Beirut, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1107
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 2 million within the Greater Beirut area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Approximate average internet speed is 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). As of April 2025, 1 USD ≈ 60,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Lebanon has several mobile providers, including Alfa and Touch, with competitive prepaid packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Fransabank and Bank of Beirut; international options like Revolut are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local real estate platforms, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is still widely used, but digital payments are growing; credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites are popular for finding short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging options include Hostels in Hamra or Gemmayzeh neighborhoods. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Neighborhoods like Hamra or Achrafieh are popular choices for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh are great for digital nomads due to trendy cafés and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces like The Wild Horoscopes and Antwork offer great facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Noir in Hamra is known for its work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Beirut Startup Meetups and Digital Nomads of Beirut regularly host events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Lebanon Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Beirut. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike-sharing services are available through apps like Ovelo. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Ramlet El Bayda, just a short drive from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Lufthansa have frequent flights to and from Beirut. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Coastal Road (Jounieh – Beirut) and the Diman Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Beirut does not have a train system; public transit is mainly buses and shared taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transport options are limited; however, shared taxis are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Public buses connect Beirut to nearby cities like Tripoli and Sidon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | American University of Beirut Medical Center is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Beirut offers a variety of yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Bodyline Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Wash & Go are readily available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Toters are well-known food delivery apps in Beirut. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'Kibbeh' which is a favorite among locals. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 7th Street offer excellent vegan and vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | For desserts, visit Mezyan for some of the best Lebanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk El Tayeb is a great market for affordable local produce and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon has local e-commerce platforms like LibanoShop. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Farmers' market delivery services are available through apps like Fresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gemmayzeh is the vibrant area known for its nightlife and trendy bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lebanon boasts local breweries such as 961 Beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit Wine & Co. for an impressive collection of Lebanese wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Hamra and Mar Mikhael offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Roadster Diner serve a variety of international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Beirut and Raouche Rocks are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sursock Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Roman Baths are among the historical attractions to explore. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and Saint George Maronite Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Beirut Design Week and the Beirut Marathon attract many visitors annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Achrafieh and Mar Mikhael are known for their artistic vibe and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Al-Madina Theater hosts a variety of performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk el Ahad offers a great local market experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The music scene thrives with venues like The Junk and The Bar for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Mar Mikhael are filled with vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking at Home offers classes on traditional Lebanese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery One is popular for contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Crusader Castle in Byblos is a significant historical site within reach. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Cedars of Lebanon symbolize the nation's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Chouf Biosphere Reserve offers beautiful hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Qadisha Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche is a popular walking path along the Mediterranean. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Raouche Rocks provide stunning views of the sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Aammiq Wetland is an excellent spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beaches near Jbeil allow bonfire setups in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Sandwich Geek is a popular tech repair service in Beirut. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Beirut Table Tennis Club is a well-known venue for players. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like the British Council offer English and Arabic language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The American University of Beirut Library is a significant academic resource. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Lebanese Cultural Center hosts various cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Lounge offers a great space for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Liban is the main casino located near Jounieh. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 17%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon uses a territorial tax system; only income earned within the country is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no strict CFC rules in Lebanon. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is about 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Lebanon has relatively low taxes for expatriates, making it appealing for digital nomads. |