Why visit
Beirut is a Mediterranean capital of seafront walks, food, nightlife, Roman remains, and layered neighborhoods. It has endured repeated crises, but its cultural pull remains strong.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Beirut is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Lebanon. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Beirut, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Lebanon better matches the trip style.
Beirut at a glance
City population
2.4 million
Elevation
30 m
98 ft
Time zone
UTC+2 (UTC+3 DST)
Asia/Beirut
Airport
BEY
Rafic Hariri International
Founded
c. 3000 BCE (Phoenician)
Getting around
Shared taxis (service) + regular taxis; no metro/tram
Signature dish
Tabbouleh, hummus, kibbeh nayyeh, manoushe, knafeh
Neighborhoods for travelers
GemmayzehMar MikhaelHamraDowntownAchrafiehBadaro
Lebanon at a glance
Country center
33.8°, 35.8°
Coast
Has coastline
Traffic
Drives on the right
Time zones
Single time zone
Country area
10,452 km²
4,036 mi²
Country population
5.3 million
512/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Lebanese pound (ل.ل)
LBP
Dial
+961
Languages
Arabic, French
Demonym
Lebanese
Internet
.lb
UN
Member state
ISO code
LB / LBN
Where in the world
33.8° - 35.8°
Lebanon
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout history, earning it the nickname "the Phoenix."
- The American University of Beirut, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest English-language universities outside the US/UK.
- Downtown Beirut was extensively rebuilt after the 1975-1990 civil war, then damaged again in the 2020 port explosion.
- Lebanon has been inhabited for over 5,000 years: Byblos (Jbail) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth.
- Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout history: earning it the nickname "the Phoenix".
Bordering Lebanon
Traveler notes
- The Corniche is the city's classic sunset walk
- The National Museum gives essential archaeological context
- Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are known for food and nightlife
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Beirut
What country is Beirut the capital of?
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon. It has a population of about 2.4 million. The city sits at 30 m above sea level.
What currency is used in Beirut?
Beirut uses the Lebanese pound (ل.ل), ISO code LBP.
What languages are spoken in Lebanon?
The primary languages are Arabic and French.
What is the international calling code for Lebanon?
The calling code is +961.
When is the best time to visit Beirut?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Beirut?
Rafic Hariri International (IATA: BEY).
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