Beautiful Beirut
Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, known as the "Paris of the Middle East," with charming coastal scenery and rich history and culture. Here is a travel guide to Beirut:
1. Best time to visit
Beirut has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and warm and rainy winters. The best time to visit is from March to May in spring, when the weather is pleasant; September to November in autumn is also a good choice.
2. Currency and spending
In Beirut, US dollars can be used directly without currency exchange, but many places do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to prepare US dollars and carry small bills for emergencies. The local price level is medium to low.
3. Must-see attractions
1. Pigeon Rock: One of the world's highest volcanic rocks, the sunset view is intoxicating and a great place for photos.
2. Baalbek Ruins: A World Heritage Site with the ancient legend of the Sun City.
3. Byblos Castle: A famous post-war monument in Lebanon, worth a visit.
4. National Museum and Art Gallery: A great place to learn about the history and art of Lebanon.
4. Itinerary planning
You can refer to the following 4-day, 3-night itinerary:
1. Day 1: Visit the American University of Beirut, the Corniche, and Pigeon Rock to enjoy the sunset.
2. Day 2: Visit the National Museum of Beirut, Beit Beirut Museum, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and Beirut Port.
3. Day 3: Visit Byblos Castle, Jeita Grotto, and Our Lady of Lebanon.
4. Day 4: Join a one-day tour group, focusing on the Baalbek Ruins.
5. Food recommendations
Lebanese cuisine is mainly cooked with olive oil and vegetables, with specialties such as grape leaf rice, hummus, and Lebanese barbecue. For desserts, Baklawa (fried pastry) is very popular and sweet.
6. Accommodation recommendations
You can choose to stay in a hotel near the American University of Beirut, which is very close to the attractions and has many restaurants. For example, Movenpick Beirut Hotel and Hilton Beirut Downtown Hotel are good choices, the latter offering a wide range of entertainment facilities and convenient transportation.
7. Transportation guide
In Beirut, it is recommended to choose a regular taxi or use a ride-hailing app (such as Bolt, Uber, or inDrive) to avoid being overcharged. You can take a bus in the city, which is cheap and stops on demand. In addition, you can also consider renting a car for a self-drive tour, but you need to pay attention to local traffic rules and road conditions.
8. Notes
1. Lebanon is relatively open in the Middle East, and there are no strict requirements for women's clothing.
2. Local SIM card data is expensive, so it is recommended to choose a hotel with good Wi-Fi to save on data costs.
3. Pay attention to the safety of personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
I hope this guide will help you plan your trip to Beirut better!