Beirut

On the first day, pair the National Museum with lunch nearby, then take a pre-booked car towards Achrafieh. If its exhibitions are open, add Sursock Museum before exploring Gemmayze and choosing a place for dinner. The Saint Nicholas Stairs connect the area below the museum with Gemmayze; take a vehicle if stairs are unsuitable.

Use the second day for Hamra, a manageable section of the Corniche and the Raouche viewpoints. Treat Pigeon Rocks as a separate waterfront stop if the full walk would be too long. With a third day, add central Beirut where access permits, another museum or time in a neighbourhood you enjoyed.

Spring and autumn generally make long city walks more comfortable. In summer, put outdoor sightseeing early or late in the day and leave the hotter hours for a museum, lunch or a break at your accommodation. Winter calls for a rain plan and flexible waterfront walks.

Two nights give you a brief introduction; three or four nights allow a fuller city stay or one nearby excursion. Count actual sightseeing days rather than nights: a late arrival and an early flight can remove most of a short break.

Byblos works as a coastal history day, while Jounieh, Harissa and Jeita Grotto belong to a different outing north of the city. Confirm each attraction's operations before deciding whether to combine them. A scenic map distance does not account for urban traffic or the climb into the hills.

Beiteddine and the Chouf mountains are another regional option, subject to current advice and access. Baalbek and Bsharri need more driving and should not be treated as casual additions to a Beirut afternoon. Keep the day before an early flight close to your departure base.