Beirut/Downtown

Downtown Beirut is the central district of Beirut, with its outdoor cafes restaurants and high end designer stores. The inner area around Nejmeh Square is pedestrian-only. Ashrafieh is to its east, while Hamra, Ras Beirut, Manara and Rawcheh to its west. The Beirut Marina (the Cornich starting point) is only a short walk away. Some people complain that the area is over-priced, and that it caters more to tourists from the Persian Gulf than to the locals.

Get in
Getting to downtown from other parts of Beirut or one of the bus stations is easy. Hop in any taxi/service and ask for either "Downtown" or "Solidere".

Roman and Byzantine structures

 * Roman Berytus Columns - A line of five columns, discovered in 1963. These columns, found to the left of St. George Maronite Cathedral, were once part of the grand colonnade of Roman Berytus.
 * Roman Exedra - Discovered west of the St. Georges Maronite Cathedral, this semi-circular cultural building was moved in 1963 to Blvd. Charles Helou near the Eastern entrance to the modern port.


 * Roman Basilica Colonnade - Found in the 1940s between Nejmeh Square and the Great Mosque, this five column colonnade is part of the Roman Basilica. The columns were later erected across from the National Museum on Damascus Street.
 * Byzantine floor mosaics These mosaics came from a Byzantine church of the 5th century AD. They were moved from Khalde South of Beirut to a site near the National Museum in the 1950s.

Crusader, Mamluke and Ottoman structures

 * Medieval Wall - An excavated wall dating from Crusader and Mamluke times can be seen North of Weygand Street along the old Patriarch Howayyek Street.
 * Crusader Castle - A large Crusader land castle once stood near the present port area. Excavations in 1995 revealed a large well-preserved section of the foundation wall complete with Roman column drums used as bondstones or reinforcement.
 * Ottoman Military Hospital - Just in front of the Grand Serail, this large building was constructed in 1860 as a military hospital. From the French Mandate Period until the 1960s it served as Law Courts. Completely renovated, it now houses the Council for Development and Reconstruction.
 * Ottoman Clock Tower - Located near the Grand Serail, this tower was built in 1897 and restored in 1994.
 * Ottoman Clock Tower - Located near the Grand Serail, this tower was built in 1897 and restored in 1994.

Drink
Julips. Cassis. Zooka. Vintage. In the street behind Iris

Budget

 * Talal's New Hotel, Charles Helou st., Beirut (Beirut Port area, opposite Valli & Valli), was a favorite for backpackers and budget travelers but now it is an option to avoid. Reports of staff aggression and violence have been reported. The hygiene of the place is very poor.
 * Talal's New Hotel, Charles Helou st., Beirut (Beirut Port area, opposite Valli & Valli), was a favorite for backpackers and budget travelers but now it is an option to avoid. Reports of staff aggression and violence have been reported. The hygiene of the place is very poor.
 * Talal's New Hotel, Charles Helou st., Beirut (Beirut Port area, opposite Valli & Valli), was a favorite for backpackers and budget travelers but now it is an option to avoid. Reports of staff aggression and violence have been reported. The hygiene of the place is very poor.

Internet

 * Costa Coffee, just off of Nejmeh Square, offers free Wifi to customers. There is also a Starbucks close by.