Must-see places for a solo female in Beirut
Contrary to popular belief, Beirut is actually a wonderful place for a solo female traveller to visit. If you’ve been thinking of visiting Lebanon for a while, but have been too worried about safety to take the leap, let us ease your mind. Beirut is the cosmopolitan capital of the Middle East and is extremely warm and welcoming to foreigners. Also, because the city is so advanced, almost everyone you come into contact with will speak a little English. Beirut is the perfect juxtaposition of natural wonders, historical sites and traditional culture and thriving nightlife, hipster cafes and quaint boutique stores. Whatever kind of solo female traveller you are, there are so many amazing must-see places in Beirut for you.
Walking around this vibrant city is a must, and Beirut on the scale of things is quite a small city, so it’s very doable. However, the streets are winding and complicated. To save yourself a little stress, and to keep you safe, we suggest that you either buy a Lebanese chip so you can use Google Maps or download a GPS offline app.
Get a culture high
As a solo female traveller, it’s always a nice feeling to be in an area filled with young and hip people, just like yourself, and in Beirut, that area is Mar Mikhael. The epitome of cool, this area is filled with funky pubs, chic cafes, and beautiful boutique stores. Take a stroll down Armenia Street and stop for a freshly brewed iced latte, while marvelling at the amazing street art. Walk a little further and you’ll hit the culture hub that is Gemmayzeh.
This bustling neighbourhood is packed full of the best bars and restaurants in Beirut and is the perfect place to enjoy a night out in the city and meet fellow travellers.
Channel your inner Lara Croft
No solo female trip is complete without a little bit of adrenaline-fuelled action, right? Located just 20km north of Beirut, you’ll find a magnificent limestone cave system known as Jeita Grotto. These two spectacular caves are filled with stalagmites, stalactites, impressive stone columns, and unusual mushrooms. We know that traveling solo can be a little bit more expensive, but the good news is that a tour of these caves only costs $12 USD.
This includes an exciting cable car ride to the upper cave, a guided walking tour through the cave, a train ride down to the lower cave, and a magical boat ride through the lower cave. This is truly one of the most exciting places to see in Beirut as a solo female traveller.
Eat your body weight in mezze
One thing that Lebanon is known for is food, food, and more food. While in Beirut, it’s imperative that you munch your way through as much mezze as possible. Lucky for you, this colourful city is full to the brim of eateries, from street food bargains to fine dining masterpieces. New restaurants and cafes are popping up in this ever-evolving city each week, but some of the absolute favourites will always be: Dar Bistro & Books, who serve up some of the best brunch, coffee and ice cream in the city; Motto, where the chef and menu changes each day, and you pay what you think is fair; and Tawlet, where the never-ending selection of mezzo from local farmers will keep you there all day.
What better way to get in touch with a country as a solo female traveller than through its local cuisine?
Get back to nature
The ultimate place in Beirut to capture those travel selfies is Pigeon Rocks, the city’s most famous natural landmark. Take the picturesque walk up to the westernmost tip of Beirut, and you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views of the shimmering Mediterranean sea, and of course, a perfect view of the two impressive rock formations standing proudly in the middle. There’s plenty of space to set up your tripod to get those perfect solo female traveller pics, and I’m sure there will be some strapping locals around to help, too.
After a morning of gazing out at the wonders of Mother Nature, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many sea-view cafes in Raouche.
Beirut, a Levant city with endless character, dreamy shores, craggy peaks, glorious grub, and a party scene unlike anywhere else. The Lebanese capital has long attracted tourists, particularly female solo travellers. But for the women who’ve never been to Lebanon, solo travel safety is what may be a cause for concern.
Solo female travel in Beirut is a lot more doable than you think; it just requires some extra careful planning and local know-how, which we’ve compiled in this guide for you.
What You Should Know About the Dress Code for Women in Beirut
There’s a common misconception that Lebanon is a strictly Islamic country. While a significant part of the population is Muslim, with some communities following a conservative dress code, a large portion of society is also Christian, and often dresses as they like.
As a woman traveling alone, you won’t be under much scrutiny for how you dress, but it’s still important to follow the social norms of each situation. At religious sites like mosques, make sure to cover up, while for a walk along Beirut’s Corniche, shorts or a sundress are perfectly fine.
