Lebanon – The Place Where History Spins around the Captivating Present

Where the ultramodern cultural people shake hands with the ancient charming testimonies, there you will find yourself soaking in such an incredible fusion; which is Lebanon. Considered as among the most enchanting nations of the Middle East, it was once known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’.

While its history rotates around the Phoenician results of Tyre (Sour), Roman Baalbek’s great temple to modern movement of Bernard Khoury; it present is livelier and enjoyable in the markets and architecture of Tripoli (Trablous), nightclubs of Jounieh, skiing in the mountainous region, and settlements of inviting people.

Lebanon Tourist Attractions

Beirut

This great city was once the ‘Paris of the East’. It now offers the mountainous backdrop, Corniche waterfront, museums, natural formations, and much more. The wonderful rejuvenated colonial relics and mosques mark triumph over the civil war; while, the Green Line and bullet holed buildings represent its dark period. If spending time with Armenians, the city takes you on the path to freedom; while being with the Jews makes you seal your identity. Here, we visited the following places.

• Agial Art Gallery:
  This gallery exhibits the works of local artists located nearby the AUB.
• Place des Martyrs:
  This is the spot of a few largest Lebanese public gathering among which the remarkable one was the March 14th protest of 1 millions after a month anniversary of Hariri’s assassination that led to the removal of the Syrian troops.
• Al-Omari Mosque:
  Previously, this was the 12th century Church of St John the Baptist of the Knights Hospitallers erected by the Crusaders. Later, it was turned into a mosque in 1291 by the Mamluks located in the northeast of Place des Martyrs.
• American University of Beirut:
  This is among the most esteemed educational institutes in the Middle East. The campus along with the ringing Ras Beirut and Hamra areas form the hub of activities. The museum and the campus are worth a visit. Currently, it nonsectarian and teaches in English.
• Animal Encounter:
  Located at 17 km from Beirut, this is a site where you will find many deserted domestic and wild animals.
• AUB Museum:
  Established in 1868 A.D., this is among the most ancient in the Middle East offering Lebanese and Middle East relics – weapons, devices, flints, china, earthenware, jewelry, Phoenician glasses, and Arab coins since 5th century B.C.
• Cardo Maximus:
  This is the worth visiting ruins of a Roman-era market.
• Cilicia Museum:
  This is the mansion showcasing the striking Armenian religious and cultural artifacts.
• Corniche:
  This is a most loved walkway site flanked by families and young people. Sip a coffee at one of the cafes – quite relaxing. Most of the locals are of the opinion that the Corniche begins at Ras Beirut on Ave de Paris from the east and culminates at the St George Yacht Motor Club in Ain al-Mreisse until the west. On a different line of thought, the rest claim it to cover the complete seafront coast until the Pigeon Rocks until the south.
• Galerie Alice Mogabgab:
  This shows modern art of abroad.
• Grand Serail:
  This is a regal building of the Ottoman era holding government offices. Do not miss it. However, the road surrounding it will prevent you come closer due to tanks and wires.
• Horsh Beirut:
  This is a newly opened green retreat of 40,000-sq-metre pine forest with a playground.
• Maghen Abraham Synagogue:
  Located far in the north of the Grand Serail, this synagogue is now in remains. Once a living Jewish community of the early 20th century and now requiring rejuvenation, the synagogue’s surviving walls have still kept the stars of David and Hebrew inscriptions intact.
• Mohammed al-Amin Mosque:
  This is the final resting place of the former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Located in the city center, this is the imposing monument somewhat resembling the Blue Mosque of Istanbul.
• St George’s Cathedral:
  Located next to the Mohammed al-Amin Mosque, this is a Maronite church that was built during the era of Crusades.
• National Museum of Beirut:
  Do not miss this museum as this is the house of the most imposing collection of archaeological artifacts, statuettes, and caskets. The most worth watching feature of this museum is the show of ‘Revival’ held at every hour from 09:00 to  16:00 that is an appealing brief documentary informing about the ways in which the staff protected the exhibition from the annihilation of the civil war and then reinstated into the museum.
• Pigeon Rocks:
  These natural formations are the most famous natural wonder of the city. They are the natural offshore rock arches where the expanse of the Corniche in their front forms an attractive picnic spot. However, the most appealing trip here is to trek on one of the trails going down towards the cliffs. Among these tracks, one of it begins from the south direction of the rocks on which you take yourself steeply covering a 100 m of distance to be at the lower level of chalk cliffs.

• Planet Discovery:
  This is an interactive science museum filled with schoolingly interesting activities particularly developed for 3- to 15-year-old students/children. For adults, the soap bubble activity wherein you can blow big bubbles will just not permit you to leave it. In addition, there are puppet shows performed at 16:00 and 17:00 on most Fridays and Saturdays that can be seen with an extra charge.
• Ramlet al-Bayda Beach:
  This is the only open beach, but it is not tidy and mainly male.
• Robert Mouawad Private Museum:
  Located in the Pharaon Palace, this was formerly the residence of Robert Mouawad who was a jeweler and assembler of stunning art objects such as clocks, ceramics, jewelry, idols, and watches. A visit here can be a good break from the city where the palace itself hosts many luxurious collections.
• Sursock Museum:
  Located just down the road from the museum, this museum is adorned with the multi-colored stained glass. Look at this at night that offers you a spectacular lit up sight.

• Roman Baths:
  These are restored ones, which are not worth a miss.
• Sanayeh Public Garden:
  This is the perfect place to take a bike on hire and roam or to do skating on its paved lanes.

Best Time to Visit Lebanon

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Lebanon Accommodations

• Embassy Hotel (Hotel) – $48
• Marble Tower Hotel – $78
• The Mayflower Hotel – $133
• Casa Verde Suites – $80