Beirut Off The Beaten Path Tips by MM212 Top 5 Page for this destination

Damascus, Syria

If staying in Lebanon for any length of time, then one must definitely consider going to Damascus. The capital of Syria is a mere two and half hours' drive, including passport checks, from Beirut. There are buses and specific taxis services that make the journey, or one could hire a private car (cost is typically $100-$125). A day trip is possible, but an overnight trip or longer is much more satisfying. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Damascus is one of the most fascinating cities in the Middle East, with history spanning 7000 years. The old city, its meandering alleys and labyrinth of souks are most intriguing and contain a tremendous number of astonishing historic buildings, including the 8th century Omayyad Mosque of unparallelled splendour. Although I've been told that an entry visa may be obtained at the border, it is best and smoothest to apply for a visa well in advance in your home country (please verify requirements).

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Lebanon Day Trips

If spending more than two days in Beirut, then you must travel outside the city to see the rest of the beautiful country. A wide range of choices is available, from ancient ruins (Baalbek, Tyre) to ski resorts (les Cèdres, Feraya-Mzaar), and from mediaeval cities (Sidon, Tripoli) to vineyards and casinos. A breathtakingly scenic drive is guaranteed whichever direction one chooses. Check out my Lebanon page to see possible destinations within this amazing country. An extensive bus network, or private car/taxi, will easily transport the visitor to all the major sites.