Beirut, Lebanon

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Beirut, Lebanon

Region: Beirut


Geographic Coordinates: 33.886900, 35.513100
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.
Population: 361366
Language: Arabic

Beirut, The capital city of Lebanon, Is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut is renowned for its stunning beaches, Delicious cuisine and lively nightlife. One of Beirut’s most striking features is its architecture. The city skyline boasts tall buildings that blend modern design with traditional Lebanese elements like arched windows and ornate balconies. Historical buildings are also abundant in Beirut, Such as the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque built in 2008 featuring an impressive dome made from blue tiles.

The National Museum of Beirut is another must-see attraction showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from Lebanon’s ancient past including Phoenician statues and Roman mosaics. Visitors can also learn about more recent events such as Lebanon’s civil war through exhibits showcasing photographs and personal accounts. Lebanese food has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Some dishes to try include tabbouleh (a salad made with parsley, Tomatoes, Onions, And bulgur wheat), Kibbeh (a meatball made with bulgur wheat), And shawarma (spit-roasted meat served in pita bread).

Beirut offers plenty of entertainment options for all ages and interests such as cinemas showing both Hollywood blockbusters as well as independent films from around the world. There are also many bars where you can enjoy a drink while listening to live music or DJ sets. Despite being located on two fault lines making earthquakes not uncommon here; Beirut remains a vibrant city that continues to attract visitors from around the world interested in history, Culture or just soaking up the atmosphere of this bustling metropolis.



Important Landmarks

  1. National Museum of Beirut
  2. Pigeon Rocks in Raouche
  3. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
  4. Beirut Souks
  5. Jeita Grotto
  6. Martyrs’ Square
  7. Zaitunay Bay
  8. Sursock Museum
  9. St George Maronite Cathedral
  10. Roman Baths and Hippodrome

Primary Industries

  1. Banking and finance: Beirut is widely recognized as the financial hub of the Middle East, with many international banks headquartered here.
  2. Tourism: Beirut is a sought-after tourist destination, renowned for its historical sites, beaches, nightlife, and cuisine.
  3. Real estate: The city has experienced a surge in real estate development over recent years.
  4. Retail: Beirut boasts a thriving retail sector with numerous high-end fashion brands and luxury boutiques.
  5. Technology: The city’s tech industry is growing rapidly with startups focusing on e-commerce, software development, and mobile apps.
  6. Healthcare: Several hospitals in Beirut provide top-quality medical care to patients from Lebanon and neighboring countries.
  7. Education: There are several universities in Beirut that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields of study.
  8. Manufacturing: Small-scale manufacturing industries produce textiles, leather goods, jewelry, furniture etc., primarily for export purposes.

Noteable History

  1. Phoenician Civilization: Beirut was founded by the Phoenicians in the 15th century BC and became an important trading center.
  2. Roman Empire: Beirut was a major city in the Roman Empire and was known as Berytus. It was home to a famous law school that attracted students from all over the empire.
  3. Lebanese Civil War: From 1975 to 1990, Beirut was at the center of a brutal civil war that tore apart the city and left thousands dead.
  4. Rafik Hariri: A former Prime Minister of Lebanon who played a key role in rebuilding Beirut after the civil war, Hariri was assassinated in 2005 in a bombing that shook the city.
  5. Martyrs’ Square Protests: In 2005, massive protests erupted in Martyrs’ Square following Hariri’s assassination, leading to political change and reforms.
  6. National Museum of Beirut: The museum houses some of Lebanon’s most significant archaeological treasures, including artifacts from ancient Phoenician cities like Tyre and Sidon.
  7. Saint George Maronite Cathedral: One of Beirut’s oldest churches dating back to the late 19th century, it is considered one of Lebanon’s national treasures for its unique architecture and religious significance.
  8. American University of Beirut (AUB): Founded in 1866 as one of America’s oldest universities abroad, AUB has been at forefronts for research on Middle Eastern issues including politics,society,economics etc.
  9. Beirut Port Explosion: On August 4th, 2020 there were two explosions which took place at port area causing widespread damage across much parts of Beirut resulting into deaths, injuries & displacement.

