Downtown Beirut: The Heartbeat of Lebanon

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlak
  [min fa-dlak]
• Thank youShukran
  [shu-kran]
• Excuse me/SorryAasef
  [aa-sef]
• How are you?Kifak?
  [ki-fak]
• Fine. And you?Kwayyes. W inta?
  [kway-yes. w in-ta]
• Do you speak English?Bet7ke ingles?
  [bet-hek in-gles]
• I don't understandMish fahem
  [mish fa-hem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBaddi ara el menu, min fadlak
  [bad-di a-ra el me-nu, min fa-dlak]
• I don't eat meatAna mish be kool lahm
  [a-na mish be kool lahm]
• Cheers!Saha!
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBaddi adfa', min fadlak
  [bad-di ad-fa, min fa-dlak]

• Help!3awn!
  [awn]
• Go away!Rou7!
  [rouh]
• Call the Police!Sar il balad!
  [sar il ba-lad]
• Call a doctor!Sar il tabib!
  [sar il ta-bib]
• I'm lostZa3lan
  [za-alan]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Baddi ashtri...
  [bad-di ash-tri]
• I'm just lookingAna bas bi 2addar
  [a-na bas bi ad-dar]
• How much is it?Bi khamse?
  [bi kham-se]
• That's too expensiveHeik ghali kteer
  [hei-ik gha-li kteer]
• Can you lower the price?Bte2der tkhaf es-sa3r?
  [bte-dar t-khaf es-sa-ar]

• What time is it?Kam el sa3a?
  [kam el sa-a]
• It's one o'clockSaa wa7de
  [sa-a wa-hde]
• Half past (10)Nes men 3ashra
  [nes men a-shra]
• MorningSaba7
  [sa-ba-h]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• Evening3ashiye
  [a-shi-ye]
• YesterdayMbare7
  [mbar-eh]
• TodayYom
  [yom]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wahed
  [wa-hed]
• 2Itnein
  [it-nein]
• 3Talaata
  [ta-la-a-ta]
• 4Arba3a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Saba3a
  [sa-ba-a]
• 8Thamania
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis3a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashra
  [ash-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Wein fi...
  [wein fi]
• What's the address?Shu el 3enwane?
  [shu el ain-wa-ne]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bte2der te3ni (3a el khareeta)?
  [bte-dar te-a-ni (a el kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Izay il sefer el tali?
  [i-za-yil se-fer el ta-li]
• A ticket (to ....)Talab (ila ....)
  [ta-lab (ila)]

Downtown Beirut, known as the site of ancient Berytus, has roots that trace back to the Phoenician civilization around 3000 BC. Positioned along the Mediterranean coast, it became a vital trading hub due to its strategic location. The Phoenicians were renowned for their maritime skills and established extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean, which facilitated cultural exchanges and economic prosperity.

During the Roman era, Berytus flourished as a prominent city. The Romans recognized its strategic importance, leading to significant urban development. The construction of the Roman Colonnade, which still stands in Downtown Beirut, highlights this influence. The city was also granted the status of a Roman colony, which attracted settlers and further integrated it into the Roman Empire's extensive trade routes.

In the 16th century, Beirut became part of the Ottoman Empire, which left a lasting impact on its architecture and culture. The Ottoman period saw the construction of several key buildings and markets in Downtown Beirut, including the Al-Omari Mosque and various khans (caravanserais). The architectural blend of Ottoman and local styles became a defining feature of the neighborhood, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) had a devastating effect on Downtown Beirut, leading to extensive destruction and abandonment. Following the war, a significant reconstruction project commenced in the 1990s, spearheaded by the Solidere company. This revitalization aimed to restore the historical essence of the city while modernizing its infrastructure, resulting in a mix of restored historical buildings and contemporary architecture.

Today, Downtown Beirut represents a cultural melting pot, where modernity coexists with historical richness. The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and museums, including the National Museum of Beirut, which showcases Lebanon's archaeological treasures. Events such as the Beirut Art Fair and the Beirut International Film Festival further emphasize the area's role as a cultural hub in the region.

Downtown Beirut is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in the city. From Hamra, you can take a short taxi ride or a bus on Hamra Street that will drop you off in the downtown area. If you're coming from Achrafieh, taxis are the most convenient option. The Beirut Metro, although not fully operational, offers limited services that connect some nearby areas to the downtown district. If arriving from the airport, consider using a taxi or a ride-hailing app, which will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Downtown Beirut is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. While there are no trains or extensive public transportation options within the downtown area, taxis and ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are widely available for longer distances. Bicycle rentals are also an option, with several rental stations located throughout the neighborhood. Be mindful of the traffic, especially during peak hours.

Downtown Beirut is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in less-populated areas, particularly around the outskirts of downtown. While the area is mostly secure, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Areas such as the outskirts of Burj Hammoud and parts of Gemmayzeh may have higher crime rates, so exercise caution when venturing there.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 125 for medical emergencies. There are hospitals and clinics available in and around Downtown Beirut. It is also wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, offering over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Downtown Beirut like a local, visit the bustling Souk el Tayeb market for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with street vendors and don't hesitate to ask about local dishes. Explore the historical sites, such as the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the Roman Ruins, and take time to enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes lining the streets. For a unique experience, try to catch a local music or cultural event at the Beirut Art Center or the nearby Zaitunay Bay.