Ultimate Guide for Traveling To Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut Essentials
If you are planning to explore the city of Beirut, you have come to the right place. This blog article is an ultimate guide to the essential sites of Zaitunay Bay and beyond. We will be exploring the city's most iconic landmarks, tourist attractions, and hidden gems. Let's get started!
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. It is an ancient and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, Beirut is a popular tourist destination with its stunning beaches, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The city is close to many historical sites, including the ruins of the Phoenician temple at Byblos and the Roman ruins of Baalbek.
Beirut is divided into several distinct districts. Zaitunay Bay, or Bayfront Promenade, is one of the most popular areas for visitors. This area offers a variety of attractions, including waterfront restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. In addition to its stunning views of the Mediterranean, Zaitunay Bay is also home to some of Beirut's most iconic landmarks.
Beirut Highlights
Zaitunay Bay
Zaitunay Bay is the perfect place to start your exploration of Beirut. This popular promenade is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering everything from traditional Lebanese food to international cuisine. The waterfront is also home to some of Beirut's most iconic landmarks.
The Promenade
The Promenade is located just around the corner from Zaitunay Bay and has become an area of recreation for families and joggers alike. Bicycles are available to rent and the cycle way stretches all the way to the Pigeon Rocks. During high tide the waves crash with force against the wall and will soak any unsuspecting passerby!
Tip: The walk along the bay is a really nice way to get to Martyrs' Square and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.
Pigeon Rocks
Pigeon Rocks are two limestone rocks located in the middle of Zaitunay Bay. These rocks are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike and offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The rocks are a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the stunning views of the city.
The Pigeon Rocks are a great spot for photography and offer stunning views of the bay. The rocks are also home to a variety of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The rocks are accessible by boat or by walking along the waterfront.
Martyrs' Square
Martyrs' Square is located in the heart of Beirut and is one of the city's most popular gathering places.
The square is home to a variety of monuments and memorials, including a large statue, riddled with bullet holes that has become a symbol for all that was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War.
Right next to the square is the iconic Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque with an impressive blue dome built between 2002 and 2007 by Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who is buried besides the building.
The square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Roman Forum of Beirut
The Roman Forum of Beirut is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The forum was once the center of Roman life in Beirut and is home to a number of ruins and monuments. The forum is a great spot to take in the city's history and learn more about the ancient Roman civilization.
The forum is home to a number of monuments and ruins. The forum is a popular spot for photography and is a great spot to take in the city's history.
Roman Baths
The Roman Baths of Beirut are a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The baths were built in the 2nd century AD and are a great spot to take in the city's history. Originally discovered in 1968-69, the ruins underwent a thorough cleaning and further excavation in 1995-1997.
The baths are a great spot for photography and offer stunning views of the city. The baths are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and are a great spot to take in the city's history.
The best place to view the Baths is on the adjacent staircase which in itself is a beautiful addition to the city which leads up to the Hamidiye Clock tower and City governmental palace which at the time of writing was not accessible.
Nejmeh Square
Nejme Square, is the central square in the Downtown area. It is home to the Lebanese Parliament and its complementary buildings, two cathedrals, a museum, and several cafes and restaurants. Most notable for its Art Deco architecture, the square has become a recognizable icon of Beirut City worldwide.
Current Status:
Confrontations between security forces and the protesters in the vicinity of the parliament compelled owners to protect their stores with armored panels. All shops and restaurants at the time of writing (2023) have been either destroyed or boarded up, access to the square is controlled via military guards and access controlled with railings. There are no vehicles allowed in the vicinity but we were free to walk the streets. Nejme Square lies dormant yet its architectural beauty shines through, we look forwards to the day when this square is once more a bustling hive of activity.
St. Nicholas stairs
The St. Nicholas stairs are a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The 125 steps are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and are a great spot to take in the city's culture. The stairs were built in the 19th century and lead up to St. Nicholas Church, a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. They have been used as an open-air art exhibition site that occurs twice every year. The less known name is L'Escalier de L'Art which came to be used by people going to the Gemayze art exhibitions.
Take Note: Due to the popularity of this spot it can at times attract many children begging for money. Its a heart wrenching situation and we found that giving often results in increased harassment.
Holiday Inn Buliding
The once-plush hotel, which opened for business just two years before the Lebanese civil war broke out in 1975, has remained in Beirut’s collective memory – not for its glamour or architectural design but a reminder of the effects of war. Costing too much to pull down and too much to restore it has remained as a memory of the past .
In October 1975, just months into the Lebanese civil war, the hotel became part of an epic battle dubbed “the war of the hotel”. It lasted until March 1976 and mobilised around 25,000 fighters from both sides, resulting in more than 1,000 dead and 2,000 injured.
Today, entry is forbidden to the public. The building’s 24 floors are desolate: shrubs sprout from the concrete floors, the grey mouldering walls still bearing scars of countless bullet holes and political graffiti from a bygone era.
Abandoned and Destroyed Buildings
There are various buildings in Beirut that have either been damaged as the result of war, the harbor explosion or simply neglect from the economic hardships. It’s great to see that the city is being rejuvenated with restoration work being carried out throughout the city.
Iconic buildings impacted by the civil war include the ‘Egg’, this was constructed to be a theater but was mostly destroyed. It is possible to access the site through a small opening in the fence however proceed with caution. Although the Egg never reached its intended purpose is has nonetheless become an urban treasure. Opposite the Egg is a church that is being preserved and it’s planned to become an art gallery.
The Gemmayzeh area was hit hard by the Harbor explosion and 2 years later the damage can still be seen, however the restoration teams have been working hard and the area is becoming the place to go. The remnants of a few high rise buildings with broken glass and the collapsed petrol station are amongst several sites that have yet to have been worked on.
Photo Diary
This blog article has explored the essential sites of Zaitunay Bay and beyond. From Pigeon Rocks to the Roman Forum of Beirut, there are many stunning attractions in this beautiful city. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Beirut is a city full of wonders to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Beirut today and check out our videos for more information! We had a great time exploring this city from the architecture to the bay there is something for everyone but the most beautiful thing about Beirut is its people. So get out of your hotel and explore this wonderful country and meet the inspiring people in it.
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