BEIRUT
See Lebanon For yourself
Explore unseen angles of Lebanon with one click. Use the arrows to See Lebanon for yourself in a 360 view!
Faraya
01:00 minutes by car
Mzaar Kfardebian (formerly Faraya Mzaar) is a ski area in Lebanon and the largest ski resort in the Middle East. It is located one hour away from Beirut.
Skiing areas:
The skiing season in Lebanon is similar in length to that of the Alps stretching over a period of 4 months. Skiers, snowboarders, snowmobile addicts, cross-country lovers come to Mzaar hotel from all parts of the country.
Starting at 1850m, you may reach the 2465m top of Mzaar and enjoy the breathtaking view over the colorful Bekaa valley, Mount Hermon of the Anti-Lebanon and other peaks like Laqlouq and The Cedars.
Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut
00:10 minutes by car
The museum is the third oldest museum in the Near East. Found in 1863, These unique resources for scientific research and education are the only collections that represent the biodiversity of our area: Bronze Age to Roman, Stone age to the Islamic…
Baalbek
02:20 minutes by car
This Phoenician city, where a triad of deities was worshipped, was known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period. It retained its religious function during Roman times, when the sanctuary of the Heliopolitan Jupiter attracted thousands of pilgrims. Baalbek, with its colossal structures, is one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee.
Sursock Museum
00:08 minutes by car
The Sursock Museum is a splendid example of 19th century Levantine architecture. Impeccably preserved, the magnificent house was one of 30 Italian-style mansions overlooking the Port of Beirut and built by wealthy Greek Orthodox merchants. The interior is an exquisite combination of dark wood paneling, marble floors, and neo- Arabesque antique furnishings. Permanent exhibits at the museum include Japanese-print and Muslim-art displays. Temporary exhibits focus on contemporary Lebanese art.
Saifi Village
00:06 minutes by car
Saifi Village, a residential and artistic neighborhood in Beirut Central District, is a unique art and shopping destination with more than 50 boutiques of art galleries, fashion designers, antiques, traditional crafts, interior and home decorating, wellness centers, restaurants, coffee shops, a central public square, and many public gardens.
Saifi Village is a welcoming home for renowned and young talents, and the ideal meeting point for design lovers, gastronome, and families enjoying green spaces and pedestrian alleys.
The art district bears the visible mark of Lebanese vernacular heritage and combines the enchantment of the traditional Levantine architecture with the conveniences of modern urban life.
Phoenicia
Phoenicia Hotel is within walking distance to a host of art, shopping, dining and entertainment spaces. Overlooking the Mediterranean, next to trendy Zaitunay Bay marina and Beirut’s famous Corniche, it is only ten minutes from the airport. Close by, Beirut Souks and Downtown are a hive of characterful bars, cafes and restaurants.
Horsh Beirut
00:15 minutes by car
The 40,000-sq-metre pine forest on the edge of Beirut at Horsh Beirut also called Horsh al Sanawbar, newly opened to the public, is a cool, deliciously green respite from the city with a playground for children.
Garden of forgiveness
00:05 minutes by car
Hadiqat al Samah in Arabic, this place has long been in development Solidère in Downtown. The garden is on an archeological site flanked by two churches and two mosques. Its name reflects the concept that lasting peace can only be achieved when people are able to embrace forgiveness.
Garden of Forgiveness responds to its context by integrating the archaeological heritage of a city which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Kathryn Gustasfon has been charged with fulfilling this formidable task. Garden of Forgiveness makes scaled references to Lebanon’s wider landscape and cultural heritage.
Soap Museum
01:00 minutes by car
The Soap Museum is located inside Sidon's old town and is part of the Audi Islet. a soap factory that dates as far back as the 17th century and that has been transformed into the Soap Museum, an early 20th-century family residence located right above the museum.
The soap factory's restoration was initiated by the Audi family and now the Soap Museum showcases many varieties of handmade soap while detailing the stages of soap manufacturing and the diversity of its properties
Quadisha valley
02:00 minutes by car
The Qadisha Valley is located North of Mount-Lebanon chain, at the foot of Mount al-Makmel and West of the Forest of the Cedars of God. The Holy River Qadisha, celebrated in the Scriptures, runs through the Valley. The Forest of the Cedars of God is located on Mount Makmel, between 1900 and 2050 m altitude and to the East of the village of Bcharré.
The rocky cliffs of the Qadisha Valley have served over centuries as a place for meditation and refuge. The Valley comprises the largest number of monasteries and hermitages dating back to the very first spread of Christianism. The main monasteries are those of St Anthony of Quzhayya, Our Lady of Hauqqa, Qannubin.
