Flights
Beirut can be reached with daily non-stop flights from most major European airports. Make sure to book your flights ASAP as they can get expensive quite quickly given the busy festive period.
We suggest you pre-book a taxi from the airport to your hotel before your flight (refer to the Moving around section).
Entry Requirements
Make sure to check your visa requirements before coming (citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries will only need a free visa on arrival).
More information can be found here:
1) Flying-in only for the wedding? Given that our main event is in the Jounieh Area, we suggest you stay around there, or else if you don’t mind the drive back to Beirut (30 min drive), somewhere around Beirut is never a bad idea with the many “vibing” neighbourhouds.
2) Extending your stay beyond the wedding? We recommend you also stay in Beirut to fully dive into the city vibe. You should also consider exploring other parts of the country at one of the many guesthouses spread in the different sceneries of Lebanon.
We have gathered some special hotel rates for those who which. Please reach out to our travel advisor who will help you manage the booking process: BLUE JAY ESCAPES.
Saifi Suites (~$150/night)
Boutique hotel situated in close proximity to Downtown, Gemmayzeh, and Achrafieh.
Hotel Albergo (~$415/night)
1930s building transformed into a Real & chateau Otel, offering a typical Beirut style architectural blend, and located in the heart of the charming Achrafieh District.
Arthaus Beirut (~$415/night)
Artsy hotel built on the grounds of a Roman Villa in the middle of Gemmayze
Le Royal (~$350/night)
Sitting atop a hill and only 30 minutes from the airport, Le Royal Hotel, offers breathtaking panoramic views and an award-winning lush Wellness experience.
Lebanon is a relatively small country but moving around different areas can be cumbersome without a car, especially during the festive season. There are no reliable public transport alternatives.
The best way to visit the country is to move by car. Either you will need to rent one or if you want to avoid the hassle of driving, it would be best to have someone drive you around.
Local Private Taxis (recommended option)
If you want to use private local taxis to move around, you can contact them by calls or WhatsApp ahead of time (up to 20 mins lead time). The payments need to be made in cash.
-Allo Taxi: +9611517070
-White Taxi: +96171722199
-Star Taxi: +9611250230 / +9613408705
Uber and Bolt
Uber and Bolt are also available (mostly in Beirut), but be sure to switch the payment method to cash to avoid any issues with being overcharged.
Rent a car
If you decide to rent a car, only do so if you are comfortable driving in "chaotic" circumstances :). Make sure you don't drink and drive!
Money
Lebanon is in the midst of a currency crisis. You can use both USD and LBP (Lebanese Pounds) in the country. The LBP rate is very volatile (current rate can be found here www.lbprate.com) and thus we recommend using USD and keeping cash with you.
Cash Withdrawals
ATM cash withdrawals are not functional in this area. It's essential to ensure you have an adequate amount of USD in cash to cover your expenses for the duration of your visit.
Credit Cards
Most of the hotels and stores will accept your payment in credit card but you need to make sure you are being charged in USD and not LBP.
Cash
You can either use USD directly or exchange it to LBP using many of the exchange companies that can be found around the country.
Most restaurants and bars take payments in both LBP or USD. However we would suggest always having a mix of USD and LBP cash on you when going out.
Note: The largest note in circulation is LBP 100,000 which is now equivalent to ~$1.
Mobile Data
We highly recommend you get mobile data to research things and use Google Maps. Roaming costs for most foreign lines are very expensive, so make sure to have mobile data/roaming turned off once you get here. Your best option for data would be to purchase a local line upon arrival (Alfa or Touch) or just sticking to WiFi. This should cost around $10-20 for ~10GB of data.
For those who wish to visit Lebanon's hidden gems, we've compiled a list of must-visit places that you won't want to overlook. Whether you prefer independent exploration or guided tours, you can embark on these adventures solo or book tours with Blue Jay Escapes. We also recommend you do your own research online to complement the below.
Beirut
Stroll along the lively streets of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael, celebrated for their dynamic nightlife, diverse array of bars, eateries, coffee shops, and enchanting architecture. Take a leisurely walk in the Downtown district, where you can explore Beirut Souks, Saifi Village, Ancient Roman Ruins, Martyrs Square, and the adjacent landmarks of the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque and Saint George Cathedral. You also have the option to visit the Sursock Museum or enjoy a pleasant walk by Zeitouna Bay.
