FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Beirut

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Beirut each year.
The main ones are listed below.

This festival commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the most important days on the Islamic (or Hegira) calendar. Lebanese Muslims use this opportunity to recall the values advocated by the Prophet. It is also a day when families gather to share a traditional meal in a festive atmosphere.

Celebrated by Christians in Lebanon, this festival commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Infant Jesus, the manifestation of the divinity of Christ at his baptism, and his first miracle at Cana. Processions are held in the Christian districts of Beirut.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, is an especially pious time for Muslims in Lebanon. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset.

This day marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for family celebrations by Muslims across Beirut, with exchanges of gifts, especially new clothes, and great feasts bringing together all family members. Music, dancing and street processions are also a prominent feature.

Less than an hour's drive from the Lebanese capital, Baalbek hosts this international festival every summer, a major event on the Lebanese cultural calendar featuring performances at the Temple of Bacchus and other venues by leading artists, in a programme ranging from classical music to theatre, dance and jazz.

Commemorates the day in 1945 when the Lebanese Armed Forces were placed under the full authority of the national government, two years after Lebanon gained independence from French rule. Celebrations begin with official ceremonies and military parades early in the day and continue into the evening with concerts and fireworks in various districts throughout the city.

It is considered the most important of the yearly Muslim holidays and honours Ibrahim as a model for all believers. This is also an occasion for sumptuous family gatherings, for which it is recommended to multiply offerings and gifts.

Commemorates the end of the French mandate over Lebanon in 1943, after 23 years of colonial rule. It also honours the unwritten power-sharing arrangement between Lebanese Christians and Muslims known as the National Pact (al-Mithaq al-Watani) that laid the foundations of the Lebanese state. Festivities in Beirut include concerts and fireworks.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Beirut

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	11/52	17/63	191/7.5	Not the best period to go
February	11/52	17/63	133/5.2	Not the best period to go
March	12/54	19/66	111/4.4	Not the best period to go
April	14/57	22/72	46/1.8	Good period to go
May	18/64	26/79	15/0.6	Good period to go
June	21/70	28/79	2/0.1	Good period to go
July	23/73	31/88	0/0.0	Good period to go
August	23/73	32/90	0/0.0	Not the best period to go
September	23/73	30/86	0/0.0	Not the best period to go
October	21/70	27/81	60/2.4	Not the best period to go
November	16/61	23/73	101/4.0	Not the best period to go
December	13/55	18/64	164/6.5	Not the best period to go

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

The Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is located about 7 kilometres (4 miles) south of the city centre.

• One terminal

• By car
  • Accessible via the Ouzaï highway
  • Short- and long-term parking facilities are available at the airport, with a total of 2,350 spaces (LBP 8,500 for up to 1 hour, LBP 22,000 for 24 hours).
  • Several car rental companies have counters in the arrivals hall.
• By bus
  • At the present time, there are no public transport services between the airport and the city centre, although a project is underway to introduce regular bus service along this route.
• By taxi
  • Certified airport taxis, displaying the airport's logo on the side, are available at the ranks outside the arrivals hall. Their fares are regulated by the airport authorities: about LBP 25,000 for the 15-minute trip to the city centre. Standard taxis are also available, but the fare must be negotiated beforehand.

• Services: shops, bars and restaurants, free Internet access (Wi-Fi) available in the airport.
• Telephone: +961 (0)1 62 80 00
• Website: www.beirutairport.gov.lb

GETTING AROUND Beirut

Getting around Beirut is pleasant and easy. Taxis are plentiful, rental cars are readily available, and a large number of bus routes criss-cross the city. All these options make exploring Beirut incredibly simple.

By bus

Two public transport companies serve the city. The state-owned blue-and-white buses of OCFTC run on a comprehensive network of routes within Beirut. LCC, a privately owned company, has a fleet of more than 200 red-and-white buses (mostly minibuses) operating throughout the city. The LCC buses are slightly more comfortable than the OCFTC buses, but fares are inexpensive for both (about LBP 600 for OCTFC buses and between LBP 1,000 and LBP 1,500 for LCC buses). There are few official bus stops in Beirut. However, if you stand on the side of the road and wave to get a driver's attention, he will stop to pick you up.

By taxi

Taxis are ubiquitous in Beirut and are therefore an interesting option for shorter stays. Official taxis are those with red-coloured licence plates. Expect to pay between LBP 12,000 and LBP 15,000 for a trip within the city centre.

By car

If you would prefer to drive, renting a car is certainly a viable option in Beirut. Car rental agencies are dotted around the city. It is also quite easy to find parking, with a choice of free street parking or paid private parking. Some city streets are equipped with parking meters. It is best to remain very alert and drive carefully in the city, especially in areas under construction, where traffic patterns change frequently.

On foot

Given the short distances between sights in Beirut, it is an especially pleasant city to discover on foot. Note that many local streets have names not corresponding to those indicated on tourist maps.

Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Beirut, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.

Offers practical information and many useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).

• Website: www.beirut.com

The official website maintained by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism provides a wealth of information on Beirut.

• Website: www.destinationlebanon.gov.lb

Currency and Exchange Rates

The currency used in Lebanon is the Lebanese pound (LBP).

1 HUF = 5,09 LBP

1 LBP = 0,20 HUF

The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Beirut counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.

Booster doses of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio vaccines are recommended. Depending on the length of your stay and hygiene conditions, the following additional vaccinations are also recommended: typhoid, hepatitis A and B. For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Website: https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr/
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• To make a vaccination appointment:
  • online (click here)
  • call the centre at +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

It is strongly advised to drink water from sealed bottles.

Administrative formalities

Entry requirements for Lebanon

Travellers from all countries must carry a visa to enter and stay in Lebanon.

For further information, visit the website of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism:

http://www.mot.gov.lb

Useful addresses

To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Lebanon, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.

Essential phrases

Good to know

+961

+ phone number (without 0)

1 : 00
of time difference with
Budapest

Start of daylight saving time: last Sunday in March
End of daylight saving time: last Sunday in October

Usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Usually open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

230 V / 50 Hz

Tipping
In Beirut, it is customary to leave a tip at the city's hotels and restaurants. If you are satisfied with the service, an appropriate amount is between 5 and 10% of the bill.