“One must first know where one lives.” Although we act as if we have adopted the motto of our motto, the main reason why we have given priority to Middle East countries for travel lately is our opportunity to find cheap air tickets from Bahrain.. But of course, as a result of this, after our visits to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Oman, the attractiveness of the region in cultural terms has increased for us, and in our own context – whether it has a basis or not- making sociological inferences has also become extremely enjoyable. In this sense, I have gathered the information that may be necessary for the trip to Lebanon, which I found more satisfying than we expected, under the title of Beirut Travel Guide because Lebanon is such a small country (the second smallest country in the Middle East) and the capital Beirut is in such a position that only Beirut is located. You can visit a large part of the country even by staying in.
- How to Get to Beirut?
- Lebanon | How to get a Beirut visa?
- Currency and Credit Card Usage
- Simcard and Internet
- Transportation in and Around Beirut
- Which Area to Stay in Beirut?
- Security Measures in Beirut
- Shopping in Beirut
- When to Go to Beirut?
- Latest Tips for Traveling to Lebanon
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How to Get to Beirut? | Transportation – Beirut Travel Guide
Because the flight from Istanbul takes about two hours and they are mutually popular destinations, there are many airline options you can use to arrive at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.. As long as you don’t prefer public holiday times, it is possible to find round-trip tickets for around 800 TL even without a campaign. ‘s local airline company MEA and we were extremely satisfied with the food especially. They won our hearts with the fact that they put salmon on the two-hour journey and served alcohol despite the flight to Saudi Arabia. is among the alternatives, but all borders with its other neighbor Israel are closed.
Lebanon | How to Get Beirut Visa? – Beirut Travel Guide
One of the features that makes Beirut such a popular route is that Lebanon does not require a visa from Turkish citizens, that is, it is visa-free. Come as soon as you get your passport! Fill out the card distributed on the plane, present it with your fingerprint when passing through passport control at the airport and you will receive a 90-day Lebanese visa.. BUT you cannot enter Lebanon if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. The solution is to buy a second passport next to your current one and enter with it.. For detailed information, “How to Get a Double Passport?” You can refer to the article.
Currency and Credit Card Usage – Beirut Travel Guide
The official currency of Lebanon is the Arabic name Lebanese lira( LL), with the English name Lebanese pound (LBP). Since the economy is not very pleasant in this tiny country, which did not see independence until 1943 and fell victim to the civil war right after, its currency is fixed to the American dollar and can be paid in dollars everywhere.. So if you don’t want to deal with currency exchange, just bring USD with you when you come to Beirut.. In most places where you pay in dollars, change is given in lira anyway.. $1 = 1500 LL
Although almost all touristic activities such as transportation or tour services are priced in dollars, at other points the actual pricing is made in lira.. Some venues automatically calculate the dollar price along with the lira; In others, you have to do this calculation yourself.. A quick-access calculator or XE Currency application is a great convenience here.
We always prefer to use cash in order not to go beyond the travel budget we have allocated, but if you want to pay by credit card, it is in Beirut. Let me tell you that you can use it in most places; Thanks to the credit card payment option of the Uber application, your taxi transportation is included! Here’s what you need to know: Some restaurants and hotels may not accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to check before you go.
Simcard and Internet – Beirut Travel Guide
Telecommunications in Turkey Using your existing line while in Lebanon may cause unpleasant surprises on your bill, as none of the companies (except Bimcell) include Lebanon in the campaigns.. It is difficult to say that it is also an economical solution to communicate or to buy a local line for the Internet, because the prices are “Come on honey!!” When you want to buy a local line, there are two companies you can choose: Touch and Alpha You can view the package prices that tourists can use by clicking on them.. We paid $3.5 Simcard fee + $39 package price + taxes in total $43 for a 14-day tourist package from a Touch store in Downtown. The details are as follows: 100 minutes of talk time + 100 SMS + 10 GB internet valid for 14 days in a simcard that can only be used for one year.. The line is closed at the end of 14 days, you can activate it by reloading later if you wish.. If you use the package completely within 14 days, there is a nonsense that there is no new installation; In such a case, they suggest to buy a new line from scratch.