Where to Stay in Beirut as a Woman
- Hamra: Centrally located, buzzing district with lots of food and accommodation options
- Achrafieh: A hub for nightlife popular with backpackers and solo travellers
- Ain El Mreisseh: Right by the coast with lots of high-rises providing seaside views
- Downtown: Upmarket neighborhood with plenty of luxurious places to stay and in close proximity to many famed sites.
How to Get Around Beirut
When planning your solo female travels in Lebanon, you’ll likely be wondering how to get around Beirut.
Taxis and ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt are easy to find and very affordable for getting around the city, but a Beirut Airport transfer is the most convenient option when you land. Another common transport option in Beirut is the ‘service,’ a shared taxi system where drivers pick up multiple passengers heading in the same general direction. It may feel unusual if you’ve never used one before, but it’s a normal and safe way to travel, even if you’re traveling alone as a woman.
If you’d rather use public transport, Beirut also has a network of buses that connect most parts of the city. Some visitors may want to rent a car when coming from Beirut Airport to the city center, but it’s generally not recommended, as the traffic can be chaotic, and driving here isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Experiencing Beirut’s Nightlife Solo as a Woman
The chances are that if you’re on this Beirut solo travel guide and planning a trip by yourself as a woman, you’ve already heard about the city’s famous nightlife scene. Beirut is a nonstop party once nighttime falls, with rooftop bars and underground clubs open until dawn. But like any city, you’ll want to have your wits about you when heading out.
For the most part, partying in Beirut is safe. However, when planning your solo female travels in Lebanon, some safety tips can make all the difference and help you navigate the nightlife scene here confidently. Taking extra precautions, such as keeping your drinks close at all times and using rideshare apps to get home, where the driver can be tracked in case something goes wrong, can be extremely helpful. Make sure to always have your address written down and the phone number of the place you’re staying, as it’s good to have a local contact whenever you need assistance.
Things to Do for Women in Beirut
Beirut has so many incredible things to do that you could spend weeks here and never get bored. When heading on your solo female travels in Lebanon, this itinerary will ensure you make the most of your trip.
Stroll Along the Corniche
One long seaside stretch, the Corniche is a peaceful walk along the Mediterranean where you can soak up a sunset and enjoy a slice of daily life.
Admire the Mohammed al-Amin Mosque
Mohammed al-Amin Mosque is Beirut’s biggest mosque, which draws a lot of interest for its golden exterior and bright blue domed roof.
Get Lost in Mar Mikhaël
A hipster hideaway in the heart of Beirut, Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhaël is a trendy location famed for its colored buildings, vibrant arts scene, and quirky cafes and bars.
Pick Up Some Knick-Knacks at Souk Al Ahad
Every Sunday, Souk Al Ahad comes alive with vendors from across the city flooding in to offload a wide range of items, including cheap designer gear, antiques, spices, and more.
Solo Female Travel Tips for Beirut
Many women have concerns about their well-being before coming to Beirut, but there’s nothing to worry about as long as you follow these Lebanon travel safety tips.
- Regularly check news sources: Stay up to date with the latest news on the ground via local news outlets, as things can change at short notice.
- Avoid rambling in the countryside: Lebanon’s rural areas, including some locations near Beirut, still contain many unexploded mines from past wars, so avoid straying off on your own unless you’re with a guide.
- Accommodation reviews: Always stay at a place that has been reviewed by females in the past to ensure the property is safe.
- Stay earthquake-ready: Beirut is situated along a fault line, making the city prone to earthquakes, some of which can be catastrophic, so make sure you’re ready to act if one occurs.
- Understand the situation around head coverings: Ladies only have to wear head coverings when entering a mosque; other than that, you can walk around without one.
This Is Your Guide to Solo Female Travel in Beirut!
Contrary to belief, solo female travel in Beirut is easier than ever and highly rewarding. Lebanese people are very down-to-earth and will help you in whatever way they can; however, navigating the city alone is straightforward once you get used to the hustle and bustle.
Of course, when it comes to Lebanon, all solo female travellers’ experiences will be different. But the vast majority of women come away having an incredible time as long as they take the necessary precautions, which we’ve laid out in this solo female travel in Lebanon blog.
