Practical Information in Beirut

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, and home to many historical and cultural sights. You must gather all relevant Beirut practical information regarding the weather, accommodation and culture before deciding to make this the destination of your trip. The list below will give you information about Beirut so you can make your travel arrangements accordingly.

Brief Description of Beirut

Beirut's history goes back 5,000 years; the city has been inhabited by the Roman, Phoenician, Arab and Ottoman civilizations. Though much of Beirut was damaged during its bloody civil war between 1975 and 1990, they are rebuilding and renovating vast sections of the city to make it a tourist haven. Since the end of the civil war, the city has returned to its roots as the "Paris of the Middle East" and has become one of the cultural, tourist and intellectual centers of the Middle East.

Climate

Beirut has the same Mediterranean climate as the rest of the coastal cities, and the weather is very consistent. April through June is a very warm and dry time of year, with cool evenings. July and August are the hottest months of the year and can be very humid. In December, January and February there are frequent heavy downpours. The ski season in Lebanon lasts from December to April, and there are a surprising number of slopes and lodges for skiers and snowboarders.

Culture

Lebanese culture is very laid-back compared to some of its more conservative neighbors. This makes it easy for visitors from the West to fit in with the locals. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable for both men and women to wear; however, when visiting mosques or holy sites it is important that you dress more conservatively.

The Lebanese, and especially citizens of Beirut, like to party hard, and the city has very vibrant and exciting nightlife. Illegal drugs are prevalent, and you might be approached to buy some. Even though the city may have a drug culture, you need to remember that possession and trafficking of drugs is a serious offense in Lebanon, so all illegal drugs should be avoided during your stay.

Sight Seeing

There is so much to see in Beirut that it will be hard to fit everything into one visit. Ancient Roman and Phoenician artifacts can be found in the city's museums, and on the coast, Roman columns still stand in Nejmeh Square. The city is home to many mosques and churches from the times of the crusaders and the expansion of the Islamic empire.