Post - Walking in Downtown Beirut Lebanon

Walking in Downtown Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut was previously one of the tourism hotspots of the Middle East. Due to a troubled past, it fell off the radar somewhat and became a no go zone. But it is now starting to recover its status as a popular destination yet again. Walking in Downtown Beirut, the turbulent history of the city is evident. But so is the fact that this city is trying hard to pull itself out of the negative image it has been given for so long.

A view of the Martyrs Statue, Mohammad Al-Amin mosque, and the Saint George Maronite church
A view of the Martyrs Statue, Mohammad Al-Amin mosque, and the Saint George Maronite church

Looking at the old derelict bullet pocked buildings sitting amongst the modern architecture of recent years gives you an eerie feeling. These buildings, untouched since the war, are a memorial to what happened. To stand in front of them trying to imagine what it was like when gunfire was echoing all around is unnerving.

Evidence of the civil war on one of the buildings which was riddled with bullets
Evidence of the civil war on one of the buildings which was riddled with bullets

 

Nejmeh Square

Due to the major redevelopment of the area since the war, Downtown Beirut is now the heart of Beirut’s revival. In the centre sits Nejmeh Square. Here you can sit and have a coffee under the large Rolex clock. Or relax in one of the restaurants in the vicinity.

The Rolex clock tower in Nejmeh Square is the heart of the downtown area and has plenty of coffee shops situated around it
The Rolex clock tower in Nejmeh Square is the heart of the downtown area and has plenty of coffee shops situated around it

Roman Bath Gardens

Walking a little way will bring you to the Roman Bath Gardens. With walks and lookout platforms all around the perimeter of this garden you can look down into the uncovered Roman ruins which were discovered in the late 1960’s.

The remains of the Roman baths in the Roman Bath Gardens are lit up at night and have promenades around so you can view them from different places
The remains of the Roman baths in the Roman Bath Gardens are lit up at night and have promenades around so you can view them from different places

 

Religious Buildings

Coming back down into the downtown area you will see how the two major religions of Lebanon co-exist peacefully side by side where the majestic buildings of Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque and St. George Maronite Cathedral stand together. To get the most inspiring view of these visit them at night when they are lit up. Below them sits more Roman ruins. As if the two religious powers are protecting and watching over Lebanon’s history and heritage.

Beautifully lit up at night, the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque and the Saint George Maronite church sit side by side in utnity looking over the Roman ruins in downtown Beirut
Beautifully lit up at night, the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque and the Saint George Maronite church sit side by side in utnity looking over the Roman ruins in downtown Beirut
The vast expanse of Roman ruins that lie in front of the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque and the Saint George Maronite church
The vast expanse of Roman ruins that lie in front of the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque and the Saint George Maronite church

Martyr’s Square

Not too far from the location of these is Martyr’s Square. This was named for the people executed there while Lebanon was under Ottoman rule. During the Lebanese Civil War the square marked the divide in the city.

The bullet riddled Martyrs Statue on Martyrs Square with the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque in the background
The bullet riddled Martyrs Statue on Martyrs Square with the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque in the background

 

Zaitunay Bay

To see how the other half of Beirut lives, take the short journey to the waterfront and Zaitunay Bay. With a host of yachts and high rise buildings to rival the luxury of Monaco and Dubai, sitting in the restaurants and having a meal here will make you feel like you are in a different world.

The brightly lit buildings surrounding Zaitunay Bay with some of the many luxury yachts sitting in the bay give a vibe similar to one of the much richer cities in the world
The brightly lit buildings surrounding Zaitunay Bay with some of the many luxury yachts sitting in the bay give a vibe similar to one of the much richer cities in the world
Enjoying an evening stroll along the boardwalk in Zaitunay Bay
Enjoying an evening stroll along the boardwalk in Zaitunay Bay

 

Other Sights

While walking around you will see many Roman ruins dotted around the downtown area. Some of these have been mentioned above but keep an eye out and you will spot more.

Some of the Roman columns that can be found walking around downtown Beirut
Some of the Roman columns that can be found walking around downtown Beirut

Also worth mentioning is the Beirut Souqs. Where a lot of the shopping happens for brands and is worth a visit if you need to purchase anything or just to walk around and enjoy the ambience of this beautiful city.

The modern architecture in the downtown area contrasts greatly with the old buildings that have been left untouched since the civil war
The modern architecture in the downtown area contrasts greatly with the old buildings that have been left untouched since the civil war

 

Beirut is a vibrant and underrated city. It is once again making its way back up the ladder of destinations worth traveling to. It’s a reminder of how people can come together after being torn apart. And of how they can turn their lives and their city around back to the beauty it once had.

 

Our Lebanon Travel Guide

  • For our Lebanon Travel Guide with information for people looking to travel to Lebanon please click here.

Related Articles about Lebanon

  • If you plan on doing some Sightseeing in Lebanon please click here.
  • For what to expect when Eating and Drinking in Lebanon please click here.
  • If you are looking for Accommodation in Lebanon please click here.
  • To see how to experience the Mountains of Lebanon by ATV please click here.

 

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