Beirut, Lebanon

Here is a brief history of Beirut, Lebanon:

– Beirut originated as a small Phoenician port city around the 7th century BC. It was part of the ancient Phoenician city–states that dominated trade in the Mediterranean.

– In 64 BC, Beirut came under Roman rule. It flourished as a center of academia and trade under the Romans and later the Byzantines.

– Beirut was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century AD and became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. It continued to serve as an important port city.

– In the 16th century, Beirut came under Ottoman rule and served as an administrative center. It saw an influx of Christian migrant populations at this time. – After World War I and the defeat of the Ottomans, Beirut became part of the newly created state of Lebanon under French mandate. It experienced major growth and development.

– During Lebanon‘s civil war from 1975–1990, Beirut was heavily damaged as different militia groups battled for control of the city. It was divided along Muslim and Christian lines.

– After the civil war ended, Beirut embarked on major reconstruction projects. However, it suffered further damage during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

– Today, Beirut has been rebuilt and remains Lebanon‘s largest city, main port, and financial hub despite ongoing political tensions.

Here are 10 of the most popular tourist attractions in Beirut:

1. Beirut National Museum Description: The Beirut National Museum showcases a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, including ancient statues, mosaics, and pottery, providing a fascinating insight into Lebanon‘s rich history. Cost of entry: 5,000 LBP ($3.33 USD) Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Address: Mathaf, Damascus Road, Beirut Phone number: +961 1 426 703 Website: https://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com/

2. Pigeon Rocks Description: Pigeon Rocks are a natural landmark located off the coast of Raouche. These towering rock formations, shaped like giant arches, offer breathtaking views and are particularly stunning at sunset. Cost of entry: Free Hours of operation: Open 24/7 Address: Raouche, Beirut Phone number: N/A Website: N/A

3. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Description: Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a prominent religious site in Beirut. Its stunning Ottoman-inspired architecture, featuring blue domes and intricate details, is a must–see for visitors. Cost of entry: Free Hours of operation: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Address: Martyrs‘ Square, Beirut Phone number: N/A Website: N/A

4. Beirut Souks Description: Beirut Souks is a vibrant shopping district located in the heart of the city. It offers a wide range of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Cost of entry: Free Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (may vary by store) Address: Allenby Street, Beirut Phone number: +961 1 970 777 Website: https://www.beirutsouks.com.lb/

5. Sursock Museum Description: Sursock Museum is a contemporary art museum housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion. It features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, showcasing the works of Lebanese and international artists. Cost of entry: 10,000 LBP ($6.67 USD) Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Address: Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street, Ashrafieh, Beirut Phone number: +961 1 202 001 Website: https://sursock.museum/

6. Jeita Grotto Description: Jeita Grotto is a breathtaking natural wonder consisting of two interconnected limestone caves. Visitors can explore the caves by boat and on foot, marveling at the stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Cost of entry: 22,000 LBP ($14.67 USD) for the upper cave, 18,500 LBP ($12.33 USD) for the lower cave Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Address: Jeita, Keserwan District Phone number: +961 9 222 225 Website: https://www.jeitagrotto.com/

7. Beirut Corniche Description: Beirut Corniche is a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. It offers stunning views of the sea, as well as various recreational activities, including jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. Cost of entry: Free Hours of operation: Open 24/7 Address: Beirut Phone number: N/A Website: N/A

8. National Museum of Beirut Description: The National Museum of Beirut is an archaeological museum that houses a wide range of artifacts, including sculptures, jewelry, and ancient sarcophagi. It provides a comprehensive overview of Lebanon‘s ancient history. Cost of entry: 7,500 LBP ($5 USD) Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Address: Museum Street, Beirut Phone number: +961 1 426 703 Website: https://en.beirutnationalmuseum.org/

9. Gemmayzeh Street Description: Gemmayzeh Street is a trendy neighborhood in Beirut known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and art galleries. It offers a lively atmosphere and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Cost of entry: Free (may vary depending on venues) Hours of operation: Varies by establishment Address: Gemmayzeh, Beirut Phone number: N/A Website: N/A

10. Martyrs‘ Square Description: Martyrs‘ Square is a historic public square in downtown Beirut. It serves as a symbol of Lebanon‘s struggle for independence and hosts various events and demonstrations. The square is surrounded by important landmarks, including the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the Beirut Souks. Cost of entry: Free Hours of operation: Open 24/7 Address: Downtown Beirut Phone number: N/A Website: N/A

Some popular day trips from Beirut:

1. Jeita Grotto: Located just 20 kilometers north of Beirut, Jeita Grotto is a stunning natural wonder. It consists of two interconnected limestone caves, one of which is accessible by boat. The grotto is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The entry fee is around $18 per person, and it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Address: Valley of the Dog River, Jeita. Phone: +961 9 220 840. Website: https://www.jeitagrotto.com

2. Byblos (Jbeil): One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 40 kilometers north of Beirut. It is known for its ancient Phoenician ruins, medieval city walls, and charming old souks. Entry to the archaeological site costs around $6 per person. Opening hours vary, but most sites are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Address: Byblos, Lebanon. Phone: +961 9 540 440. Website: http://www.byblos.com/

