Visiting Beirut, Lebanon as a solo traveller

Beirut travel tips and attractionsExploring public beaches in BeirutLeisure activities on the Corniche BeirutIconic waterfront promenade Corniche BeirutCultural landmarks in downtown BeirutMohammad Al-Amin Mosque aka Blue Mosque BeirutHistory of Beirut civil war and reconstructionPost-conflict Beirut shopping malls and mosquesRafic Hariri International Airport travel impressionsTravel experience in Beirut Lebanon
Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

The stunning Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in central Beirut - Image credit: Haus of Hiatus

In June 2018, I got the opportunity to travel to Beirut’s capital city, Lebanon for a few days to understand more about this beautiful, yet undiscovered place.

 

I fly into the Rafic Hariri International Airport and am excited at the opportunity to see a country that I’ve never visited before yet heard so much about when growing up.

 

Beirut is located on the eastern Mediterranean coast and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse population, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, which I could really feel as I walked around the streets – I didn’t feel like I was in a post-conflict zone with such an abundance of shopping malls and beautiful mosques.

 

As a youngster, I can recall that Beirut was severely affected by a long and devastating civil war – and my research tells me that it lasted some 15 years, from 1975 to 1990. After the war, the city required a lot of reconstruction, however the bullet holes on the buildings are still present as you walk around the warm streets that are bathed in golden light.

Seeing the incredible ‘Blue Mosque’ (aka Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque)

 

Walking along the streets, I come across a stunning mosque that towers above everything else.

 

My research tells me it is the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’, a culturally significant religious and architectural landmark located in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. It is one of the most visually striking mosques in the city, attracting visitors from around the world. And given its size and beauty, I can understand why!

 

Exploring the ‘Corniche’

 

After the Blue Mosque, I get to the ‘Corniche’, one of the most iconic and popular waterfront promenades in Beirut, Lebanon. It stretches along the coastline of the city, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Corniche is a bustling gathering place for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere.

 

After getting back to my hotel, I read up and find the Corniche extends for several kilometres, providing ample space for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading and decide this would be a great place to come back on holiday some day!

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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.

https://www.hiatus.design
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