Beirut
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Beirut
Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century—Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War—but the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.Hitta resa
Walk (or bike) along the Corniche to witness the leisurely flow of life by the Mediterranean; if you head south towards the Raouche neighbourhood, you will eventually come to one of Beirut's most iconic natural sites: the Pigeon Rocks, limestone formations jutting out of the sea. Come at sundown for shisha with a view.
To discover an edgier, hip side to the city, walk down the thoroughfares of Armenia Street (Mar Mikhael) and Gouraud Street (Gemmayzeh), and soak in Beirut's undeniable cool. There are plenty of attractive brunch spots and swank art galleries around (check out the St Nicholas Stairs in the summer for some al fresco art).
The Sursock Museum of Modern Art occupies the villa once inhabited by its founder, Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, who instructed successors to turn the building into an art museum. The will was well-executed: the Sursock Museum is now among Beirut's most attractive, with free entry and guided tours. Its namesake palace is closed to the public, but certainly worth a look.
Founded in the 1860s by an American missionary, the lush, sprawling campus of the prestigious American University of Beirut is a pleasure to stroll around. It offers something of a journey into the city's pre-war days. There is an excellent archaeological museum on-site, along with several art galleries, and many nonchalant feline residents (cats), who famously inhabit the premises.
One of the best archaeological museums in the Middle East, the National Museum of Beirut provides an excellent overview of the region's history. Highlights include the world's largest display of sarcophagi, a line-up of 31 with naturalistic-looking carved faces, a reconstructed Roman tomb, and a collection of bronze Phoenician figurines uncovered at Byblos. The museum is located on the once-volatile Green Line.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos is a treasured city, reportedly the first to be inhabited by Phoenicians, hosting a sequence of mighty civilisations (from Egyptians to Ottomans) over the following millennia. It's an easy day trip from Beirut to see early settlements dating back to the B.C., the 12th century Crusader Castle, and the ancient Phoenician port.
The splendid Roman Temple of Baalbek is among Lebanon's most important archaeological monuments, an ancient place of worship with barely any competition among similar structures in the ancient world. Plan your trip around the Baalbeck International Festival for live music and plays held in the town.
The historic winery hidden in the Bekaa Valley east of Beirut makes for a fantastic day trip. Tours of the underground caves are held daily, and on-site dining is available at the adjacent restaurant.
Walk (or bike) along the Corniche to witness the leisurely flow of life by the Mediterranean; if you head south towards the Raouche neighbourhood, you will eventually come to one of Beirut's most iconic natural sites: the Pigeon Rocks, limestone formations jutting out of the sea. Come at sundown for shisha with a view.
To discover an edgier, hip side to the city, walk down the thoroughfares of Armenia Street (Mar Mikhael) and Gouraud Street (Gemmayzeh), and soak in Beirut's undeniable cool. There are plenty of attractive brunch spots and swank art galleries around (check out the St Nicholas Stairs in the summer for some al fresco art).
The polished Beirut Souks are far from an Oriental understanding of a boisterous marketplace. Stores that line these tranquil streets include upscale international names like Louis Vuitton, D&G, Armani, and more - along with more affordable high-street brands. The Souks are more than just a shopping complex, with entertainment options, street markets and attractive public spaces.
Started by a non-profit aiming to support local artists nearly four decades ago, L'Artisan du Liban now boasts two locations (a further one on Clemenceau Street) where artwork, woven rugs, embroidery, home decor items, and jewellery all made exclusively by Lebanese craftsmen and women are on sale.
Weekends see the Souq al Ahad fill up with vendors selling all manner of goods, from books to knick-knacks and original antiques, most sold at prices that are simply unbeatable.
If one-stop shopping is more your thing, head to the capital's most popular shopping centre, ABC Mall, and browse through local and international brand-name stores with dining and entertainment conveniently at hand.
Skip the magnets: a nicely packaged jar of Lebanon's very own natural honey makes for a souvenir miles ahead of any trinket. There are a surprising many kinds of honey to choose from, along with other honey-based treats. The Mar Mikhayel location also contains a trendy cafe.
