appear on the Mediterranean shore.

Ain Al Mraiseh – Where to stay in Beirut for Nightlife

For the party animals, all night ravers, techno lovers, dancing queens and the party till you drop club, Ain El Mreisseh is your go to.

Why stay in Al Mraiseh?

Ain Al Mraiseh is home to some of Beirut’s best nightlife spots, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night.

You’ll find everything from rooftop bars with stunning sea views to underground clubs with live music and DJs. This is Lebanon’s version of Ibiza.

Sticking with the Ibiza influence, you’ll find Ain Al Mraiseh along Beirut’s waterfront, and there are several beaches in the area where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the sea.

Some popular beaches in the area include Ramlet Al Baida Beach, St. George Beach, and Sporting Beach.

Ain Al Mraiseh also has cool shopping and cultural attractions.

Things to do in Al Mraiseh

Relax by the sea, get your tan on for the evening and get some cardio in on the beachfront.

In the evening, bar hop your way through Ain Al Mraiseh’s extensive range of bars, pubs, clubs, fancy lounges and rooftop bars.

If your night ended before 5am (or maybe it didn’t and you’re happy to pull an all-nighter), soak up the quiet city and visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. This beautiful mosque is one of Beirut’s most iconic landmarks, with its blue dome and towering minarets.

Beach? Bar? Beirut. Now that sounds like a good summer anthem to live by.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Ain Al Mraiseh

Best places to stay in Ain Al Mraiseh

Budget accommodation in Ain Al Mraiseh

Mid range accommodation in Ain Al Mraiseh

Family Friendly accommodation in Ain Al Mraiseh

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Ain Al Mraiseh

Downtown buildings and towers with rocks and sea in the foreground, Beirut, Lebanon

Hamra – Where to stay in Beirut for on a Budget

Every city has its own sense of luxury. For some of us, staying in a five star hotel with a private pool and rooftop bar isn’t in the budget.

But guess what is in the budget… Hamra. Ham (rah) for that! Hamra is located in the western part of Beirut.

Why stay in Hamra?

It is one of the most popular areas for budget travelers due to its affordable accommodation (including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels), street food (which is more affordable than high-tourist clad areas) and shopping options.

Hamra is also centrally located, making it a cheaper base from which to travel to a variety of attractions. 

Things to do in Hamra

Hamra is a busy neighborhood. There is always something happening so you’ll never be bored. Hamra’s street market ranges from bazaar stalls to fresh produce, to leather goods, clothing and jewelry.

The Galerie Tanit is an art gallery to view some works from local Lebanese artists.

Visit the American University of Beirut (AUB). You’d definitely go to math class if you were taught at this University.

AUB is one of the oldest universities in the Middle East, with a beautiful campus that is open to the public. Take a stroll through the lush greenery and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The restaurant scene in Hamra is very decent. The restaurants in Hamra don’t compromise on quality and ensure that the food they serve is affordable as well. Try Lebanese dishes like falafel, shawarma, and manoushe at the popular Barbar Restaurant or Abu Naim.

If you’re in the mood to experience some of Beirut’s famed nightlife, your cash conscious clubs of choice are places like The Grand Factory or Yukunkun.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Hamra

Best places to stay in Hamra

Budget accommodation in Hamra

Mid range accommodation in Hamra

Family Friendly accommodation in Hamra

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Hamra

View of Beirut from the top of a building in Hamra Street one of main commercial areas of the city

Raouché – Where to stay in Beirut for Foodies

Ahh, food, one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you’re thinking about the next meal you’re going to have, while you’re eating, swoon at the sight of colorful spices and are constantly on the lookout for local cuisine.

Then Raouché is your next destination in Beirut. It’s also got a very nice scenery, as it is nestled into the cliffside of Beirut’s jagged coastline.

Why stay in Raouche?

Naturally, you’re heading to Raouché for the food. But not just any food, Raouché is famed for its seafood selection.

As a foodie, your trip is incomplete unless you have tried a variety of traditional Lebanese seafood dishes such as Sayadieh, fresh caught fish, and Zurbian. Raouché is also highly accessible and convenient to stay in.

Things to do in Raouche

Eat. Eat. Eat. Need you do anything else? Find some of the best Lebanese cuisine at Al Falamanki, Bay Rock Cafe, and Hemingway’s Bar and Lounge.

All of these restaurants are wonderfully located, looking over Beirut’s coastline, creating the ambiance of Amalfi crossed with the Middle East.

But while your stomach takes a break from eating, you can also check out the interesting rock formations throughout Raouché.

Look for Raouché Rock and the Pigeon Rocks. They are two massive rock formations just off the coast of Raouche. You can take a boat tour to get a closer look at the rocks and the sea life that inhabits the area.

Before heading back to the dinner table or to another street market, pop past the Raouche which is now used as a venue for concerts, plays, and other events.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Raouché

Best places to stay in Raouché

Budget accommodation in Raouché

Mid range accommodation in Raouché

Family Friendly accommodation in Raouché

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Raouché

Raouche or pigeons rocks with sea and downtown buildings in the background, Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut Airport – Where to stay in Beirut near the Airport

Not all of us feel like trekking across the countryside after spending a couple of hours on a cramped plane. Some of us prefer convenience, and that is exactly what staying near the Beirut Airport offers.

Why stay near Beirut airport?

Staying near Beirut airport is ideal for those who have early morning flights, layovers or late-night arrivals.

By staying near the airport, you can avoid the stress of commuting through the city during peak traffic times and arrive at the airport on time for your flight.

Things to do near Beirut Airport

Even though you’re staying close to the airport for practicality, it doesn’t mean you can’t see and do a lot during your time in Beirut. Here’s what you can do within the vicinity of Beirut airport:

The Jeita Grotto is located approximately 20 minutes from the airport, Jeita Grotto is a stunning limestone cave system that you can visit via boat. This is a unique way to experience Beirut’s coastline as well.

For a quick guide to Lebanon and Beirut, you’ll take a 10 minute drive to the Beirut National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Lebanon. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.

If you only have a short time in between flights to stretch your legs, take a 15 minute walk to the Horsh Beirut, which is a  public park where you can enjoy some fresh air and outdoor activities.

Take some to destress from the intensity of the airport by traveling  10 minutes from the airport to Zaitunay Bay. It is a popular waterfront destination with a variety of restaurants and cafes. It’s a tranquil spot to grab a bite to eat and watch the boats go by.

If you have some free time, spend a few hours meandering around the contemporary art museum, Sursock, which is about 15 minutes away from the airport.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options near Beirut airport

Best places to stay near Beirut airport

Budget accommodation near Beirut airport

Mid range accommodation near Beirut airport

Family Friendly accommodation near Beirut airport

Affordable Luxury accommodation near Beirut airport

(Middle East Airlines) aircraft on runway in airport. MEA is the national flag-carrier airline of Lebanon

Beirut is a combination of traditionalism and old coastal towns which have blended with a modern cityscape. It is a city that not many people would pick first as a destination option, but should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Beirut remains true to its Middle Eastern roots while taking on an ergonomic, international stance. As a tourist, family, party-goer, businessman or foodie, Beirut pleases all who visit her.

Beirut is a special place that has the ability to provide quality without being ostentatious, while it also remains true to its humble beginnings, which can still be seen and experienced in the 21st century.

Recommended tours in Beirut

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.