Beirut--who's been?

[Oweena]

I'll have 3 nights there in January.

Looking for recommendations.

Fave museum, neighborhood, restaurant, or must see sights.

Thanks figjammers.

[sophie]

I was there but long ago, before the civil war. I loved it, but then I had heard so many things about it from my parents who had lived there fir 7 years in the 40’s. If it is still possible to go there, Baalbek is (was) fabulous.

[leela]

Oooh, please report back. I've wanted to go for so long.

[Oweena]

I'll look into Baalbek Sophie.

leela I've also been trying to get there for what seems like forever.

Happy about it finally happening.

[HalcyonDaze]

Can ask some friends who go regularly for family visits.

[sophie]

There is a series of caves (Jeita) where (when I was there) music concerts were out on.. it is an extensive system but I don’t know what shape they are in now. They are not far from the city.

[HalcyonDaze]

Ok, quizzed one of my friends today.
She said downtown Beirut is very expensive.
She suggested Byblos, a bit out of the city, said it is lovely with great restaurants.

[Oweena]

Thanks HalcyonDaze.

[Oweena]

So here's the update if you missed the photos I posted on Instagram:
Highly recommended!
Easy to travel around, both by foot and hire car. Super friendly people, and the most awesome food (manakish, all the mezze).
I found it quite affordable, eating at small cafes or the bakery in the neighborhood.

The day trip to Byblos was a highlight; the views, the history of the place, mild weather, more great fresh food. Plus Lebanese coffee!

This is their low season so there weren't crowds. Security is fairly omnipresent but didn't feel overly so, and I never felt unsafe and we walked all over Beirut, in both Christian and Muslim areas.

I'm plotting how I can make it back there.

Did I mention the food?

[riverhorse]

A friend of mine spent 5 years working as a chef in a famous restaurant in Byblos, the photos of the old city look amazing.