Beirut

Beirut (Arabic: بيروت‎ Bayrūt, French: Beyrouth) is the national capital of Lebanon with a population of roughly 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. The city is on a relatively small headland jutting into the east Mediterranean. It is by far the largest city in Lebanon. Due to Lebanon's small size and the capital has always held the status as the only true cosmopolitan city in the nation and since independence, has been the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon.

Districts

Beirut is composed by many different neighborhoods, each own having its own distinctive atmosphere and character. Damascus Road, which connects the center with the National Museum, was known as the "Green Line" during the civil war perioid (1975–1990). At that time, it separated the mostly Muslim Western sector of the city and the Christian eastern sector.

Martyrs' Plaza and the post-war development of Beirut Central District (BCD) are the geographical pivot of the city and serve quite well for orientation. The city sprawls over a peninsula with the sea to the north and the west and the Mount Lebanon ridge to the east

[[Image:Wikivoyage Beirut map PNG.png|thumb|500px|Districts of Beirut]]

Beirut/Downtown In the heart of the city beside the Beirut port and Beirut marina; includes many cafés, restaurants and places to shop. Also home to many historical sites. It is very tourist and not as authentic as other neighborhoods.

Beirut/Ashrafieh The center of modern nightlife in the city, though less so during the summertime. Ashrafieh, is divided into smaller areas; Gemmayze and Monot Street are the most popular nightspots, while Sassine Plaza and Sodeco Plaza are mainly afternoon shopping areas. Gemmayze consists of mostly pubs, though it does also contain a fine selection of restaurants. Many people are starting to think of it as a separate entity from Ashrafieh. Monot Street features a mix of restaurants, late night restaurants and pubs.

Beirut/Ain El Mraiseh Seafront neighborhood with plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Beirut/Hamra A hive of activity and a shopping-lover's paradise. Hamra became the center during the troubles in the 1970s. The more popular places are Bliss st., Hamra st., Sourati st. and Jeanne d'Arc st., each havings its own share of cafés, hotels and restaurants. Hamra st. in particular has been redeveloped in recent years, with larger chains of restaurants and cafés opening there, including Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), Costa, Nandos, Roadsters and Applebees. There has also been a revitalization of the pub scene, with over a dozen bars and pubs operating in the area.

Beirut/Ras Beirut The westernmost neighborhood of Beirut. Ras Beirut literally translates to "the head of Beirut" due to its location on the tip of peninsula, home to the Manara Lighthouse and various beach clubs (though none feature any sandy beaches).

Beirut/Rawcheh The Pigeon Rocks, one of the iconic monuments of the city and many sunset-looking cafés and restaurants.

Beirut/Ramlet El Baida A residential area just south of Rawcheh, which hosted Beirut's only public beach before huge building projects started in 2016.

Beirut/Verdun A trendy shopping area, with cafés and restaurants. Many Gulf Arabs stay here during summer vacations.

Beirut/Jnah A predominantly residential area in southern Beirut, but also home to various clubs and hotels. Beirut Halal Travel Guide Martyrs' Plaza Statue Beirut Lebanon - Martyrs' Plaza Statue Beirut Lebanon

.

Parks and squares

• Sanayeh Park, Emmile Eddé Road, Hamra, Beirut
• Horsh Beirut (Beirut Pine Forest), (adjacent to the Beirut Hippodrome south of Ashrafieh)
• Khalil Gebran Park Beirut/Downtown|Downtown District (between Amir Amine St. and Toufik Khaled St.)
• Debbas Plaza Saifi village Beirut/Downtown|Downtown (between Charles Debbas St. and Dmascus St.)
• Nejmeh Plaza Central Beirut/Downtown|Downtown
• Herbal Garden Riad El Solh St. Beirut/Downtown|Downtown
• American University of Beirut campus By far the biggest and greenest park in Beirut. Non-students are only allowed to enter through the main gate on Bliss Street in Hamra. Visiters are required to show ID.
• Lebanese American University campus. While much smaller than AUB and the LAU campus in southern Hamra/Qoreitem is a cozy and quiet refuge from the busy streets of Beirut. ID is required to enter.