Roman Bath
00:10 minutes by car
Situated behind Bank Street, the site is surrounded by a garden which attempts to recreate the atmosphere of ancient Roman gardens. In addition, there is a small amphitheater for open-air concerts.
Rue Riad El Solh, Beirut Central District (Downtown)
Zaitunay Bay
00:04 minutes by car
Zaitunay Bay, Beirut’s new entertainment destination has opened since December 2011.
Located around Beirut Marina at Minet El Hosn, The destination is accessible to the general public with the promenade on the upper level linking the public sidewalk to the marin boardwalk.
Visitors enjoy a selection of 17 restaurants and coffee shops menus that are sure to satisfy their demanding palettes and/or indulge into some artistic or sports activities at the two activity centers or stroll down the select boutiques. It is an exclusive and luxurious destination rivaling the best to offer.
The Corniche
00:07 minutes by car
Just mention its name, the corniche and your spirit will wander .Turn your back onto the city for a few hours and gaze onto infinity .The corniche stretches on and time forgets itself. It leads past the city s landmark pigeon rock. People come here from all over Beirut to jog alone or in groups ,to eat kaak ,lupins and foul ,smoke the narguile ,fish for sultan Ibrahim…..
Al Amin Mosque
00:04 minutes by car
By its architecture the mosque has an Ottoman aspect, recalling Aghia Sophia of Constantinople, with however a Lebanese touch and illustrations and various details in Mamluke Egyptian style. Standing not far from the Mediterranean Sea, vast and likewise blue, it faces the Monument of the Martyrs, heroes of Lebanese independence.
St. Nicholas Garden
00:05 minutes by car
Enjoy one of Beirut’s rare and historic green spots at St. Nicholas Garden, opened in 1964 and designed by Lebanese architect Ferdinand Dagher. The garden faces the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicolas, with both sharing the same namesake.
Saint Georges Cathedral
00:06 minutes by car
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Georges is the Mother Cathedral of the Beirut Orthodox community. The Cathedral is the oldest church in the city of Beirut, and one of the oldest in the region: the first Christian temple ever built in the very location goes back to early fourth century
Beirut Souks
00:04 minutes by car
If the charms of beiruts old markets (where people of all backgrounds once gathered to purchase jewelry, flowers and clothes)have vanished ,post war solidere have renovated historic buildings and created an upscale shopping district designed by pritzker prize –winning Rafael Moneo .Today s Beirut Souks are filled with luxury boutiques and elegant cafes and restaurants.
Jeitta Grotto
00:14 minutes by car
Is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometers, is a finalist in the New 7 wonders of Nature competition.
The caverns is on two levels: the lower caverns is visited by boat over a subterranean lake 623 meters long, while a dry upper gallery can be seen on foot.
Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river, which is the principal source of the Dog River.
Byblos
00:48 minutes by car
The ruins of many successive civilizations are found at Byblos, one of the oldest Phoenician cities. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has been closely linked to the legends and history of the Mediterranean region for thousands of years. Byblos is also directly associated with the history and diffusion of the Phoenician alphabet.
National Museum
00:08 minutes by car
Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution and is an essential stop for all visitors to the city. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological artefacts offers a great overview of Lebanon’s history and the civilizations that made their home here. Highlights include the famous, much-photographed Phoenician gilded bronze figurines found buried near the Obelisk Temple at Byblos, and a moving group of Phoenician marble statues of baby boys (from Echmoun, 6th century BC).
Cedars
02:23 minutes by car
Cedars forest is one of the main tourist attractions in Lebanon; the forest has been mentioned and referred to many times in the Bible, its rich history has made this area one of the most important tourist destinations in the Middle East.
Today, it is a preserved area and is being turned into an open art museum through the work of artist Rudy Rahme who is transforming dead cedar trees into works of art.
Nature lovers will find paradise on earth in this region endowed by breathtaking landscape and natural wonders for the eye
NOW IN BEIRUT
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Capital: Beirut
Language: Arabic (Official language), French, English
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) (official) , US Dollars
Calling Code: +961
Annual Festivals
Baalbek Festival (July till August)
Lebanon’s oldest and most prestigious festival presents world-class performances set amongst world-renowned Roman ruins. This festival has evolved into a major cultural event celebrating ballet, theater and all kinds of music.
Beiteddine Art Festival July
In the heart of the Shouf Mountains, the courtyard and Beiteddine’s palace is the evocative backdrop for an electric mix of performances in music, dance and theatre. This festival has been attracting world famous stars.
Beiteddine.org
Batroun Festival July
This festival features two programs: Fashion shows, movies and children activities and main stage (concerts and theatrical performances.
