Every week we let you know a cool place to take off to for an upcoming weekend. Use these suggestions from our editors, celebrities, frequent travelers or city insiders (actual residents) to plan a perfect getaway.
Believe it or not, Beirut is known for its great nightlife. Start with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Karam, one of the best downtown restaurants. Get a whole bunch of dishes and try everything! Work off the calories at one of the many lounges/clubs around downtown like Buddha Bar. Or if you’re feeling like just chilling with a drink, go to Gemayzee, an alley road full of popular bars and clubs you can hop in and out.
Other weekend pursuits: Jeita Grotto, the largest cave in the Middle East. Take a walk around the whole upper cave and then go down to the lower grotto for a boat ride on the blue shimmering waters. Romantic? Yes!
Three hours from Beirut you'll find Baal’beck, full of ancient ruins. Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? The highest point in all Lebanon is called Cedars. A four-hour car ride outside of Beiurt, it’s worth it when you get to the top. Gorgeous mountain scenery, includes those Lebanese cedar trees you've heard so much about.
There you have it. See? Not even ONE mention of the word desert….because there isn’t any!! If you’re looking for a desert, go to Egypt…
--VC
Pet Peeves: Lebanon
Of course, no where is perfect so let me tell you what annoys me the most about Beirut. Flies… Flies in cafés, supermarkets, outdoor produce stands, stores, restaurants…Flies EVERYWHERE. What is with these little pesky invaders? Garbage, food, and one single whiff of your perfume into their tiny nostrils and they’re all over you. Beware.
Everyone here knows the “fly swat”. It’s become a daily used movement like shaking hands. It’s so popular it should be introduced into a dance move…everyone do the fly swat!
I know flies are just as much a part of the country as its citizens, but I swear the next time I see a one…damn it, hold on…[SWAT]…..As I was saying, the next time I see a fly…it’s going down!
Lebanese Luxury
Need a place to stay? The best place is Phonecia, where luxury exists around every corner. Located across from the beach, this is the perfect summer locale. In winter check out Le Commodore Hotel or the Crowne Plaza Hotel, two favorites, both just steps away from Hamra Street, the most popular street in Beirut. Hamra is full of trendy restaurants, stores, and cafés to explore.
Luxury is an understatement when visiting the shops, which include Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Bianciaga, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Christian Louboutin, D&G, and I could go on, but you get the point. Serious fashion. Serious shopping. After a long, arduous day of shopping, have a drink at go to Casper & Gambini’s.
