Once known as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut offers a unique blend of East and West. Fashion, shopping, antiques, food and adventure are all moments away in this exciting city, which offers a seamless blend of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern culture. As you explore the winding roads and densely packed streets, the overwhelming feeling is one of positive energy and resilience.

The incredible architecture is more than enough to take your breath away, but buildings like the Sursock Museum have more going on inside than you might think. This renovated Italianate-style mansion is also home to hundreds of pieces of modern art created by Lebanese Masters. Stores like Artisans du Liban et d'Orient and Espace SZ by Sybille Tamer give you functional and trendy items to take home. From decorative backgammon to funky plexi chicha, you can find it all.

Go from the incredible Mount Lebanon with old growth cedar groves to the soft, sandy beaches of the Bay in just a few days as you explore everything Lebanon has to offer. Beirut is centrally located, so you can explore the entire country with just three days of travel. Along the way, be sure to dive into a few of the internationally known swimming pools at venerable local spots like the Sporting Club or Saint George Hotel. Beirut is known for its incredible beach and rooftop parties, so leave some night time slots open on your itinerary.

Delicious plates and fresh foods are a big part of the local scene. Lebanon's first farmer's market, Souk el Tayeb, may be new to the city, but the foods and goods on display are full of history and generations of flavor. After enjoying a day at the market, sit down for a meal at Motto or Makan. Both of these restaurants offer out of this world cuisine from a host of rotating chefs, and all at a customer-decided price point. You decide what your entree is worth when you dine. Unique experiences like this are part of the Beirut landscape.

The Middle East has long been known for its uncertain political climate, but the people of Beirut are firmly grounded in growth paired with a respect for history. Enjoy a small slice of everything the Mediterranean and Middle East have to offer with a Beirut holiday.

Eat

Le Chef, Gouraud Street, Gemmayze.
Mayrig, Armenian Lebanese Cuisine, Pasteur Street, Gemmayze.
Onno, Badaro Main Street.
Cafe Em Nazih, Pasteur Street, +961 1 562 509.
Makan & Motto, Mar Mikhael, +961 70 954 057.
Enab Beirut, Armenia Street Mar Mikhael.

Shopping - Culture

Sursock Museum & Store, +961 1 202 001.
National Museum of Beirut, +961 1 426 703.
Rana Salam Studio, +961 1 446 216.
Atelier S/Z by Sibylle Tamer, +961 3 727 929.
Artisans du Liban et d'Orient, +961 1 362 610.
Cynthia Raffoul Jewelry, info@cynthiaraffoul.com.

Sleep

Airbnb, www.airbnb.com.
Saifi Suites, www.saifisuites.com.
SmallVille Hotel, www.thesmallville.com.
Royal Tulip Ashrafieh, www.royaltulipachrafieh.com.
Albergo Hotel Ashrafieh, www.albergobeirut.com.