After a rather rough history, marked by wars and conflict, Beirut is slowly but surely emerging as a top destination in the heart of the Middle East. Over a period of 25 years since the end of the war, Beirut has underwent massive reconstruction which has made the city what it is now – a cosmopolitan and cultural center for the Middle East.

The city is a story of success, showing that a war does not have a permanent effect on the tourism industry. The contrasting landscape unravels from the beginning; Gemmayzeh and Achrafiye are two vibrant neighborhoods where you can party all night long and visit as many bars and restaurants as your feet can take. The two main squares, Sassine and Sodeco are the shopping hot-spot of the city.

The Ain El Mraisseh district located right next to the sea has a landscape that can rival even Miami. Famous in the ’70s as a center for nightlife, the area is not trying to regain its title. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes and the highest concentration of luxury hotels in Beirut. Verdun is a trendy neighborhood, said to be the most expensive in the city. It hosts Gulf Arabs during their vacation, designer stores and a handful of coffee shops and restaurants.

A visit to Lebanon’s capital wouldn’t be complete without a taste of their dishes, said to be one of the tastiest and healthiest in the world. Lebanese food is made up of fruits, vegetables, various types of meat, cheeses, and grains. Affordable and tasty fast-food can be found at virtually every corner.

Cultural Beirut is famous for several museums, open all year round. The American University of Beirut Museum built in one of the oldest museums in the area and features relics as old as the Early Stone. The National Museum Of Beirut is another cultural destination, having on display over 1300 artifacts from the Prehistoric to the Medieval Era. One of the biggest museums is the city itself, that survived several foreign occupations and is a statement to how powerful the Lebanese people are.

Whenever possible, explore the city by foot because it’s relatively small and all tourist interest points are withing walking distance. If it isn’t possible, taxi rides are cheap and many drivers speak English, apart from Arabic and French. So get a free city map and start your exploration.

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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