Beirut named in world’s top 15 cities by Travel + Leisure magazine!

Beirut was named in the world’s top 15 cities Tuesday in a list released by the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine.

The magazine ranked Beirut as the fifteenth best city in the world with a score of 87.04 out of 100.

The score took into consideration the city’s landmarks, culture, cuisine and friendliness, among other categories.

“Jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, and intriguing shops are a must,” Travel + Leisure wrote in the article. “A teeming street life, a friendly population, and a harmonious relationship with nature are equally essential.”

Magazine readers voted for their favorite cities from November 2017 to March 2018. The combined votes helped determine the list of world’s best cities, Travel + Leisure added.

FULL LIST:

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Oaxaca, Mexico
3. Udaipur, India
4. Ubud, Indonesia
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Florence, Italy
7. Luang Prabang, Laos
8. Hoi An, Vietnam
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. Charleston, South Carolina
11. Mexico City, Mexico
12. Cape Town, South Africa
13. Rome, Italy
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Beirut, Lebanon

In a previous article about the rankings, Travel + Leisure said its readers were drawn to Beirut despite Lebanon’s instability and challenges.

“Beirut’s food is unsurpassed,” said one fan, while another added: “The nightlife is the experience of a lifetime.”