Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. Although having something of a reputation as a city destroyed by civil war and terrorist interventions, Beirut is now trying to put the past behind it and recapture something of the glamor it possessed before 1975, when it was described as the "Paris of the Middle East" (though it's claim to the title has long since expired).
Understand

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Following World War II, Lebanon was granted its independence by France and Beirut became its capital. Beirut thrived as a major commercial and tourist center of the Middle East until religious tensions between the Christian and Muslim communities sparked tensions leading to civil war in 1975. The conflict lasted nearly a decade and a half, ravaging the city. The central area of the city, previously the focus of much of the commercial and cultural activities, became a no-man's land.

Since the end of the war in 1989, the people of Lebanon have been rebuilding Beirut. The city has undertaken an aggressive rebuilding policy, much of which was spurred on by the pivotal role and leadership of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri . The city has since regained its status as a tourist, cultural and intellectual centre of the Middle East, as well as a center for commerce, fashion and media (though Beirut has long since lost it's title as 'The' Center, thanks to competition from various areas like Dubai, Cyprus, Israel, and Turkey).

Get in

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By plane

Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport (formerly—and still sometimes affectionately—known as Beirut International Airport; IATA airport code: BEY) is the hub of Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). International carriers including Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa and others have daily flights between Beirut and the major European capitals.

You may purchase a 15-day tourist visa at the airport for $17 or a 30-day tourist visa for $34.

Get around

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Taxis are a convenient form of transportation. Taxis in Beirut don't necessarily have to be yellow; they can be any color of the rainbow. Taxis charge a fixed amount per destination: either 5,000 or 7,000 Lebanese Lira (LL). It is often wise to agree on the price before entering the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers speak English, so communication is not difficult. Taxi drivers tend to try to make the bargaining process as unpleasant as possible - but do not give 10,000 LL unless travelling a very long distance.

A far more commonly used form of transportation in Beirut, more commonly used by the locals, is the Service. At the cost of 1500 L.L. (= 1 USD) per head, a driver will take you a reasonable distance within the city. The drawbacks to this is you share a vehicle with other Service riders. Hailing a Service or Taxi usually entails yelling your destination to the driver if he slows down, chasing the name of your destination with either 'Taxi' or 'Service'.

See

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Centre Ville (Beirut Central District).

Do

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Vist the amazing beach clubs, although few...