Beirut Travel Guide

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon with an enviable seaside position on the Mediterranean Sea, fast re-emerging as a world class city after the long Civil War (1975-1990). Its history dates back several thousand years and its monuments are a living testimony to the succession of powers who have inhabited it - Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman and French.

Downtown (Hamra and the Central Business District) is to the north west of the city, where banks, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and vibrant nightlife are found. Burnt-out shells neighbour brand new skyscrapers, whilst between them 1000 year old buildings (such as the Great Omari mosque, originally a Crusader church) remain untouched.

Highlights of a visit include a sunset walk along the Corniche to Pigeon Rocks; a visit to the National Museum (which was reopened after reconstruction in 1999) and a trip to nearby Byblos. This city, 25 miles from Beirut, lays claim to being the oldest, continually inhabited city in the world. Its historic harbour, old town and Phoenician ruins are well preserved, while its souk is charming, the beach a delight.