===Festivals and events===Events|To stay up to date on Beirut's nightlife scene, visit any Virgin Megastores branch to ask about any upcoming events. Many live concerts are held throughout the year with international musicians and DJs. Beirut has hosted some of the world’s biggest names in Dance music such as Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Above and Beyond, Bob Sinclar, Hernan Cattaneo, James Zabiela, Cosmic Gate, Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Nick Warren, Anthony Pappa, Sasha, John Digweed, Danny Howells, Steve Lawler and others. Alternatively keep an ear out for the radio or on underground party websites:

• NRJ (99 FM) ]
• Mix FM (104.4)
• Wednesday Run Beirut
• Beirut International Film Festival , Held annually in October and the Beirut Film Festival exhibits films from all over the middle east, in either Arabic or French. The films vary vastly and some can be intensely political.

• Beirut International Jazz Festival / , Held annually during the month of July over a period of four days, some of the greatest international jazz artists as well as musicians from around Lebanon play some quality music near the Beirut marina.

• Festival du cinéma francophone ?page=fiche&id_evenement_oif=5486&annee=2007 ☎ +961 1 293 212 Held between the month of March and April over a period of two weeks, films are in French. Cinéma Métropolis - Masrah Al Madina, Beirut.

• One Big Sunday, Beach party with live DJs held every Sunday during the summer months in various resorts and beaches, organised by Mix FM ].
• Bacardi Night, Annual festival held during the summer with some of the hottest DJs and bands from around the world, organised by Mix FM ].

Top Travel Tips

There are many things to do in Beirut. Check the different neighborhoods to find out what each has to offer. Meanwhile, here are a few highlights:

RivieraBeachClubBeirutS - A Beach Club in Beirut. Most do not offer a sandy beach, however.

• Bet on an Arabian thoroughbred every Sunday in the Beirut Hippodrome, officially called Hippodrome Du Parc De Beyrouth. The hippodrome is home to popular horse races, attracting a dedicated betting crowd (often old taxi drivers). Foreign Muslims should join the fun in the afternoon for free entrance (ID or passport required). Open on Sundays only.
• Soak up the sun in one of the beach clubs on the Beirut coast. Very few actually have sandy beaches and most unfortunately have been converted into spas with swimming pools and paved terraces, but despite all that and they all have access to the sea. A few of them are completely private and members-only, but can be visited by paying for a guest ticket if going in with a member. The Saint George Yacht club in Ain El Mreisseh and the Riviera Beach and Yacht Club at the Riviera Hotel are two such popular clubs, where access to the beach club for non-members is US$20 per day. You can chill in one of the pools or have a drink at the bistros and cafes while listening to music in the afternoons. Long Beach Club is another good place. The entrance is just to the left of the Ferris wheel on the Corniche right before the hill. Bring a beach towel.

Beirutcorniche - The Corniche before sunset.

• Test your golfing skills at* The Golf Club of Lebanon - 18 hole - Ouzai - Fruit Juices Hassan - next to Henry chehab barrack ☎ +961 1 826335-6-7 +961 1 822474

• Take a ride on the* Beirut Balloon - 30 passenger helium filled balloon, offering breathtaking views from an altitude of 300 m | Allenby St., Downtown Beirut - Entrance is through Biel Convention Centre. Look for it in the sky! ☎ +961 1 985901 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 10PM
• Walk, jog, skate, cycle, stroll (or whatever you consider exercise) along Paris Avenue which links up to General De Gaulle Avenue (both locally known simply as the corniche) which stretch around the entire Central Beirut perimeter (approx. 5 km). Start the walk, jog, skate etc.. at the Beirut marina (Downtown Beirut District) about an hour or so before sunset and finish at the Pigeon Rocks in Rawcheh, in time to watch the sun go down while sipping on a drink at one of the outdoor cafés.
• Scuba Dive:, With 300 sunny days a year, 36 shipwrecks, impressive walls, canyons, caves, Ray habitats and shark habitats, Beirut definitely has something to offer for a serious scuba diver. The French WWII submarine Le Souffleur and the British freighter Alice B which sank during the civil war in the 1980s, The Macedonia freighter which sank in 1962 and the National Star freighter in 1991 and the Mediterranean flagship of Admiral Sir George Tryon HMS Victoria which sank in 1893, The British Woke which sank during WWII, make just a few of Beirut's shipwreck collection. Historical city's dot ancient Phoenicia's shore, providing us today with many interesting submerged historical sites, some littered with Phoenician and Roman marble stones, granite columns, pathways, old stone anchors, amphorae and bits of pottery. There are several Dive Centers around Beirut:

• Calypso Beirut Diving Club - @lebanon.com Movenpick Hotel & Resort, General de Gaulle Avenue, Raouche, Beirut - ☎ +961 3-314557 +961 1-785300

• NISD - National Institute for Scuba Diving - @online.com ☎ +961 3-204422 +961 1-739206) Solidere Beirut Marina, Downtown Beirut.

