Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What to do in the city... Beirut

Lebanon, a country filled with diverse culture, people, food, and art is located beautifully at the boarder of the Mediterranean Sea in Middle East Asia.  This small country, with a total boundary length of 422 miles, surprisingly has two completely different faces.  The city of Beirut has been greatly influenced by Europe, primarily by the French whom once mandated Lebanon, with most of its residents being about to speak at least either fluent English or French, the buildings constructed with a European touch, and with Lebanon being considered the most liberal minded (Western minded) country in the Middle East.  The country side, however, consists of close linked villages. The people of the villages are much more conservative and many have agriculture jobs, such as tobacco farms.  The country are not yet effected by western influence, it is where you see the true nature of Lebanese culture. Traveling from the city to the country of Lebanon is as if you're stepping foot in two different countries.




What to do in Beirut...

The question should be restated to ask, what is there not to do in Beirut? With some of the finest hotels, restaurants, lounges, and clubs Beirut has climbed its way up to one of the "must go to" tourism spots in the world.  If you are looking to take a trip to this luxurious city I will be giving a few pointers. 
Now when it comes to hotels...  If you are looking for luxery 5-star hotel with a view of the Mediterranean Sea, the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel is where to stay.  It is known as one of the most beautiful hotels in Lebanon with four 5-star restaurants and downtown Beirut in its backyard. However, staying in the Golden Tulip surrounds you with excellent pubs and restaurants.  With the American University of Beirut being a block away from this hotel, the area is filled with young Lebanese and Americans looking to have a good time. 
Where to go at night...
Sky Bar is Beirut's number one club. It is an outdoor club under Beirut's star lite sky.  It is always packed, if you like crowds, with lights and flames blinking to the sound of music. It is also the spot where celebrites whom travel to Beirut go: for example Akon, Snoop Dog, Paris Hilton, Sean Kingston, and others have partied.
If you are a little older than I suggest Riviera.  It is a classy outdoor club for people 23 and older.  Even though it is outdoor it is covered with AC vents to make sure you never break a sweat. Its dance floor is clear glass above a pool, so you can dance like you are walking on water.
If you would like to spend your nights smoking hooka than downtown gives you a numerous amount of options.  There are also a line of restaurants across the sea to smoke hooka outside and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Gimazeh is where many go to have a good time. It is a long strip of bars, pubs, and restaurants.  It is a crowded street where there is always traffic and people are walking up and down figuring out where to settle. It is a must go.    

                                              Above: Downtown
Where to eat...
I do not even know what to suggest. Food is a big part of the Arab culture so Lebanon makes sure its great. The Grand Cafe, located on the water offers the traditional Lebanese cuisine of shish kabab, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and others.  They serve Lebanese food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The funny thing is Beirut has more international food than their own traditional food.  With well known Japanese, Armenian, Italian, French, Chinese, Indian, and American foods. Le Paul is a French restaurant that serves all various forms of French cuisine for breakfast and lunch. It is classy and very good with different choices of cheese and delicious baguette bread.
Some pointers to travelers...
For those whom do not speak Arabic, if you are shopping in boutiques or taking a taxi always bargain with prices. People in the city think that because you're a tourist than you have lots of money so they can take advantage of you. A taxi ride should not cost you more than 4 dollars, if they charge you more than you are getting ripped off. Beware, when things sound too expensive than say so. Otherwise, Beirut is a great place to have fun, eat, and relax.

2 comments:

  1. I think this is a great idea for a blog. I like the background and suggestions. Hopefully one day I will get there and check it out!

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  2. This was a beautiful description of the country. You make me interested in visiting Lebanon one day, and yes I agree its a wonderful country with a beautiful people. You did a great Job, by giving us examples of fun places where people can hang out, great places to eat and giving advice to new comers (like how to try to not be ripped off).

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