From Wikitravel

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. Although having something of a reputation as a city destroyed by civil war and terrorist interventions, Beirut is now trying to put the past behind it and recapture something of the glamor it possessed before 1975, when it was described as the "Paris of the Middle East".

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Learn 7 Eat 8 Drink 9 Sleep 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid range 9.3 Splurge 10 Get out

Understand

Following World War II, Lebanon was granted its independence by France and Beirut became its capital. Beirut thrived as a major commercial and tourist center of the Middle East until religious tensions between the Christian and Muslim communities sparked tensions leading to civil war in 1975. The conflict lasted nearly a decade and a half, ravaging the city. The centeral area of the city, previously the focus of much of the commercial and cultural activities, became a no-man's land.

Since the end of the war in 1989, the people of Lebanon have been rebuilding Beirut. The city has undertaken an aggressive rebuilding policy, much of which was spurred on by the pivotal role and leadership of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri. The city has since regained its status as a tourist, cultural and intellectual centre of the Middle East, as well as the center for commerce, fashion and media.

Get in

By plane

Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport (formerly—and still sometimes affectionately—known as Beirut International Airport; IATA airport code: BEY) [1] is the hub of Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). International carriers including Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa and others have daily flights between Beirut and the major European capitals.

You may purchase a 15-day tourist visa at the airport for $17 or a 30-day tourist visa for $34.

Get around

• Taxis are a convenient form of transportation. Taxis in Beirut don't necessarily have to be yellow; they can be any color of the rainbow. Taxis charge a fixed amount per destination: either 5,000 or 7,000 Lebanese Lira (LL). It is often wise to agree on the price before entering the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers speak English, so communication is not difficult.

A far more commonly used form of transportation in Beirut, more commonly used by the locals, is the Service. At the cost of 1000 L.L. per a head, a driver will take you a reasonable distance within the city. The drawbacks to this is you share a vehicle with other Service riders. Hailing a Service or Taxi usually entails yelling your destination to the driver if he slows down, chasing the name of your destination with either 'Taxi' or 'Service'.

See

Centre Ville (Beirut Central District).

Do

Vist the amazing beach clubs.

Party on Monot street.

Shop in the multiple city shopping centers, including Monoprix, ABC(pronounced 'Ah-Beh-Seh'), and Dune. Downtown Beirut is a network of cafes, restaurants, higher-end fashion outlets, and the crown of Beirut's 'resurrection'.

Walk along al-Manara/Rausche, the beachside boardwalk that overlooks the Mediterranean.

Hamra and Ashrafiyeh are both extremely busy shopping districts, and are both crucial to any visit of Beirut.

Learn

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• The Al Nazih Pension, Bld. 3, Rue 62 Chanty, Secteur 29, Gemmayze (on the corner of Martyrs' Square and Charles Hellou Avenue), Tel/Fax +961 3 564868 (mobile: +961 3 475136, email: alnazihpension@yahoo.com) [2] is a good budget option, and is open 24 hours. The hotel is handily situated two minutes' walk from Downtown and also very close to the Charles Hellou bus station. All rooms have Satellite TV and A/C, and are of a high standard. The hotel offers a free internet service, and is planning to start offering $15 day tours around Lebanon. Dorm beds are 9,000 LL ($6) and double rooms are 22,500 LL ($15) to 37,500 LL ($25). There are also two triple rooms, each at 36,000 LL ($24).

• Talal's New Hotel is a favorite for international backpackers and budget travelers. It features dorm beds, single rooms, double rooms, and triple rooms with AC and Satellite. All rooms have balconies and private rooms have private bathrooms. Talals can meet all your needs, including free internet access, laundry, beverages, airport pick up and drop off, car rental, kithen, and book exchange. Visit their website at http://www.talal-new-hotel.4t.com or email zsal72tnh@yahoo.com for more information or to make a reservation. You will find it very friendly and social, the staff is helpful and the prices are very competative.

Mid range

• Park Tower Suites [3] modern, clean and spacious all-suite-hotel in the Christian quarter of Ashrafieh. Close to Monot Street night life district

Splurge

• The Phoenicia hotel, Minet el Hosn. [4] is a great hotel if you have the money and want to spend it. The location is great, walking distance to the downtown area and the waterfront boulevard.

• Albergo [5]cosy boutique hotel with a great view from the rooftip terrace in the Christian quarter of Ashrafieh

Get out

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