Beirut
Eco-friendly travel guide to Beirut advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Beirut, Lebanon.
- Air quality: 3.5 / 5
- Exploring by foot: 4 / 5
- Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5
- Public transportation: 3.5 / 5
- Parks: 4 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5
- Locals' English level: 4 / 5
- Safety: 4 / 5
- Accommodation: US$30 - $120
- Budget per day: US$40 - $150
Contents
Responsible Travel
The capital city of Lebanon and the largest city, Beirut, is one of the finest places to spend your vacations. With the hot Mediterranean climate and a city that has been rebuilt multiple times, it is an unbelievable city with rapid economic growth and beautiful architecture.
With the modern architecture sharing space with Ottoman and French colonial buildings, Beirut's city is astounding. The culturally diverse city offers beautiful monuments, fantastic beaches, and lush green beauty to explore.
With a turbulent history, the city still bears the scars of the past civil wars, but with the current advancement, the city has earned fame as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’; the town is welcoming tourists from around the world to rediscover Lebanon’s historical, cultural and natural bounty.
To ensure the responsibility of an eco-friendly tourist, the things that can be done are:
- The most recent explosion in August 2020 has really impacted the environment. With the increase in the level of pollution and the emission of harmful gases, it is the duty of us as tourists to focus on sustainable travel. Traveling to reduce the carbon trails is the prime thing that one can do for being a responsible traveler.
- The city is one with a lot of history, and the architect is uncanny. Ensure to visit them but do consider to leave the aesthetic beauty of the place untouched.
- The people are friendly and warm. They are quite welcoming to visitors. Try to dress well and be considerate about their culture while you explore the city.
- While in Beirut, explore the artifacts from local artisans, craftsmen, and designers, and while you plan to buy any cloth, jewelry, or any piece of art, get one from the local market.
- Handicraft demands skills and patience; refrain from bargaining while you buy one.
- Take care of nature and wildlife while indulging in outdoor sports.
- Book your stay in a hotel that is eco-friendly with all the amenities you need.
- Reduce the use of plastic and try using reusable articles or bottles to reduce carbon footprints.
- While you explore the city, prefer to travel by electronic vehicles, bicycles, or on foot. Utilize the mode that emits less pollution and so reduce the carbon trail as well.
- Remember not to litter the city as well as advise your fellow travelers to ensure the same. It will keep the beauty of the town intact while you explore.
Air Quality and Pollution
Beirut is one of the cities with a rich history and fantastic architecture to visit. 2020 has seen a massive explosion in which nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate was pumped up in the air. The deadly chemical blast has left Beirut's resident to sweep the pieces of glass and cakes of dust.
The significant sources of pollution are the factories and power plants in the city with increasing vehicles. Although various steps have been taken by the locals and the government to curb pollution, there is still a long way to go. Apart, being a pretty and compact city, the city is glamorous as well, with the increasing number of tourists adding to the level of pollution.
Although the government is taking measures to control the pollution levels, a lot more needs to be done. The current statistics from the World Health Organization for air pollution in Beirut are:
- PM10 - 41
- PM2.5 - 32
- PM10 Pollution Level - Moderate
- Pollution Index: 93.6
- Pollution Exp Scale: 168.46
With a pollution level of 83.18, the city has an Air Quality Index of 16.82, which is relatively low.
Being a traveler visiting this historically rich and beautiful city, it is advisable to switch to the less pollution-causing options and opt for the eco-friendly travel options to reduce the carbon footprints while exploring the city. Additionally, the recent explosion has added to adverse conditions, so make sure not to litter or pollute the environment. The residents and government are still on their way to return to the previous state. Make sure to use eco-friendly options while you are in the city and leave a complimentary trail once you leave the city.
Respect the Culture
The city of history, with the scars of civil war, Beirut is one of the finest places to visit. With the sites offering you a peep into a different era, Beirut has undergone quite a lot of cultural change. From the signs of the Roman influence to the Ottoman rule's architectural beauty, the culture of Beirut is diverse and vibrant.
The city's predominant culture depicts the historical influence, and with this, the respect of the traditions, art, and culture is of a great deal to the locals. The city is one of the fast-developing and is quite famous for its nightlife. With the loving atmosphere and friendly people, the culture of Beirut is vibrant and lively.