• LD - Lebanon Divers - ☎ +961 1-322826, +961 3-602614 +961 1-329441 Mardelli Building 2nd Floor, Saide Street Ashrafieh.

• Atlantis , Bel Azur Hotel, Jounieh, Greater Beirut.

Study in Beirut

• AUB- American University of Beirut - The American University of Beirut (AUB) was founded in 1866 as a private, independent, non-sectarian institution of higher learning, functioning under a charter from the State of New York. AUB has grown from 16 students in a rented house to a major university with over 6,900 students located on a 73-acre campus overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The University is governed by an autonomous Board of Trustees comprised of international leaders in business, education, diplomacy, engineering, philanthropy, science and medicine.
• LAU- Lebanese American University - The Lebanese American University is an American institution chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and operating in Lebanon. LAU has two campuses: one in Beirut and a second in the Mount Lebanon city of Jbeil (Byblos). The university offers programs leading to Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees in the arts and sciences and Doctorates in Pharmacy. LAU is the only institution outside of the United States with an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program. LAU is a candidate for accreditation by the Commission on Institution of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
• USJ- Université Saint-Joseph - A private university founded in 1875. A member of the Association of Arab Universities and the International Association of Universities and the Association of French speaking universities (AUPELF) the International Federation of Catholic Universities and the European Federation of Catholic Universities and the Association of Jesuit Institutions of Higher Learning in Europe and Lebanon and the Euro-Med University (Téthys).
• Lebanese University- (Arabic: الجامعة اللبنانية‎, French: Université Libanaise) is the only public institution for higher learning in Lebanon. Founded in 1951, it has 16 faculties as of 2022 and comprises various cultural, religious and social groups of students and teachers.
• Haigazian University (Arabic: جامعة هايكازيان, Armenian: Հայկազեան Համալսարան) is the only Armenian university in the Armenian diaspora founded in 1955 as Haigazian College. English is the main language of instruction although the university has an Armenological Department for studies in Armenian. It offers programs in English leading to Bachelor's degrees in the Arts and Sciences as well as Business Administration and Economics, in addition to Master's degrees in the Arts, Sciences and Business Administration.
• ALLC International House Beirut International House Beirut is the only school in the nation to offer speaking-only courses in the Lebanese dialect, as well as the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate for Teaching English as a Foreign Language). IH Beirut also provides classes in (Spanish), French, Italian, (German) and Modern Standard Arabic.
• Saifi Institute for Arabic Language Saifi Institute is the most well known of Lebanon's Arabic language schools. It is located in the Saifi Urban Gardens campus in Beirut's Gemazye neighborhood, which includes a cafe and student lodging. Saifi Institute hosts around 120 students per 5-week term throughout the year. Courses are offered in the spoken and written communication of daily life (Saifi's own curriculum called "Urban Arabic"), as well as Modern Standard Arabic.
• Lycee Abdel Kader- A private French Lycée in the traditional area of Karakol El Druze near Beirut downtown: it is particularly known for offering French and Lebanese baccalaureates and for its highly competent students and staff. It is ranked among the top 5 private schools in Lebanon with a 100% success rate in the French Bac.

Shopping in Beirut

Clothes and fashion - Beirut is the fashion capital of Lebanon and the region, with many prominent Lebanese designers located here, including (Elie Saab , Basil Soda , Pierre Katra and Robert AbiNader .)

Shopping streets

There are several shopping neighborhoods around the town.

• Downtown Beirut - The renovated town center that boasts fancy and designer stores.
• Hamra Street - An area featuring much revitalization over the last few years, with many international and upscale brands returning to the neighborhood.
• March - Elias Street - A busy street towards the south of Beirut. Many of the shops are Lebanese brands which means thit is the perfect place to find bargains as most brands are local and affordable.
• Rue. Verdun - A shopping street with several high-end shopping malls and department stores.

