Sunrise and Sunsetin Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut sits on a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean, giving the city an unobstructed western horizon over open water. The elevation difference between the seafront and the hillside neighborhoods in the east creates a range of vantage points for both sunrise and sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Beirut

1. Sursock / Ashrafieh Hill

   The Ashrafieh neighborhood sits on elevated ground east of the city center. Rooftops and terraces here face east over the lower city, with a clear view of the sky above the Beirut suburbs toward the Lebanese mountains.

2. Martyrs' Square

   The open square in central Beirut faces east with relatively few tall buildings blocking the early morning sky. The wide plaza and the surrounding low-rise area allow a clean view of sunrise over the hills behind the city.

3. Sanayeh Garden

   This public park in central Beirut opens early and faces east toward the mountains. The open lawn area gives a clear low-angle view of sunrise over the Beirut hills. Entrance is free.

4. Horsh Beirut (Beirut Pine Forest)

   Horsh Beirut is the city's largest public park, with tall pines that frame the eastern sky. The open clearings on the park's eastern edge offer a clear view of sunrise above the hills. Open daily, free entry.

Best sunset spots in Beirut

1. Raouché (Pigeon Rocks)

   The sea cliffs at Raouché face due west, making this the most popular sunset spot in the city. The viewing area along the road above the rocks is free and accessible by car or on foot from the Corniche (about 1 km west of the Movenpick hotel).

2. Corniche Beirut

   This 4.8 km seafront promenade runs along the western coast with no buildings blocking the sea horizon. The stretch between Ain el-Mreisseh and the Raouché end offers the widest open views and is free to walk any time.

3. Ramlet el-Baida Beach

   The only free public beach in Beirut faces west and offers a low, flat horizon directly over the Mediterranean. Located at the southern end of the Corniche, accessible by car with street parking nearby.

4. Sursock / Ashrafieh Hill

   From the hill's western side, the entire city slopes down to the Mediterranean. The Sursock Museum garden and the streets around Mar Mikhael offer unobstructed views west over the roofline.

5. Martyrs' Square

   Standing in the square and looking west, the sea is visible as a thin line on clear days from the raised plaza edge. The open urban space means no buildings interrupt the western sky.

6. Horsh Beirut (Beirut Pine Forest)

   The park's western edge overlooks the lower city with gaps in the tree line facing the sea. On clear evenings the sun sets directly over the Mediterranean visible between the buildings below.