3. Harissa: Situated around 25 kilometers north of Beirut, Harissa is a mountain village known for its iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue. The statue overlooks the bay of Jounieh and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a cable car (around $8 round trip) or drive up to the site. The statue is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Address: Harissa, Keserwan District. Phone: +961 9 235 401. Website: http://www.ourladyoflebanon.org/

4. Baalbek: Located approximately 85 kilometers northeast of Beirut, Baalbek is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world. The site includes the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Bacchus, and the Temple of Venus. Entry to the archaeological site costs around $8 per person. Opening hours vary, but it is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Address: Baalbek, Beqaa Governorate. Phone: +961 8 370 002. Website: http://www.baalbeck.org.lb/

5. Deir el-Qamar: Situated around 35 kilometers southeast of Beirut, Deir el-Qamar is a picturesque village known for its well-preserved traditional Lebanese architecture. Visitors can explore the historic center, visit the Fakhreddine Mosque, and enjoy the charming atmosphere. There is no entry fee, and opening hours are flexible as it is a village. Address: Deir el-Qamar, Chouf District. Phone: N/A. Website: N/A.

In Beirut, Lebanon, there are several types of transportation available. Here are some:

1. Taxis- Cost range: Starting fare of around 2,000 LBP ($1.33 USD) with an additional 1,500 LBP ($1 USD) per kilometer. – Hours of operation: Available 24/7. – Website: N/A

2. Public Buses: – Cost range: Approximately 1,000 LBP ($0.66 USD) per trip. – Hours of operation: Generally from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but some routes operate until midnight. – Website: N/A

3. Service Taxis (Shared Taxis): – Cost range: Around 2,000 to 4,000 LBP ($1.33 to $2.66 USD) per trip, depending on the distance. – Hours of operation: Available 24/7. – Website: N/A

4. Uber and Careem (Ride-Hailing Services): – Cost range: Starting fare of around 2,000 LBP ($1.33 USD) with an additional 1,500 LBP ($1 USD) per kilometer. – Hours of operation: Available 24/7. – Website: – Uber:  https://uber.com Careem: https://careem.com/en–ae/cities/beirut

5. Rental Cars: – Cost range: Varies depending on the rental company and type of vehicle. Generally, starts at around $30 USD per day. – Hours of operation: Depends on the rental company. – Website: Varies by rental company. 

6. Walking and Cycling: – Cost: Free (walking) or rental fees for bicycles. – Hours of operation: Walking is available 24/7, while bike rental shops have their own operating hours. – Website: N/A

Please note that the availability and cost of transportation can vary, and it is always recommended to check with the relevant service providers for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the major airports near Beirut, Lebanon with details on transportation options:

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) – Location: 6 km (4 miles) south of Beirut city center

– Website: https://beirutairport.gov.lb

– Transportation:

– Taxi: Around $10–15, 15–20 minutes to city center. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal

. – Airport Shuttle: Around $10, runs every 30 mins, 20–30 minutes to city center. Book via https://metaxistransfers.com

– Public Bus: Around $1, takes Route No.90, 35–45 minutes to city center. Catch bus outside arrivals terminal.

Rayak Airport (RKK) – Location: 50 km (31 miles) north of Beirut in the Beqaa Valley region – Website: N/A

– Transportation:

– Service Taxi: Around $10–15, 1 hour to Beirut city center. Catch taxi from outside airport.

– Private Transfer: Around $50, arranged via hotels or www.metaxistransfers.com, 45–60 minutes to city center.

Beirut – Ajaltoun Airport – Location: 30 km (19 miles) north of Beirut in Ajaltoun – Website: N/A

– Transportation:

– Service Taxi: Around $10, 45 minutes to Beirut city center

– Private car/transfer: Around $30–40 arranged via hotels, 35–45 minutes to city center

Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP) – Symbol: ل.ل.‎

– Bills:

– 10,000 LBP

– 5,000 LBP

– 2,000 LBP

– 1,000 LBP

– 500 LBP

– 200 LBP

– 100 LBP

– Coins:

– 1,000 LBP

– 500 LBP

– 200 LBP

– 100 LBP

– 50 LBP

– 25 LBP

– 10 LBP

– 5 LBP

Beirut has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Here are some packing tips:

• Summer (June – August): Pack lightweight, breathable clothing like linen, cotton and synthetic fabrics. Bring shirts, shorts, tank tops, and sandals. A wide–brimmed hat is useful to protect from the sun. Temperatures typically range from 75–95°F during the day and stay warm at night. Humidity tends to be high, so stay hydrated.

• Spring/Fall (March – May, September – November): Shoulder seasons are mild and comfortable, averaging in the 60s and 70s°F during the day. Pack travel clothes suitable for 50–70°F weather like light jackets, jeans, shirts and closed–toe shoes. You may still need shorts and T–shirts on warmer days.

• Winter (December – February): Winters are fairly temperate with occasional rainy days. Bring warm clothing layers like coats, sweaters, long–sleeve shirts and pants. Temperatures typically range from 40–55°F during the day and may dip into the 30s at night. Cold and wet weather gear like an umbrella and water–resistant jacket are a good idea. Other items to consider packing regardless of the season:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat/scarf for sun or warmth

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries

• Medications

• Electronics and chargers

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you are adequately prepared.