Small Group: Beirut Historical Tour

Nejme Square, or Place de l'Étoile, is the central square in the Downtown area. It is home to the Lebanese Parliament and its complementary buildings, two cathedrals, a museum, and several cafes and restaurants. Most notable for it’s 1930 four four-faced Rolex clock and for its architecture, the square has become a recognizable icon of Beirut City worldwide.

Martyrs' Square is a square in the heart of downtown Beirut historically known as "Al Burj" or "Place des Cannons". It is named after the 6 May 1916 executions by the Ottomans of some Lebanese nationalists ordered by Jamal Pasha during World War I.

The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also referred to as the Blue Mosque, is is the biggest mosque in Lebanon located in downtown Beirut. This huge amber colored mosque near Martyrs square was opened in 2008 and has four minarets standing 65m high. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque contains multiple domes. All of the domes of the mosque are made from light blue tiles. The mosque also has multiple arches, which are couple stories high.

The Al-Omari Grand Mosque was built in the age of Omar Bin El Khattab in 635 AD and then converted to Church of Saint John by the crusaders in the 12th century, it was retransformed into the city's Grand Mosque by the Mamluks in 1291. Damaged during the Civil War, the mosque's refurbishment was completed in 2004.

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan bishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and its dependencies. It is the oldest church in the city of Beirut and one of the oldest in the region and It is located in the heart of Beirut’s city center. The first Christian temple ever built in the very location goes back to the mid sixth century AD and it’s closely associated with Beirut’s famous Law School.

The pigeon rock is a stunning set of rocks and a Popular tourist destination known for its iconic rock formations in picturesque seaside surrounds, welcome you to the city of Beirut. Pigeons’ Rock (also known as the Rock of Raouché) is located at Beirut’s western-most tip, the two huge rock formations stand like gigantic sentinels to the city.

Stretching from the Ramlet al Bayda area to the Saint George marina, Al Manara Corniche is the most renowned seaside promenade in Beirut. Lined with palm trees, it offers a great view of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some of the country's best assets, namely the famous Pigeon Rock, and the summits of Mount Lebanon on the eastern side.

“Beirut's finest leisure destination” as described in its official website, Zaitunay Bay is a new waterfront promenade with shops and restaurants.

This abandoned Holiday Inn Hotel is one of Beirut’s war landmarks. It was basically built Between 1971 and 1974 when Beirut’s economy was booming and when Beirut was one of the most visited touristic city of the Middle East. The Holiday Inn was functioning until the Lebanese civil war begun in 1975. The hotel soon became considered a “war zone” in a lengthy time of conflict known as “the Battle of the Hotels” where more than 25,000 combatants were fighting for control over different luxury hotels, including the Holiday Inn as well as the famous Phoenicia hotel. This hotel remains untouched, abandoned, empty, decades after the war, and remains a reminder to the Lebanese population about the horrors of war.

Beirut Souks is a commercial district in Beirut City Center. With over 200 shops, 25 restaurants and cafes, an entertainment center, and a cinema complex. Beirut Souks is the largest and most diverse shopping and leisure area in Beirut.

The Roman Berytus baths are The largest outdoor sight located in downtown Beirut. They were discovered in 1968-1969 and underwent a major renovation in the mid 1990. Roman Berytus had four major bath complexes and the first was created in the early first century under Augustus. The terrible Berytus earthquake that happed in 551 AD destroyed all the baths. Today, the Roman Berytus Baths reflects the ancient traditions of the site. One of the Baths is used as an artistic performance and concert space.