Beirut - The Paris of the Middle East

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik/ala arrahb wasa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aklul lahmi]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahhtain!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayn...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Beirut's history dates back over 5,000 years, with evidence of settlement during the Canaanite period. The city's name is derived from the Canaanite word 'Be'erot' which means 'wells,' reflecting its early significance as a source of fresh water.

During the Roman period, Beirut—then known as Berytus—became a major center of learning and law. The city's School of Law was renowned throughout the Roman Empire, producing some of the era's most influential legal minds. Significant Roman ruins, including the Roman Baths, still stand in Beirut today.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Beirut fell under Byzantine control before being conquered by Arab forces in the 7th century. This period saw the construction of many religious and cultural buildings, contributing to Beirut's rich tapestry of architectural history.

Beirut was a key battleground during the Crusades and later became part of the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. Under Ottoman rule, the city prospered as a trade hub, attracting merchants from across the Mediterranean and beyond.

After World War I, Beirut came under French mandate. This period saw significant modernization and urban development. Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943, with Beirut emerging as the nation's vibrant capital.

From 1975 to 1990, Beirut was ravaged by a brutal civil war that left much of the city in ruins. The Green Line, which divided East and West Beirut, became a symbol of the conflict. Despite the devastation, Beirut's spirit endured, and the city has since undergone significant reconstruction.

Post-civil war Beirut has seen extensive rebuilding efforts, transforming the city into a modern metropolis while preserving its historical heritage. Key projects include the revitalization of the downtown area and the restoration of historic sites.

Beirut is renowned for its cultural diversity, a reflection of its complex history. The city boasts a rich tapestry of religious and ethnic communities, including Maronites, Sunni and Shia Muslims, Druze, and Armenians, each contributing to its unique cultural landscape.

Today, Beirut is known for its vibrant nightlife, culinary scene, and cultural festivals. Despite facing ongoing challenges, including political instability and economic difficulties, the city's resilience and dynamism continue to shine through.

Beirut is serviced by Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), located about 9 kilometers from the city center. Numerous international airlines operate flights to Beirut from major cities worldwide. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at the airport to take you to your accommodation. Public buses also run between the airport and various parts of the city.

Beirut offers a range of transportation options including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public buses. Taxis can be found throughout the city, but always ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also widely used. Public buses are an affordable option, though routes and schedules can be unpredictable. For a more authentic experience, you can also use the shared vans known as 'service' taxis, which follow set routes and are a common mode of transport for locals.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases or in more rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout Beirut, and money exchange offices can be found in various parts of the city.

Beirut is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to stay vigilant. Areas like Bourj Hammoud and parts of the southern suburbs should be avoided, especially at night, due to higher crime rates. Always be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, and avoid displaying valuable items openly. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 125 for the fire department, and 140 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and Hôtel-Dieu de France offer comprehensive medical services. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, many pharmacies are open 24/7 and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing.

Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques or churches, dress appropriately and remove your shoes if required.

Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport.

Do greet people with a handshake, and use 'marhaba' (hello) or 'salam' (peace) as a greeting. Avoid overly familiar gestures with strangers.

Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Beirut like a local, visit the bustling Hamra Street for shopping and dining, explore the historic Gemmayzeh neighborhood for its vibrant nightlife, and enjoy a walk along the Corniche for stunning coastal views. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Lebanese dishes such as tabbouleh, hummus, and kibbeh at local eateries.