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Beirut (Lebanon)
1. Country Info
| Capital | Beirut |
|---|---|
| Climate | Summer (June-September) is hot at the coast and cool in the mountains. Spring and autumn are mild. Winter (December-March) is mostly rainy and snowy in the mountainous regions |
| Geographic Location | Situated in the Middle East, Lebanon’s west side stretches along the Mediterranean Sea. It has borders with Syria and Israel. |
| Time Zone | GMT +2 |
| Language | Arabic |
| Other Languages | French |
| Currency | Lebanese Pound |
| Telephone | The international dialing code (to): 00961, The international dialing code (from): 00 + the related country code |
| Mobile Phone | GSM 900 |
| Important Phone Nos. | Ambulance 140/125, Police 112, Fire Brigade 175/125 |
| Internet | .lb |
| Opening Hours | Banks: 8.30a.m. – 15.30p.m. (Mon-Sat) Shops: 09.00 to 18.00 (Mon-Sat) |
| Electric | 110V-220V 50HzHz |
2. General Info
Located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity.
Lebanon's beauty is illuminated by its geography, its narrow coastal plane and two parallel north/south mountains (the mountains of Lebanon and anti-Lebanon). The fertile Bekaa valley, with its Litani and Orontes Rivers, separates these mountains and nourishes the terrain. Residing majestically over the valley, Qournet Assaouda in the north of Mount Lebanon and Jabal al-Sheikh in the south of the Anti-Lebanon Range remain the highest peaks in the country.
This unparalleled natural splendour is enhanced by Lebanon's moderate, Mediterranean climate. Lebanon enjoys about 300 days per year of sunshine.
Located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity.
Lebanon's beauty is illuminated by its geography, its narrow coastal plane and two parallel north/south mountains (the mountains of Lebanon and anti-Lebanon). The fertile Bekaa valley, with its Litani and Orontes Rivers, separates these mountains and nourishes the terrain. Residing majestically over the valley, Qournet Assaouda in the north of Mount Lebanon and Jabal al-Sheikh in the south of the Anti-Lebanon Range remain the highest peaks in the country.
This unparalleled natural splendour is enhanced by Lebanon's moderate, Mediterranean climate. Lebanon enjoys about 300 days per year of sunshine.
3. City Guide
What to see, what to do?
Beirut bursts with things to do and see. If you’re interested in the history of the city and country, visit the National Museum of Beirut, for art amateurs the Sursock Museum, or the Robert Mouawad Private Museum.
For a feel of Beirut’s history and life, head for the Place des Martyrs, the Grand Serail or the Mohammed al-Amin Mosque and treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the Roman baths.
If you’re looking for the natural feel of the city, escape to the Sanayeh Public Garden or take a walk among the 40,000 sq-meter Horsh Beirut pine forest. You can also visit the Pigeon Rocks, natural offshore rock arches, or Ramlet al-Bayda beach, the only public beach in Beirut, although it’s rather litter-strewn and predominantly male, but you can find great private beaches with all the amenities.
Where to eat?
The Downtown area is full of excellent restaurants, especially for Lebanese food, and if you like sushi, there are a few places in the Achrafieh area.
Gemmayzeh is an "up and coming" area of Beirut. It has maintained its old character and that is why people like it. You’ll find lots of small restaurants there that serve some simple yet delicious meals.
Monot Street will offer you a wide variety of restaurants and you’ll be able to continue all night long in the areas’ numerous bars and clubs.
Where to shop?
The key to good shopping in Beirut is to pick your district. If you're looking for one-off clothes, carpets, jewellery, antiques or other special bits and bobs, head to Saifi Village, a beautifully restored arts quarter just off Place des Martyrs.
Twice a year - usually in November or December and in May or June - Beirut hosts the Souq el-Bargout, a massive informal flea market, which consumes the city centre's streets each evening for about a fortnight. An evening of browsing and stopping to nibble snacks from its vendors is an unmissable experience if you're in town at this time.
Marelias Street is the destination for clothes and accessories but you can also go to one of the many luxurious Malls present in the city.
What to see, what to do?
Beirut bursts with things to do and see. If you’re interested in the history of the city and country, visit the National Museum of Beirut, for art amateurs the Sursock Museum, or the Robert Mouawad Private Museum.
For a feel of Beirut’s history and life, head for the Place des Martyrs, the Grand Serail or the Mohammed al-Amin Mosque and treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the Roman baths.
If you’re looking for the natural feel of the city, escape to the Sanayeh Public Garden or take a walk among the 40,000 sq-meter Horsh Beirut pine forest. You can also visit the Pigeon Rocks, natural offshore rock arches, or Ramlet al-Bayda beach, the only public beach in Beirut, although it’s rather litter-strewn and predominantly male, but you can find great private beaches with all the amenities.
Where to eat?
The Downtown area is full of excellent restaurants, especially for Lebanese food, and if you like sushi, there are a few places in the Achrafieh area.
Gemmayzeh is an "up and coming" area of Beirut. It has maintained its old character and that is why people like it. You’ll find lots of small restaurants there that serve some simple yet delicious meals.
Monot Street will offer you a wide variety of restaurants and you’ll be able to continue all night long in the areas’ numerous bars and clubs.
Where to shop?
The key to good shopping in Beirut is to pick your district. If you're looking for one-off clothes, carpets, jewellery, antiques or other special bits and bobs, head to Saifi Village, a beautifully restored arts quarter just off Place des Martyrs.
Twice a year - usually in November or December and in May or June - Beirut hosts the Souq el-Bargout, a massive informal flea market, which consumes the city centre's streets each evening for about a fortnight. An evening of browsing and stopping to nibble snacks from its vendors is an unmissable experience if you're in town at this time.
Marelias Street is the destination for clothes and accessories but you can also go to one of the many luxurious Malls present in the city.
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