Travel to Beirut

Travel to Beirut

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon and a major port on the Middle East's Mediterranean coast. Prior to Lebanons brutal Civil War, Beirut was known as The Paris of the Middle East, and there is still a clear French influence in the city. It is an interesting place to spend some time, with a huge range of activities and attractions. There is a rich history, some great nightlife and entertainment, and plenty of leisure activities including both winter sports in the mountains and water sportson the Mediterranean.

Transportation to Beirut

Beirut has reasonable transport links, with a modern international airport, which provides the most convenient entry point for both Beirut and Lebanon in general. Rafic Hariri International Airport, situated just over five miles from the city centre, is the only commercial airport in Lebanon and has recently undergone significant re-development. It is now considered one of the best airports in the Middle East, with a high standard of facilities.

The city can be reached by road, for the more adventure-seeking tourist. The two most common driving routes are via Turkey and Syria on the coastal road, or along the Beirut to Damascus highway. Driving conditions can vary hugely. There is a good network of buses to other cities in Lebanon as well as major destinations in Syria. There are also buses from Europe, with many coming via Syria.

It is also viable to arrive by boat, with one of the most popular routes being the 12-hour journey from Cyprus. There are also some cruise ships thatdock here.

What to see

Beirut is once again becoming a popular place to visit, and there is plenty to occupy tourists, whether they come for a short break or an extended holiday. There are a number of interesting and informative museums, with the Beirut National Museum being the most significant, containing a huge range of exhibits that take you on a journey through history.

There are some significant Roman ruins, which were only properly uncovered through archaeological work in the 1990s, and there are some notable buildings which survived or partly survived the brutal Civil War. The Cathedral of St George is one of the most impressive, both as an example of 18th century architecture and as a monument to the conflict, with its partially restored interior and half destroyed frescoes.

The coast provides plenty of options, with some great beaches and the popular area of Raouch on Beiruts west tip, with its curious rock formations.

Daytrips

The most popular daytrips involve enjoying some of Lebanons outstanding natural beauty. In the summer season, the beach is the number one draw, and there are a few beaches within a short drive of the city. In winter, the ski resorts are the biggest attraction.

Activities and leisure

Beirut has great diversity when it comes to leisure options, with the possibility of skiing in the mountains and swimming in the Mediterranean on the same day. There are six ski resorts in the country, with five of them less than an hours drive from Beirut, the nearest just 25 miles away. The beaches and water parks are also a great leisure option, particularly for families. La Rserve, an ecotourism resort in the mountains, offers a range of adventure activities.

Safety issues

There are certainly a few more safety issues in Beirut than perhaps you'd find atsome European destinations, but generally, tourists usually enjoy trouble-free holidays here. There are a few points that should be noted and as with most travel, there is always a small risk of pickpockets operating in tourist areas.

Visitors are advised not to get into discussions about the political situation in Israel, and those with Israeli stamps in their passports will need to acquire a new passport before travelling. As with all travel, taking out a comprehensive insurance policy is a pre-requisite.