We paid this much money, let’s see on the bright side: The phone reception was very good everywhere, including the peaks at Mzaar Ski Resort.. In addition, the wifi of the hotels we stayed or the cafes and restaurants we lived in was so bad that we couldn’t use most of them anyway. we said. If you plan to use Uber actively in Beirut, I recommend you to take a line.
Transportation in and Around Beirut
The worst part of Lebanon travel in our opinion is the transportation problem.. Since there is no public transportation system in Beirut, you have to arrange a vehicle for every destination.. Renting a car is nothing but torture for yourself, especially for short-term plans.. You ask why? It has an extremely busy, irregular, lousy traffic that you will kiss and put on your head in Istanbul.. Imagine that 5 vehicles are trying to go side by side on the three-lane road, no one gives a signal and on the contrary, everyone moves with scissors, add the engines that never know where to come from, such a traffic! Well, what are the alternatives you can use in and around Beirut?
∴ Taxi
If we consider that 8 out of 10 cars honk at tourists walking on the streets of Beirut, all cars are your taxi. it may be because those who write “taxi” do not have a taximeter; According to your destination, there is a price according to the taxi driver’s heart.. Before we went, I read such bad comments about the taxi drivers – don’t be intimidated, they are all for ripping off – we didn’t even take a taxi from the road once for fear of ruining our vacation.. In case you really need to hail a taxi, then you should bargain for a maximum of $4 for short distances and $7 for long distances.. You should also keep in mind that it may take longer to go from one place to another by taxi in Beirut, especially during rush hour.. The most common of these is Allo Taxi.. We used Lebanon Taxi, which we found by chance on Hamra Street, to go to Mzaar Ski Center and we were very satisfied.. (I can share phone numbers if you want to use. Just send a request as a comment below the article.)
Even if you don’t use Uber since there is no internet, you can see the taxi price by marking between the points you will go to, then you can convince the taxi for that price.
∴ Servees
I passed the tourist but if we think for the locals, these taxis are not worth the money.. There has to be a cheaper way. There is! Shared taxis called “Servees”. It is impossible not to recognize because they all have red plates and they have already honked at you.. You get on the minibus servees with other people and therefore you share the price.. You can also take a taxi without passengers by saying “Servees”.. But I don’t know how many hours you will go because he is trying to fill the car.
∴ Uber
We use it everywhere we find in and outside of Beirut. Uber officially became our hands and feet in Lebanon trip. Their prices are definitely very affordable compared to normal taxi and private transfer. There is no waiting problem as it is very common in the city; arrives within 5 minutes. The method I would recommend for Beirut transportation will definitely be Uber.. In the article “Places to Visit in and Around Beirut”, I will talk about transportation to places such as Baalbek, Jeitta Grotto, Byblos in more detail, but I would like you to know that you can reach these places with Uber.
If you have not used Uber before, click on the link
Your first ride is free if you sign up using the code strong> or “xmbldo”.
Working with the same Uber logic, Careem is also active in Lebanon.. I was angry that it always charged higher prices than Uber in Bahrain and deleted the app; I didn’t use it because I didn’t feel like reloading it for Lebanon, but I’ll write it in case anyone wants to try it.
∴ Bus
When they come and go Although it is not clear, there are bus services operating in and around Beirut. It is said to pass every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, but there are no known departure times. It may not be right for use in Beirut due to its slow movement in traffic and unpredictable times, but with ticket prices ranging from $1 to $5, it is a good alternative to use between cities for those with budget concerns.. (I’m not sure if the map I found is up to date. Still, I think it will work.)
To get on the intercity buses, there are in principle two main stops: Cola for the cities on the south side and Charles Helou for the cities on the north side.. But as long as you show yourself, the buses stop and pick you up everywhere.
How to get from Beirut Airport to the city center?
Because I couldn’t get precise information about the latest status of buses I have to say that the only way to get from the airport to the city center is to arrange a car.. The cheapest alternative to Hamra Street, with prices between $14-17, Uber. But the critical point is that you have an internet connection after you leave the airport.. And remember that airport internet is only valid for 30 minutes. In order not to be without internet without going through passport control, do not connect to the internet as soon as you get off the plane and consider the possibility of NOT being able to connect.
