Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. The city is located on a relatively small headland jutting into the east Mediterranean.

Beirut was called the "Paris of the Middle East" because of its vibrant outdoor cafe culture and European architecture. Each district has its own sights and places to visit. The Downtown District has some very impressive ancient and historical sites dating back over 6000 years.

Beirut is a city of contrasts: beautiful architecture exists alongside concrete eyesores; traditional houses set in jasmine-scented gardens are dwarfed by modern buildings; winding old alleys turn off from wide avenues; and swanky new cars vie for right of way with vendor carts.

Things to See & Do

* Pigeon Rocks - monumental natural arch
* Martyr's Statue
* Solidére Clock Tower
* National Museum of Beirut
* Sanayeh Park

General Information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Lebanese pound (LBP)
Language - Arabic, French, English
Land Area - 100 km²
Population - 1,500,000 approx.
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code - +961

Port Location - Beirut sea port is located approximately 1.5 km. from the city centre.

Travel Links - The city's airport is the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport and is located in the southern suburbs.

Beirut has frequent bus connections to other cities in Lebanon and major cities in Syria. The Lebanese Commuting Company, or LCC in short, is just one of a handful brands of public transportations all over Lebanon. Buses for northern destinations and Syria leave from Charles Helou Station.

Apart from the international airport, the Port of Beirut is another port of entry. As a final destination, anyone can also reach Lebanon by ferry from Cyprus or by road from Damascus.