Beirut and Lebanon as a whole is a fantastic destination, and I simply can't recommend the place enough! Beirut itself is like a phoenix trying to recover and find itself again, and thankfully succeeding.

There is a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere wherever you travel in the city. The downtown area has had some serious re-development and looks a bit too new and clean, but where else will you be able to find old churches, a mosque that's only six months old, fancy bars and shops that wouldn't look out of place in Bond Street, all side by side? Although, take a closer look down the road and you will still see bullet holes and the scars of being attacked, (which is precisely why the re-development has been able to occur).

The best way to get around is in a shared taxi, which will cost about £1 to go around the city or £5 to travel to must other places in Lebanon. Do not, however, catch a taxi from the airport as these are ridiculously expensive; start to walk out of the airport and you will get stopped by a taxi where you will get one for a much better price. Travelling elsewhere though is extremely easy as Lebanon is so small everywhere is a short day trip away. I only had time to visit Balbeek, and to have entire ancient city practically to yourself is well worth the trip. Driving there is certainly an experience, as road rules simply don't exist, but that just adds to the charm.

Lebanon is also incredibly cheap and the people the most genuinely welcoming and happy to see you that I have ever come across in my travels. It's also very safe, so whatever you hear about Lebanon in the news, don't let that cloud your judgement. The place certainly deserves more people visiting it (although I quite like being pretty much the only tourist).

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Despite the recent troubles the country has been facing, and the political instability which adds to the uncertainties about the future, Lebanon is a country with a lot to offer. Historically the country, due to its unique geographical position, and the many cultural influences left by the various conquerors throughout its history, has always been a melting pot of different ideas - be it religious, cultural and even culinary.

On my last visit to Lebanon I did experience some of these differences positively I might add, most notably through excellent places that offer everything your heart and wallet might fancy. I was largely pleased with many of these, but most impressed by Tribeca, a New York style restaurant.

The first thing that you notice about Tribeca is the atmosphere. It is a cozy little place that the moment you step in, you feel a welcoming and warm ambience. The walls are decorated by works of art by aspiring new artists, that I am told are for sale.

The food in Tribeca is mainly bagels & Ciabatta sandwiches and salads, with a choice of excellent desserts. But what is most impressive and something you rarely find in restaurants the world over, is how healthy and tasty it is.

The mood of the place is laid back, friendly, and has an intellectual air to it without being overbearing or stuffy.

Abdul Wahah El Inglizi St. and Mono St. 01 339123

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The museum is tucked away in the Monastery of Mar Sarkis on the rock mountain and the view from the museum is absolutely breathtaking. You can enter the museum after buying a ticket for 2 YTL and you are given a guidebook to help you understand the history. The Venetian plastered walls and rock structure of the museum are all that frame the life and work of this extraordinary human being. We walked through the rooms, all with motion sensors for light and a CCTV monitoring our every move. I was amazed to see the paintings and discover Gibran - the artist. The museum is on several levels, the lowest being a bedroom that is also where he is buried inside the rock. It was a bit eerie, so I didn’t stay in that room long.

Tel: 00 961 6 671 137

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There is a lovely church in Bsharre, St Saba church, which has the beautiful backdrop of the Qadisha valley to frame it and is located at the edge of the gorge. The three churches in this town were built by important families from Bsharre, but the St Saba is the most spectacular.

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On our way back from the Cedars in north Lebanon, near the Qadisha valley, we found the lovely town of Bsharre. Even if I did not know the significance of this small town, I would fall in love with it. But for me, it holds a deeper meaning. A walk down memory lane. A long walk. Taking me to my school days and words that etched their meaning over time.

The lines from Gibran’s book ‘The Prophet’ paved the streets of Bsharre as the car wound through its narrow streets, heightening my anticipation. Bsharre is Khalil Gibran’s birthplace - and where his soul rests even today. The town itself was known as Beit Chari in Phoenician times and later as Buissera. The town has become famous primarily because of the Gibran association. His home is now a museum tucked away in the mountain, overlooking a beautiful valley. It would inspire anyone to become a poet, and this town produced one of the greatest poets the world has ever known. His works have been translated into over two dozen languages—but the poet and philosopher was also an accomplished artist.

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They say Tripoli is the sweet capital of Lebanon, if not the Middle East. This well-known store is certainly the place to look out for. An incredible variety of sweets, ice creams and all sorts of exotic treats. Try their speciality baklava made with pistachios, walnuts and pine nuts – sweet, syrupy and deliciously sickly.

www.hallab.com.lb

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Without doubt THE hub of Beirut’s nightlife. This part of town is absolutely jumping all week. You’re spoilt for choice with the number of bars and clubs vying for your custom on this famous stretch. The locals really dress up when they go out, especially Lebanese women who look intimidatingly beautiful so make sure you look the part. Many of the bars on Rue Monot are seriously glam but worth making the effort for. To say the Lebanese like to party would be an understatement…

Rue Monot, downtown Beirut

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Beirut’s most cutting edge neighbourhood. Awash with artists, writers, musicians, film-makers and the like. Think Hoxton if you will. Rue Gourard is the main throughfare and is packed with eclectic bars, cafes, galleries, international restaurants and jazz venues. The nightlife is usually more low key than the Rue Monot but on a weekend this area can get just as busy. During the day it’s a lovely place to take a stroll and people watch.

Rue Gourard is the main artery of Gemayzeh

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Very famous nightclub that wouldn't be out of place in New York or Ibiza.

This underground bunker of a club, with a mean sound system, is located on the industrial outskirts of the city.

Formerly the site of a refugee camp stormed by militia during the civil war. Local taxi drivers know where it is and are probably your best bet for getting there since it is a trek from downtown Beirut.

It is however, absolutely awesome. Get there early and it has a hip, lounge bar feel to it, with eerie iconic images of dead musicians and coffin-like folding banquette's that more-than-conveniently double as podiums later on when things really kick off!

Architecturally and design wise, this place is really remarkable. The big crowds start arriving post-midnight due to the hedonistic club's reputation as the after-hours venue of choice. When the sun comes up, the roof retracts, flooding daylight into the open arms and bleary eyes of the most hardened house and techno enthusiasts as the fierce beats keep their feet stomping.

Lot# 317, la Quarantine, Medawar, Beyrouth

Head out of the city and its just off the Dora highway near the Forum de Beyrouth...

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