Beirut, Lebanon’s largest city and dubbed the “Paris of the Middle East,” beckons with its resilient spirit amid historical upheavals. Discover its enchanting corniche, where bullet-marked palm trees whisper tales of the past, or delve into its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity.

Visit the National Museum of Beirut, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, or wander through Badaro’s lively streets with its mix of eateries and museums. Zaitunay Bay offers a serene waterfront experience, while Pigeon Rocks stand sentinel at Beirut’s western edge, steeped in mythical lore.

Indulge in Beirut’s culinary delights like hummus and Shanklish, a cheese delicacy. Beirut awaits, blending history, culture, and Mediterranean allure.

Explore Beirut: Its Vibrant Charms

Beirut is the largest city in Lebanon. It is also recognized as the “Paris of the Middle East.” Despite many wars and unrest Beirut is a popular destination for shopping, socializing, and sightseeing. 

It is also the most culturally diverse city in the world. You can explore the museums to gather information about Beirut’s past, take a stroll at the corniche and bay to explore the nightlife of Beirut. Beirut has something for everyone who can make it there. 

Things to do in Beirut:

1. Corniche:

It is a seaside promenade located in the Central State of Beirut. You will find this promenade lined with palm trees. This location is very popular among walkers, joggers, and bikers. 

This promenade starts from Ras Beirut in the east and ends at the St George Yacht Motor Club to the west. You must visit this place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. On the trunks of many palm trees, you will find bullet marks from the Lebanese Civil War.

Nearby the corniche you will find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. If you want to do something adventurous then you can take one of the tracks to the lower cliffs, where you can explore caves and inlets. 

2. Badaro:

This is Beirut’s one of the most happening neighbourhoods. This is the perfect place to take a stroll in the daytime and to go out in the evening. While exploring this place you will find a lot of restaurants, pubs, and cafes of every style making it a perfect destination for Beirut’s young locals.

Along with restaurants, bars, and cafes, this place also has two outstanding museums: the Beirut National Museum and the Mineral Museum.

3. Explore the National Museum of Beirut:

It is the principal museum of archeology in Lebanon. This museum opened to the public in 1942.. This museum has a huge collection of about 100,000 objects that include antiquities, and medieval findings.

The museum comprises a basement, a ground floor, a mezzanine floor, and a terrace. The roof of the central block consists of glass, providing natural overhead light.Inside the museum, you will find a small theatre and a gift shop.

This museum stores antiquities from the bronze age, iron age, Hellenistic period, Roman period, Byzantine period, Arab conquest, and Mamluk period.   

4. Take a stroll at Zaitunay Bay:

Zaitunay Bay is located around Beirut Marina. The Beirut Waterfront Development Company owns and maintains the place. Around Zaitunay Bay you will find 17 restaurants and five retail outlets.

This bay stretches from the site’s western limit to the Yacht Club building on the east. This 20,000 sq m stretch is a perfect place to take a stroll in the evening.  Nearby the Zaitunay Bay you will find the Yacht Club.

It houses a clubhouse and nine club suites with amenities on the ground and first level. The amenities consist of a club restaurant, a swimming pool deck, a bar, a library, a lounge bar, a games room, and a fitness and wellness centre. 

5. Explore the Pigeon Rocks:

These rocks are also known as the “Rocks of Rouche”. These rocks are located on Beirut’s westernmost tip. When you reach the site you will see two huge rock formations standing like gigantic sentinels to the city.

The belief is that these rocks are the remains of a sea monster slain by the Greek hero Perseus to rescue Andromeda. This spot is open 24 hours for everyone and there is no admission fee. 

Food to try in Beirut:

1. Hummus:

This dish is also known as chickpea dip. It consists of cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Traditionally, it is garnished with olive oil, whole chickpeas, parsley, and paprika.This dish is rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamin B6, and dietary minerals.

2. Shanklish:

This dish has a lot of names such as chancliche, shinklish, shankleesh, sorke, or sürke.Shanklish, a cheese made from cow’s or sheep’s milk, is formed into balls about 6 cm in diameter.

After shaping, it is coated with za’atar and Aleppo pepper, then dried. Spices like aniseed and chili are added for extra heat. Shanklish serves as a popular option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It is typically enjoyed with finely-chopped tomato, onion, and olive oil, or mashed with eggs alongside cucumbers, mint, and olives.

How to reach Beirut:

1. By flight:

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is the main airport in Beirut. Some of the major airlines that serve Beirut are Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Air France, American Airlines.

The airport is about 9 km away from the city center. You will get private or rental taxis from the arrival gate to reach the city center or your hotels. 

2. By road:

You can reach Beirut by road from almost all the nearby cities. The main bus station in Beirut is Charles Helou Bus Station. You can also get into Beirut from some international destinations such as Damascus, north Lebanon, Jounieh, Byblos, Batroun, and Tripoli.

You can also get buses to Shouf, Saida, Tyre, Jounieh, Batroun, Beit Mery, Broummana, and Tripoli. 

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