Being a year-round destination, you will find this place flooded with tourists. Known as the "party capital of the Arab world," one will be able to taste and experience the culture of different peoples and civilizations, such as Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, and French.
The culture of Beirut is more linked to historical significance and eco-tourism. To respect the culture of the city, focus on points like:
- Keep the surroundings clean and the environment neat as it is of prime concern to the locals after the blast of 2020.
- Praise the local art forms and artists at various art galleries located in Beirut and its suburbs.
- Appreciate the historically significant and beautiful work at the National Museum of Beirut.
- Being warm and friendly, people are welcoming, so ensure to be polite and softspoken.
- While visiting any church, be sure to respect the culture at most.
- If you get a chance, visit the historic Hamra district to explore and wander around.
Top 10 Places to Visit
With the overwhelming historical architecture and beautiful surroundings, Beirut's city is one of the most exciting places to explore. With the wide avenues and the beauty of the French EraEra, the great mosques from the Ottoman rule, and the remains of the Roman EraEra, this city is no less than a historical marvel.
Ancient yet charming Beirut is mysterious and alluring. A city that continues to entice travelers, Beirut is a city with unique cafes, museums, and stunning archeological places to discover.
While the places to explore are unlimited, the best places to chart down to explore are:
- National Museum Of Beirut: A 6000-year-old city with a rich culture and fantastic culture, this place is perfect to know more about Beirut and the culture of Lebanon. With the extensive collection of Phoenician objects and the marvelous marble objects from the Phoenician ship to the bronze statue of Reshep from 18-19th century BC, this will offer you a great insight into the culture of Lebanon.
- Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque: Also known as the blue masjid, this is the perfect specimen of the post-modern Middle East architecture completed in the year 2008. With the artistically decorated walls from inside and a small place in the corner to offer the prayer, the 48-meter high mosque with minarets at 65 meters is one of the most prominent landscape features.
- Baalbek: Located at just 85 km away from Beirut, the town of Baalbek in Beqaa Valley is one to offer you the most beautiful sightings of the ancient Roman temples of Bacchus, one of the last standing Roman buildings in the world. The temple built in the memory of the Roman God Of Wine is 1800 years old and is one of the Roman culture's finest examples.
- Raouche: Also known as the Pigeon Rock, this is located at the westernmost tip of Beirut. The natural landmark was formed as a result of an earthquake in the 13th century. A popular tourist attraction rising out of the waters of the sea, the weird rock formation is of the finest places to adore while having a cup of the evening coffee.
- Byblos: Jus an hour drive from Beirut, this place is the oldest of all Phoenician cities and has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BC. With the National Museum of Obelisks, Crusader Fort, and the Sultan Abdul Majid Mosque, this will offer a surreal experience.
- Achrafieh: A popular and one of the oldest parts of the city, this is an excellent place to stroll and explore the artistic buildings it contains. With the old french manors and prestigious locations like Sassine Square, St Nicolas, and Tabaris Square, this is a prime location for tourism.
- Grand Serail: The place is locally known as the Government Palace; the Grand Serail is the main base of Lebanon’s prime minister. With the Ottoman Era's design, this is a must-visit place with the intricate beauty of the architecture.
- Saifi Village: The most prime and lush residential area of Beirut, the Saifi village, is designed in the French Colonial Style; this place is home to the art galleries and the farmers market. A place perfect for a walkthrough is one of Beirut's most delicate and most prominent areas to explore.
- Martyrs’ Square: The prime reflection of Lebanon’s political history, this statute is an iconic attraction. A famous spot for the people to gather for protests especially is located in Downtown Beirut. A place to offer your tribute to all the people who lost their lives in the Ottoman Rule, this is a place to respect and explore the cultural and historical significance.
- Roman Baths: The Berytus situated in the heart of downtown Beirut, are one of the prime places to revisit Roman culture. The Romans used to meet is divided into four sections and is now the site of artistic concerts and performances. The other parts are now a Mediterranean garden, which is undoubtedly going to amaze you.
Explore
A beautiful city with so much history, Beirut is one of the finest places to explore. With the beauty of downtown accompanied by the gleaming skyscrapers, the lush green parks, and the sites offering the perfect location of the Roman and French era's architectural miracles, these are a lot to see and explore.
