Beirut is an amazing city but after a few days there I kept wondering about certain things like how the civil war affected the city, why there were parts you couldn't go through and why some buildings were still in a state of ruin. All those questions and more were answered when on the penultimate day of our stay we did the Walk Beirut tour. I only wish we had done it on our first day instead.

www.bebeirut.org/walk.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Harissa is an important religious and touristic site, located on a mountain, high above a coastal town known as Jounieh. You can go to Harissa via cable cars otherwise known as the Teleferique, from Jounieh. It's a beautiful site, which overlooks Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea.

The main holy site consists of a large statue, which is painted in white, of the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Lebanon. One can climb the stairs and go right to the top of the statue, and is an area of complete serenity and calmness. It is a place where people can pray in peace, and also enjoy the view of from the very top (Harissa is located about 650 meters from sea level)

I recommend this place because it's such a beautiful and relaxing place to visit every year. Tourists from all walks of life visit Harissa, to be blessed by Virgin Mary. It is definitely a place to visit and enjoy in the Lebanon.

www.harissa.info/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you look beyond the much celebrated souks of Damascus and Marrakesh, a brilliantly understated example are the souks of Tripoli. There is something about this place off the beaten track, that really preserve an air of adventure. Teaming with narrow alleyways, pungent aromas, vibrant fabrics and steamy hammams, it is an unforgettable experience. If you fancy a snack, the town is famed for its speciality sweet, 'haliwat al-jibn', which can be found in numerous outlets. However, my favourite feature was to be found within the Souk al-Sayyaghin. In the 18th Century, Tripoli was famed for its soap, and a small factory can be visited. The humble workers show you around the small surroundings, while explaining the process, before offering a plethora of soaps of all shapes, scents and sizes. Available for very reasonable prices.

Soap shop: Bader Hassoun
Phone: 03-438 369
Found just off Al-Kind Arjieh St.

Google map: tinyurl.com/34xblno

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Food is the best way for one to delve into the soul of a culture and learn more about its people, their customs & traditions. Sitting down and breaking bread with a total stranger from a different culture is a beautifully unifying and enriching experience.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Lebanese food and experience first hand what it really is like to enjoy an authentic, lavish Mediterranean spread then this seven-day culinary journey across Lebanon will leave you with a well-rounded taste of Lebanon and each of its region’s specialties. You will visit six different regions, savoring each region’s specialty and learning the process and technique that goes into making that certain dish that each region is renown for.

The culinary journey across Lebanon will visit Beirut, Byblos, Batroun, Tripoli, the North, Mount Lebanon, Baalbeck, and the Beqaa. The tour is led by Bethany Kehdy, a Lebanese national and seasoned food blogger. She has prepared a fascinating list of fabulous activities including many food demonstrations, harvest-your-own expeditions, visits to ancient towns and bustling markets, wine tasting at vineyards and even a fishing trip. And of course there will be lots of relaxing by the pool, lavish lunches, and exotic dinners.

The first edition of Taste Lebanon will run from 23 September to 1 October and spaces are limited to only 11 participants.

For more information visit www.dirtykitchensecrets.com/taste-lebanon-a-culinary-journey-across-lebanon/

www.dirtykitchensecrets.com
07545980508
bethany@dirtykitchensecrets.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

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).

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends