Is Beirut expensive to visit?
In Beirut, budget travelers spend $1 (L£108,430) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $3 (L£248,448) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $5 (L£478,588) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Beirut.
Beirut is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Beirut can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within the Middle East, Beirut is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in the Middle East for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Beirut.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Beirut Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Beirut?
The average Beirut trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Beirut travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Beirut cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Beirut on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $1 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Beirut, like Hostel Beirut, The Colony Beirut Hostel, and Lebanon Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Beirut will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $3 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Beirut. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Saifi Suites is a great choice for kids, and Queens Suite Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Beirut hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $5. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as New Guided Semi-Private Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Beirut
Hotel rates in Beirut vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $81 to $151. Expect prices to range from $48 for budget hotels to $263 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Beirut for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $2.51 (L£225,080). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $1.26 (L£112,540) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Beirut? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Beirut include:
- Elite Hotel & Spa starting at $70
- Citea Apart Hotel starting at $80
- Saifi Suites starting at $136
- Beverly Residence Hotel starting at $72
- The Key Beirut starting at $151
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Beirut
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $0.44 (L£39,518) per person, per day, on local transportation in Beirut. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Beirut is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$0.44
L£39,518
Given that Beirut is a busy city, there are plenty of ways to get around town. There are two different types of buses running through the city - blue and white city buses, and red and white minibuses. The routes are constantly changing, however, and many companies don't provide information on changes. So using the bus can be a bit complicated. But this information might help on how to figure it all out.
There are also two types of taxis - taxis you hail and taxis you book in advance. The hail taxis may be the most convenient way to travel in Beirut, but be sure you tell your driver the nearest landmark to your destination, not actual addresses.
Driving yourself around the city isn't recommended. Traffic is very heavy, dangerous and nearly impossible during rush hour. If you're simply traveling within districts, waking is still the best mode of transportation.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Airport Departure Transfer From Your Beirut Hotel for $10 details
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) for $10 details
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer for $10 details
How much does it cost to go to Beirut? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Beirut will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Beirut
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Beirut can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Beirut is $1.23 (L£110,256) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$1.23
L£110,256
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Beirut is around $1 (L£110256) per person, with previous travelers spending from $1 to $2. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Beirut are as follows:
- Breakfast: $0 to $0
- Lunch: $0 to $0
- Dinner: $0 to $1
- Coffee: $0
- Fast Food or Street Food: $0
You will not go hungry in Beirut. Any and all tastes are covered given the bustling metropolis atmosphere. They are ready to feed all tourists.
The traditional Lebanese food mixes Arab, Turkish and Mediterranean influences that will surely delight any and all foodies. One of the signature dishes you'll want to try is the Lebanese Mezze. It's made up of thirty different hot and cold dishes including Tabboule - a parsley salad with mint, tomatoes, spring onions, olive oil and lemon juice - and Fattouch. It also comes with hummus, muhammara - a dip made from red peppers, walnuts, bread crumbs, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, onions, garlic and spices - and even more all served up with the essential Lebanese pita bread.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Beirut. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon for $35 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Beirut
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Beirut typically cost an average of $0.26 (L£23,567) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$0.26
L£23,567
Beirut is the only major city in the whole of Lebanon and houses museums, historical sites and gorgeous building structures for tourists to visit.
For a touch of class and sophistication, spend an afternoon browsing the Beirut Art Center. As this region is quickly becoming the art capital of the Middle East, you'll want to be sure to check out the rotating exhibitions in this museum. They always offer an amazing and unusual experience.
If you're looking for an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle, there are several beach clubs along the coast ready for your relaxation. This sandy stretch of land is covered in rocky coves, outdoor terraces and sunbathers as far as the eye can see.
To cap off a long day of sightseeing, take an evening stroll along the Corniche. Walk along and just watch the city jet by. Relax with the waves and seagulls soaring above as you sip on some mango juice. This is a must, even if you only have a limited amount of time. If you're looking for more ideas for things to do, read how to spend one day in Beirut, which includes a map and plenty of activities and sights to see.
For a more physical adventure, many travelers enjoy exploring Jeita Grotto. This compound of crystallized caves is a stunning sight for anyone who ventures in for a peek.
And for the best view of the whole of the city, take a trip in the Beirut Balloon. This thirty-passenger helium balloon offers tourist the most unique angle of Beirut.
But most travelers are in Beirut to experience the posh lifestyle. For starters, you can spend the afternoon shopping at the Souk El Tayeb. Beirut's most famous farmers market features dozens of growers, producers and artisans every Saturday. While you're there your shopping list should include local olive oil, tomatoes and cheeses.
Absolutely no trip to Beirut is complete without a full night out. Remember "mashroob," the word used for "drink." You'll need it. In Gemmayzeh, Beirut's cocktail district, you'll easily find a bar for every group and goal. Want to have a few and enjoy some live music? There's a place for that. Want to dance the night away? There's a place for that. Want to drink until you forget? Beirut can accommodate.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Beirut. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- PRIVATE Beirut Historical Walking Half Day Tour for $93 details
- Lebanon Tour Jeita-Harissa & Byblos w/pickup,lunch,entries +guide for $95 details
- Full-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa and Byblos for $50 details
Beirut, Lebanon
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.