Central Beirut including the reconstructed Downtown district, Hamra entertainment area, and the Corniche waterfront promenade.

About Beirut City Center (Downtown / Hamra)

Beirut is one of the most complex and captivating cities in the Mediterranean — a place where bullet-scarred buildings stand beside trendy cocktail bars, where ancient Phoenician ruins sit beneath Ottoman mosques and French Mandate architecture, and where the energy of reconstruction and reinvention is palpable on every street.

Downtown Beirut (Solidere) was painstakingly rebuilt after the 1975-1990 civil war, its Ottoman and French-era buildings restored around the archaeological site at the Roman Baths. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the neighboring Maronite Cathedral of St. George stand side by side — a powerful symbol of Lebanon\'s complex sectarian coexistence. The waterfront at Zaitunay Bay offers upscale dining with Mediterranean views.

Hamra, the bohemian heart of West Beirut, is the city\'s most walkable and culturally diverse neighborhood. Its main street is lined with cafés, bookshops, theaters, and the American University of Beirut (AUB), whose campus offers a green oasis with sea views. Beirut\'s legendary nightlife — concentrated in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael streets — has endured through every crisis, with rooftop bars, underground clubs, and live music venues that give the city its irrepressible spirit.

Nearby Landmarks

Pigeon Rocks Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque AUB Campus Zaitunay Bay Gemmayzeh

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-25
Time 15-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $8-15
Time 15-30 min

Arrivals exit, follow ride-hailing signs

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Rafic Hariri Airport arrivals and proceed to the taxi area.
2. Take an airport taxi (negotiate USD 20-30) or book Uber to Downtown/Hamra.
3. The route follows the airport highway north, merging onto the coastal road.
4. For Downtown, specify 'Solidere' or 'Nejmeh Square.'
5. For Hamra, specify 'Hamra Street' or your hotel name.
6. LCC Bus #5 runs from the airport to central Beirut (LBP 2,000) but is infrequent.
7. Journey takes 15-25 minutes outside of rush hours.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-25 15-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $8-15 15-30 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis from the airport cost approximately USD 20-30 (negotiate in advance or use Uber). Uber operates in Beirut around the clock. There is no airport bus service after dark. Beirut is famous for its nightlife — Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are alive until 3-4 AM, so return transport is always available. Most airport arrivals find taxis waiting regardless of hour.

Luggage Tips

Beirut taxis vary widely in quality — airport taxis are generally newer and have adequate trunk space. Uber vehicles are typically more comfortable. Downtown Beirut and Hamra have narrow side streets but main roads are accessible by car. If staying in Gemmayzeh, some boutique hotels are on steep streets where taxis drop you at the main road.

Accessibility

Beirut Airport has wheelchair assistance. The city itself has very limited accessibility infrastructure — sidewalks are uneven, frequently blocked by parked cars, and lack curb cuts. Most newer restaurants and hotels in Downtown and Hamra have step-free access, but older buildings do not. Pre-arrange accessible transport through your hotel.