The most populous city in Lebanon , Beirut , our capital and home to the first law school in the world, dating back to the Phoenician  Era, Beirut is a tourist attraction to all  visitors from around the world. Known to be the commercial and busiest city in Lebanon, Beirut also has several night clubs, restaurants and other entertaining places.

Beirut survived a decade and a half of conflict and thus won the right to call itself "the city that would not die." To demonstrate its resiliency, the Lebanese have launched a major wave of construction activity, including the infrastructure of public service.

WHY GO

A lively city where you can ski in te morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.

Paris of the Midlle East.

AVOID

Speaking about war themes.

Driving around town on our own.

ORIENTATION

Beirut lies in the Southwestern Asia, bordering eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea, bounded on the north and east by Syria, on the south by Isreal, and on the west by the Mediterranean sea.

The central area of Beirut is undergoing a huge renovation and less if they see the marks of the fratricidal wars that ravaged this city in recent years. The reconstruction project of 1.8 million square meters for the the Beirut Central District includes hotels, offices and residential areas. 

WHEN TO GO

Beirut is basically hot and humid May-November, when temperatures can reach as high as 105 F/41 C but generally stay around 85-95 F/30-35 C. Winter months (December-April) are characterized by heavy rains and low temperatures, enough to necessitate a sweater and a jacket. It rarely freezes or snows in Beirut.

The best times to visit are May-June and November-December, months with clear blue skies and relatively mild temperatures. For winter visitors, February is the best bet. Ski season is in full swing, but the city usually enjoys a peculiarly sunny, if decidedly cool, spell.

GETTING THERE

Beirut International Airport, headquarters of the national carrier Middle East Airlines and numerous foreign companies have direct flights from several European capitals. To destinations north of Beirut use the central bus station and the station Charles Helou Dawra (aka Dora) transportation hub located 7 km northeast of the city. Buses depart from here, microautocarros and taxis. To the south and southeast that uses the Cola transport hub on the opposite side of town, south of Saeb Salam Avenue.

Charles Helou is formally the only bus station and is divided into three zones marked: Zone A bus to Syria. Zone B to Beirut where the bus route starts or ends at the Charles Helou. Zone C for express bus to Jounieh, Byblos and Tripoli.

Buses usually have their destinations displayed in the front window or above it in Arabic. There is also a growing number of microbuses covering the same routes, and are slightly more expensive than regular buses, but much cheaper than the taxi service. The microbuses are operated by individuals. The advantage is that they are small, comfortable and frequent, but beware because sometimes drivers are not the safest.

GOING AROUND

Beirut is easily accessible by bus. The buses are red and white Lebanese Commuting Company Private Company www.lccworld.com and big blue buses and white OCFTC are owned by the government. Sometimes, the tourist information office has free maps with the routes available. To get on a bus just to wave the driver in any area of the route. The only official breakpoints are at the beginning and end of the trip. There are no timetables, but both companies have buses from 6 am until nine at night, with services departing every 15 minutes approximately. Travel can be painfully slow, but are useful if you're in a wave of savings. They are especially good for trips to places like Brummana and Beit Mery. A short ride costs LL750, LL1000 and for a longer trip.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport and a visa are required to enter Lebanon. Visas are delivered by Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad

Lebanon has always known the freedom of money transfer, permitting any person to bring in or take out any capital of his/her choice at any time without restriction.

Note: No Israeli stamp or any crossing point with Israel stamp should be on your passport this includes Araba border, Sheikh Hussein border, Rafah border, and Taba border.

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