Beirut

Before the civil war, Beirut was known as the Paris of the Middle East, a cosmopolitan city famous for its nightlife, beaches and restaurants. Beirut suffered grave damage during the civil war of 1975-1992 but Herculean efforts are under way to reconstruct the city and the work has brought to light many new archaeological finds.

Things to see in Beirut include the National Museum, the American University of Beirut Museum, the huge reconstruction project in the downtown area centred around Place des Martyres (named after the rebels executed by the Turks in 1915), the Corniche on the seafront and Pigeon Rocks, where you can sit at a café and admire the sunset over a few drinks and mezze. Not to be missed is the Jeita Grotto near Beirut, with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, which can be visited by boat. The mountains rise steeply above Beirut from where you can get spectacular views of the city.

Beirut can be used as a base for day visits to most of the county and there is a good selection of hotels and restaurants.