Holiday in Beirut
Once known as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut is a city that still offers a culturally rich experience
Beirut took a battering during Lebanon's lengthy civil war between 1975 and 1990 and had undergone a major revamp during the subsequent years of peace.
Although it has experienced a little trouble in recent times, this vibrant city, full of charm and character, opens its arms to the Western holiday maker.
Lebanese culture is a rich amalgamation of various diverse influences including Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Arabic, Ottoman and most recently, French. This vibrant and heady mix manifests itself in various ways throughout the city of Beirut.
Lebanon also has an extremely diverse population, composed of multifarious ethnic and religious groups, which has further contributed to the country's lively festivals, highly successful musical styles and literature as well as their rich cuisine.
The traditional cuisine is essentially Mediterranean and consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes and salads. The more carnivorous among you need not fear, as various mouth-watering meat dishes abound.
Tasty stews are often found on the typical Lebanese dinner table and in restaurants, seasoned with a deliciously potent combination of local, fresh herbs and spices. One of the most famous Lebanese specialities in the Maza, also known as Mezze, which is a selection of appetisers including olives and cheeses.
The music in Lebanon is renowned for its lyricism and rhythmic, oriental beats. Traditional and folk music are extremely popular as are more western-sounding rhythms.
Beirut Recommended
Although an mistakably Middle Eastern city, Beirut also has a chic Western vibe, which makes it an ideal getaway for European visitors, familiar with the trendy scenes of Europe's main hot spots.
The renovated National Museum of Beirut, which took a beating during the civil war is a great place to start of a day of touring. It offers those interested in arts and culture an up close view of the country's artistic heritage.
Lebanon has experienced a very prolific and energetic artistic scene. Writers such as Gibran Khalil Gibran are of international renown. Gibran is particularly noted for his book The Prophet, which has been translated into more than twenty different languages.
The excavations of Roman ruins adjacent to the Italian eatery La Posta, in the trendy Downtown area is also definitely worth a visit.
Beirut also has an extremely buzzing nightlife - easy rivalling those of Ayia Napa and Ibiza. If you are feeling in the mood for some serious partying, get a taxi down to B018, which has been known as "the granddaddy of Beirut's clubbing scene".
Beirut Weather
Beirut's subtropical climate makes for quite warm and fairly humid summers and mild, wet winters.
The months between October and April can see very heavy rainfall - so if you do not want to get seriously drenched, avoid holidaying in this period. Beirut has been known to have more rainfall than Manchester in the UK, but only half the number of rainy days.
Beirut Checklist
The security situation in Lebanon has been on shaky ground lately, so prospective tourists are strongly urged to check the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for any travel warnings.
Lebanon is two hours ahead of GMT and its international dialling code is +961. It uses the metric weights and measurement system and its currency is the Lebanese Pound.