With the attractions ready to amuse you and make you go wonder, Beirut in one of its kind place. Rightly known as the Paris of the Middle east, every inch of the city is filled with breathtaking architecture and marvels of the ancient period.
The best places to explore, from the parks to beaches, and museums to landmarks, are listed down to have the best experience.
City Parks
With the dream for a greener and cleaner Beirut, a green project was started in Beirut with a view of making the city green. Under the green project, 24 parks and gardens are planned to be set up in Beirut with the aim of fostering the environment and assuring the 9 meters per person minimum requirement, according to the World Health Organization.
The city parks that add beauty to Beirut and offer peace and calmness are:
- Ghobayreh Park
- Ramlet el Baida Garden
- Mufti Hassan Khaled Garden
- René Moawad Garden, also known as Sanayeh Garden
- Leila Osseiran Garden
- Capuchins Garden
- National Evangelical Church of Beirut Garden
- Abdul Rahman el Hout Garden
- Gebran Khalil Gebran Garden
- Bashoura Square
- Hawd el Wileyeh
- Walid Eido Garden
- Metropolite Elias Audi Garden
- Saint Nicolas Garden
- Jesuits Garden
- William Hawi Garden
- Karantina Garden
- Horsh Tabet Garden
- Children’s Garden
- Horsh Beirut Park
- Sioufi Garden
- Museum Garden
National Parks
The national parks to visit in Beirut are:
- Animal City: first and only of its type, this park is home to more than 50 different species of wild and domestic animals, which are sheltered, fed, and protracted here.
- AUB Botanical Garden: A bird sanctuary located in the American University of Beirut, this is a perfect place to meet various types of migratory birds.
Beaches
Beirut is a trendy and beautiful place. With the prime sites to visit and explore, and years of rich culture, cuisine, and faith, the best beaches to visit in the city are:
- Tyre Beach: One of the cleanest beaches with no entry fees, this beach is one of the most visited places.
- Ramlet al-Baida: Located near the Hamra, this is the public beach with a 1.2km-long coastline and a volleyball court on wide swathes of sand.
- White Beach: With the strips of white sand, and the stunning view of the sea, this beach is one of the finest white sand beaches to explore.
- Benny Beach: Located to the north of Beirut, this is a hidden treasure to explore.
- Puncho Beach: The most popular beach on the sandy coast of Amchit, this is one of the best places to go with friends and family.
Landmarks
The city of Beirut is one of the finest examples of the beautiful mix of various cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Right from the mosques to churches and from architectural buildings, there are a lot of places to explore and visit. The best landmarks that are a must-visit to get the taste of the Roman, French, and Ottoman Era are listed down for you to explore:
- Emir Munzer Mosque
- Al Omari Mosque
- Emir Mansour Assaf Mosque
- Mohamad al Amin Mosque
- Grand Serail
- Roman Forum
- Roman Bath
- Hamidiyi Clock-tower
- Souk of Beirut
- Nijmeh Square
- Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George
- Greek Catholic Cathedral of St Elias
- Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church
- Saint Georges Maronite Cathedral
- Armenian Cathedral of St Elias
- St Gregory the Illuminator
- National Evangelical Church of Beirut
- St Nishan Armenian Orthodox Church
Museums
The best way to know about a place is to visit the place of history, the museum. With the artifacts and collection of the past that offer you a peep into the culture and traditions, museums are an amazing place to explore.
Some of the most beautiful museums to explore in Beirut are:
- Tourist Landmark Of Resistance: The wartime museum is one of the finest places to visit and explore. Located in the village of Mleet, which is just 3 hours from Beirut, the museums have a bunker used by the Hezbollah used during wartime.
- National Museum Of Beirut: The 6000-year-old museum with medieval artifacts to explore.
- Sursock Museum: The place to dive in the modern and contemporary art, the museum is situated in the former residential villa of Beirut aristocrat Nicolas Sursock.
Eat
With the fusion of various cultures and cuisines, the local delicacies to try in Beirut are many. Ranging from the French taste to the Greek, and reaching to the Ottomans taste, one will find an array of cuisines to try and enjoy. With the blend of the local spices and the amazing aroma, the food that is served in Beirut is lip-smacking.
