National Museum Beirut

A national treasure

Lidija from Beirut

""National Museum" is one of the most underrated sites in Beirut, even by locals. It has ancient artifacts and was also on the frontline in the civil war."

The National Museum, otherwise known as the mat-haf, is one of the most underrated sites in Beirut. Ask any local and more often than not, they’ll tell you that they’ve never set foot in it. I think it’s well worth a visit: it has the world’s biggest collection of Phoenician sarcophagi in the basement level, displayed beautifully in a row with a mirror set behind them, so it looks like there are twice as many. Look out for the prehistoric items in the museum, including spears and flints, and the colourful Byzantine and Roman mosaics.

During the Civil War, the museum was on the frontline and you can still see bullet holes in the side walls. It was occupied by militiamen and snipers, and the surrounding area came to be known as one of the most dangerous in the city. The building suffered extensive damage. A lot of the artifacts were hidden away in basement rooms, and mosaics were covered with concrete. Despite the lack of local visitors, the museum is a national treasure which survived the war and managed to rise from its ashes.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Beirut Spotter Lidija

About me Hello! I'm a global nomad and have lived in 8 countries. I work as a creative writer, editor and marketer, and my favourite things are meeting people and hearing their unique stories. Home is many places, but always where my family and friends are. Why Beirut For me Beirut is all about the people here - their warmth, generosity and resilience! The city is dynamic, fast-paced and has everything from amazing beach clubs and cafes, to galleries, and incredible food. There’s a story to be told about every building and corner of the city. Where else ca...

About this spot

Watwat

Single entry:

LBP

30,000

Oct 2, 2025

Our Beirut City Guide

Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Beirut guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut

Al Makari Sweets

A disappearing Beiruti dessert

"Al Makari Sweets" in Beirut makes authentic mufata'a dessert. It's hard to make, thus it's hard to find, but they make it like my grandma used to...

Restaurants

Najat

Kibbi

Nov 3, 2025

Sugar Shake

A hidden shakes destination

At "Sugar Shake" right behind Beit Beirut Museum, you will be served one of the freshest and tastiest smoothies & frozen yogurts you can have in the city!

Snacks

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Le Mikado

My go-to flower shop

"Le Mikado" in Beirut has been providing customers with (dried) flowers and arrangements since the '50s. I just love their display outside the shop...

Shopping

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Kalei

Specialty coffee in Ras Beyrouth

"Kalei" isn't just one of my favorite specialty coffee spots in Beirut - the building it occupies has been around since the 1800s, and you can tell!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Liza

A fancy dining spot

"Liza" in Beirut in the 19th-century palace is the place to go if you want to dine luxuriously with a menu and presentation that are 'lavishly perfect'...

Restaurants

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Mansion

20th-century public space

"Mansion" Blatt in Beirut is a 20th-century villa that's been turned into a shared coworking & creative space used by designers, artists, architects & more.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Assabil

My haven away from chaos

My favorite "Assabil" Public Library in Beirut is in Monnot. It's always active with events, whether virtual or real-life ones and full of youth!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 3, 2025

Crypt Museum

Underneath a cathedral

An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you.

Art & culture

Samira

Ezzo

Nov 1, 2025

Garden of Forgiveness

Cardo and Decumanus Maximus

The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Samira

Ezzo

Oct 30, 2025

Barzakh Bookshop

Reclaiming Hamra's Identity

"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

Samira

Ezzo

Oct 30, 2025

Beit Beirut

Beirut's museum of memory

"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...

Art & culture