Known as the ‘Paris of the Middle-East’, Beirut is one of the top tourist destinations in the Middle-East. That’s no surprise when you consider the delightful cuisine, art, world class shopping, stimulating nightlife and rich culture the city has to offer. Beirut is easily one of my personal top 5 places to visit in the world, and I hope a few of you fellow travelers will venture there one day as well.

Is Beirut Safe?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Is Beirut safe? Beirut (or Lebanon as a whole) doesn’t have the best reputation among Westerners. It’s a reputation not deserved. When I told people I was traveling to Beirut, images of rockets and shells raining from the sky ran through their minds. At the time I first visited (2008), the civil war had been over for almost 20 years. Beirut is currently experiencing one of the most peaceful times in its recent history. I felt safer there than I did in Paris or Rome. Even the mighty New York Times listed it as number one in their list of must see places in 2008. ~Reference link~ I know I had my reservations about my first trip there back on 2008. Once I ventured from Rafic Harriri International Airport with bags in tow, my eyes were quickly opened.

Contrasts

Beirut is a city full of contrasts. The first thing I noticed were the gleaming new high-rise buildings that mingled with the old unpolished buildings. The ancient Roman and Ottoman structures spread throughout the modern city. You cannot drive down a street and not see an older building scarred with remnants of the 15 year civil war (1975- 1990). The blending of old and new seem to work. The architecture is a mix of Middle-Eastern and French, and there is no denying the french influence on many of the buildings. Beirut used to be a French colony after-all. Perhaps the French influence is why Beirut has this cosmopolitan vibe not unlike Paris.

The People

Speaking of French influence, French is one of the three main languages spoken in Beirut. Many of the people can speak English and speak it very well. I had no problem communicating with the locals. Though Arabic may be the primary language, the accent is significantly different from other Arab speaking nations.

The people in Beirut are vibrant and full of life, and the hospitality of the Lebanese people is unmatched. It’s not uncommon to be invited to dinner or for a drink. Lebanese people are far from shy and love to spark up conversation. For many Lebanese, especially the younger generation, they not only tolerate their differences, they embrace them. Perhaps it’s the Western influence, or the many different religious sects living in harmony with each other for decades. It’s also rare to see a person not dressed up and looking their best as appearance seems to be paramount. This is especially true when going for a night out on the town or to party the night away.

Nightlife

If you think you know how to party, trust me when I say the Lebanese have you beat. These people know how to party. If you are someone who appreciates nightlife, hop in your taxi and tell the driver ‘Gemmayzeh Street’. The driver will take it from there. Gemmayzeh is full of pubs, clubs and restaurants. It’s noisy, lively and absolutely fun. It’s a great way to meet some of the locals! Of course there are other spots in Beirut, but Gemmayzeh is on a level of its own. Be mindful though, just like most developed cities, nightclubs in Beirut tend to have dress codes. However, the pubs are fair game. Go out, dance, laugh, have fun and throw down some drinks if that’s your thing.

Driving in Beirut

I thought I knew how to drive before visiting Beirut. Having visited several times over the years, I can say Beirut has taught me how to drive. Are there traffic laws? Yes. Are they obeyed? Not really. Driving in Beirut can only be described as order from complete chaos. It seems to work. I advise you ride in a taxi and get a feel for the traffic flow before attempting to rent a car.

Shopping

There are many shopping malls, tiny storefronts and streets full of shops and high end stores. Notably both Hamra Street and Monot Street. Those two areas are full of character and exceptionally trendy. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and quick bites to sooth your appetite as well.

Food

I have never had a bad meal in Beirut. Lebanese cuisine is easily some of the best food you will ever eat.  Granted, that’s just my opinion, but it’s an opinion shared by many. The food is always fresh, locally sourced and always made from scratch. Eating outside on a sunny day next to the Mediterranean is a favorite distraction of mine. The Lebanese diet is known for how healthy it is. Which is surprising since it doesn’t taste like typical health food. Sure, Beirut has most of the major food chains like Chili’s and McDonald’s (what country doesn’t have McDonald’s), but you’ll be missing out.

Beirut has one of the most diverse cultures on the planet. The city is also becoming more welcoming to alternative lifestyles and culture. Its tumultuous history has not damaged its culture. If anything, it laid the seeds for a cultural boom that has attracted many more tourists this past decade and shows no sign of letting up. After many years of strife, the Lebanese people deserve a win. Many that have lived through the wars are now hopeful for the future of their country, and the future looks bright.