It is also a good method to agree with a reliable taxi or request a transfer from the hotel before arriving. As we got off late at night, we arranged a taxi through the hotel to secure our job.. For $27, the driver met us at the airport and took us to our hotel.. Airport taxis can cost around $50 and never accept bargains.. Therefore, consider taxis as the last alternative.
Under normal conditions, it takes around 20 minutes to get from the city center to the airport, but if you get caught in traffic, it may take up to 2 hours.. In order not to miss the flight back to the country, I recommend that you consider the traffic probability and the 45-minute passport queue.
Which Area to Stay in Beirut? – Beirut Travel Guide
The biggest advantage of Lebanon being small is that it offers the opportunity to visit the surrounding cities in a way that will determine Beirut as a fixed point.. Since we also included the ski holiday, we stayed in different cities to reduce transportation costs and save time on the way, but you can arrange a single accommodation in Beirut in your Lebanon plan.. The regions you can choose for hotel, Airbnb or couchsurfing can be Hamra, Downtown, Achrafieh, Raouché or Mar Mikhael.
The regions where I enjoyed spending time in Beirut day and night were Hamra and Mar Mikhael.. Both are known for their unending energy throughout the day, alternative venues for every taste, and activity in nightlife.. But the bad news: Hotels around Mar Mikhael are much higher priced than those in Hamra.. For this reason, most of the tourists prefer to stay in Hamra.. Click to review the hotels in the region. (Collaboration link)
We stayed in two separate hotels in order to eliminate the transportation expenses that will occur when we will spend time in different regions in the evenings.. The first was the J Hotel & Spa, located in a beyond wonderful location on Hamra Street.. At first sight, the staff was extremely interested and friendly, but after 1 week we realized that this is the general characteristic of people in Lebanon.. Our room was small but adequate, as we didn’t expect anything other than a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom.. However, the sound insulation was so bad that all the conversations of the people in the next room could be heard from our room.. Although it is a hotel that can be evaluated when considering the price/benefit balance, I recommend you not to forget this aspect.. A standard 3 nights room with breakfast is $156 in total.
Our other hotel was Living by Beirut Homes located on the famous Greenline.. This place is more like a residence that rents furnished houses to those who come for travel, rather than a standard hotel.. Although we booked a standard room, they conquered our hearts in the first second as they gave us a sweet surprise and turned our room into a suite.. Thus, we skimmed being a “genius” on Booking.com.. Consisting of a kitchen, a large living room and a bedroom with a giant bed, the apartment provided the best internet we’ve had during our trip to Lebanon.. The good news for those who intend to prepare food in the kitchen is the supermarket located just below.. If we go to Beirut again, we will consider staying at this hotel, which is within walking distance of Mar Mikhael and Achrafieh.. The room rate for 2 nights is $148 in total.
Security Precautions in Beirut
As soon as a trip to Lebanon comes to the fore The first question that comes to mind is: Is it safe? This is such a country that when you do research on security, you may encounter a different threat every year.. However, I don’t think that there is the slightest thing to worry about security as long as you come to Beirut as a tourist, which is no different from any European city, and leave the central areas. Hezbollah, which some countries have declared as terrorists, is Lebanon’s Shiite-based party founded on the basis of destroying Israel.. They have headquarters and armed militants in certain parts of the country. In fact, the area on the border with Israel, where trespassing is prohibited, is completely under Hezbollah’s control.. Let me tell you about the parts that interest you without going into more details:
While traveling as a tourist, you should pay attention to the Shiite neighborhoods.. “You can’t come in.” There is no such thing, but since suicide attacks against Hezbollah are usually carried out in Shiite neighborhoods, they do not even allow reporting as a security measure.. Since there is nothing to see in the touristic sense, they are likely to approach you with suspicion.. For this reason, it is recommended that you take care not to take any photos, or even carry a camera with you.. If you unwittingly find yourself in one of these areas, it is impossible not to realize that you are in a Shiite neighborhood; black, yellow, green flags and posters of Nasrallah will help you.
