How to get from the airport to the city
Upon arrival in Beirut, at the Rafic Hariri Airport, all citizens arriving in the country must fill out an immigration card.
The following fields are required to be filled in:
- name and surname;
- Date and place of birth;
- date of validity of the passport;
- passport ID;
- profession;
- place of residence in Lebanon.
The officer at the border will definitely ask about the purpose of the trip to Lebanon and about the place of residence. These questions should be prepared in advance. It is also worth noting the presence of an Israeli stamp in the passport. With this stamp, they may not be allowed into the country.
In Beirut, there is no public transport connection between the city and the airport, which is actively used by taxi drivers. On average they will ask for 20,000-30,000 livres. But there is a much cheaper way to get there. As soon as the arrivals move 500 meters from the airport, most of the passing cars will honk at them, offering their services for driving. The price of such a taxi will be no more than 5,000 livres.
What to see in Beirut
Beirut is one of the 10 most ancient cities in the world. Its history spans over 5000 years. But today, Beirut is one of the most secular cities in the Middle East. You can start your acquaintance with the city from the central embankment. Where locals can smoke hookah, play sports.
On the waterfront there are a large number of restaurants to get acquainted with the local cuisine. The most popular place among tourists is a place on the embankment - the Pigeon Grotto, the most beautiful view opens at sunset.
Another attraction of Beirut is the Omari Mosque. This building was built in 1187 and used to be the temple of the god Jupiter. In the center of the city is Place d'Etoile (Square of the Star), in all directions from which narrow streets spread like rays.
This part of Beirut can be safely called the center of nightlife, it is here that the trading heart of the city is located, large pavilions of famous brands, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are located in the area.
Safety in Beirut
Beirut is a safe city for tourists, with military personnel stationed throughout the city to patrol the city (echoes of the recent revolution). The Lebanese themselves are very friendly and benevolent people.
It is worth noting that there are quite a few Syrian refugees in the city who beg on the streets, but they do not pose a danger to tourists.