Museums
Archaeological treasures at the National Museum and the AUB Museum; contemporary Lebanese art at the Sursock Museum.

Late Night
Going club to club along Rue Monot (Ashrafieh) or Rue Bliss (Hamra). or in Beirut Central District -Downtown Beirut

Walks
A sunset stroll along the Corniche; a walk through the neighborhood of Ashrafieh or Hamra.

Beirut Climate
Beirut is basically hot and humid May-November, when temperatures can reach as high as 105 F/41 C but generally stay around 85-95 F/30-35 C. Winter months (December-April) are characterized by heavy rains and low temperatures, enough to necessitate a sweater and a jacket. It rarely freezes or snows in Beirut. The best times to visit are May-June and November-December, months with clear blue skies and relatively mild temperatures. For winter visitors, February is the best bet. Ski season is in full swing, but the city usually enjoys a peculiarly sunny, if decidedly cool, spell

Beirut Attractions
Atmosphere, not necessarily a long list of sights, is what Beirut delivers best. Its mix of peoples, religions and cultures gives the city a dynamic edge, and watching Beirutis go about their everyday business is an interesting form of sightseeing. The best place to take it all in is along the Corniche. In a city of few open, green spaces, this long seaside promenade... .

 functions as a kind of park, a public gathering space. You'll see people of all ages, in all forms of dress, walking, jogging, eating and generally visiting there. The Corniche also has wonderful views of the coast. Pigeon Rocks, a group of rock formations set in a cove in Raouche, is the most dramatic of the views, as well as a popular backdrop for evening drinks. The historical downtown, the neighborhood most devastated during the civil war, has been almost

entirely restored. Among the notable restorations are Grand Serail, the Municipality Building, Parliament Building, Al-Omari Mosque, St. George's Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. George's Maronite Cathedral. With the addition of 40 new restaurants and cafes, a vibrant social scene has returned to the area. Beirutis go there simply to stroll, or enjoy a leisurely narghile (water pipe with flavored tobacco) while people-watching at an outdoor cafe.

Near the Grand Serail are the restored Roman Baths. Other downtown archaeological sites are being restored for public viewing. Relics of Beirut's past can also be seen in local museums. The National Museum, which reopened in 1999 after being closed for many years, showcases antiquities in a well-thought-out manner. A smaller, yet still impressive collection is on view at the American University of Beirut Archaeology Museum. The AUB's beautiful campus is also worth exploring. Finally, the lovely Sursock Museum occasionally displays antiquities, but its primary focus is on contemporary Lebanese art.

Between museums, take time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. Ashrafieh, where the Sursock Museum is located, has narrow, winding streets and some beautiful old residences. Hamra, south of the American University, is a good place to soak up the city's daily life. At the end of the day, head back to the Corniche to see the sunset and take in the wonderful evening atmosphere.

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