Shopping centers

• ABC Mall Achrafieh Alfred Naccache Street, Mar Mitr - ☎ +961 1 212888 Many international brands are here along with great restaurants, cafés and a movie theater all in a mixed indoor/outdoor setting.

A second branch of this mall has also opened in Verdun Street.

• Souks de Beirut is a mall in downtown with international brands in an outdoor setting.
• Beirut Mall ☎ +961 1 385888 - Tayouneh roundabout.

ABC Outlet, Hamra street, facing Cinema strand, +961 1 344740. Women's specialty store. Open Monday to Saturday 9:45AM Monday - 7:45PM, closed Sunday.

• City Mall, Dora highway roundabout, Greater Beirut, +961 1 905555. 100 stores, 15 cafés and restaurants, a Hypermarket and 9 movie theaters.
• Music, books, event tickets: Virgin Megastores has several branches in Beirut including: Beirut International Airport, City Mall (Dora roundabout), ABC department stores (Ashrafieh, Verdun, Dbayye), Beirut Souks.

Markets

Flea markets are surprisingly hard to find, occasional organized markets are held that are made to resemble flea markets.

• Souk El Tayeb Held every Saturday near BIEL downtown 9AM Monday - 2PM, is Beirut's first organic farmer's market. Promoting traditional methods of farming and preserving, it's a great place to pick up local honey, Cheese and breads, plus artisans' crafts. It also runs regular cookery classes, to learn how to make that perfect tabouleh (bulgur salad).
• Sunday Market Get up early and join the local residents for a rummage at the Sunday Market which is open 7AM Monday - 1PM, next to Beirut River in the east. You might find antique jewellery, clothing and beads, or maybe just bric-à-brac, but there's an eclectic selection of goodies on show. Remember to bargain hard.
• Burj Hammoud Beirut's Armenian quarter, perfect place to shop for affordable bric-à-brac, artisan's' crafts, souvenirs, copper and brass ware and faus-brands. Don't forget to negotiate. Burj Hammoud is located to the East of ashrafieh across the Beirut river.

Money Matters & ATM's in Beirut

2015-06-06 11-23-31 monnaie - On both sides of all the banknotes and coins of Lebanese pound, written in Arabic and French.

• Cash: Lebanese pounds (LL) and US dollars are both accepted everywhere, except for tiny number of government offices. Payment and change for transactions may be given as a combination of the two. The exchange rate is fixed at LL1,500 to US$1.
• Payment cards: Many shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc., accept international payment cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or American Express.
• Automatic bank tellers: Withdrawal can be made from any automatic bank teller found in any region of the nation. Withdrawals can be made in either Lebanese lira or the US dollar.
• Traveler's checks: Lebanese banks can exchange them very easily.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Beirut

Lebanese cuisine

Lebanese cuisine is a mix of Arab, Turkish and Mediterranean influences and enjoys a worldwide reputation for its richness and variety as well as its Mediterranean health factor. Olive oil, herbs, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables are commonly used, as well as dairy products, cereals, fishes and various types of Meat. A visit to Beirut includes the traditional Lebanese Mezze (Meza), an elaborate variety of thirty hot and cold dishes. A typical Mezze may consist of salads such as the Tabboule and Fattouch, together with the caviars: Hommos and Moutabal and some patties such as the Sambousseks and finally and the stuffed grape leaves, with of course the Lebanese flat pita bread which is crucial to every Lebanese Mezze.

