How safe is Beirut?

Hello everyone

I'm sorry if this is a question that has been asked many times before but I would really like to spend a few days in Beirut. I met a Lebanese man recently who told me it is now perfectly safe but the British Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel there.

From some of the posts on here it seems that people are travelling there as tourists. I would like to go there with my cousin, who lived in Beirut as a child and remembers it as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and would love to go back there.

I would be really grateful for your views and thoughts.

Many thanks and Happy Travels!

Bev
x

Lebanon Mountain Trail: Any recommendations?

I want to walk some sections of the LMT in June. However, it's very difficult to tell which sections are the most attractive just by looking at the small map on the LMT Website .

Can anyone recommend certain sections of the trail, or certain places of accommodation? Is accommodation usually cheap along the trail?

I definitely also want to climb the highest peak in Lebanon, which is not part of the trail. Has anyone been there? How difficult is it to get there and what would be an ideal starting point?

In case anyone else is planning to walk the LMT in June we might coordinate and meet up...

Travel to Beirut-Baalbek-Bcharre

Hello,

I’m going to visit Lebanon during the second part of the month of may .

I’m planing to be in Beirut and among other visit the northern part of the country.

I consider visiting Baalbek and continue north to Bcharre village and Kadisha grotto area.

I will be glad to have some answers to the following:

1. Is it safe in the Bekka valley and Baalbek this days considering the problems with syria and the area problems?

2. Is it possible & safe to drive from Baalbek north towards Bachrre considering the problems with Syria and the area problems?

3. Is the road between Baalbak and Bcharre village open for all traffic including tourists?

Thank you!

Itinerary and security situation

Hello everyone, I am going to spend 4 days in Lebanon in two weeks.

I would like to do the Beirut - Anjar - Baalbek - Tripoli - Byblos - Beirut loop, plus the Beirut - Sidon - Tyre trip.

What is the current safety situation in those towns? I hear Tripoli could be a no go. I am an experienced traveller and willing to take some moderate risk, but not "stupid" risks, so any tip is appreciated.

As it stands I would sleep in Beirut, Tripoli, Beirut again and Tyre (or Sidon is better?). Travelling with a rented car.

Thanks!

Beirut - some useful info

Buses: http://www.lccworld.com/hello-world/ :-)

Airport: http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb/index.php
............ http://www.beirutdutyfree.com/l/

Lodging: http://hostelslebanon.com/

Two days in Lebanon. Recommendations.

Hi there,

I'm flying to Lebanon in two weeks time and I'll have two full days there (not long, I know). Any recommendations? Where to go in Beirut? Is there anywhere outside of Beirut I could realistically expect to see? Prepared to travel flat out. Would like to get as much of a taste of the country as possible.

Could anyone recommend a cheap hotel? I'm a backpacker. What's the best way of getting around if I don't have much time? Bus? Could I hire a taxi/car and driver cheaply? How much would this cost me and where to find?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Albert

Beaufort Castle - permission to travel

Dear all,

I'm currently in Lebanon and am keen to go to the far south of the country and in particular to visit Beaufort Castle. I believe permission must be obtained from General Security in Sidon in order to cross the security checkpoints south of Tyre. However I'm not sure whether this is correct or of the exact process.

Can anyone provide me with further information on this and relating to visits to the area in general?

Thanks in advance

Staying with Hezbollah

I hear that Hezbollah have a big social program to help people. I wonder if it would be possible (or even advisable) for a Westerner to stay in a Hezbollah home for a week or so as a guest, while on holiday. Some money could be paid.