Grand Serail: Lebanon's Seat of Power
Witness Lebanese history at the Grand Serail in Beirut, a majestic Ottoman-era palace and the Prime Minister's headquarters. A symbol of resilience.
The Grand Serail, or Government Palace, is a historic Ottoman-era building in Beirut serving as the headquarters of the Prime Minister of Lebanon. Perched atop a hill in downtown Beirut, it offers a glimpse into the country's political past and architectural heritage, though public access is generally restricted.
A brief summary to Grand Serail (Government Palace)
- VGW2+C9W, Beirut, LB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the day for the best lighting to photograph the Grand Serail's impressive architecture.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Martyrs' Square and the Beirut Souks for a complete experience of downtown Beirut.
- Check local schedules for any public events or exhibitions that may take place around the Grand Serail.
Getting There
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Walking
From Martyrs' Square, head north towards the Beirut Souks. Continue past the souks, keeping to the main road. The Grand Serail will be visible on the hill to your left. Walk up the steps leading to the government buildings. Note that security is tight, and you may not be able to approach the building directly.
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Public Transport
Take a public bus or minivan heading towards downtown Beirut. Ask the driver to drop you off near Martyrs' Square or the Parliament. From there, walk towards the Grand Serail following the directions above. Bus fares within Beirut typically cost around 75,000 LBP. Keep in mind that there are no official bus lines printed or online.
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Taxi
Hail a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem to get to the Grand Serail. Most drivers will know the location. A standard taxi trip within the city should cost around 600,000 LBP. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand if using a local taxi without a meter.
Discover more about Grand Serail (Government Palace)
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