A fascinating history combines with a forward-looking attitude to create a city that has real character and charm. Beirut is unique – a vibrant, bustling and busy city that still retains that ‘Paris of the Middle East’ culture, but also embraces its rich past.

It is easy to see why Beirut is one of the finest jewels in the Middle East’s crown. The Lebanese capital is a fascinating city with a rich and colourful history as one of the greatest trading points in the ancient world. A ticket to Beirut is ideal if you’re looking to get immersed in a fascinating culture and taste traditional Lebanese food.

Fly to Beirut and join a growing number of visitors from across the globe who have embraced its diverse tourism offerings. Here you can go skiing or snowboarding in the glistening white mountains or swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea. If you want a more sedate experience, enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the Raouché, or Pigeons' Rock, along the Corniche.

Book a flight to Beirut with Qatar Airways and explore this exotic location for yourself.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of China’s busiest air transport hubs and is the country’s third largest airport. Just 27 kilometres north of the city, it is also one of China’s most modern airports, opened in 2004. Passengers travelling from Guangzhou with Qatar Airways will discover a bright, incredibly efficient and ultra-modern starting point to their journey, where staff go out of their way to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Transportation and parking

Travel in China is incredibly well organised, and Guangzhou is no different. If you are driving then the airport is served directly by its own Airport Expressway, which avoids many of the usual traffic jams in the centre of the city. A metro service goes straight to the station and you’ll also find five Airport Express and six Airport non-stop bus services between the city and the airport, calling at major hotels, plazas and train stations. Taxis are plentiful and can be arranged by your hotel concierge, or pre-booked. The airport has both indoor and outdoor parking, which is relatively close to the terminals.

Arriving at the airport

Passengers flying from Guangzhou with Qatar Airways depart from the International Departures hall. There are four check-in islands and 102 check-in counters, and the process is very quick and efficient, as long as all your documentation is in order. Islands F and J are the most likely locations for Qatar Airways flight check-ins, but do consult the information boards to be sure. Allow approximately two hours to clear customs and check-in.

Facilities and amenities

Guangzhou International Airport has excellent facilities, ranging from business centres offering photocopying, fax and internet services, through to mother and baby changing rooms, a post office and banking facilities. A range of retail outlets and food vendors is located on the first floor of the domestic lounge, or you can head for the Jinlong Food Street by Gates 17 and 18 in the Departure Hall for tasty, local food and on-the-go snacks. Retail outlets include jewellery, leather and cosmetics shops, as well as the usual travel essentials.

A fascinating history combines with a forward-looking attitude to create a city that has real character and charm. Beirut is unique – a vibrant, bustling and busy city that still retains that ‘Paris of the Middle East’ culture, but also embraces its rich past.

From the trendy shopping district of Verdun to the relaxed seafront area of Ain El Mraiseh, Beirut is a diverse and eclectic city full of contradictions. Dotted throughout its sprawling suburbs are reminders of its ancient Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman past. Book a flight to Beirut with Qatar Airways and discover this heady mix of old and new for yourself.

Tourist attractions

While there are plenty of manmade sites to see, nature has been kind to Beirut too. The striking Pigeon Rocks is a huge natural arch that juts out of the Mediterranean, and is the perfect spot to pause with a coffee and watch the sun set over the ocean.

Jeita Grotto, located just 20km north of the city at the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb is a remarkable labyrinth of crystallised caves. A cable car ride that gives you a glorious view of the surrounding countryside takes you to the cave entrance.

Back in the city the Place de l'Etoile (Nejmeh Square) in the Downtown district is the spiritual heart of Beirut, with several important and beautifully decorated religious buildings located here.

Beirut is a very green city, and there are plenty of parks and opens spaces to visit once you’ve had your fill of the excellent museums and galleries for the day. They’re also home to a multitude of festivals, open-air music and cultural shows and relaxed gatherings throughout the year.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Beirut with Qatar Airways land at Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Beirut please check the visa and passport requirements.