While the city is historically rich, the city is also one of the finest places to enjoy your meal. With the restaurants from the traditional culture to one with most advances and organic food, the options to explore are unlimited. From the vegetarian to non-vegetarian, Beirut's aromatic food fusion is not only lip-smacking but the finest.
So, if you are looking for the same places to grab a meal and enjoy, then the best places to explore in Beirut are listed down for you.
Traditional Local Restaurants
With the fusion of so many cultures and traditions, the city of Beirut is one to offer you lip-smacking food. With the tradition restaurants serving the local and regional delicacies, the best places to explore the traditional food of Beirut are:
- Mayrig Beirut
- Bedivere Eatery and Tavern
- Loris restaurant
- T-Marbouta
- At Falafel Freiha
- Em Sherif
- Abu Naim
- Enab Restaurant
Vegetarian and Vegan
If you are looking forward to having something prepared in the most healthy manner, or are looking for some vegetarian and vegan dishes to tickle your taste buds, then these restaurants are the best places to explore in Beirut:
- Jaï Asian restaurant
- T-Marbouta
- Fiber
- Eat Sunshine
- Kitchen Confidential
- The Barn
- Organic Sisters
Street Food
A city with such a rich culture and tradition is sure to offer you some of the most amazing street foods to enjoy and praise. the most famous delicacies of Beirut to try while you visit and explore the city are:
- Experience Beirut's affable war history at Falafel M. Sahyoun
- Taste the Sample lahme baajin, a Lebanese snack
- Experience pre-war Beirut at Al Antabli, an ice-cream and juice parlor
- Dive in the rich taste of Amal Bohsali's age-old kanafeh recipe from Ottoman days
Drink
The mouth-watering delicacies and the beautiful locations of the city of Beirut will leave you jaw-dropping. With a rich history and so many places to explore, the city is magnificent. While you travel to the city, the need to have something to drink is uncanny.
The city of Beirut is filled with fantastic juice stalls, coffee points, and breweries, all offering a variety of shakes, juices, and drinks to quench your thirst while you explore the city. Apart from the water, the various places that provide you the best drinks are listed down for you.
Tap-water
Water is the base of any life. While you travel to any place, water is the essential thing that you need. The availability of clean drinking water is the prime factor that makes the site friendly and even better.
While Beirut's government is in charge of the water supply in the city and the system of tap water is also available, it is still advisable to go for mineral and bottled water for consumption.
Drinking-Water Quality and Accessibility is as low as 25.16, which makes Beirut's water not suitable to be consumed. Simultaneously, the overall water quality is low at 18.3, as per Numbeo, which makes the consumption of tap water quite risky.
While you are in Beirut, prefer to get the bottled water to ensure a safe and healthy journey.
Organic Cafés
Beirut is a city focused on sustainability. With various hotels and restaurants offering you the uncanny taste and fusion of multiple dishes, the best places to have a sip of organic coffee with the fantastic and lip-smacking food makes Beirut one of the incredible sites.
Some of the best Organic cafes to explore and tickle your taste bud with the organically made dishes and maybe a drink in Beirut are:
- Coconoix
- Luna's Kitchen Beirut
- Al Mandaloun | Cafe & Restaurant
- Bread & Salt sourdough cafe
- Blue house Private Tea Salon
- Café Em Nazih
Breweries
A city like Beirut is sure to offer you some of the finest beers and wines to taste. Blending the taste of various cultures and places, the finest breweries to offer you the amazing collection of beer in Beirut are:
- Laziza Beer Factory
- Brew inc.
- Husk Beirut
Activities
Beirut is a place of rich history and is a gem to dive and know the various cultures. A place that has traveled through a lot; Beirut is one to offer the best locations to explore and visit. With the museums, parks, beaches, and landmarks, the city's filled with various colors and shades of life.