Since Shiites across the Middle East support each other so much, an event that happens in one place may come across as a protest in another.. Especially burning tires and blocking roads are common.. Recently, there are Lebanese soldiers at every point where Hezbollah militants are located, so such incidents are not allowed in the city center.
There are two main Hezbollah centers that you may want to pay attention to, close to popular touristic areas: One is between Beirut city center and the airport. Bourj el Barajneh and Baalbek and its environs. I can confidently say that there is nothing to worry about in the daily flow of life, I especially do not want you to postpone Baalbek due to security concerns.. However, do not ignore Israel’s announcement last December that it will launch an operation against Hezbollah and check the current situation frequently.
Shopping in Beirut
A In the Middle East country, as soon as the subject is opened from shopping, eyes are turned to “souks”, which are traditional market places.. Every city has a historical souk, reminiscent of Eminönü, where handmade or local products are sold.. Unfortunately, Beirut is the only city without a historical souk as it was destroyed during the civil war.. Don’t be fooled by the Beirut Souks, which was built in the Downtown area to make up for the lack of it; What you will find in the souk, which is extremely modern and does not reflect the Lebanese culture, is not much different from what you will find in a shopping mall in Istanbul.
My advice to those looking for a local experience, Souk-al, the farmer’s market that we can’t go to the day block because it is only set up on Saturdays. -Tayep. Don’t miss Saifi Village if you open your purse and think about buying different design products from boutique stores.. Downtown, Hamra Street and Mar Mikhael areas are also among the places where you can shop.. Unfortunately, I found Beirut a bit weak when it comes to souvenirs for tourists, which has become a standard, and I returned home empty-handed.
When to Go to Beirut?
Mediterranean climate prevails The peak season in Beirut is June-August, when thermometers show 35 degrees.. Hotel prices are doubling as tourists flock to enjoy pool parties during the day and hit the bottom of the nightlife on hot summer evenings.. Since it is not a very suitable destination for a sea holiday, the preference of those who plan to take a cultural trip is March-May and September-November, when spring is felt to your bones.. Although there is a risk of rain, it is the most comfortable time to visit with its warm air during the day and slightly cool air in the evening.. December-February, on the other hand, is the best time for those who intend to go to the ski resort right next to the city, during the winter months when it can be cold from time to time, even if it does not snow in the city center.
We, Mzaar Ski Center” We made a plan for the end of February, as we set out with the worry of the snow melting in. In Beirut, there was a terribly unstable environment where we had to wear a t-shirt (and even some crazy people go swimming) when it was sunny, and had to wear berets when it was raining.. If you are coming in spring and winter, it is good to be prepared for any situation.
Other Tips for Traveling in Lebanon – Beirut Travel Guide
∴ Beirut In the city center of , women do not need to take any special precautions about dress.. You can wear whatever you want because they are more open-minded than other Middle Eastern countries due to their religious diversity.. However, if you are going to take the bus and go to cities with a Muslim density such as Sidon, Tire or Tripoli, it is better to dress modestly.
∴ Everyone we met in Lebanon was inclined to chat and loved the Turks very much.. Even though I was hesitant to tamper with some issues, especially since I thought they might be sensitive about politics, they told me in their own way without even having to ask.. It’s like they all say “Lebanon is not as you know it.. We live in peace, do not be afraid, come.” There was an effort to explain. Do not hesitate to chat with the locals when you go.
∴ I will prepare a separate article about the cost, but let me state it first; Although the country’s poor economy creates an expectation in this direction, I think it is not possible to define a cheap city for Beirut.. Food-beverage and accommodation prices are in the setting of an average European capital.. However, while “budget” alternatives are common in most countries, I did not see this much in Beirut.
∴ I advise. We had a hard time walking with an umbrella because the sidewalks were so narrow.
∴ You will see the checkpoints of the military and police very often both in the city and on the intercity roads.. You will probably get used to it on the second day, but you may be nervous when you first see the soldiers waiting with guns in the liveliest part of the city.. There’s nothing to get nervous about, they’re always there. It is enough to be careful when taking pictures where the soldiers are, and not to frame the military area.
∴ I don’t know for whom this information is useful, but it is forbidden to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into Lebanon.
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