Port Guide | Lebanon | Dive Deep

Beirut

Author Image for Isabella Moreno

Isabella Moreno | Editor

Published on 2025-03-16

Welcome to Beirut: a city that's been shaped by everyone from Phoenician sailors and Roman conquerors to hipster baristas-and yet still manages to wake up every morning with equal parts swagger and charm. You've just arrived in a place where history isn't neatly tucked away behind velvet ropes and glass cases-it's scribbled into the city walls, shouted from street carts serving mouthwatering shawarma, and vibrantly alive in alleyways that have seen empires come and go, usually before lunch. After weeks aboard your floating residence, congratulations-you've traded shuffleboard on deck for mezze feasts in Gemmayzeh cafes and dancing until dawn on rooftops overlooking the Mediterranean. Before you disembark, double-check local advisories (Lebanon doesn't do predictable), grab your sunglasses and curiosity, and let Beirut's spirited chaos remind you what it truly means to travel.

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Notes from the Editor

Beirut is rich in history and culture, featuring historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cuisine. Travelers should check local advisories before visiting.


Where do cruise ships dock in Beirut?

Port Name Beirut

Country Lebanon

Region Middle East

Ship Terminal Beirut Cruise Terminal

Port Type Dedicated Port

Accessibility The port is located approximately 2 km from the city center, easily accessible by taxi and other transport options.

What's the weather like in Beirut?

Best Season to Visit Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November)

Climate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Weather Notes Spring and fall offer comfortable weather; avoid visiting during July and August due to high temperatures.

Temperature Range 64 to 84 F (18 to 29 C)

High Temp 95F

Low Temp 46F

Average Temp 71F

What do I need to know about Beirut?

Language Arabic

Currency Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population 1,200,000 (approx.)

Timezone UTC+3

How do I get around Beirut?

Taxis, private car hires, and public buses are available near the terminal for easy access to local attractions and the city center.


What are The Best Things to do in Beirut?

Discover what you should do while you're in Beirut.


Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Raouche Pigeon Rocks Sunset

Raouche, Beirut

Admire the stunning view from Raouche's iconic seaside cliff formations at sunset, an essential Beirut experience.

Distance from Terminal: 2.2 miles

Outdoors Nature Urban Iconic Walking-Distance Photo Op

Taste Seasonal Lebanese Mezze

Gemmayze, Beirut

Enjoy locally sourced, seasonal Lebanese mezze at a traditional Beiruti restaurant.

Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles

Urban Budget Food Tour Walking-Distance

Walk along Beirut Corniche

Corniche Beirut, Beirut

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Beirut's seaside promenade, experiencing local street life.

Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles

Accessible Active Relaxing Urban Water Walking-Distance Photo Op

Saifi Village Evening Stroll

Saifi Village, Beirut

Experience Beirut's fashionably artistic district, full of colorful boutique shops.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Accessible Relaxing Urban Neighborhood Walking-Distance Photo Op

Hamra Street Culture Walk

Hamra Street, Beirut

Explore Beirut's vibrant street culture, cafes, and renowned bookstores.

Distance from Terminal: 1.3 miles

Active Urban Food Tour Neighborhood Walking-Distance Photo Op

DIY Lebanese Cooking Class

Achrafieh, Beirut

Engage in hands-on classes of authentic Lebanese cooking and secrets passed down generations.

Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles

Workshop Indoors Urban Budget Food Tour Walking-Distance

Historical and cultural landmarks

National Museum of Beirut Tour

Damascus Street, Beirut

Explore Lebanon's rich history at the National Museum, featuring incredible Phoenician relics.

Distance from Terminal: 1.4 miles

Indoors Urban Museum Iconic Walking-Distance

Beirut Art Center Exhibition

Jisr El Wati, Beirut

Immerse yourself in Beirut's contemporary art scene with local and international artists.

Distance from Terminal: 2.1 miles

Performance Indoors Urban Museum Art Walking-Distance

Byblos Ancient City

Byblos, Lebanon

Tour one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, charming Byblos.

Distance from Terminal: 22 miles

Tour Urban UNESCO Architecture Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Trip to Sidon's Souks

Sidon, Lebanon

Wander traditional Lebanese souks filled with history, handicrafts, and street food.

Distance from Terminal: 27 miles

Urban Street Food Food Tour Market Walking-Distance Touristy Photo Op

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Jeita Grotto Exploration

Keserwan District, Lebanon

Marvel at Jeita's astonishing caves, an underground river and awe-inspiring formations.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Cedars Skiing and Hiking

Cedars, Lebanon

Experience rare skiing or hiking opportunities in Lebanon's famed cedar mountains.

Distance from Terminal: 67 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Qadisha Valley Hike

Qadisha Valley, Lebanon

Explore breathtaking spiritual landscapes and ancient monasteries in the Holy Valley.

Distance from Terminal: 55 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Remote Bucket-List Spiritual Walking-Distance

Overnight Trips

Day Trip to the Cedars of God

Bsharri, Lebanon

Visit ancient cedar trees mentioned historically since biblical times, a national Lebanese emblem.

Distance from Terminal: 67 miles

Nature Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Wine Tasting in Bekaa Valley

Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Sample Lebanon's renowned wines at the oldest wineries in the scenic Bekaa Valley.

Distance from Terminal: 33 miles

Tour Nature Rural Food Tour Drinks Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Beit Beirut

Independence Street, Beirut

Explore the historic museum showcasing Beirut's war-torn past within a preserved building.

Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles

Self-Guided Urban Museum Walking-Distance

Moussa Castle Visit

Chouf District, Lebanon

Discover a unique handmade castle built by one man, with displays of Lebanese folklore.

Distance from Terminal: 26 miles

Tour Rural Museum Architecture Car Needed Photo Op

Batroun Fishing Village Day Trip

Batroun, Lebanon

Relax in the picturesque coastal village with a traditional charm, fish restaurants, and churches.

Distance from Terminal: 30 miles

Relaxing Water Rural Food Tour Architecture Iconic Car Needed Photo Op

A Little Extra

Cafe Em Nazih Evening

Pasteur Street, Beirut

Join locals for live Arabic music and socializing at Cafe Em Nazih, a beloved Beirut spot.

Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles

Performance Indoors Urban Music Walking-Distance

Lebanese Dessert Tour

Mar Mikhael, Beirut

Taste unique Lebanese sweets, pastries, and desserts curated along Beirut's culinary street.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Urban Street Food Food Tour Walking-Distance Touristy Photo Op

Lebanon Regional Tip

Irregular implementation of traffic laws. Jaywalking or minor traffic violations may frequently go unnoticed, yet occasionally receive heavy fines unexpectedly by local police.

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