Getting around Beirut

Public transport

Beirut's public transport system is chaotic at best. Private companies operate buses within the city. One of the main operators is the LCC (tel: +961 5 810 510; www.lccworld.com), which has a fleet of red and white buses. There are no stops; to get onto a bus you must stand at the side of the road and signal with your hand as the bus approaches. Beirut has no metro or trams.

Taxis

You can also use a service taxi (a shared taxi) or regular taxi in Beirut. Be sure to tell your driver where you're headed before you enter the car, otherwise you will be charged extra. Most locals book taxis in advance by calling Allo Taxi (tel: 1213, in Lebanon only) or Charlie Taxi (tel: 1514, in Lebanon only).

Driving

Driving in Beirut, as in the rest of Lebanon is a fairly hazardous experience, thanks to the speed-loving local drivers and potholed roads. You can bring your own car, but a steep charge (levied in cash) is payable on entering the country, although you should have it returned on leaving. Hire cars are available but the quality varies and they can be expensive. There are no regular tolls, barring the inventions of local police, and no set-in-stone parking regulations.

Car hire

Most international car hire companies have offices in Beirut. Sixt (tel: +961 1 707 505; www.sixt.com.lb) and Avis (tel: +961 1 366 662; www.avis.com.lb) have numerous offices throughout Beirut. For a local company, call Beirut Call Rental (tel: +961 1 740 741; www.beirutrentacar.com). You generally have to be at least 23 and have been the holder of a driving licence for at least two years to hire a car in Beirut. You will also need an International Driving Permit.

Bicycle hire

Beirut by Bike, New Waterfront (tel: +961 1 365 524; www.facebook.com/beirutbybike, is the main bike hire service. Bikes are available to rent by the hour. It’s worth bearing in mind that Beirut’s traffic can be dangerous, so be careful. There are no designated cycle paths.

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City Highlight: Beirut

One of the oldest cities in the world, Beirut is an intoxicating mix of East and West.

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Featured Hotels

Casa d'Or

The Casa D'Or is a welcoming, comfortable alternative to functional budget hotels or the home-stays that dominate the lower end of the market. It's not especially glamorous but rooms are clean, comfortable and well appointed, and a decent breakfast is included in the price. It also offers low season discounts.

Talal Hotel

Talal Hotel offers bright, clean rooms complete with comfortable beds for next to nothing. Better still, it's within striking distance of Gemmayzeh and Place des Martyrs. The atmosphere is lively and the hotel also has a communal kitchen. The result is friendly but a bit like living as a student.

Regis Hotel

At first look, you could be forgiven for thinking that you'd just pitched up at the Lebanese Fawlty Towers. However, staff are warm and welcoming, rooms are clean and the breakfast is excellent. All rooms have modern air-con, fridges and TVs, but better still is Regis' proximity to the Corniche.

Le Gray

A remarkable 5-star hotel in the centre of Beirut, Le Gray offers 87 modern rooms bathed in natural light. The infinity pool overlooks the city, while the spa, bar and restaurant could all be destinations in their own right. LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, fresh fruit and flowers are all part of the deal, Mediterranean and Mount Lebanon vistas included.

InterContinental Phoenicia Hotel

When you're looking to rub shoulders with Beirut's A-list, this prestigious hotel is the play to stay. It certainly looks the part with acres of marble floor, draped silk curtains and gold gilt fitting. Plus, it has some of the best facilities in town, including an excellent gym and pool area.

Hotel Albergo

If nothing but the finest will do, make Hotel Albergo your base. With just 30 rooms and a swimming pool, everything screams opulence, including the excellent rooftop bar, complete with fabulous views of the city. Rooms are themed in European, Oriental, colonial and Mediterranean styles, and the lovely Italian restaurant is also well worth a visit.

Introducing Beirut

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