©Diego Fiore/Shutterstock
Beirut
If you’re looking for the real East-meets-West so talked about in the Middle East, you need look no further than Beirut. Fast-paced, fashion-conscious and overwhelmingly friendly, it's not a relaxing city to spend time in – it's too crowded, polluted and chaotic for that – but its energy, soul, diversity and intoxicating atmosphere make it a vital, addictive city. A couple of excellent museums are the key sights, but exploring the character of the different districts, strolling the waterfront and diving into the city's wonderful restaurant and nightlife scene are major attractions. As Lebanon is so small, and day trips easy, some travellers base themselves here for their entire visit.
Top Sights
Unmissable sights for your itinerary
Articles
Latest stories from Beirut
Solo Travel
My solo flight: how my cancer diagnosis spurred on my travel challenge
Oct 4, 2019 • 6 Min read
Pilot Amanda Harrison wanted to fly solo from England to Australia. Here's her story of how her breast cancer diagnosis spurred on her travel plans.
Food
The best of Beirut nightlife: out late in the Middle East's original party city
Nov 16, 2018 • 6 Min read
Dubai and Tel Aviv may be today’s party capitals of the Middle East, but Beirut’s reputation for fun has been solid for decades. You’re spoiled for choice…
Food
First time Lebanon: top tips to help plan your first trip
Jul 17, 2018 • 6 Min read
For a country its small size, Lebanon has a staggering number of diversions to keep visitors entertained. Ancient history enthusiasts will be exhausted by…
Food
A quick guide to Beirut's best neighbourhoods
Mar 9, 2018 • 6 Min read
For a city with such a storied reputation, Beirut is geographically quite small. You can walk across it in about an hour, traversing districts of many…
Food
Where to get a drink with a view in Beirut
Oct 13, 2017 • 5 Min read
It’s almost as though Beirut was designed in a lab as an ideal urban setting for drinking en plein air. The weather is nice nearly year-round, Beirutis…
Food
Where to find Beirut's best street snacks
Jul 5, 2017 • 4 Min read
In a city bursting with galleries, parties, neighbourhood walks and last-minute invitations, sometimes pausing for a meal in Beirut means stopping just…
Food
Lebanon in a week: the ultimate road-trip guide
Sep 17, 2010 • 4 Min read
With just a week to spare in Lebanon, that tightly packed powerhouse of Middle Eastern history perched beside the Mediterranean, you can – with the help…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Beirut with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