Museums and Things To See

  1. National Museum of Beirut – a museum showcasing the history and culture of Lebanon.
  2. Sursock Museum – a contemporary art museum housed in a 19th-century mansion.
  3. Beirut Art Center – an art space featuring exhibitions, workshops, and events.
  4. Beit Beirut – a restored building that serves as a museum and cultural center about the city’s history during the Lebanese Civil War.
  5. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque – an iconic mosque in downtown Beirut with stunning architecture.
  6. Pigeon Rocks (Raouche Rock) – natural rock formations located on the Mediterranean Sea coast that offer great views of the sea and sunset.
  7. Martyrs’ Square – a public square that played an important role in Lebanon’s history as it was used for protests and demonstrations during political unrests.
  8. Jeita Grotto – limestone caves located outside of Beirut with underground rivers, stalactites, and stalagmites which are considered one of Lebanon’s natural wonders.
  9. Roman Baths (Bain Militaire) – ruins of ancient Roman baths built over 2,000 years ago.
  10. Byblos Castle – A Crusader castle overlooking the Mediterranean coastline.


Sports Teams

  1. Beirut Sporting Club was founded in 1925, making it one of the oldest sports clubs in Lebanon. The club has a rich history in football, basketball, volleyball, and handball.
  2. Al Riyadi Beirut is a professional basketball team that was founded in 1998 and has won multiple championships. It is considered one of the best basketball teams in Lebanon.
  3. Nejmeh SC is a football club that was established in 1945 and has won multiple league titles. The club is known for its passionate fan base.
  4. Homenetmen Beirut is an Armenian athletic club that was founded in 1924 and competes in various sports such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and table tennis.
  5. Safa SC is a Lebanese football club based in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of Beirut that was established on August 16th ,1943 by Sheikh Mohammad Hajj Hassan Itani along with his brother Mahmoud Itani as well as other notable figures from the area’s community.
  6. Ansar FC or Al-Ansar Sports Club was established on July 20th ,1951 by members of the Islamic Charitable Society who wanted to promote physical fitness among young people while also fostering social cohesion within their community through soccer (football) activities.


Cultural Events

  1. Beirut International Film Festival
  2. Beirut Art Fair
  3. Al Bustan Festival
  4. Beirut Design Week
  5. Fête de la Musique
  6. Beirut Marathon
  7. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
  8. Christmas and New Year Celebrations
  9. Lebanese Independence Day (November 22)
  10. Saint George Maronite Cathedral Festival

Cuisine

  • Manousheh: A traditional Lebanese breakfast dish made with dough and various toppings such as cheese, zaatar, or meat.
  • Tawlet: A farm-to-table restaurant that serves traditional Lebanese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Al Halabi: A restaurant that specializes in Syrian cuisine, including dishes like kebabs, hummus, and fattoush salad.
  • Em Sherif: A high-end Lebanese restaurant that serves classic dishes like kibbeh nayyeh (raw meat) and stuffed grape leaves.
  • Barbar: Famous for their shawarma sandwiches served with pickles and garlic sauce.
  • Souk El Tayeb: An open-air farmers market that features local produce and artisanal food products from across Lebanon.
  • Le Chef: Known for their seafood platters and grilled meats served in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Makan Beirut: A contemporary Lebanese restaurant that offers fusion dishes using traditional ingredients like pomegranate molasses and sumac spice.
  • Al Falamanki: A 24-hour café that serves Lebanese breakfast items like foul (fava bean dip) along with tea or coffee.
  • Karamna Restaurant & Lounge Bar : Serves authentic Arabic food accompanied by live music performances on weekends

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Sanayeh Park is a large public park located in the heart of Beirut. It offers visitors walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
    2. Horsh Beirut is a beautiful forested park situated on the outskirts of the city. It boasts hiking trails and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
    3. The Beirut Waterfront is a highly popular promenade that runs along the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can dine at restaurants or sip coffee at cafes while enjoying stunning views of the water.
    4. Pigeon Rocks (Raouche) are iconic rock formations that can be viewed from either a seaside walkway or by boat tour.
    5. Martyrs’ Square is an historic public square located in downtown Beirut and has been used as a site for political demonstrations and events throughout history.
    6. The American University of Beirut Campus features several green spaces including Charles Hostler Student Center Garden, College Hall Courtyard Garden, and West Hall Courtyard Garden which are open to visitors during weekdays.
    7. The National Museum of Beirut Gardens boasts beautiful gardens surrounding its ancient artifacts collection for visitors to enjoy while exploring history.
    8. BIEL Waterfront Arena & Park offers an outdoor arena with concert events as well as waterfront park activities such as cycling or picnicking for leisure seekers to enjoy their time outdoors in nature’s lap!

    Suitcase

    Its All About The Journey.


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