Beirut Walking Route: Pigeon Rocks to Zaytunay Bay and Hamra
Explore Beirut's waterfront landmarks and neighborhoods, from the iconic Pigeon Rocks and Ramlet Albaida beach to the reconstructed Zaytounay Bay harbor district. The route traces the city's resilience through areas affected by the 2020 port explosion and vibrant streets like Hamra, showcasing both modern development and authentic Lebanese culture along the Mediterranean coast.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Beirut Lebanon
- End
- Movenpick Marina
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Beirut Lebanon
- Ramlet Albaida Beach
- Zaytunay Bay — Vibrant waterfront promenade with restaurants, shops, and retail outlets in a reconstructed harbor district.
- Hamra Street
- Downtown Beirut — Reconstructed historic center featuring Ottoman and Mandate-era buildings, the iconic Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and the Martyrs' Square memorial.
- Martyrs Square — Historic central square with monuments and statues bearing marks from Lebanon's civil war, symbolizing the city's resilience.
- General de Gaulle Road — Beachfront avenue with hotel options and waterfront views, a recommended area for accommodation in Beirut.
- Movenpick Marina — Luxury resort with marina facilities overlooking the Mediterranean, offering waterfront dining and recreational activities.
Useful for your trip
- Save money
- Bring US dollars before arrival due to volatile Lebanese pound currency situation
- Where to stay
- Consider staying in Zaytunay Bay area - recommended waterfront location with shops, restaurants, and harbor views
- Where to stay
- Stay in Hamra Street neighborhood via Airbnbs or hotels for authentic Beirut experience away from touristy waterfront areas
- Where to stay
- Sheraton Four Points Hotel is a confirmed accommodation option in Beirut
- Timing
- Visit Ramlet Albaida Beach in morning or evening rather than afternoon - it gets very hot
- Tip
- Ramlet Albaida is the only public beach in Beirut - most beaches are private. Has chairs, shade, volleyball, basketball courts
- Transport
- Avoid renting a car - no traffic lights, unpredictable traffic patterns. Use private driver or other transport instead
- Transport
- Hire a private driver like Hussein for tours around Beirut - provides helpful local guidance and safe navigation
- Tip
- Visit Henry's Handmade shop on Hamra Street for local jewelry and recycled paper bags; owner provides historical information about the area
- Tip
- Zaytunay Bay has restaurants and retail shopping along a waterfront promenade with views of the harbor
- Tip
- Pigeon Rocks area near Movenpick Marina offers jet ski and boat activities around famous rock formation with caves and nearby beaches
- Tip
- Downtown Beirut near Martyrs Square shows Civil War history including bullet holes from snipers; area is partially ghost town as of August 2022
Video on this route
Beirut Lebanon Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Beirut