Beirut has been reclaiming its status as the Paris of the Middle East in recent years – and The New York Times has taken notice, anointing it the world's top place to visit.
Situated between the water and the mountains, Beirut allows you to take off for a day of hiking, skiing, swimming or surfing, or even tackle them all in one day.
Deir El Qamar
Take a day trip to the hillside town of Deir El Qamar (Monastery of the Moon) and wind down its cobbled streets past well-preserved walled gardens and feudal palaces.
Jeïta Grotto
Take a journey to the centre of the earth and marvel at the stalactite and stalagmite in the cathedral-like lower cave space of Jeïta Grotto, just 18 kilometres (11 miles) north of Beirut.
Souk el-Tayeb
Indicative of Beirut's emergence on the organic food scene, the city's first farmers’ market is a great place to visit. Later, check out its sister markets, scattered throughout the city.