Sophisticated jewellery, interior decor items, cosmetics, pieces of clothing and more are all carefully selected from across the region (nationally and internationally). The brand prides itself on supporting "sustainable luxury", so do expect prices slightly above average.
The polished Beirut Souks are far from an Oriental understanding of a boisterous marketplace. Stores that line these tranquil streets include upscale international names like Louis Vuitton, D&G, Armani, and more - along with more affordable high-street brands. The Souks are more than just a shopping complex, with entertainment options, street markets and attractive public spaces.
Started by a non-profit aiming to support local artists nearly four decades ago, L'Artisan du Liban now boasts two locations (a further one on Clemenceau Street) where artwork, woven rugs, embroidery, home decor items, and jewellery all made exclusively by Lebanese craftsmen and women are on sale.
Keep up-to-date with travel safety advice when planning a trip to Beirut and all through your stay. While most visits are trouble-free, there is a risk of terrorism present at all times, especially so in crowded areas and around dates of political significance, such as elections. Governments of many countries advise against travel to some parts of Lebanon (particularly around the borders with Syria and Israel, and around refugee camps) and the southern suburbs of Beirut, where the threat of terrorism is especially high.
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa to enter Lebanon and can stay for up to 6 months in a year for the purpose of tourism, provided they have no Israeli marks or stamps in their passports and a nonrefundable onward ticket; same applies to citizens of Jordan for stays of up to 3 months a year. Visa on arrival is granted under the above conditions to nationals of the European Union, much of Europe, the USA, Mexico, Canada, China, Australia, and many other countries across Asia and South America. If you do require a visa, an application must be made in advance via a Lebanese embassy or consulate closest to you. Given that visa policies can change, it's always best to check with the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate or consult the official Lebanese General Security website for the most current information before planning your trip.
June through August are some of the hottest months, but these are also the months when Beirut's celebrated party scene is at its most active, with revellers gathering by the poolside, on rooftops and by the Med. Spring and autumn have milder temperatures and are better fit for slow-paced city exploration and hikes. December through March are the height of ski season when winter sports enthusiasts flock to the surrounding slopes.
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is located just 9 kilometres south of Beirut’s bustling city centre. This proximity allows travellers to reach the heart of Beirut in just 15 to 20 minutes by car. While taxis or ride-sharing apps are the primary mode of transport from the airport, adventurous travellers can also opt for shared minibuses that run sporadically to various city destinations.
Public transport in Beirut is undergoing significant improvements but still faces challenges. One of the best ways to get around Beirut is by taxi or ride-sharing apps like Uber.
Traditional taxis are widely available throughout Beirut and are usually metered, but it's recommended to confirm this before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings regarding fares. In addition to traditional taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are popular and offer a reliable and convenient way to get around the city.
Some of the most prominent pharmacies you'll find in Beirut include Karout Pharmacy, Machmouchi, and Al Madina.
Post offices in Beirut generally operate from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. They provide a wide range of services, including mail and parcel delivery, financial transactions, and various formalities related to government and non-governmental services. Having said that, don't count on Liban Post for speedy delivery. For more time-sensitive parcels or letters, try a private provider like DHL.
Keep up-to-date with travel safety advice when planning a trip to Beirut and all through your stay. While most visits are trouble-free, there is a risk of terrorism present at all times, especially so in crowded areas and around dates of political significance, such as elections. Governments of many countries advise against travel to some parts of Lebanon (particularly around the borders with Syria and Israel, and around refugee camps) and the southern suburbs of Beirut, where the threat of terrorism is especially high.
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa to enter Lebanon and can stay for up to 6 months in a year for the purpose of tourism, provided they have no Israeli marks or stamps in their passports and a nonrefundable onward ticket; same applies to citizens of Jordan for stays of up to 3 months a year. Visa on arrival is granted under the above conditions to nationals of the European Union, much of Europe, the USA, Mexico, Canada, China, Australia, and many other countries across Asia and South America. If you do require a visa, an application must be made in advance via a Lebanese embassy or consulate closest to you. Given that visa policies can change, it's always best to check with the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate or consult the official Lebanese General Security website for the most current information before planning your trip.