So, once you are done with exploring the beaches and tasting its delicacies, you can indeed get involved in the adrenaline rush activities like the ones listed down for you:
- Experience the beauty of architecture
- Explore the museums to know about the rich culture of the land
- Pay your offerings to the churches and mosques and mesmerize their beauty
- Visit the Escape Room for fun
- Explore the Maze of Tales for various puzzles
- Go to the Sporting club at beaches
- Enjoy at the Playtown
- Have fun at the Cosmo city
So, if you are looking forward to having a fun day, they prefer to join some group or the locals to enjoy it to the fullest. A fun day with the group will make you relaxed and calm and allow you to feel lighthearted.
Yoga and Retreats
The traditional practice of Yoga is more linked to gaining internal peace and harmony. Focused on calming the person's mind and soul and reducing stress and anxiety, Yoga is one such practice that can offer you immense pleasure and calmness.
While you are in Beirut and looking to search for inner peace, then various places offer the practice of yoga and mindfulness sessions. Some of the yoga centers that you can visit to feel the power of Yoga and meditation in Beirut are:
- Beirut Yoga Center/Sodeco Branche
- Mandala Beirut Yoga
- Ananda Yoga Center - Beirut
- Yoga Souk
- Beirut Sivananda Yoga Center
Take out some time for the self and dive into the beautiful yoga session that will offer you the calmness of mind and soul at the most.
Accommodation
While you explore any city, the prime concern is to book your stay. Any place like a hotel or a guest house that offers you all the amenities and that too in the budget is the one to be preferred to stay.
While Beirut is one with a rich history, it does offer a lot of hotels for its visitors. From the basic to luxury, and from contemporary to eco-friendly, the places to stay in Beirut are uncanny.
If you are a solo traveler or one with family, Beirut is ready to offer you a comfy and happy stay with the amenities you desire and that too on the best budget. They provide you with free Internet, Gym, and Security Lockers. Laundry facilities will also be provided by hotels, etc.
Green Hotels
The eco-friendly concept of stay is comparatively a new concept for various cities and tourist spots worldwide. Based on the concern for the environment, the towns that promote tourism are fast-moving ahead towards adopting the concept of eco-friendly living.
With the concept of staying at eco-friendly hotels that focus on offering the best amenities and adapting to the 3R’s, which are reuse, recycle, and reduce, the hotels in Beirut are budget-friendly and economical as well.
The hotels that offer the eco-friendly stay with all the amenities and with the friendly staff in Beirut are:
- Golden Tulip Midtown Hotel & Suites - Beirut
- O MONOT Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Albergo
- Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel
- Arthaus Beirut
Hostels and Guest Houses
If you are a solo traveler or one who is looking for a longer duration of stay, then booking a hostel or guesthouse is better than a hotel. Also, if you are fond of staying at the comfort of self, then the best hostels and guest houses to book your stay are:
- Hostel Beirut
- Dar Al Sadaka
- Mady's Hostel
- Beit El Hamra
- Baffa House
- La Maison Rayes
Apartments
If you are visiting Beirut for some work, or are looking for a longer duration of stay, or are just one of those who prefer to cook your own all the time, then staying in the apartments is better.
With the kitchen, Wi-Fi, parking space, washing area, a comfy sleeping space, and a soothing place to relax, the apartments are the best match. The serviced apartments are one of the best options that not only suit the pocket but also offer full autonomy and liberty, which is liked by a lot of people.
The best-serviced apartments in Beirut are:
- Bliss 3000 Furnished Studios
- Kantari Suites
- Unit For Living
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a concept that is gaining wide-scale popularity these days. The idea of staying with the locals in their homes, sharing their culture, experiencing the local lifestyle, and blending with the local culture, couchsurfers get to experience a lot.
While numerous locales offer to book as the couch surfer, it is prudent to think about the host and how they live. Knowing all that directly will guarantee a smooth and fun remain contrasts with an inferior and laid back one.
Along these lines, before you think and plan your stay as the sofa surfer, try to comprehend your host well. Likewise, while you remain, attempt to blend and mix with the way of life and everyday way of life to appreciate the stay to the fullest with no high points and low points.
Camping
If you love nature and feel like spending some time with nature, then going out camping is the best idea. While the city of Beirut is one of the finest, there are various sites of camping that add to the beauty of the place. The most famous camping sites where you can book your stay for the surreal experience are:
- Ain Zaarour
- Bel tabi3a بالطبيعة
Well, these camping sites are perfect for enjoying the warmth at night and gazing at the unlimited stars shining in the dark, clear sky.
