Best Things to Do in Beirut by Taxi in 2025 – Explore the “Paris of the Middle East” Like a Local with CTaxi

Beirut isn’t just a city to visit—it’s an experience to behold. It’s the stream of locals conversing while sipping their Arabic coffees, the aroma of fresh manoushe from a nearby bakery, the hum of soothing music coming from a rooftop restaurant, and the warm Mediterranean sun hovering over your head as you stride along the Corniche. 

If you’re looking for the absolutely best things to do and experiences to have in Beirut, away from the usually popular but crowded attractions, you’re in for a treat.

Whether you’re in the city for a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay for a chance to see the soul of Lebanon, this article is all you need to know about the must-do things and experiences in Beirut. 

To have a more enjoyable and safe sightseeing experience, take a CTaxi to get around the city like a local. Let’s dive into what makes Beirut one of the best places to visit in Lebanon.

1. Explore Coffee and Culture in Gemmayzeh

Timings: Most cafes open 8:00 AM – midnight

Entry Fee: Free (pay at individual cafes/galleries)

Built By: Historically a French-influenced district, restored post-civil war

How Far from Center (Downtown Beirut): ~1 km (5 mins by car, walkable)

Gemmayzeh is Beirut’s cultural hub. The best time to visit is the morning, when you can experience the real beauty of quaint sidewalk cafés, graffiti-adorned staircases, and the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee everywhere.

Stop for an authentic coffee at Sip Café or Kalei and sip on while enjoying the scene—locals commuting to work, children playing, and artists sketching.

The Sursock Museum, at Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street, is a modern art gallery situated inside a converted 19th-century villa. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to witness a mix of Lebanese classics and contemporary creativity.

Book a CTaxi from your hotel to Gemmayzeh—it takes only 2 minutes with the app. Get a clean car with a professional driver for a seamless sightseeing journey.

2. Take a Soulful Stroll Down the Corniche

Timings: Open 24/7

Entry Fee: Free

Built By: Modern promenade built along Beirut’s coastline

How Far from Center: ~2–3 km (~10 mins by car, 25 mins walk from Downtown)

The Beirut Corniche is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lebanon. It’s a seaside public walk offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the city’s skyline in a relaxing atmosphere.

Stretching for miles, the promenade is ideal for a morning jog or a soothing walk alongside the sea.

The best time to visit is around sunset, when you also get to witness the stunning views of the sky turning pink as the sun sets.

3. Get Lost in History at the National Museum of Beirut

Timings: Tues–Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Monday)

Entry Fee: 5,000 LBP ($0.30 USD, varies slightly)

Built By: Lebanese Government (opened 1942), contains artifacts from Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine periods

How Far from Center: ~3 km (~10 mins by car)

If you’re a history buff, you simply cannot miss visiting the National Museum for a chance to explore Lebanon’s rich and layered history.

The place is filled with ancient mosaics, statues, paintings, sarcophagi, and jewelry, each telling stories of prosperous civilizations that graced this land. More than a museum, it’s a time machine to get a peek into the city’s past.

Pro tip: Take CTaxi from your hotel or the Airport for a stress-free ride to the National Museum of Beirut. Download the app or call +961 8 930 108 to book an instant taxi anywhere in the city!

4. Feast Like a Local in Mar Mikhael

Timings: Cafes & restaurants usually open 10:00 AM – late night

Entry Fee: Free (cost depends on dining choices)

Built By: Old railway district turned trendy hub

How Far from Center: ~2 km (~5–10 mins by car)

Mar Mikhael, one of the most famous and culturally rich neighbourhoods in Beirut, is particularly known for its mouth-watering food scene and variety.

From traditional mezze at Tawlet to modern Lebanese or Mediterranean flavours at Baron, this neighborhood has everything one can eat.

Don’t miss:

Fatteh and kibbeh nayyeh, the two most popular Lebanese recipes.

Accompany your lunch or dinner with a cold Almaza beer or a cocktail.

Try Noura’s creamy mouhalabieh for dessert.

Mar Mikhael is also one of the best places for a vibrant nightlife scene with live music, DJs, and dance floors popping around every corner.

5. Experience the Spiritual Side of Lebanon at Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque & St. George Maronite Cathedral

Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (respectful dress required)

Entry Fee: Free

Built By:

• Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque: Completed in 2008, funded by PM Rafik Hariri
• St. George Cathedral: Originally built in the 1700s, rebuilt post-civil war

How Far from the Center: Located in Downtown Beirut (~0 km)

Beirut’s spiritual significance is reflected in its beautiful range of places of worship, particularly the blue-domed Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the neighbouring St. George Maronite Cathedral—symbols of two of the world’s largest religions co-existing in Lebanon.

6. Shop in Hamra Street

Timings: Shops open ~10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (some cafes open earlier/later)

Entry Fee: Free (cost depends on where you shop/eat)

Built By: Developed in the 20th century, known for its intellectual and shopping scene

How Far from Center: ~3–4 km (~10–15 mins by car)

Hamra Street is Beirut’s main commercial hub, known for its mix of classic and modern restaurants, fashion boutiques, bookstores, and souvenir shops, making it the best place to buy something to remember Beirut by.

Even if you’re not looking to shop, this is one of the best spots in the city for a simple afternoon or evening stroll, soaking up the city’s energy and buzzing atmosphere.

7. Catch a Rooftop Dinner with Sunset

Timings: Typically 5:00 PM – midnight (best views at golden hour ~6:30 PM in summer)

Entry Fee: Free entry in most spots, but you must dine

Built By: Various rooftop restaurants across Beirut (Iris, Skybar, Level 26, etc.)

How Far from Center: Depends on the venue, most within ~2–5 km radius from downtown

In the evening, Beirut lights up and has some of Lebanon’s best bars with an exciting nightlife to keep you entertained. Head to a rooftop like The Pool Lounge at Four Seasons for a peaceful dinner or drinks with a view of sunset.

Or, if you’re feeling like dancing, join a live gig at Radio Beirut, the first radio cafe in the Middle East, or an underground club in Mar Mikhael.

CTaxi offers both Beirut sightseeing by Taxi and full-day rental options in Beirut. From a timely pick-up from the airport to a full day of adventurous and joyful city exploration, our clean taxis and friendly drivers have you covered.

Explore Beirut–the Paris of the Middle East–Like a Local with CTaxi. Book a professional and safe ride today!