Must try:

• Mankoushé/Manakish: a Lebanese Pizzas, or at least that's what it looks like and the Mankoushé is a baked pizza-shaped dough with either a mixture of thyme (called za'atar) or local cheeses (or a mixture of both) on top, can be purchased from all bakeries as well as special Forn Mankhoushé which specialize in this type of food, had for breakfast. cost between LL1,000 and LL3,000.
• Ka'ek: a different version of bagels, about 30 cm in diameter and hollow, normally filled with thyme but you can ask for Cheese spread as well. Commonly purchased from street vendors that ride bicycles or motorized scooters and honk a manual horn, but you can also find it at major bakeries. Although not of Lebanese origins and they're quite popular and are always found near Rawcheh area and they're worth a try. Cost about LL1,000.
• Roastery Nuts: roasted nuts are them local favorite appetizers particularly with the older people. Local brands have dedicated roasteries where clients walk in and order fresh and they produce some of the best nuts in the region and certainly the most varied. Pecans, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts. Ask for Krikri in thyme, spice, or Cheese flavour.
• Sweets: every religious or national event sees stalls set up on pavements outside churches and in public squares, where traditional Lebanese sweets are sold such as: Maamoul, Ktaef, Halawet el Jibn, Halawet el Riz,and Ashta. If you're lucky enough to come across those be sure to give them all a try, otherwise visit any påtisserie where the same sweets can be purchased.

International cuisine

Beirut's different cultures brought different tastes for food and restaurants of all different origins have opened all around the town. Restaurants have different price ranges, depending of course on the quality of the ingredients used; check the different neighborhoods for the listings.

Fast food

If you're on a tight budget, or if you simply miss the food that you can get back at home, fast food is your best option. All major international fast food restaurants have opened chains in Beirut (KFC, McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Hardee's, Domino's Pizza, Pizzas Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, Subway), but many local fast food restaurants have sprung up to compete with the major franchisers.

Nightlife: Alcohol is readily available in Beirut. Many of Beirut's neighborhoods have their own fair amount of cafes and clubs, although many areas are "dry" or, while serving alocohol, do not have a vibrant nightlife. This said, two of the hotter nightspots, with the highest concentration of pubs and late night restaurants, are Gemmayze (mostly pubs) and Monot Street (mix of late night restaurants and pubs), both located within close range in the Ashrafieh neighborhood. Hamra is also seeing a revival in its Halal dining, with over a dozen new pubs and bars open there now. The best way to find out what's in and whats not is by checking the local press or simply going there and seeing for yourself. There is no curfew in Beirut, thought expect most pubs and bars to empty by 2AM and most late night restaurants to empty between 4AM and 4:40AM.

During the summer, Monot tends to be much less busy, as many open-air clubs outside of the area tend to dominate the nightlife in Beirut. Gemmayzeh remains popular year-round.

• SkyBar in Biel, next to downtown, is an open-air nightclub. It may be the hottest nightclub in Beirut and has a view overlooking the Sea. It is closed during the winter months.
• Iris. A rooftop bar on top of the an-Nahar newspaper building, with an outdoor area overlooking the sea, downtown and the mountains.

Locally brewed organic juice include Almaza and Laziza (non-alcoholic). There is also a sheesha lounge that started producing several styles of more flavorful organic juice in 2006, called 961Colas.com/ "961 Beer"]. "LB Beer"], which is brewed without the use of any corn or Rice. it has gained a large following by the younger, independent minded crowd and is a regular staple at locally organized parties. All are worth a try when visiting.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Beirut

Beirut - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Beirut, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Beirut. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Beirut and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Beirut. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Beirut. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Beirut: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Beirut.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Beirut: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Beirut, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Beirut.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Beirut, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Beirut, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Beirut and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Beirut, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Beirut, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Beirut without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Beirut is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Beirut.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Beirut is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Beirut, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Beirut Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Beirut

eHalal Group Beirut is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Beirut. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Beirut.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Beirut ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Beirut. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Beirut, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Beirut are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Beirut

Ramadan 2025 in Beirut

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are lots of hotels in Beirut's metropolitan area, ranging from affordable hostels to luxury suite hotels. Prices and quality vary across the spectrum, but if you look well enough and there's bound to be the perfect hotel inside whatever budget you set. Check the different Beirut#Districts|neighborhoods to find places to sleep.

Stay Safe

{{warningbox|The U.S. State Department (last updated: May 29, 2023) nglish/alertswarnings/lebanon-travel-warning specifically warns of threats to U.S. citizens in Beirut: "Protesters have blocked major roads to gain publicity for their causes, including the primary road between downtown Beirut and Rafiq Hariri International Airport temporarily without warning. Access to the airport may be cut off if the security situation deteriorates.[...]

