Beirut (Discount
Beirut Airfare)
Once known as the 'Paris of the East', Beirut commands a magnificent
position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are
towering mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down.
The Corniche seafront boasts beaches, restaurants, theatres
and a dazzling variety of shops and restaurants. Beirut has
suffered greatly from Lebanon's 16-year civil war, but following
an impressive and ongoing process of reconstruction, the city
is once again one of the most popular tourist and business destinations
in the Middle East. The so-called 'Green Line' which, during
the war, divided the city into East and West, has now gone,
and two competing centres have grown up several kilometres apart.
One is Hamra in West Beirut, where the American University is
located along with the majority of hotels. The other is Achrafieh
in East Beirut, home to the Universit? St Joseph and an increasing
number of smart shops and expensive restaurants. Beirut's Central
District, known as Solidere, the company in charge of the reconstruction
programme, is seeing a spectacular number of modern buildings
and office blocks springing up everywhere. After massive landfill,
two new marinas, a new seaside promenade and a green park are
also planned. While many of the new buildings look very modern,
Beirut's old souks (covered markets) are being reconstructed
in an authentic way. The Turkish bath at Al-Nouzha provides
another glimpse of the old Beirut. Lebanon's only museum, the
Beirut National Museum, has been rehabilitated and is constantly
updating its interesting collection. On the western tip of Beirut,
Raouche is an increasingly popular district with a lively seaside
promenade. Its famous landmark, the Pigeon Rocks, are huge formations
standing like sentinels off the coast.
Tripoli
The country's second city, Tripoli is Lebanon's most Arabian
city and retains much of its provincial charm. Its history dates
back to the eighth century BC and the town centre, though surrounded
by modern housing developments and beach resorts, has preserved
its character. There are two parts - the port area and the city
proper - which are divided by acres of fragrant orange plantations.
Tripoli's old medieval centre at the foot of the Crusader castle
has a number of interesting mosques, including the Great Mosque,
Tayn?l, Al-Muallaq Burtasiyat Madrassa and Al-Qart?wiyat Madrassa.
The old souks (covered markets) provide interesting shopping.
Tripoli is famous for its sweets and traditional olive-oil-based
soap. The port area, known as Al Mina, has numerous seafood
restaurants and fish markets; most hotels can be found in the
modern beach resorts along the coast.
Byblos
Byblos is reputed to be the oldest town in the world, with excavations
unearthing artefacts dating back to Neolithic times as well
as from Canaanite, Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman and Crusader
periods. Fishing boats and pleasure craft ply the old harbour.
Today Byblos is a thriving modern town, with the old town centre
being the most interesting part for the visitor to explore. |
Lebanon Airport Guide
