A Broad Look at Lebanon's Tourism Center
For those who are not overly familiar with Beirut, the prospect of traveling to the city may cause a sense of apprehension or trepidation. This should not be the case, however. Upon further inspection, you will begin to appreciate the resilient city for its vivacity and liveliness. The many accolades that Beirut has accrued over the past few years are numerous. The New York Times named the city its number one place to visit in 2009. It was also named one of the ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet the same year.
These resounding recommendations should be enough to excite and inspire any traveler, but mere words do not come close to the actual experience. Whether you’re admiring the city’s past at the National Museum, which houses over 10,000 historical items, or enjoying its rich nightlife at the bustling nightclub Rai, you’ll manage to keep busy. These attractions spotlighted above are just the beginning of a list of popular destinations that have instilled a newfound sense of vitality into the citizens and tourists in Beirut.
The city truly has something for everyone. The reserved and laid back traveler might be more concerned with food and relaxation, while the party savvy patron judges their trip from their time at the clubs. Beirut will surely satisfy all of these needs.
The Cuisine in Beirut
The cuisine is somewhat of the backbone of Beirut and takes center stage in the city. The Middle-Eastern themed Al-Sakhra or “The Rock” is a Lebanese restaurant that is more upscale. It is worth spending a little extra, however. Known for its view of the Pigeon Rock, the scenery is only upstaged by the fabulous food.
If you are looking for something that is more sociable and lively, then Al Balad Restaurant is your place. It attracts eaters of all kinds, from tourists to locals, from children to adults. This hot spot for good, inexpensive food is a virtual revolving door. You might stay a week and never manage to see the place not packed.
The Nightlife
The nightlife brings about the start of what may feel like a separate day. With more didactic endeavors such as museums to visit during the day, night brings about the opportunity to let loose. The aforementioned club Rai is more dance-based and features D.J. Josiane, one of Lebanon’s top female D.J.s.
If you are looking to cheers to a great night in Beirut, however, you might want to stop by Zinc. When you think pub, you may be inclined to picture something far from what Zinc offers. The pub’s theme is heavily based in art and music. Each month the club showcases the work of a different artist. The music is constantly keeping its guests in good spirits, ranging from Blues to Hip-Hop.
Where to Stay
After such an exhausting evening, you will undoubtedly be ready for rest. This is another area where Beirut shines. As with most things in the city, you can fulfill your needs for relatively cheap, but if willing to spend the money, spoil yourself rotten. You should have no problem finding an affordable, yet comfortable place to rest your head at night, but if you’re looking to go big, you go Hotel Albergo. It is one of the city’s most distinguished hotels, tucked away in an exclusive upscale neighborhood. This would be a perfect ending to what is always a perfect trip when going to Beirut.
Leonard Crowther - Leonard Crowther Sports Contributor -Graduate of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2009 Bachelor's Degree in Creative ...
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