One of the oldest cities in the world and capital of Lebanon, Beirut is a
hidden gem on the Mediterranean coast. It is home to the only public
airport in the compact country, the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International
Airport (BEY). Nicknamed, the Paris of the East, Beirut is a diverse half
Christian-half Muslim city where locals speak French, Arabic, and English.
The city has a rich history, buzzing nightlife, breath-taking views of the
sea and mountains and sumptuous food. While here, tourists can explore
Roman ruins and monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman era, indulge in
Lebanese dishes like Fattoush, Hummus and Falafel, relish local wine, spend
a day at the beach or take a day trip to the Chouf mountains and unwind at
the numerous high-end bars.
Things to do in Beirut
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
Located just off Martyr’s Square in Downtown Beirut, the Mohammad Al-Amin
Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque for its blue colored domes. Opened
in 2007, it has elements of Ottoman style and is inspired by the Sultan
Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. The minarets are 65 m tall and are visible from
afar. This extremely beautiful imposing structure is truly emblematic of
the city.
Sursock Museum
Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum is a contemporary and modern art museum
housed in a 1912 villa which is an excellent example of Lebanese
architecture. The elegant villa has influences of Italian, Ottoman and
Venetian architectural styles. Over 100 temporary exhibitions of Lebanese
and international artists have been held here. Permanent collection here
includes modern art, Islamic art, and Japanese engravings. More than 800
artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries can be
found here. Some of the prominent artworks here are by the artists - Chafic
Abboud, Omar Onsi, Paul Guiragossian, Mouna Bassili Sehnaoui among others.
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos
Locally known as Jbeil, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos is 40 kms
from Beirut. It has the distinction of being the first Phoenician city and
has several monuments scattered all over from different periods of time.
Antique dwellings, Roman Ruins, Persian fortifications, Byzantine Churches,
Ottoman town and the Crusade citadel all existed in Byblos. You can explore
its streets and relive its rich 8,000-year history.
Best Time to Visit Beirut
The best time to book Beirut flights is from April to May and September to
November during spring and autumn seasons when the weather is moderate.
However, July to September is peak summer season and has most crowds
pouring in. It is advised to book Los Angeles to Beirut flights in advance
if you’re planning to visit during these months.