Downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District)

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid in particular Beirut's Dahieh suburb, the Bekaa valley, areas south of the Litani River, and especially the Lebanon-Israel border area. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all marked areas.

Also called downtown Beirut, it has been described as the “vibrant financial, commercial, and administrative hub of the country.” It is thousands of years old, with a traditional focus on business, finance, culture, and leisure.

Explore Beirut on Foot (with a Guide) – Beirut isn't the most pedestrian-friendly city, but a guided walking tour is the best way to understand its layers of history, street art, and neighborhoods—and to get your bearings for the rest of your stay.