"I love Beirut" a Lebanon Travel Page by davidfaroe

I was almost forced to go to Beirut. Of course, unfortunately, Beirut is not the first destination for European or American people. It seems dangerous... But, once arrived there you'll change the opinion. Not very quickly, because at the airport you can not find an operational visitor information center or office or people... At the first time, there are big chances to be fooled by a taxi driver that we'll ask you an exorbitant price for a very short trip (Beirut Airport is very close to city center - less than 8 km). The accommodation uses the same method, overcharging you for anything.
After waking yourself, you start to be more selective with the "suppliers". The bombing-car-traps don't turn up, the people are very relaxed and very soon you'll understand that you are in a very normal city, with almost no danger. When you see the Mediterranean's Sea wonderful waters you want to kiss or hug the one who forced you to go to Beirut.
The beauty of Beirut Downtown... Its perfect mediterranean buildings, the clean streets that make even the singaporean or swiss visitor to be shamed, its tranquility... The great picture that you take from Place D'Etoile with a Christian church in front of a mosque... Yes, Beirut is beautiful.
If you go out of the city, in north or south you will drive on a very scenic route and, from time to time, you will have some breath-taking sights.
Of course, being to busy with their civil wars in the last 20 years, Lebanese weren't able to modernize a lot of attraction. But everywhere you can see that they are building, working, trying to retrieve the waisted time.
The people... It is a a great mix of cultures. Beirut is a progressive muslim city, so don't expect to see saudi sightseeing. Also it is a heaven for plastic surgery, a lot of lebanese girls use it and they look great. Also beautiful is the sincere smile of the old taxi driver that speak a basic english and try his best to make you feel good.
I didn't try the nightlife scene, but it is said to be another major attraction.
I liked it, I recommend it. When you come back, you'll be thinking that you are one of the fortunates that have been in Beirut.