Beirut is generally a safe place but to avoid any untoward incident, it always pays to stay alert especially in crowded places like markets or tourist attractions. Follow simple precautions like keeping your handbag close to your body, not wearing expensive, flashy jewelry, and keeping a tight rein on small kids, and you should be fine. Try not to make it too obvious that you are a tourist for then you could be the prime target for mischief-makers. Avoid places where demonstrations are going on for these could turn violent. Do not be intimidated by the feeling of high security and the armed guards patrolling downtown areas but do carry your personal identity documentation at all times in case you are subjected to a security check. Beirut has been ravaged by war for many years and local people may be sensitive to certain issues. It would be advisable to avoid any talk of Israel or to mention any trips you may have made there.