Beirut - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly ;)

Hi martes76, welcome on Expat-blog!

I hope other members will be able to help you.

You may also have a look at other threads on the forum.

I wish you good luck
Christine

Hello-

I am American and I spent 6 weeks this past summer traveling Lebanon.  I had the advantage that my Lebanese boyfriend had just moved back there after living in the US for many years.  Since I stayed with him, I have little advice on accomodations.  However, when we visited the town of Batroun, we met a Swedish family who were staying there to get away from the chaos and high prices of Beirut and loved Batroun.  (Batroun is a lovely small city about 60-90 min north of Beirut.)

Upon your arrival, note that you can be issued a visa free of charge at the airport.  (I know it's this case for Americans and pretty sure it's the same way for Brits.)  It will only be for 1 month though, so you'll need to extend through General Security.  Going there can take a bit of patience, but for a free visa...  You'll need to bring new passport photos, and have on hand some Lebanese money for photo copies, etc.  Alternative is getting visa in advance through the embassy.

Getting around Lebanon can be a challenge.  I was lucky as my boyfriend has a car.  Keep in mind that drivers there are absolutely NUTS.  Military checkpoints are frequent.  (This can be a little disconcerting at first, but one gets used to it fast.)  And following directions from one place to the next can be a big challenge as roadways are confusing and unmarked.  Addresses are essentially non-existant.  I would recommend sticking with taxis (chose a reputable company with a yellow sign on top of their car- get phone number and call to request cab- and request an English speaker.)  You can also go on organized tours.  Eco-tourism is growing tremendously.  (Get outside of Beirut--- Lebanon is beautiful!)  There are many companies.  Note that websites are limited, but if you are on Facebook, it is easy to search these companies.  Lebanese Adventure (they have a website- but in French, but in Facebook is in English) has regular hikes.

Weather will be hot to say the least.  Have sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.  Drink bottled water ONLY.  It is ultra cheap and easy to find.

I was not able to find a guidebook in advance, but easy to find at bookstores upon arrival.  Virgin Megastore and Antoine are good bookstores.

Historical ruins are plentyful throughout the country.  Baalbeck is the most famous (as well as Byblos-- known locally as Jbeil)... but my favorite was Tyre (known locally as Sour.)  Note on Tyre- this is in South Lebanon and I would definitely not recommend travelling solo there.

The country is very safe.  Actually, you can walk around at 3am.  Purse theft is about the only crime.  Nightlife is plentyful in Beirut.  In the summer, THE PLACE is Sky Bar, actually rated this past year as the #1 nightclub in the WORLD.  The area known as Gemayze in Beirut is also a good nightlife scene. 

Just avoid any political demonstrations and lay low.  Don't want to get yourself in a bind on that end.

If you would like to learn Arabic, the American University of Beirut has probably the most well-known Arabic summer program.  AUB is easy to get to. 

A good introduction to the country is the Walk Beirut tour.  (You can google it.)  I took this at the end of my stay and it is well-recommended.

That's about all I can think of now... good luck and have fun!  I went to return in November and am currently seeking relocation there myself.  (Due to job market, I may have to move elsewhere in the region temporarily as a stepping stone.)

Thank you Thank you and Thank you I really appreciate the time and effort you have spent to give me a mini guide definitely helpful. Best wishes and have a good xmas and happy new year!! Best wishes - The Brit

Many people here speak english....still more speak french.  Lebanese arabic is not a written language...any arabic you try to learn from a book is going to be formal arabic and won't help you too much here.  we live in the mountains...I know hotels can be expensive...but i'm sure you can find something for not too much money...try Lonely Planet at the bookstore and see if they have good travel guides on Lebanon...the great thing is that this country is small....it doesnt take much to see alot!  good luck in your travels!

=josie

Due to the political situation I would advise you to leave any booking until the last minute if you are still interested I can help you find cheap accommodation in the north.

Thanks Guys for taking the time to respond really appreciate it! I need as much information as possible. Thanks again

If you want to stay for long there is a place called Valley Green residences, furnished apartments, they can rent cheap studio apartments , taxis are easily available & the place is in North Mount Lebanon, some 6-8 kms from Beirut. You can rent a car anytime, the place is clean, peaceful and beautiful,
all the best for your trip,
///Anu

Hi, I live and work in Beirut. Firstly, July and August are extremely busy periods, when arabs from all over the middle east descend on Beirut in particular. This makes Beirut rammed and even more expensive. I would avoid that time if you can. June and September are definitely a bit quieter, still lively and the weather is of course excellent. The Lebanese are very friendly and helpful. Jbeil is wonderful and the beach clubs nearby too - albeit a little expensive to get in. But worth it for the epxerience. I would suggest that if you're out in the country i.e. away from the crowds then dress more conservatively than in the towns. 3 a.m. in the morning in Beirut, you'll be joined by thousands of others! Stick to Gemmayze and Monot Street. Re: taxis only use the official ones, choose one that's not falling apart and never the ones without a clear sign, you might get ripped off in Beirut. If you ask the fare beforehand and the driver says say '10', then clarify that's ten thousand Lebanese not ten Dollars (or Leb 15 k!)- is a cheap trick. I have never even heard of any personal trouble for gals or guys anywhere in Lebanon, so just keep your wits about you. And have a great time!

Hi Martes,
i'll be in Lebanon throughout August for vacation:cool:...i advice you start searching imemdiately for a place to stay,as jonnywalker said this is a pretty crazy period...
Anyway, hope to meet u there!!
Lebanon is a lovely place to holiday in...i'm sure you will love it.

Thanks all for all your comments, well I have managed to find a few stragglers along the way and the one traveller has now turned into four travellers, soooo we have booked flights and accomodation so all I can say is Beirut better get ready because the girls are on the way!!
Many thanks again for all the tips and advice it has all been taken on board and I look forward to really exciting trip:D

jonnywalker wrote:

Hi, I live and work in Beirut. Firstly, July and August are extremely busy periods, when arabs from all over the middle east descend on Beirut in particular. This makes Beirut rammed and even more expensive. I would avoid that time if you can. June and September are definitely a bit quieter, still lively and the weather is of course excellent. The Lebanese are very friendly and helpful. Jbeil is wonderful and the beach clubs nearby too - albeit a little expensive to get in. But worth it for the epxerience. I would suggest that if you're out in the country i.e. away from the crowds then dress more conservatively than in the towns. 3 a.m. in the morning in Beirut, you'll be joined by thousands of others! Stick to Gemmayze and Monot Street. Re: taxis only use the official ones, choose one that's not falling apart and never the ones without a clear sign, you might get ripped off in Beirut. If you ask the fare beforehand and the driver says say '10', then clarify that's ten thousand Lebanese not ten Dollars (or Leb 15 k!)- is a cheap trick. I have never even heard of any personal trouble for gals or guys anywhere in Lebanon, so just keep your wits about you. And have a great time!

Hi I am so sorry that it has taken months to reply back you have given me so very good tips - appreciate that!! We have booked all flights and accomodation so fingers crossed all will go to plan - thanks again

Hi and how are you?

Well you will enjoy it a lot Lebanon is great and all loves it here ! Great business oportunities and very nice friendly loving people here where ever you go they are very nice sweet to you!

hi
my boyfriend & i wanna be in beirut for one year
the only wory is accomodation
we need home or appartment , per month by acceptable price
we dont have any idea for any sreet, lebanon is so beautiful but when u want to live there u should know more ,alittle more than one traveler
i need ur help, is it possible introduce me ur experiences?
thanx
saba