Baalbek
Baalbek is renowned for its remarkable ancient remains, featuring some of the most expansive and remarkably well-preserved Roman temples globally. Among these, the Temple of Jupiter stands out as the most celebrated, dating back to the 1st century AD and ranking as one of the grandest Roman temples ever constructed. The Sfiha Baalbakiyye is a delicacy that is not to be missed in Baalbek! We strongly advise booking a guided tour to explore this city, situated approximately two hours away from Beirut.
The Bekaa
If you choose to journey to Baalbek, it's definitely worthwhile to explore other parts of the Beqaa Valley. This region boasts splendid wineries such as Ksara and Kefraya, where you can enjoy vineyard tours and savor a delicious lunch.
Cedars of God Forest
Located in the northern region of Lebanon, the Cedars of God forest is a designated conservation area that shelters some of the planet's largest cedar trees. These ancient trees are among the oldest on Earth, with certain individuals estimated to be over a millennium old. The forest spans approximately 120 hectares and is perched at an altitude exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level. This destination makes for an ideal day trip to bask in nature's beauty and embark on a rewarding hike. We strongly advise securing the services of a guide and considering a visit to the Kadisha Valley along the route.
Faraya and Faqra
These picturesque mountain villages, located approximately 45 minutes from Beirut, are renowned as popular ski resorts in both winter and summer. They serve as an idyllic getaway, drawing many locals seeking to relish the refreshing air and cooler climate. You might also want to contemplate embarking on ATV or buggy day excursions in this area.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, characterized by its profound and slender canyon. Within its confines lie a collection of monasteries and churches, with origins tracing back to the early epochs of Christianity. These monastic retreats were constructed by hermit monks who, in pursuit of solitude and spiritual enlightenment, settled in the challenging terrain of the valley.
Teleferique
One of Lebanon's oldest and most visited tourist attractions, the gondolas of the Teleferique aerial cableway are a trip down memory lane, offering breathtaking views of the bay of Jounieh and the surrounding city. Embark on a scenic journey and explore the breathtaking beauty of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa.
Jeita Grotto
The longest cave in the Middle East comprises two distinct yet interlinked limestone caves and showcases a stunning expanse of 9 kilometers filled with some of the world's most remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The Jeita Grotto is renowned as a source of national pride in Lebanon and has been chosen as a finalist in the prestigious New7Wonders of Nature competition.
Chouf
Ideal for a full-day excursion, you can explore the Beiteddine Palace, the Cedar Reserve(Baron), and the charming Deir al Qamar Village, also don't forget to include a visit to Baakline waterfalls in your itinerary.
Saida
In Saida, you have the opportunity to explore attractions such as The Crusaders' Sea Castle, the meticulously restored Khan al-Franj, the traditional Arabic souqs, and the historical soap factory. In Sour, which was once a prominent Phoenician city renowned for its maritime trade and commerce, you can delve into the city's rich history, which included being a hub for the production of the highly prized purple dye in the ancient world. Additionally, you can tour the Tyr Roman Ruins, which include a captivating Hippodrome.
For those of you with a sophisticated palate and a passion for wine, Lebanon is an incredibly destination to immerse yourself in a multifaceted culinary journey. Whether you're savoring a gourmet meal at an upscale restaurant or relishing street food, you'll discover a wide variety of delicious food and gratifying dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you craving for more.
Below, we've compiled a list of our preferred dining experiences in Beirut for your reference. If you seek recommendations in other regions of Lebanon, feel free to reach out to us.
RESTAURANTS
Babel Bay (Lebanese)
Diwan Beirut (Lebanese)
Em Sherif (Traditional Lebanese)
Liza (Lebanese)
Falamanki (Lebanese / Shisha Café)
Skirt ( Steakhouse)
Casablanca (International)
Terra (International)
Petis Gris (French Bistro)
Tavolina (Italian)
Mario e Mario (Italian)
Ferdinand (Burgers)
Lola (French Bistro)
Metropole (French Bistro)
Le Montagnou (French Bistro)