The last wave of bombings in Beirut began in June 2013 and ended in mid-2014 with hundreds of dead and injured, including at least two U.S. citizens killed. The security services have made great progress in improving their capacity to detect and intercept terrorist attacks, resulting in a marked decline in suicide and vehicle bombs, but many extremist groups remain actively engaged in planning attacks. These regularly involve suicide bombers, many of whom have detonated their vests or vehicles short of their targets.

Hizballah maintains a strong presence in parts of south Beirut and the Bekaa Valley and areas in southern Lebanon.Hizballah has been the target of attacks by other extremist groups for their support of the Asad regime in Syria. The potential for violence between Hizballah and other extremist groups throughout the nation remains a strong possibility.Hizballah and other groups have at times detained and extensively interrogated U.S. citizens or other foreigners for political motivations."

After 2009, Lebanon became a safer place and the number of tourists is dramatically increasing (more than 2 million in 2009), although the number has peaked since then. The US government's warning to travelers visiting Lebanon was lifted in 2009 but was later renewed, in part because of the risk of spillover from the Syrian civil war. The violence in Naher al-Bared has ceased. If you choose to visit Lebanon, visit the touristic city's like Jounieh, Byblos, Tyr and Tripoli. Beirut itself is relatively safe.

Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut are approachable, but try to bring a local. She/he will be worth a lot when it comes to logistics and safety. Camps vary in size and appearance (the camps in Beirut are worse than some rural camps, which can resemble more open villages). Most refugees however are both civil and open in the encounter with foreigners. The key is of course openness on your part as well. Of course, Downtown Beirut will always be a more safe alternative, but for the most part you won't encounter any problems while in a refugee camp.

Photography of military personnel and installations is not allowed. You should also be careful in taking photographs in the Dahiyeh (the southern suburbs), if you don't want to get in contact with Hezbollah. The safest thing is to ask an official nearby for permission, although your request will very likely be turned down. Keep your camera in a purse just for safety. If a Hezbollah official approaches you, seeing your camera, he can't know if you've been taking pictures before that. Should you be taken in for questioning (because of taking pictures), remain calm. It might take a long time getting out of it, but it's highly unlikely that things should escalate or turn ugly. Bottom line: consider not bringing your camera at all. A trip to Dahiyeh is way too interesting and different to be spent getting questioned by the authorities.

Avoid any governmental or military convoys that may be passing by. Lebanese people have adapted to all those situations.

Cope in Beirut

Crime

Beirut sees no more criminal activity than any other major city, if not less. Be aware of pickpockets and scams involving overpricing. The last is mostly a problem concerning taxi drivers, so be sure always to agree on a price before setting off.

Health

If you are unlucky enough to fall ill, head straight for the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), commonly called AUH, (near the AUB campus) - you will need to pay around US$40 upfront (cash or major credit card) and be reimbursed later by your insurer.

Pharmacies in Lebanon are able to prescribe drugs on-the-spot. While thit is likely to be a boon for a minority of travelers, it can leave you even more ill than when you came in to begin with. Don't chance it - see a doctor first.

City stress

Escaping to the mountains near Beirut is an excellent option for those about to burn-out. Aley and Beit Mery are both near enough to the city (20–30 minutes) and are generally clean and green.

Embassies & Consulates in Beirut

{{flag|Czech Republic* Czech Republic St. Bechara Church Street, Baabda - ☎ +961 5 929 010, +961 3 332 291 (emergencies) +961 5 922 120 Opening Hours: Monday Wednesday to Friday 8:30AM Monday - noon {{flag|Canada* Canada First Floor, Coolrite Building, 43 Jal El Dib Highway 33.90955,35.57837 ☎ +961 4 726700 Egypt | 4653, Dr. Muhammad El-Bethri Street beside Engineering Syndicate - ☎ +961 1 859977 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4PM {{flag|France}

• France - Espace des Lettres - Bâtiment A - Rue de Damas - in front of USJ ☎ +961 1 420100 +961 1 420107 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - noon - 2018-02-26* Germany - B.P. 11-2820 Riad El-Solh (Maghzal Bldg) - ☎ +961 4 935 000, +961 3 600 053 (emergencies) +961 4 935 001 Opening 7:30AM Monday - 11:30AM and Monday - Thursday 12:30PM Monday - 2:30PM