Byblos International Festival July
Perched on one of the world’s oldest fishing ports in Byblos (believed to be the first Phoenician city ,founded around 5000 BC) takes place by the seaside in the historic quarter ,in front of the Castle built by Crusaders in the 12th Century ,this famous festival features Mediterranean –style, jazz, pop and classical music .though the spectacle of this ancient harbor surrounded by ruins hardly Needs embellishment, the festival runs rough out the month.
Al Bustan festival February
Classical museum and performing arts festival hosted in and by the Al bustan Hotel in Beit Mery in the hotel’s auditorium. With more than 30 performances over February and March, the festival mostly presents chamber music but also opera, orchestra concerts, choral concerts, dance performances, marionettes and theatre, all around a theme
Ehdeniyat International Festival August
Hosted by the northern town of Ehden, this festival features musical concerts and supports the Lebanese cinema arts.
Events & Concerts
Garden Show May
Now into its 13th year, The Garden Show & Spring Festival returns to the heart of Beirut with more flowers, brighter colors and exciting new events.
AUB folk dance festival May
Folkloric dancers from the seven continents grace the stages of universities and other educational institutions during this colorful outdoor spectacle.
Fete de la musique June
The world music day, an outdoor celebration featuring local artists as well as surprise big international names. This is one night when Beirut‘s central squares and corners are jamming with concerts.
Daraj El Fan June
On Gemmayze’s charming Saint Nicholas Stairs, amateur artists display and sell their work .A stroll up or down the steps evokes the artistic feel of saint Michel Paris.
Beirut Design Week June
The event is held annually across Beirut City, featuring exhibitions, conferences, workshops and open studios showcasing the work of local and international designers and academics of all design disciplines. The event focuses on creative economies, intercultural exchange, design education, social impact and design entrepreneurship. Beirut Design Week is organized by the MENA Design Research Center, a non-profit organization that is focused on promoting a diverse understanding of design through the implementation of design research and collaborative multidisciplinary projects in the region.
Horeca July
Lebanon’s anticipated yearly hospitality and food service event show, held over the course of 4 days at BIEL, Beirut.
Held under the Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Michel Pharaon, Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, Horeca the largest and best-attended edition of the show yet, proved a major player for both Lebanon and the region’s hospitality industry.
Participants extended from well beyond the region’s borders and included official pavilions from Iran, Italy, and Poland etc.…..
The Lebanon Water Festival July
(LWF) is an annual water sports festival celebrating activities such as diving, water skiing, swimming, sailing, wind-surfing, and boating.
At the core of the festival is an environmental cause, as it aims to raise awareness about the importance of cleaning the shores of Lebanon, north to south, as well as providing a platform of communication for NGOs, and a powerful link for the Mediterranean Union/European Commission.
Vinifest October
Hosted on the lawn of Beirut’s racetrack, the Hippodrome, the vinifest features wine tasting but also musical entertainment and games: trivia contests and activities related to viniculture.
Arabic Book Fair December
Features booksellers and publishers from the MENA region that deal with Arabic-language books. There are book launches, author conferences, workshops, readings for children and more. A good starting point to encourage reading in Arabic .
Afkart December
The Lebanese designers Christmas exhibition since 2002, with over 150 exhibitor stands. Organized by the Beirut Association for social development and directed by Nayla Bassili, it supports local talent in the creation of unique jewelry design, and home accessories, inspires stylists and much more. Usually takes place prior to Christmas week at BIEL
Exhibition centers & Galleries
Beirut Exhibition center
Currently the cultural center of Beirut’s new water front, the BEC is a huge art space managed by solidaire for the purpose of providing the public with free access to an impeccably – curated display of local and international contemporary art.
Beirut Art Center
Beirut Art Center (BAC) is a non-profit association, space and platform dedicated to contemporary art in Lebanon.
The aim of the center is to produce, present and promote local and international contemporary art and cultural practice in a structure that is open and active throughout the year.
Opera Gallery
Internationally established with 10 galleries in the world, is one of the international art gallery networks with locations on several continents: North America, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
Espace Ephemere
An art gallery that exhibits various works of art of all mediums, including handcrafts, furniture, paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The art space welcomes, as from its permanent collection, private exhibitions, cultural events, and artistic activities.
Mark Hachem
Gallery has a branch in Beirut in addition to Paris and New York. The space has held more than 200 exhibitions internationally in the past 14 years internationally and is a member of the French Association of art galleries.
The Beirut branch has encouraged many young and budding talents over the past few years, including artist Ali Dirani.
Gallery Janine Rubeiz
ANCHORED IN A STRONG COMMITMENT to modern and contemporary art in Lebanon, the Galerie Janine Rubeiz takes its roots in the precious legacy of "Dar el Fan", a highly qualified art space and cultural platform under the direction of Janine Rubeiz between 1967 and 1976.