Why visit
Beirut is the capital of Lebanon. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
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
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
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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 almost completely rebuilt after the 1975-1990 civil war: and 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
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
Frequently asked about Beirut
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.
What airport serves Beirut?
Rafic Hariri International (IATA: BEY).
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