Budget Travel Ideas

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon and has a population of about 2.1 million people. The city has several different options available for the budget-minded traveler when it comes to hotel accommodations and dining.

Eden Hotel

There are several hotels within the city where you can get a good deal and stay on your budget. Eden Hotel is a 4 star hotel and has 45 rooms and suites. It is only 15 minutes from the airport and close to museums, shopping centers, and the beach. The price for a room is around $45 per night and they do not accept credit cards, just cash. There is a 5% tax rate that will be added to the price of the room. 

Al Nazih Hotel

The Al Nazih is on the corner of Martyr’s Square and Charles Hellou Avenue near downtown and close to the bus station. Double rooms are about $36. Talal’s New Hotel on Charles Helou Street has a variety of rooms from dorm beds to triple rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. The rooms have balconies and private rooms have their own bathroom. There is a laundry available and has a lobby where it is a great place to meet other travelers. Rooms run from $9 to $30. 

Budget Friendly Dining Options

There are many restaurants in Beirut but if you are on a tight budged there are some fast food options that will get you through without having to pay much for a meal.  You will even recognize some of the names as Burger King, Fridays, McDonalds.  But there are others you may have never heard of.  Monogrill and Hawa Chicken are in the Ashrafieh district.  Bliss House, Le Sage, and Epi D’Or is near Bliss.  Barbar, Malek el Batata, and Ghalayini are cheap fast food restaurants in Hamra.  Kalaa Chicken and Go Tango can be found in Ooraytem.  You can spend just a few dollars and get a filling meal. 

Attractions

Most attractions have admission rates but there are a few things you can do for free that are enjoyable and educational. The Corniche is a type of promenade where cars cruise, people walk or rollerblade, and generally socialize. There are cafes nearby and along the way and it ends at a sandy beach. You can meet visitors and locals alike on the Corniche and no visit to Beirut should miss this place. Civil War in Beirut ended 14 years ago and much of the city has been rebuilt, but along the old Green Line (separated Christians and Muslims) there are still reminders of that war.