• Greece - Nouvelle Naccache, Rue des Ambassades, Immeuble Boukhater (P.O.Box 11-0309) - ☎ +961 4 521 700, +961 7071994 (emergencies) +961 4 418 774 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4PM

{{flag|Italy* Italy | Rue du Palais Presidentiel 2902 2633 - Baabda - ☎ +961 5 954955 {{flag|Netherlands* The Netherlands - Avenue Charles Malek 2073-0802 - Achrafieh - ☎ +961 1 1211150 Opening 7:30AM Monday - 3:30PM and Consular department Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 12:30PM * Philippines Bldg No. 29 Plot No. 511 Charles Malik Ave Achrafieh - across Roadster Diner ☎ +961 1 212-001 {{flag|Romania* Romania | Lebanon Route du Palais Présidentiel Baabda - ☎ +961 5-924848, +961 5-924849 * Türkiye | Rabieh, Zone II, 1st Street, Metn - ☎ +961 452 09 29, +961 452 09 39* United Kingdom - Embassies Complex, Armies St, Zkak Al-Blat, Serail Hill - ☎ +961 1 9608 00 United States In Awkar facing the municipality -

Radio stations

Radio in Beirut is quite popular, particularly with the younger people who listen to the English-spoken stations as all events and concerts are advertised through those. Arabic and French broadcasted stations are plentiful and are worth a listen if you'd like to experience the traditional culture. Below are radio stations that are broadcasted in English:

• NRJ (99.1FM), ]
• Mix FM (104,4FM)
• Radio One (105.5FM), ]
• BBC World Service (in English) (1323AM), /]

Newspapers

2010 newsstand Beirut 4257088718 - A newsstand in Beirut

Official Newsboxes can be found throughout the commercial areas in the city, mainly in Sassine Plaza ashrafieh, Verdun st. Verdun, Concorde st. Hamra. All Minimarkets/Supermarkets/Hypermarkets distribute newspapers and magazines as well.

• The Daily Star Independent daily English-language newspaper covering local, national and international news.
• L'Orient Le Jour a popular independent French-language newspaper.
• Ad Diyar a popular independent Arabic-language newspaper.
• Al Akhbar a popular Arabic-language newspaper.
• Al Anwar a popular Arabic-language newspaper.
• Al Joumhouria a popular Arabic-language newspaper.
• Al Mustaqbal a popular Arabic-language newspaper.
• An Nahar a popular Arabic-language newspaper.

There is a huge variety of Arabic newspapers of all sorts, as well as ethnic newspapers such as the Armenianllanguage dailies Aztag, Ararad and Zartonk.

==Muslim Friendly Hospitals== Emergency number|Dial 112

• American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) - Internal medicine, General surgery, Heart surgery, Maternity, Pediatrics, Urology, Ophthalmology, Specialized Eye center, Family medicine, Intensive care unit, Physiotherapy, Blood bank, Pharmacy, Laboratory and Emergency services. - Makdissi Street, Hamra - ☎ +961 1 350-000 +961 1-345325

• Hotel Dieu Hospital: - Internal Medicine, General Surgery -Heart Surgery, Kidney, Liver and Bone marrow transplant, Maternity, Pediatrics, Intensive Care Units, One day surgery, Outpatient care, Diagnostic procedures, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, blood bank, Medical Imaging services, Radiation Oncology, Hem dialysis, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Emergency services. - Adib Ishak Street, BVD. Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, - ☎ +961 1-615300, +961 1-615400 +961 1-615295

• Saint George Hospital University medical center: - internal medicine, general surgery, heart surgery, maternity, pediatrics, intensive care unit, physiotherapy, blood bank, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services. - Rmeil, Youssef Sursock street, Achrafieh - ☎ +961 1-585700, +961 1-525700 +961 1-582560

• Clinique Dr. Rizk Hospital: - Services Provided: Internal medicine, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, kidney transplant, specialized eye center, intensive care unit, physiotherapy, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services. - Zahar St., Achrafieh, P.O. Box: 11-3288, Beirut - ☎ +961 1-200800, +961 1-328800 +961 1-200816

• Makassed Hospital: Ouzai St., Tarik Al-Jadida, P.O. Box: 6301, Beirut - ☎ +961 1-646590 +961 1-646589 Internal medicine, surgery, bone marrow transplant, maternity, pediatrics, intensive care unit, physiotherapy, blood bank, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services.

