Beirut Holiday

Beirut is a survivor. It's been knocked down and rebuilt seven times, according to legend.

Set along an exquisite Mediterranean coastline, the city, the capital of Lebanon, is full of life from all different cultures, which gives it a vitality and uniqueness that is unmatched among its counterpart cities in western Europe, for example.

Its plethora of religions, nationalities, cultures and languages make it a melting pot where holiday makers can experience new and different things.

The aspects that these different peoples bring to Beirut contribute to it having a fantastic artistic and creative scene.

One great example of this is La Maison Tarazi, which houses outstanding Oriental art, both old and modern. It includes brass, copper and opaline art works, as well as Persian carpets and Kuwaiti and carved chests.

The history of the Lebanese city is plain to see as you walk through its sandy mazes.

Whether you're observing its grander architecture or merely passing along and glancing at the houses of the everyday Beirut citizen, the vibrant colours and elegant architecture is in full view.

The city boasts a population that is 60 per cent Muslim and 40 per cent Christian, meaning that its mosques and churches stand together, side by side.

To see much of Beirut's architectural history under one roof, holiday makers might want to head to either the National Museum or the AUB Museum.

But Beirut is not all architecture and religion and has a nightlife that competes with any other cosmopolitan city in the West, with nightclubs and bars belting out modern pop, as well as jazz and the blues.

Revellers can dance the night away in the city that never sleeps. The lights which line the ochre streets provide a great atmosphere for those who want to party or simply take in the sights by moonlight.

It's not just the sights and sounds of the city that a tourist can enjoy, but the tastes as well.

Beirut's culinary delights include mint-based Tabouleh, fishy main dish Samkeh Harrah and of course Hummus and Falafel and these dishes can be eaten at the city's many dining establishments.

The city, the former "Pearl of the Middle East", is now Lebanon's busiest commercial and business hub and was also the home of the world's first law school in the Phoenician era.

It has all you could want in a holiday destination – a booming business scene, as well as great cultural and artistic attractions.