Things to do in Beirut

There are lots to see and do in Beirut, and you’ll have no problem finding things to interest you. The National Museum is a great starting point, providing you with a thorough history of the city, and there are also some Roman ruins and a number of interesting churches including the Cathedral of St George’s, which is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Raouché on Beirut’s western tip is popular with tourists who come to view the huge rock formations.  After some days sightseeing, maybe the best thing to do is to spend a day relaxing on the beach.

Beirut National Museum

A visit to the Beirut National Museum is a great way to learn more about the rich history of the city. Built between 1930 and 1937, the museum offers a variety of exhibits detailing the different periods in Lebanese history. The museum’s collections take you on a journey through history, starting with the pre-history section through to the Bronze Age, Iron Age and then the Hellenstic, Roman, Byzantine and Mamluk periods.

There is a huge diversity here, and it is an interesting place to spend some time. One of the most prized pieces in the collection is the Sarcophagus of Ahiram (10th century BC). The museum has an excellent boutique selling a range of souvenirs and books as well as a decent restaurant. Phone: +961 1 426703; website: www.beirutnationalmuseum.com.

Cathedral of St George

The Cathedral of St George is the main Maronite church in Beirut, which was originally built in 1767. The cathedral is located close to the Green Line, which separated east and west Beirut during the Civil War, and as a result, it was severely damaged. The cathedral has since been fully restored and was re-opened on St George’s day in 2000. The restoration has kept close to the original design, with some photographic images replacing lost pieces.  Where the frescoes on the walls were destroyed, they have simply plastered over the spaces, leaving what remains of the old images. Bullet holes have not been repaired, in memory of the painful years of war.

Roman ruins

Located behind Bank Street are the excavated remains of the Roman baths that once served the entire city. Although they were originally discovered in the late 1960s, it was only after further excavations in the 1990s that they were thoroughly cleaned for viewing. The semi-circular Roman Exedra building was discovered just to the west of St George’s Cathedral and was moved in 1962 to Charles Helou Boulevard, near to the modern port.

Raouch

Raouché on Beirut’s western tip is a popular place to visit, most famous for the huge rock formations off the coast, known as Pigeon Rocks. It’s a pleasant place to go for a stroll and jogging is also a common activity on the promenade. There are a number of restaurants in the Raouché area serving a good variety of Lebanese and international food. The oldest archaeological evidence of human communities in Beirut have also been unearthed in this area.

The Beach Club

If you visit Beirut in the height of summer, then a trip to the beach is a great way to cool down and relax. There are a number of beaches within a short drive of the city, and The Beach Club in Khaldeh is the nearest. There are four swimming pools here as well as a 100-metre stretch of beach, where sand is sifted to keep it beautifully clean.

There is also a children’s playground with slides and swings on the beach as well as plenty of water sports on offer including waterskiing, windsurfing, jet-skis and paddle boats. The outdoor restaurant serves a variety of Lebanese and snack dishes, the staff are friendly and there are chalets available for rent. Phone: + 961 5 802208; website: www.gobeachclub.com.

Robert Mouawad Private Museum

This museum in the heart of the city, formally known as the Henri Pharaon Palace, is well worth a visit. It has recently been given a new lease of life by the artist and jeweller Robert Mouawad, and focuses on art pieces and jewellery through the ages. The jewellery collection is particularly impressive, with some rare pieces ranging from 16th century Spanish emeralds to modern designs.

There is a range of pottery, mosaics, wooden items and carpets as well as an interesting collection of books. The books include some antique manuscripts and religious publications, along with various travel journals and letters. Phone: +961 1 980970; website: www.rmpm.info.