Beirut, Pearl of the Middle East
The city is built on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon’s coastline with the Mediterranean sea. The first mention of this metropolis is found in the ancient Egyptian Tell el Amarna letters, dating to the 15th century BC, and the city has been continuously inhabited since
Beirut serves as the country’s largest and main seaport and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan Area, which consists of the city and its suburbs.
Beirut has great importance in the Lebanese economy with its city centre and many international finance establishments such as corporate firms and banks.
In this exotic town, one can experience a very active social life with theatres, cultural events and night life as well.
In spite of the destruction it has experienced due to the civil war and especially bombing of the Israeli war planes, the city has a lot to offer thanks to the major reconstruction it has undergone.
Historic city centre has been redesigned and the town with its marina, pubs, restaurants and night life is ready to attract tourists from all over the world again.
In fact, Beirut was named the top place to visit in 2009 by the New York Times and listed as one of the ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet in 2009.
One can find an amazing composition of cultures and faiths, prevailing on this beautiful piece of land by the Mediterranean coastline.
Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and home to the first law school in the world which dates back to the Phoenician Era.
The town is a tourist attraction to all visitors from around the world.
Beirut is the commercial and busiest city in Lebanon and has many night clubs, restaurants and other entertaining places. The famous market at the Martyr’s Place known as Souk el Barghout are places of interest for hundreds of tourists passing by to enjoy a delightful meal or even a cup of coffee at the enjoyable outdoor cafes available.
Sights worth seeing and things to do are the Corniche; sunset at Pigeon Rocks; a day trip to Baalbeck, Byblos, Sidon, Jounieh, Cedars…
Museums : Archaeological treasures at the National Museum and the AUB Museum; contemporary Lebanese art at the Sursock Museum.
Clubs : along Rue Monot (Ashrafieh) or Rue Bliss (Hamra), in Beirut Central District,
Downtown Beirut Walks : A sunset stroll along the Corniche;
Climate : Beirut is basically hot and humid May-November, when temperatures can reach as high as 105 F/41 C but generally stay around 85-95 F/30-35 C. Winter months (December-April) are characterized by heavy rains and low temperatures. The best times to visit are May-June and November-December, months with clear blue skies and relatively mild temperatures.
Editor