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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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National Museum Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | www.museebeyrouth-liban.org |
Lebanon – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B , Type C
Type A:
   Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Lebanese Pound (LBP) £1 ≈ LBP 119,864 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in major cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are widely used in upscale restaurants, hotels, and shops, while mobile payment options are still emerging.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Lebanon. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is expected, although some restaurants include a service charge. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Lebanon, particularly in bars, restaurants, and designated areas. However, drinking in public spaces like streets and parks may be frowned upon. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is very common in Lebanon. A 2011 law bans smoking in indoor public spaces such as restaurants and cafés, but it is widely ignored, and smoking indoors is still common. |
| Independence Day (22 November) |
National celebrations with parades and festivals |
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| Eid al-Fitr (variable) |
Celebrations marking the end of Ramadan with feasts and family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police), 140 (Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber |
| Other: | Lebanon has a rich history and offers diverse experiences, including ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes. Be aware of the security situation, particularly near borders. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for National Museum, Lebanon
Closed on Mondays and public holidays
Don't miss
- 🗿 Admire Phoenician gilded bronze figurines
- 🪦 Explore ancient sarcophagi and Byzantine mosaics
- 🎧 Discover Lebanon's history through interactive exhibits
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The National Museum of Beirut was officially opened in 1942 and holds Lebanon’s most important archaeological collection, representing a wide span of historical periods from prehistoric to medieval times. The museum building itself showcases a blend of modern and traditional Lebanese architectural elements.
During the Lebanese Civil War, the museum suffered extensive damage, standing on a frontline, which led to looting and destruction of parts of its collection and building. After years of restoration and preservation efforts, the museum reopened in 1999, showcasing approximately 1,300 carefully preserved artifacts including stunning Phoenician jewelry, Roman statues, mosaics and sarcophagi.
The museum is a vital cultural repository for Lebanon, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the country’s rich and turbulent history. The exhibits are well-curated, but some visitors note that the museum can feel small and the information panels may require some prior historical knowledge to fully appreciate.
While the building is well-maintained, visitors should be mindful of the complex security situation in Lebanon and check local travel advisories. The museum does not have extensive interactive or child-friendly exhibits, so it’s best suited for visitors with a strong interest in archaeology and history.
Knowledge before you go
- Check opening hours; sometimes closed unexpectedly.
- Start with Phoenician sarcophagi on ground floor for stunning ancient sculptures.
- Allocate 2 hours; exhibits span prehistory through Roman and Mamluk periods chronologically.
- Museum survived Civil War with concrete-filled tombs protecting artifacts during shelling.
How to travel to National Museum
The National Museum of Beirut is located in the capital’s city center. Most travelers arrive via Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, then take a taxi or shuttle to downtown Beirut. The museum is accessible on foot or by local transport from central Beirut neighborhoods.
Access summary
- From Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport: Taxi to museum area, about 15–25 minutes.
- From central Beirut/Downtown: Short taxi or bus along Damascus Road, 10–20 minutes.
- From coastal cities (Byblos/Jounieh): Drive or taxi via coastal highway, roughly 45–70 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near National Museum
Beirut offers a range of accommodation from luxurious hotels in the downtown area to more modest guesthouses, providing convenient access to the National Museum and other cultural sites.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for National Museum
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🧥
Light jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
📕
Guidebook with offline map
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 26% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to LBP) is 78% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The National Museum of Beirut remains relatively safe for visitors, with well‑trained security staff and controlled access points. Tourists should stay alert to occasional street protests in the city, avoid crowded areas at night and keep valuables secure while exploring exhibits.
Accessibility
The National Museum in Beirut offers limited accessibility: a few ramps and accessible restrooms are available, but many exhibits remain on higher floors without lifts. Signage is sparse and staff assistance is minimal. Visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead and request help.
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