Watching Playtime at Midnight. The re-created Downtown area may lack soul and open spaces, but it's one place where even traditional families can let their hair down. Rebuilt in the wake of wartime devastation, the cobbled pedestrianized streets radiate from the four-sided clock…
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Beirut Attractions
Beirut has a unique and vibrant character, where centuries-old layers of history and civilizations are juxtaposed with newly rebuilt areas. Although lighter on "sights" than many capitals, it presents a fascinating mix of ancient ruins, elegant French architecture and well-preserved museums. This war-torn city certainly can't be described as pretty -- bullet-ridden relics from the civil war are there for all to see -- but it has a fun-loving spirit. Beirut doesn't hide its past but wears it as a badge of honor -- and keeps on partying.
8 Results
- Religious Site
Al-Omari Mosque
This sturdy, dark-stone Crusader church is a stark contrast to the dazzling new Mohammed al-Amin mosque. Built in the 12th century, this was the only church later converted to a mosque by the Mamluks, who also built the city's original souks. On entering, women will be asked to wear… - Historic Site
Byblos (Jbeil)
Just an hour's drive from Beirut, this ancient site is thought to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited city (dating back to the 5th millennium B.C.) and birthplace of the alphabet. Climb to the ramparts atop the Crusader castle for views of the city that Phoenicians, Romans… - Religious Site
Harissa
Just north of Beirut, Our Lady of Lebanon, or Harissa ("Guardian"), Lebanon's patron saint, stands proudly on a hillside 600 meters high. The journey to the summit is as memorable as the destination, and not for the faint-hearted. The hair-raising nine-minute teleferique journey… - Sports Venue
Hippodrome Du Parc De Beyrouth
Adjacent to the National Museum and near the pine forest (usually closed), this historic track has held thoroughbred races since 1918. During the French administration, Beirut's elite would hang out here. These days it's more of a working-class weekend gathering spot and one of the… - Historic Site
Martyrs' Square
If you watched news of the civil war and the protests following President Rafik Hariri's 2006 assassination, chances are this square and monument dominated TV screens. It's been the gathering place for protests, executions, clashes and sit-ins since World War I, when locals assembled… - Natural Attraction
Pigeon Rocks (Rouché)
At this famous Beirut natural landmark, the duo of rock arches off the west coast are the picture-postcard image of the city. Most tourists hang out at the railings above. Better still to take the path winding down to the bottom of the rocks opposite. From here, it's a great view of… - Historic Site
Roman Baths
It's a scene you'll find only in Beirut: Expertly restored Roman ruins amid a bustling modern business district; the ringing of chimes at a nearby Armenian church; an Ottoman palace -- Le Grand Serail -- opposite; and armed soldiers close by to make sure you're not taking photographs… Sfeir-Semler Gallery
In bygone years, the port area of Karantina (or Quarantine) was for those disembarking cargo ships and isolated, should they be carrying infectious diseases. Fast forward to contemporary times, and this edgy industrial area is part of Beirut's growing art scene. The biggest and best…
Beirut Shopping
Judging by the number of clothing shops clustered in Beirut's busy hubs Hamra and Downtown, it's obvious that consumer culture is second nature to locals. Downtown's rebuilding and brick-by-brick restructuring was centered around creating a haven of luxury labels -- think Hermès, Chanel and Vuitton. This being Beirut, looking the part while browsing the stores is all-important. Add to that refurbished townhouses housing boutiques in Saifi Village and upcoming neighborhoods in Mar Mikhael. In Beirut, it's truly "shop 'til you drop" -- except on Sundays, when most stores close.
Beirut Nightlife
Beirutis certainly know to party hard and boy, do they love it. Perhaps because of the city's unstable past and uncertain future, the mood is "who knows what will happen tomorrow, so let's have a good time tonight." From wine bars in Mar Mikhael and rooftop clubs overlooking the Mediterranean to dancing on the tables to Arabic pop, Beirut is a nonstop party. Get out your little black dress, high heels and silk shirt and join locals on a night out that's likely to carry on until dawn.
