For the historic capital of Lebanon, tourism publicity has often been a matter of feast or famine. A volatile political climate, civil unrest and violence have made international headlines and kept visitors at bay over the years. Yet despite the bad press, the city is a trendy favorite with all the big travel publications. Suffice to say, while Beirut is a world class city, you may want to check the news scroll on Al Jazeera English before you book your flight. Other than the occasional threat by Hezbollah however, the city is quite safe.
Just leave all comparisons to the capital of France aside. Beirut’s popular nickname, “Paris of the East”, is a rather unfortunate analogy. Sure, the language of Molière has official status with Arabic in Lebanon but still, Beirut is singular. With talk of Paris superfluous, enjoy the gem of a destination for what it is. These ten attractions will certainly help.
Despite the lack of a rights-free photograph to show you, trust us when we declare the National Museum of Beirut a certifiable triumph. Other than the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Anjar, Baalbek and Byblos, this is the epicenter of culture in Lebanon and the place to gaze at myriad Phoenician artifacts.
While it may seem trite and a tad obvious, run to the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. A recent addition to the skyline from a perch in Martyrs’ Square, the awesome structure is a critical landmark in Beirut.
Beirut has a vital Armenian Catholic community, most notably in the Burj Hammud district. Fallout from the Armenian Genocide of the early 20th century, the densely populated neighborhood has a distinct atmosphere and vibe.
A fine museum of modern art, the Sursock is a major point of interest in the historic and affluent Achrafieh district of Beirut. A former late 19th century private villa of one of the city’s high aristocrats, the museum now contains a fabulous collection of Lebanese and international art.
Beirut’s most notable natural landmark is in the swish, seaside Raouché district. Known as Pigeons’ Rock or the Rock of Raouché, the massive objects provide visitors with a trademark Mediterranean photo op.
The Raouché neighborhood is also where locals and visitors alike congregate to watch the sunset and take in brilliant views of the sea. Replete with cafés, restaurants and bars, Beirut’s Corniche is one of the best seaside promenades in the world.
Though we loathe the comparison, rue Hamra was the “Champs Elysées” of pre-civil war Beirut. While rue Verdun, Monot and Gouraud now surpass the famous street for pure cosmopolitan allure, take a stroll here anyway. The historic significance is worth it (the red light district too).
The Romans made it to Lebanon. Yes, even Beirut has Roman ruins to enjoy. While not quite up there with Bath, they do still make for a worthwhile tourist attraction in the city.
A private and secular university since 1866, the American University of Beirut enjoys a special place in the city. With a rich history of student activism, the university’s alumni list reads like a who’s who of politics, science and business in Lebanon and indeed, the Muslim diaspora.
From a fortuitous shoreline and hillside perch above the city, the Ashrafieh district of Beirut is special. Aside from the Sursock Museum, the historic ‘hood offers a plethora of landmarks to enjoy and is the future home of Sama Beirut, a record-high skyscraper in Lebanon that will grace the cityscape in 2014.
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