Beirut, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1107 33.89592, 35.47843

Nomad Score: 56%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Capital of Lebanon, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife.
👥 Population Approximately 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.
💻 Internet Speed Average download speed is around 30 Mbps, with some areas offering higher speeds.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 1,500 LBP (Lebanese Pounds). The banking system is complex due to the economic crisis.
🚰 Tap Water Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is widely available.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is often inconsistent; generator use is common in many areas.
📶 SIM Card Touch and Alfa are the main mobile providers offering various prepaid options.
💳 Banking for Expats International banks like Fransabank and Bank of Beirut offer expat services; services may be limited.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from luxury apartments in Hamra to budget guesthouses in Gemmayzeh.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; cash is widely accepted, but cards are increasingly used in urban areas.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local platforms such as Rent in Beirut are popular for short-term stays.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel Beirut in Hamra offers affordable rates and a social atmosphere.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Hustle Beirut located in Mar Mikhael is a popular choice among digital nomads.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café Younes in Hamra is known for its quiet ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Check local Facebook groups or Meetup for events targeting expats and entrepreneurs.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Lebanese International Business Forum organizes regular networking gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Careem and Uber are available for reliable transportation options.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Paddle offers bike rental services around Mar Mikhael and Hamra.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Ramlet al-Baida Beach, approximately 15 minutes from downtown.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Middle East Airlines (MEA) is the main domestic carrier.
✈️ Top International Airline Lebanon's main international airport is Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).
🛣️ Highway Access Accessible via the Beirut-Damascus Highway and other regional routes.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Beirut does not have a train system; public buses and shared taxis operate instead.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No formal public transport passes; fares are typically paid in cash.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses and service taxis (shared minivans) connect to other cities like Byblos and Tripoli.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital American University of Beirut Medical Center is the top medical facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga in Beirut offers classes and wellness workshops in various locations.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness First in Hamra provides modern facilities and classes for all fitness levels.
🧺 Laundry Services Clean & Green Laundry offers affordable laundry services throughout the city.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Zomato and Food on Click are popular choices for food delivery.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Moujaddara (lentil and rice dish) is a must-try local specialty.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options The Tasting Room offers a variety of vegan options in a cozy setting.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots La Maison du Chocolat is famous for its exquisite pastries and chocolates.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Souk el Tayeb on Saturdays features local produce and handmade goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Lebanon's online shopping platform, Rawa2y, offers a variety of goods.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Instashop provides grocery delivery from various local supermarkets.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are the hotspots for nightlife and trendy bars.
🍻 Local Brewery 961 Beer is a popular local craft brewery offering tours.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine & Co in Ashrafieh offers a vast selection of Lebanese wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Man'ousheh is a must-try flatbread, available at street vendors around the city.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Mayas offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Pigeon Rocks in Raouche and the National Museum of Beirut are essential visits.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Sursock Museum showcases contemporary art and is free on Sundays.
🏰 Historical Sites The Roman Baths and Beiteddine Palace are significant historical attractions.
🕍 Religious Sites Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and St. George Maronite Cathedral are architectural highlights.
🎉 Annual Events Beirut Spring Festival and Beirut Art Fair attract both locals and tourists.
🎨 Cultural Districts Hamra and Mar Mikhael are known for their bohemian vibe and artistic scene.
🎭 Theater Venues Beirut Theater offers a variety of performances and cultural events.
🛍️ Local Markets Souk el Ahad is a vibrant market offering local goods and produce.
🎼 Music Scene Beirut Souks often host live music events and open-air concerts.
🎨 Street Art Mar Mikhael has a thriving street art scene with murals and graffiti.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Tannourine Cooking classes offer hands-on experiences with Lebanese cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries The Beirut Art Center features contemporary artworks and exhibitions from local artists.
🕰️ Historic Buildings The Grand Serail is an iconic historical government building open for visits.
🏴 Local Heritage The Lebanese National Heritage represents a blend of various cultural influences.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The Cedars of Lebanon National Forest is a popular destination for nature lovers.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Qadisha Valley offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The Corniche in Beirut is a favorite walking and jogging route along the Mediterranean.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The view from the Mzaar Ski Resort offers stunning vistas of the mountains.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Lake Qaraoun is known for birdwatching, especially during migrations.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Many coastal areas allow bonfires; just check local regulations before starting.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Aramex and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services in and out of Lebanon.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Geek Squad provides tech support and repair services across Beirut.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Beirut Club offers table tennis facilities open to the public.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Lebanese Language Institute offers Arabic language courses for expats.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The American University of Beirut Library is an excellent place for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers The Lebanese Center for Civic Education promotes community involvement and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gaming Zone is a popular venue for video game enthusiasts.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Casino du Liban offers gaming and entertainment options near Beirut.

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. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 17% is the current corporate tax rate in Lebanon.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 10% withholding tax on dividends.
🏦 Tax System Lebanon operates on a territorial tax system for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket The highest personal income tax rate is 25%.
🧾 VAT Value Added Tax is set at 11%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Lebanon has regulations on foreign subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, there is an annual property tax based on property value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax The property transaction tax is 5% of the sale price.