How to Get There
There is no uncertainty about the way that voyaging is a tiring cycle. While some vacationer locations offer the immediate and most efficient network to ideal spots, others do not have the office, making voyaging a digit long and inactive cycle.
Along these lines, it is very urgent to think about the availability and comprehend the necessary conditions to guarantee that the movement time you seek is of strange fun and happiness.
Air
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the leading international airport and is the only commercial airport. With numerous flights connecting Beirut to major European and other cities, one can easily book a flight to Beirut.
Bus
While road transport is comparatively high, one can get numerous buses operating between the cities of Beirut and Damascus and Tripoli and Syria. Undoubtedly, road transport is time-consuming and tiring, so do not forget to fill your iPod with music you like or carry a book to read on the way. Do have the neck support for the best comfort.
Train
Unfortunately, due to the wars that have happened in Lebanon, the option is not there to go for.
Hitchhiking
With friendly locals, the opportunity to get hitchhiked is quite good. But it is advisable to be aware of the location and surroundings while looking for being hitchhiked to your destination.
Also, make sure to bring it to the hitchhiker's notice about your monetary offering, if any. Since the city is small, the goons' fear is less, but still, if you are a lone traveler, it is advisable to know the person before accompanying him.
While you wish to go hitchhiking, a small wave of the hand will be enough for you to get the lift.
Others
Additionally, you can book a personal vehicle or drive your way through to reach the city of Beirut if you are looking forward to a more comfortable ride.
Moving Around
The concept of ecotourism is based on the idea of exploring a tourist place in a way that the carbon footprints of your stay are reduced to the least, and you also enjoy your vacations to the fullest. The idea of taking into consideration the environment and nature is the key concept behind eco-friendly travel.
Beirut is a city that has experienced quite a lot of turmoils. From the civil wars to the current explosion, the city has never lost hope and confidence. While you explore the city, going for the eco-friendly options is the best idea.
Walk
Beirut is a perfect place to explore on foot, being a small and beautiful city surrounded by warm and happy people. The land is walkable and amazing.
Bicycle
Bicycles are available for rent all around the city, and you can quickly get one to drive around. With streets so charming and the trails ready to be explored, moving around the ancient sites on a bicycle is the best option to go for.
Electronic Vehicles
This is a concept quite popular in Beirut. You will find scooter/motorbikes rental shops or even online. Some of the services also allow you to book a taxi to move around the city, which is one of the most acceptable options to go for without any hassle.
Public Bus
If you are looking to explore Beirut from end-to-end, then opting for the public bus is the best option. The fares in Beirut buses range between 1,000 and 7,000 LBP, and one can easily explore the city while having the opportunity to meet the locals.
Tram, Train and Subway
The concept of trams, trains, and subways is not available for the tourists in Beirut. Apart, there was a tramway system in Beirut between April 1908 to September 1965.
Sustainable Shopping
Traveling and exploring new places and cities is the best experience. With the chance to meet new people and know about their art and culture, to know about the history and take part in their beliefs, the experience is really amazing and wonderful.
While you visit Beirut, you will find an amazing chance to know about the rich history of the place while meeting new people and making new friends. No doubt, shopping is a part of exploring any new city and it cannot be left untouched.
While you are in Beirut try to get some of the locally made articles or pieces of jewelry as souvenirs to make you remember the place always, buying from the locals is the best way to uplift and help the locals of any place. A boost to the local art and craft is undoubtedly a part of the eco-friendly travel.
Some of the best local markets that will offer you authentic and genuine products and will surprise you are listed down for you.
Food Markets
Are you planning to stay for a long time in Beirut, or plan to book an apartment for yourself, then the local food market is the place you need to know. With the spices, herbs, ingredients, fresh vegetables, and fruits being available in the local market, these are places to look at the local taste and feel Beirut's natural atoms.
The best food markets in Beirut to visit are:
- Souk El Tayeb Farmers' Market
- Beirut Earth Market
- Badaro Urban Farmers Market
- Live Organic Store
Flea Markets
A city as rich as Beirut regarding the culture is sure to offer you the uncanny goodies linked to its history and culture. The local art and craft of every place are different and unique, with a story attached to it.