• Najjar Hospital: Maamari Street, Ras Beirut - ☎ +961 1-340626, +961 3-669911 +961 1-343992 Internal medicine, Surgery, Maternity, Pediatrics, Intensive care unit, Blood bank, Pharmacy, Laboratory and Emergency services.

• Sahel Hospital: Airport Ave., Dergham Street, P.O.Box: 99/25, Ghobeiry - ☎ +961 1-858333 +961 1-840146 Internal medicine, general surgery, maternity, intensive care unit, physiotherapy, blood bank, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services.

• Trad Hospital and Medical Center: - : Mexico Street, Fifth Floor, Clemenceau, Hamra - ☎ +961 1-341740, +961 1-369494, +961 1-369495 +961 1-361663 Internal medicine, surgery, maternity, pharmacy and laboratory services.

• Fuad Khoury Hospital: ffhosp67@ Maktabi Bldg., Abdelaziz Street, Hamra - ☎ +961 1-742140, +961 1-348811 +961 1-350208 Internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, blood bank, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services.

• Barbir Hospital: Fuad The First Street, Barbir - ☎ +961 1-652915, +961 1-652955 +961 1-631429 Internal medicine, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, intensive care unit, physiotherapy, blood bank, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency services.

Telecommunications

Many cafes and restaurants provide free WiFi to clients. Internet Cafés are plentiful in Beirut and they should all provide printing and copying services as well as web surfing. The inner-city internet cafés tend to be more expensive (approx US$2–3/hr) than those in the residential areas (approx $0.50/hr), but are also 'nicer' e.g.z providing a faster internet connection with new fast computers:

• GDS Global Data Systems - Sodeco Plaza, ground floor Sodeco Street, Ashrafieh - ☎ +961 1-615578 +961 1-615578 Opening Hours: 10AM to 11PM US$2.5 per hour

• GDSonline | Downtown,Maarad street,287B. Beirut central neighborhood - ☎ +961 1-970121 +961 1 970121 Opening Hours: 11AM till 1AM US$2.5 per hour

Payphones can be found on all main streets all around the town, however and they can only take smart cards called Telecarte which provide a specific amount of prepaid calling time and can be used from any payphone. Telecarte denominations come in LL10,000 and LL30,000. Telecarte can be purchase at OGERO Sales Offices and MoT offices (most Minimarkets/Supermarkets/Hypermarkets as well as Mobile phone stores sell them).

Telecarte:

• allows you to save 10% on International Direct Calls.
• allows you to make national calls to any regular line at 100 LL/min.
• allows you to make national calls to any cellular line at 300 LL/min.

GSM ☎s can be used in Lebanon, either through roaming (beware of roaming charges from your home country operator), or by purchasing a local SIM card through one of the two telecom operators Alfa and touch. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for as little as US$25 and 4G mobile data plans can be purchased for as low as $10 for 150MB. In order to use a local SIM card with your own phone in Lebanon, you should ensure that it is:

• Not locked to your current carrier
• Enabled for use in Lebanon. In order to do that, please visit the telco help desks at Beirut Airport upon arrival, follow the signs that will lead you to thoses desks.

Go Next

Once you leave Beirut, visit any of the other city's in Lebanon. The country is relatively small, so no single journey to any other city should take more than two hours. Archaeological sites and architectural legacy include Baalbek, Byblos, Sidon, Tripoli and Tyre. Most of these city's are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other sites of notable interest are Jeita|Jeita caves, North_Lebanon|Qadisha valley with its monasteries and Zahle.

Depending on the season visiting, you can Skiing in Lebanon|go skiing in one of the six mountain resorts, or go to the beaches in Tyr or one of the beach resorts in Jounieh.

Buses that head to the North city of Tripoli or to Syria and Jordan operate from the Charles Helou bus station, which is also the station for long-distance taxis that link Beirut to neighboring city's as well as Syria and Jordan. Charles Helou is located next to Port of Beirut. It can be difficult to understand the main bus routes at first but you can always ask, bus drivers are like everybody else in Lebanon, friendly and may be able to communicate in English or French.

Buses that head South—to Sidon or Tyre—leave from the Cola intersection. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.