Beirut Travel Guide

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.

1 million people in its metropolitan area. The city is on a relatively small headland jutting into the east Mediterranean. It is by far the biggest city in Lebanon. Due to Lebanon's small size the capital has always held the status as the only true cosmopolitan city in the country, and ever since the independence, has been the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon. 20km to its North is Jounieh, a city very closely associated with Beirut.

The heart of Beirut, Downtown, should be the starting point of any visit, as it lies roughly in the center of the city; from there one can explore the surrounding areas and take in the views. The commercial area of Beirut is rather small, making all major points of interest within short walking distances.

Charles Helou Station lies approximately one kilometer east of Nejmeh Square,... (more)

Charles Helou Station lies approximately one kilometer east of Nejmeh Square, on Charles Helou Avenue, facing the Beirut Port. From there you can take the city buses or hop onto the larger coaches that link Beirut with the neighboring cities.

Beirut has survived a rough history, falling under the occupation of one empire after another,. Originally named BêrÅ«t, "The Wells" by the Phoenicians, Beirut's history goes back more than 5000 years. Excavations in the downtown area have unearthed layers of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman civilizations.

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