Lebanon on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
In calm periods Lebanon can be done on a budget with hostels, street food and minibuses. A realistic minimum is about US$70 per person per day: bed US$30, food US$20, sights US$10 and transport US$10.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$30 | US$70 | US$180 |
| Food & drink | US$20 | US$45 | US$90 |
| Sights & tickets | US$10 | US$20 | US$40 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$45 | US$80 |
| Per person, per day | US$70 | US$180 | US$390 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Lebanon day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Walking the Corniche to the Pigeon Rocks at Raouche
- Downtown Beirut's Mohammad al-Amin Mosque and St George's Cathedral (exteriors and open hours)
- The Saint Nicolas Stairs and the streets of Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael
- Byblos old souk and fishing harbour
- Tripoli's Mamluk souks and Khan al-Saboun
- Batroun's Phoenician sea wall
Cheap eats
- Man'oushe with za'atar: US$2-4
- Falafel sandwich: a few dollars
- Chicken or beef shawarma: about US$3-6
- Ka'ak street bread: very cheap
- Sweets from Tripoli's pastry shops: a few dollars a box
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in hostels and guesthouses in Hamra and Mar Mikhael, often with shared kitchens, at about US$40-80 for a double and less for dorms.
Getting around cheaply
Minibuses from Charles Helou station to Byblos and Tripoli cost a few dollars. In Beirut, Uber rides cost US$5-10. From the airport, a taxi is about US$25-35; agree the price in advance.
A sample budget day
- Morning: National Museum of Beirut (a few dollars)
- Lunch: man'oushe or shawarma in Hamra (about US$5)
- Afternoon: Downtown and the Corniche walk to Raouche (free)
- Evening: mezze in Hamra (about US$20)
- Total: about US$70 including a hostel room
More ways to save
- Carry small US dollar notes and some Lebanese pounds for minibuses and snacks.
- Travel by minibus along the coast in daytime rather than hiring a driver.
- Stay in Byblos or Batroun to explore the north without daily returns to Beirut.
- Drink local beer (Almaza) and arak rather than imported drinks.
- Ask your guesthouse for a recommended driver at local rates.
- Check opening days: Jeita Grotto and some museums close on Mondays.
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Common questions
Can I visit Lebanon on a budget?
In calm periods, yes: about US$70 a day with hostels, street food and minibuses.
How do I get around Lebanon cheaply?
Minibuses from Beirut's Charles Helou station run to Byblos and Tripoli for a few dollars; use Uber in Beirut.
What is the cheapest food in Lebanon?
Man'oushe (US$2-4), falafel, shawarma and ka'ak bread from street bakeries.