Beirut is simply a melting place combining culture, history, commerce and modern life.

The capital and largest city of Lebanon and the seat of government. Historically, Beirut has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by two earthquakes, a fire, a tidal wave, fell prey to conquerors, and  in recent times, by a 17 years civil war, always recovering its former beauty and splendour.

It is the gateway to three continents : Europe, Asia and Africa. A bustle of activity from business to leisure with busy commercial centers, Beirut is full of contrasts. Tall modern buildings alongside very old and historic structures stand side by side to give Beirut its unique atmosphere, combining the future and the past.

Business activity is booming with 80 banks, export and import agents, a busy port, an international airport, exhibition centers, flights from 28 airlines, free exchange market, seven universities, countless restaurants and hotels, retail shops and supermarkets, alongside construction work at every corner and the huge Solidaire project of rebuilding the inner city of Beirut. 

At the same time restoration work of historical places, the museum and unearthing of new archaeological sites are being preserved to enrich Beirut’s unique style.

A stroll down Beirut’s high streets will please the visitor. From the latest technology in electrical and
electronic products, fashions directly from Europe’s most famous designers to local handicrafts and beautiful jewelry at affordable prices.

What to See

•   The Roman Baths behind Bank Street
•   Roman Columns to the West of St. George’s Cathedral
•   The Great Seraglio from the Ottoman period
•   Council for the Development and Reconstruction housed in what used to be an Ottoman military  hospital.           
•   Omari Mosque
•   Municipality Building
•   Assaf and Amir Munzer Mosques
•   Parliament building
•   The Roman Columns in Nejmeh Square
•   Historic Churches of the Greek Orthodox and Greek  Catholic opposite the Parliament
•   Museum of Archaeology of the American University of  Beirut
•   Beirut’s famous Pigeon Rocks at Raouche
•   Beirut’s Famous Racetrack breeding pure Arabian horses.

Where to Stay
Beirut enjoys first class luxury hotels and various other high standard reasonably priced accommodation and furnished apartments. Prices vary to meet all budgets. 

Food and Drink
The restaurants provide food variety to satisfy all appetites. The famous Lebanese Mezza, European foods, Italian restaurants, Chinese, Japanese plus various fast food outlets serving pizzas, hamburgers, shawerma and falafel sandwiches to countless other fast snacks, ensuring that no one can go hungry in Beirut. Many are open 24 hours a day. There are no restrictions on sale of alcohol and parties usually continue until dawn.

 

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