Guided Half-Day Private Beirut Historical Tour: Explore Mosques, Churches, National Museum, and More
5.0
5 Ratings
Beirut
Discover the rich history and culture of Beirut on this half-day private tour. Visit mosques, churches, the National Museum, and more, and get a comprehensive overview of the city's highlights.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Museum of Beirut - The National Museum of Beirut is the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon, which houses a large collection of priceless artefacts from across the country that offers a great overview of Lebanon’s history and of the civilization that impacted this cultural crossroads.
    With significant excavations spanning the length and breadth of the country, Lebanon’s archaeological richness is one of its major tourist attractions.
  • Roman Baths - the Roman Berytus baths are The largest outdoor sight located in downtown Beirut. They were discovered in 1968-1969 and underwent a major renovation in the mid 1990.
    Roman Berytus had four major bath complexes and the first was created in the early first century under Augustus.
    The terrible Berytus earthquake that happed in 551 AD destroyed all the baths.
    Today, the Roman Berytus Baths reflects the ancient traditions of the site. One of the Baths is used as an artistic performance and concert space.
  • Martyr’s Square - Martyrs’ Square is a square in the heart of downtown Beirut historically known as “Al Burj” or “Place des Cannons”. It is named after the 6 May 1916 executions by the Ottomans of some Lebanese nationalists ordered by Jamal Pasha during World War I.
  • Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque - The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also referred to as the Blue Mosque, is is the biggest mosque in Lebanon located in downtown Beirut.
    This huge amber colored mosque near Martyrs square was opened in 2008 and has four minarets standing 65m high.
    The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque contains multiple domes. All of the domes of the mosque are made from light blue tiles. The mosque also has multiple arches, which are couple stories high.
  • Al-Omari Mosque - The Al-Omari Grand Mosque was built in the age of Omar Bin El Khattab in 635 AD and then converted to Church of Saint John by the crusaders in the 12th century, it was retransformed into the city’s Grand Mosque by the Mamluks in 1291. Damaged during the Civil War, the mosque’s refurbishment was completed in 2004.
  • Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George - The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan bishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and its dependencies. It is the oldest church in the city of Beirut and one of the oldest in the region and It is located in the heart of Beirut’s city center.
    The first Christian temple ever built in the very location goes back to the mid sixth century AD and it’s closely associated with Beirut’s famous Law School.
  • Place de l’Etoile - Nejme Square, or Place de l’Étoile, is the central square in the Downtown area. It is home to the Lebanese Parliament and its complementary buildings, two cathedrals, a museum, and several cafes and restaurants. Most notable for it’s 1930 four four-faced Rolex clock and for its architecture, the square has become a recognizable icon of Beirut City worldwide.
  • Beirut Souks - Beirut Souks is a commercial district in Beirut City Center. With over 200 shops, 25 restaurants and cafes, an entertainment center, and a cinema complex.
    Beirut Souks is the largest and most diverse shopping and leisure area in Beirut.
  • Zaitunay Bay - “Beirut’s finest leisure destination” as described in its official website, Zaitunay Bay is a new waterfront promenade with shops and restaurants.
  • Corniche Beirut - Stretching from the Ramlet al Bayda area to the Saint George marina, Al Manara Corniche is the most renowned seaside promenade in Beirut. Lined with palm trees, it offers a great view of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some of the country’s best assets, namely the famous Pigeon Rock, and the summits of Mount Lebanon on the eastern side.
  • Pigeon Rocks in Raouche - The pigeon rock is a stunning set of rocks and a Popular tourist destination known for its iconic rock formations in picturesque seaside surrounds, welcome you to the city of Beirut. Pigeons’ Rock (also known as the Rock of Raouché) is located at Beirut’s western-most tip, the two huge rock formations stand like gigantic sentinels to the city.
  • Old Holiday Inn - This abandoned Holiday Inn Hotel is one of Beirut’s war landmarks. It was basically built Between 1971 and 1974 when Beirut’s economy was booming and when Beirut was one of the most visited touristic city of the Middle East.
    The Holiday Inn was functioning until the Lebanese civil war begun in 1975. The hotel soon became considered a “war zone” in a lengthy time of conflict known as “the Battle of the Hotels” where more than 25,000 combatants were fighting for control over different luxury hotels, including the Holiday Inn as well as the famous Phoenicia hotel.
    This hotel remains untouched, abandoned, empty, decades after the war, and remains a reminder to the Lebanese population about the horrors of war.
What's Included
  • Hotel Pick up & Drop off
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Professional Guide
  • Comfortable Private Transportation
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

If you’re visiting Beirut for the first time and wish to take in the city’s best features, this thorough tour is perfect for you. You’ll be shown around the key attractions in the city center, such as mosques, churches, Place de l’etoile, Martyr’s Square, and others. Furthermore, your itinerary will include the National Museum, the Corniche, and the pigeon rock. This concise tour allows you to see a lot and gain a comprehensive understanding of Lebanon’s history and culture.

Location
National Museum of Beirut
Corner of useum Street, Damascus Street and Abdallah El Yafi Avenue.,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rukie_bi
Jul 24, 2022
Great Experience - Hussein was fantastic, so knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciate the fact that the company was able to arrange a tour for me on such short notice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_c
May 14, 2022
Excellent, informative and entertaining half day trip around Beirut. - Had a wonderful time doing this trip in Beirut. It gives great insight into the history of Beirut, and you also see lots of parts of the city (great for giving you some ideas for areas that you may want to explore further in your trip). It's a great way to see all the landmarks in one day, such as the Museum, Pigeon Rocks, Martyr's Square, Beirut Souks and lots more. You will spend lots of time walking (so bring some good shoes), but it really is the only way to get an in depth look at Beirut and it's different Districts. My guide and Driver were both funny, welcoming, informative and spoke perfect English. You will also get tips on where to change currency, where the best restaurants and bars are and so much more. I did this trip on my first day in the city and I would recommend anybody else to do the same, as it's a half day trip too and its not too exhausting.
Review provided by Viator
Nomad33112662291
Jan 11, 2022
Excellent experience - The Beirut historical tour was a fantastic experience. At the end of the day, I really felt I had a very good overview and had seen all the important sites of the city. Pierre, who guided the tour, did a tremendous job and is truly an excellent ambassador for his beautiful country, very friendly, courteous, open-minded and pleasant to talk to. Next to this he is very knowledgeable and shares a lot of information which made the tour a most enriching and valuable experience. I can most warmly recommend the tour to anybody.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lobsonmerry
Oct 6, 2020
appreciate safaris - We did a last minute private tour with them. Appreciate the last minute flexibility. Driver was suuuper careful and lovely. Very flexible with itinerary. Bummer they charged us too much (10USD per person) and could improve a bit the detailed communication (like payment with card is available but not without stop at the office). overall good though.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariamb9980wq
Jul 3, 2020
Amazing city - I booked a half day Beirut city tour with Lebanon tours and the guide was amazing and well informed about the city history. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 9 guests
1
Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today
More activities from this operator
From $60
Small-Group Guided Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Scenic Adventure and Complimentary Lunch
5.0
291 Ratings
Jitta
From $50
Private Half-Day Trip to Jeita Grotto and Harissa: Iconic Attractions in Lebanon
5.0
11 Ratings
Jitta