With the flea markets selling the local art, craft, handmade articles, jewelry, and other pieces that can be bought as the memory of souvenirs, Beirut's prime locations to explore are numerous. All these places will leave you jaw-dropping and amazed.
The excellent flea markets in Beirut are:
- Le Marché aux Puces
- Sunday Public Market - Misc
- Beirut Souks
- Better Life Market
Second Hand Stores
Second-hand stores are the ones that sell books, hardware, electronics, furniture, and so forth. People get these items at half price, which is extra cheap for them. So there are some fantastic stores in the local market if you wish to go.
Thrift shopping at such stores is a good idea when you need to buy articles for use at a lower price. the places that you visit for second-hand shopping are:
- Halabi Bookshop
- Depot-Vente Beirut
- Chic Beirut
Eco-Fashion
Eco-style is one of the fantastic ideas based on recycling and reusing the used garments and turning them into pieces of beautiful and stylish selections.
The concept is more inclined towards adapting to chemical free ways of using, coloring, and styling the garments and accessories that will cause no harm to the environment. With the use of natural fibers and the colors extracted from the plant-based dyes, eco-style is a concept to save the environment and amaze you.
An eco-fashion boutique called “Green and Glam” is one of its fashion stores that focus on Eco-fashion in Beirut.
Recycling
Beirut is a city with the main focus on harnessing the greenery. The green project of Beirut is aimed towards offering a green and clean surrounding to the residents of Beirut. Under the same 24 parks are to be established, which will be an uncanny gift to the residents of Beirut by its government.
Additionally, following the 3 R's of better living, Beirut moves ahead towards a better and cleaner zone. As a responsible tourist, try not to litter the city's streets or cause any sort of damage to the aesthetics.
Also, make your fellow travelers aware of the same and try to use the recyclable products to the maximum.
Waste
Being one of the tourist cities, the number of people visiting here is relatively high. It is one of the most crucial reasons for waste and pollution. Apart from the industries emitting air pollutants, the increase in tourists' number has been a significant cause for the same.
Beirut's recent explosion has caused a severe risk of the waste that needs to be disposed of at the earliest. With the significant waste plants damaged, the city is facing crucial issues concerning waste management.
But with the support of the government and the locals, the city aims towards recreating the waste management system that will serve the bigger picture. Being a responsible traveler, try to utilize the resources most judiciously to reduce waste generation.
Work and Study Abroad
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon, one of the finest and advanced in education and work. Being a city with a rich and flourished culture has been a hotspot for the people who have a keen interest in history.
The perfect amalgamation of the cultures of various Eras, this city is a pioneer in undertaking the study of culture and history. Although the city is not welcoming many people to study or work, being a developing one, the prospects for the same in the future are relatively high.
Exchange Student
Being a tourist place and a small city, there are just a few colleges here. While you may find the students and solo travelers on their vacations here but still the exchange students' concept is not that popular.
The colleges that offer their services in Beirut are:
- Beirut Arab University
- American University of Beirut
- Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth
- Lebanese American University
- Université Libanaise
- Lebanese International University
- Haigazian University
- American University of Science and Technology
Au Pair
Beirut is a warm and welcoming place. With the people so friendly and the culture so rich, one may find good opportunities for being an Au pair. Although the concept is still new and is yet to gain popularity, if you are looking for an extended stay, there is quite a good chance to get an offer for the Au pair.
But make sure to know all the underlying conditions and the host before you move ahead. It will ensure a smooth stay with no conflict. Additionally, this will offer you a chance to take a peep into the rich culture and history of the place.
Be at your best to experience the best while you stay as the Au pair in Beirut.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to blend with the people and make your stay worthwhile. While there are various opportunities to offer your services, the best can help the locals and nature. Volunteering is the best way to spend time with the local community and impart the skill and knowledge that you have carried.
There are various NGO’s and volunteering organizations that run in Beirut with different aims like conserving nature, educate the students, save wildlife, and a lot more. To get associated with one, try to know their procedure and the working terms. Being aware of these, you can volunteer to apply your skills for the overall betterment.
By volunteering, you can connect with the locals and leave a positive trail with some of the most beautiful memories while you leave Beirut.