Lebanon is one of the Middle East's smallest and most rugged countries but also one of the most culturally diverse and open societies in the region. Tourism is largely centred around Beirut, a high-octane melting pot of cultures with an amazing ambience in all its historical quarters, the souks, the restaurants, bars, clubs and on the beach promenades. Beirut is also big on art, fashion and cinema and often has open, free expositions at any time of the year. Much of the city's character is amplified by Lebanese cuisine, whose dishes incorporante hummus, falafel, shawarma and kibbeh. Adventure and adrenaline seekers are satisfied through opportunities to paraglide above Beirut from the surrounding hills and mountains. Not far from Beirut is Jeita Grotto, a deep network of caves with an impressive facade as well as free flowing streams which can be traversed by boat. Baalbek is one of the country's most magnanimous Roman ruins which has consistently been damaged but never destroyed by war and earthquakes. Second city Tripoli is unaffiliated with Libya, and a must-visit for its coastline and the Tal district, which dates from 1,400BC.