Best of IgoUgo

Lebanon: Playground of the Middle East

February 3, 2005

by HobWahid from Damascus

SidonMore Photos
In terms of historical sights, Lebanon has surprisingly little remaining of its historical past, and the stuff that does remain pales in comparison to what's in nearby Syria, Israel, and Turkey, but there is still plenty to see, as well as Lebanon's more open atmosphere and beautiful location to make it a worthwhile visit.

Beirut is the capital and the heart of Lebanon. You don't come to Beirut for historical sights, but rather, you come to enoy the world-class shopping and cuisine, hot nightclubs, and gorgeous beaches. It also has the best hotels, and most of Lebanon is accessible from there.

Baalbek is Lebanon's greatest historical sight, a set of towering Roman temples that will impress the most casual visitor.

Sidon is a quieter town to the south with a large Phoenician temple and the famous sea castle, as well as some of the best seafood around.

Other things for the outdoor types include skiing at Faraya or partaking in a SCUBA excursion.${QuickSuggestions} Beirut has the best hotel selection, and if you are going to stay in Lebanon for a while, it is best to stay there and make day trips from Beirut. With a few exceptions, like Villa Nadia in Tripoli, the hotel selection outside of Beirut is not spectacular.

Lebanon is not a large country, and a week would be plenty to leave you satisfied, but it is a long way to come for just a week. Combine a trip to Lebanon with a trip to Syria to get the best of it all. That way, you can have the fun of Lebanon combined with the history, culture, and impressive sights of Syria.${BestWay} Taxis in Beirut are a nightmare, and it doesn't get much better outside the country. The public transportation system is a mess because most people own cars. Arranging private rides costs a bundle and is only for those with money to spend. The best option is to rent a car. You can get cars from respectable companies like Avis for just $20/day. It will give you the most freedom and is time and cost-effective. You just have to keep your wits while on the road. Driving in Lebanon is a free-for-all.
From journal Lebanon: Playground of the Middle East
See more reviews by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful