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Beirut Corniche: The pedestrianised waterfront promenade of Beirut is a favourite for taking a stroll, especially in the afternoons and on weekends. All along this route, you will meet up with the diverse inhabitants of the city - from families and young hipsters on skates to street vendors and amateur fishermen. Relax at one of the cafés on the waterfront and enjoy the view of Mount Lebanon to the east or take up your position on a nearby bench and indulge in people-watching. 
Address: Hamra area

Pigeon Rocks (Rock of Raouché): Just off the southern end of Corniche, two rock formations rise up out of the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The most famous natural feature in Beirut, it is a popular romantic spot for locals and tourists, as well as for family picnics. Take a seat at one of the cafés along the coast and enjoy the sunset with a view of the rocks or follow the hilly trail that takes you to one of them. 
Address: Rue General de Gaulle, Raouché district

National Museum of Beirut: The city's amazing archaeological museum is housed in a 1930s building and features priceless treasures from the prehistoric age through the 19th century. Journey through 5,000 years of Lebanon's history and admire one of the best collections of Phoenician art in the world. Among the most important findings are the ornately carved marble sarcophagus from Tyre and the fine bronze figurines from the Byblos excavations.
Address: Corner Rue de Damas & Avenue Abdallah Yafi

Roman Baths: The Roman Baths Garden was discovered in 1968 and when excavations were completed in 1997, Beirut's Roman heritage was revealed in all its glory. The most impressive element of the complex is the intact hypocaust heating system with the myriad brick domes, serving as an example of Roman engineering of that time. 
Address: Rue Riad El Solh

Grand Serail: An impressively grand building of the Ottoman era which has been renovated and currently houses the government palace and prime minister's headquarters. Along with two other Ottoman buildings, they make up Serail Hill, the seat of Lebanon's government. 

Al-Omari Mosque: Built in the 12th century as the church of St John the Baptist and patron saint of the Knights Hospitaller, it was converted to a mosque in 1291 by the Mamluk invaders. Admire the artful inscriptions on the walls and the golden cage that encircles a shrine dedicated to St John. Its exterior is particularly impressive at dusk, as it glows like amber.
Address: Rue Waygand

Cilicia Museum: A museum that pays tribute to the Armenian people and a repository of Armenian works of art of inestimable value. Most of the findings in this exciting collection were smuggled out by monks from the Sis Monastery in Cilicia as they fled the genocide of 1915. The heirlooms - for the most part religious items - tell the story of the Armenian diaspora.
Address: between Rue Sawma Jaber & Rue Akhawain Rahbani

René Moawad Garden: The oldest public park in Beirut was opened in 1907 and is one of the most popular spots in the city. It is ideal for a few moments of peace and quiet or a romantic picnic. The locals know it as Sanayeh Gardens. Rent a bicycle or skate on the specially built paths. 
Address: Rue Spears, Sanayeh

Beirut Art Centre (BAC): An exhibition venue for contemporary art that features modern painting, sculpture and photography, with an emphasis on the works of emerging artists in Lebanon. 
Address: Jisr El Wati - Off Corniche an Nahr. Building 13

AUB Museum: The museum at the American University of Beirut was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest archaeological and history museums in the Middle East. The collection of art works from Lebanon and the Middle East dates back to the Stone Age. Admire the exquisite collection of Phoenician glass and Arabic coins from the 5th century BC, terracotta figurines and a large collection of pottery from 3000 BC.
Address: Rue Bliss 33, Hamra<br>.

Beirut is the Lebanese capital of fashion and many internationally recognised Lebanese designers are based here. The more pricey boutiques featuring local and international designers are located in the city centre. Beirut's main commercial roads are Hamra Street, Mar Elias Street and Rue Verdun, with large shopping centres such as Verdun 732. 

In Saifi Village, near the Place des Martyrs, you will find interesting shops selling the creations of local designers and craftspeople. Artisans du Liban et d’ Orient in Ain El Mreisseh is the place to go for local traditional crafts and souvenirs (from traditional silver jewellery and handmade robes to embroidery, toys and colourful bags). For antique shops and vintage items, head for Gemmayzeh.

The ABC Mall, in Ashrafieh district, is the largest shopping mall in the city with more than 200 shops, restaurants, cafés and cinemas. For gourmet items with a Middle Eastern flavour, visit the Souq el-Tayeb. The first organic foods market in Beirut takes place every Saturday and offers exquisite local products.

Food in Lebanon is serious business and the Lebanese cuisine is known in the world over for its richness and variety - a mix of Arabic, Turkish and Mediterranean influences. No matter where you decide to dine, you will take part in the Lebanese ritual of mezze, as a selection of 30 hot and cold appetisers parade past your table to be shared by large groups of patrons. You must try some tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, falafel, batata bil Kizbara, fuul, waraq 'inab, sambousseks, baba ghanouj, makdous, shawarma, shish taouk and mutabal, with a side of thin Lebanese bread. For a sweet treat, try the ma'amoul cookies. It is also worth trying the Manqoushe (Lebanese pizza with cheese and thyme as a base), a popular morning snack you will find in bakeries and special Forn Manqoushe. Aside from the excellent Lebanese fare, you will find many restaurants in Beirut serving international dishes, such as sushi bars in Ashrafieh and Italian bistros in Gemmayzeh. 

The nightlife in Beirut is legendary. In the "entertainment capital of the Arab world", a night out lasts all night and into the morning. See for yourself by visiting one of the myriad bars, pubs or nightclubs in the city. The hottest spots in Beirut for intense clubbing are Rue Monnot and Gemmayzeh near Ashrafieh district, Uruguay Street in the centre and Mar Mikhael.

• Al Bustan Festival: Beirut's annual month-long classical music festival in February-March draws the best local and international artists in the field to Emile Bustani Auditorium. You can hear everything from major symphony orchestras to chamber music. 
• Beirut International Tango Festival: leading international musicians, dancers and DJs from all over the world take part each April in this major celebration of the Argentinian tango that takes place at Metro al Madina. Admission is free. 
• Beirut Nights: For three months in summer (June-August), Beirut is transformed into a massive musical stage. From the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Centre (BIEL) to the atmospheric Place des Martyrs, a vast range of musical events offer you a chance to hear everything from big names in the music industry like 50 Cent and French DJ David Guetta, to classical tenors and rising Lebanese stars. 
• Hay Festival Beirut: the most famous literary festival in Britain moves to Beirut for three days each April. The main reason to be there is to get to know the emerging literary scene of the Arab world. Admission is free. 
• Deir el Qamar Festival: an eclectic festival that takes place every July and August in the medieval town of Deir el Qamar, near Beirut. You can enjoy concerts with classical and jazz music, theatre and cinema with the "Monastery of the Moon" as a backdrop.
• Beirut International Film Festival: every October, the largest film festival in the region showcases local talent of the seventh art as part of a programme of international screenings.

Transport from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, 9 km south of Beirut. At the airport, you will find many duty-free shops, a bank, ATMs, foreign exchange points, postal services, restaurants, cafés and two prayer rooms. There are 15 internet kiosks at the departure gates. Wi-Fi is free for the first 30 minutes. 

There is currently no mode of public transportation available connecting the airport to the city. The only reliable way to get to the city centre is to take one of the airport taxis with the official emblem which offer controlled prices for transfer to the city. You will find them outside the arrivals hall. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. If you choose a different type of taxi, make sure to agree on the fare beforehand.