Beirut sits on a peninsula with the sea to the north and west and the Mount Lebanon ridge to the east, so wherever you base yourself, water or hills are rarely far away. The city is made up of many different neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and character, and it sprawls well beyond the centre into a wider metropolitan area.
For orientation, Martyrs' Square and the post-war development of the Beirut Central District (BCD) are the geographical pivot of the city. Damascus Road, which connects the centre with the National Museum, was known as the "Green Line" during the civil war era, when it separated the mostly Muslim western sector from the Christian eastern sector. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Beirut
1. Beirut Central District (BCD)
The Beirut Central District is the geographical pivot of the city, centred on Martyrs' Square and the post-war development around it. Because it sits at the heart of the city, it works well as a base for first-time visitors who want to orient themselves easily and reach other parts of Beirut from a central point.
You will find a broad range of accommodation in the wider metropolitan area, from cheap hostels to luxury suite hotels, and the central district is the most convenient starting point for exploring the different neighbourhoods.
2. Damascus Road area
Damascus Road connects the centre with the National Museum, making it a practical base if museums and the city's central sights are high on your list. It was known as the "Green Line" during the civil war era, separating the mostly Muslim western sector from the Christian eastern sector, so staying here puts you on the traditional dividing line between the two halves of the city.
This suits travellers who want to move easily between the centre and the museum area, and who value a location that helps them understand how the city is laid out.
3. The western sector
The western sector of the city lies on one side of the old Green Line and is one of the two broad halves into which Beirut has historically been divided. It suits visitors who want to base themselves in a distinct part of the city rather than at its central pivot, and who are happy to cross the city to reach sights on the other side.
Accommodation across Beirut's metropolitan area ranges from cheap hostels to luxury suite hotels, so you can look at this sector at whatever budget you set.
4. The eastern sector
The eastern sector lies on the other side of the old Green Line, the Christian eastern half of the city during the civil war era. It suits travellers who prefer to stay in the eastern part of Beirut and travel into the centre and the western sector as needed.
As with the rest of the metropolitan area, prices and quality vary across the spectrum, so it is worth checking the different districts to find places to sleep that fit your budget.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: cheap hostels are available in Beirut's metropolitan area.
- Mid-range: a wide range of hotels sits between the cheapest and most expensive options, with prices and quality varying across the spectrum.
- Splurge: luxury suite hotels are found in the city, alongside the cheaper end of the market.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the Beirut Central District (BCD) for a first visit. Martyrs' Square and the post-war development of the BCD are the geographical pivot of the city and serve quite well for orientation. From there you can reach the other neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and character, without committing to one side of the old Green Line.
Frequently asked questions
How is Beirut laid out for a visitor?
The city sprawls over a peninsula with the sea to the north and the west, and the Mount Lebanon ridge to the east. Martyrs' Square and the Beirut Central District are the geographical pivot and work well for orientation, while Damascus Road connects the centre with the National Museum.
Which part of the city was the Green Line?
Damascus Road, which connects the centre with the National Museum, was known as the "Green Line" during the civil war era from 1975 to 1990. At that time it separated the mostly Muslim western sector from the Christian eastern sector.
What kinds of accommodation can I find in Beirut?
There are lots of hotels in Beirut's metropolitan area, ranging from cheap hostels to luxury suite hotels. Prices and quality vary across the spectrum, so it is worth checking the different districts to find places to sleep.
How do I choose between the city's neighbourhoods?
Beirut is composed of many different neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and character. Check the different districts against what you want from your trip before deciding where to base yourself.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.