Downtown Beirut is best explored on a cycling tour during the day. The city centre showcases sleek glass towers, while just a block away, abandoned high-rises with bullet holes stand as urban fossils from a not-so-distant war. The area is a blend of modern and traditional architecture, complemented by dining options and important historical landmarks. Make sure you stop to take a photo at the popular 'I Love Beirut' sign, visit Martyrs’ Square, a moving memorial to the nationalists executed here in 1916 under Ottoman rule, and admire the impressive Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.

Nestled in the heart of Lindos, right by the main square, the Church of Panagia (Our Lady) stands as a serene sanctuary. This 13th-century church features a whitewashed walls and red Byzantine tiles — the epitome of Greek charm. What sets it apart, however, is its distinctive high-rise stone campanile tower, a feature typical of Rhodian and Dodecanese architecture. Completing the picture is the church's intricate cross-shaped plan, crowned by an octagonal dome and a tranquil courtyard.

Hamra Street is one of Beirut’s most vibrant hubs, located in the Hamra neighbourhood. It’s a commercial and entertainment street lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and bookshops. Long regarded as the intellectual and cultural heart of the city, Hamra also boasts theatres and art spaces, attracting students, writers, and artists. Its cosmopolitan energy and diplomatic presence give the area a distinctly international flair.

During Roman times the Cardo was Jerusalem's main street, and it must have been quite a view: lined by columns that linked as roofed arcades above pedestrians, it was 22 meters wide and teemed with carriages and cattle. The street has been rediscovered and partially restored by archaeologists in 1975. While walking, you'll see the wall remains of the First and Second Temple, columns, and typical stone brick pavements. In the north, there is an authentic bazaar which dates back to the Crusades era.