THINGS TO DO

WalkBeirut began in April 2009 to provide local and foreign tourists to get to know the city by foot, with storytelling. Roughly four hours long, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget to register ahead of time. Details can be found on their website: https://www.bebeirut.org/walk.html.

Offer you guided tours of the city on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for free! And, at 2.5 hours it leaves the day free for other activities or lounging! Get details at their website, http://www.freewalkingtoursbeirut.com/, and don’t forget to book ahead!

This tour began in 2015 with the aim of providing locals and tourists alike with a different view of Beirut. This 4-hour walking tour goes through four different neighborhoods, discussing the civil war, the war in July 2006, gentrification, political-socio-economic developments, and graffiti! They also offer tours in Tyre, private tours, and a food tour in Beirut. Visit http://www.alternative-beirut.com/ to see all of the options.

Another foodie choice is Taste Lebanon. Run by Lebanon’s infamous young chef Bethany Kehdy, they organize a host of food and wine tours in Beirut and throughout the country. Email marhaba@tastelebanon.co.uk for information on the different tours available.

Created in 2004 as a private initiative by Kamal Mouzawak, Lebanon’s first farmer’s market gathers producers from all over the country. The weekly farmers market hosts small-scale producers from all over Lebanon who offer fresh, local, seasonal food and food products, and organic produce including fruits and vegetables, “mouneh”, dairy products, ready-to-eat food, sweets, and traditional handmade crafts.

Come visit this integral part of Beirut:

Wednesdays from 9am-4pm on Clemenceau at the Gefinor Center https://goo.gl/maps/fmLJUKy7Yfq

Saturdays from 9am-3pm Downtown at the Beirut Souks https://goo.gl/maps/sRjRXSkEsSF2

Their location in Hamra is set in a 19th-century heritage home, renovated to fit the modern lifestyle and taste of our growing city. Enjoy the serene backyard space, or the beautiful interior with your home brewed coffee, wine, or food https://www.kaleicoffee.com/. 

They have been in the coffee business since 1935, and now even boast their own line of roasts. It has become a staple shop with locations throughout the city. https://www.cafeyounes.com/home. 

A perfect place for Lebanese barbeque. To go, or eat there, this is a great choice for a delicious meal without the fuss http://bit.ly/2H8Rpbd. 

A popular choice for lunch or dinner for a reason – a great view, with delicious, traditional Lebanese cuisine http://www.alfalamanki.com/.

A traditional Lebanese house transformed into a restaurant with a view onto Beirut's busiest waterfront avenue. Casablanca serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, all offering a variety of international options http://bit.ly/2H7dnLI.

Tucked down a sidewalk on Hamra’s bustling main road, this is a multi-purpose space that serves delicious food and drinks all day long. A staple of the neighbourhood – and don’t forget to try their rice pudding while you’re there! http://www.t-marbouta.com/

Serving Lebanese, Armenian, and Moroccan dishes and local wines, this is a great spot for selections from across the south Mediterranean https://www.facebook.com/MezyanPub/.

Offering some Asian fusion to the neighbourhood in a casual setting, this popular restaurant offers a combination of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Singaporean, Thai, and Vietnamese https://www.zomato.com/beirut/ja%C3%AF-clemenceau.

They call themselves “a place for memories”, this is a cocktail and whiskey bar not to be missed. Sip on your drink of choice while enjoying live jazz and blues http://www.salonbeyrouth.com/.

A great place to go if you are in the mood for some musical entertainment with a bite, drink, or coffee https://www.bluenotecafe.com/.

A Hamra go-to for those looking for lively but chilled out atmosphere for conversations over drinks. From students to professionals and artists, this has been a place everyone enjoys spending time in https://www.sobeirut.com/ferdinand.

Houna Center holds different types of yoga classes (they even have classes for kids!). Visit their Facebook page for contact and class information: https://www.facebook.com/HOUNACENTER

For a gym, workout classes, or go for a steam in their sauna, visit http://www.fitnesszone.com.lb/ or call 05 958 058 to get rates!

A perfect place for Lebanese barbecue, a great choice for a delicious meal without the fuss.

This cultural center is a fabulous place for rotating exhibitions and fascinating talks and discussions on everything from politics to art. Visit their website to find out what is on during your visit https://www.darelnimer.org/en/.

Barakat is focused on bringing attention back to Arab art and artists through rotating exhibitions promoting modern and contemporary art. http://www.salehbarakatgallery.com/

This multifunctional space is a great place for photographers or photography lovers http://www.daralmussawir.org/

The American University in Beirut’s Museum is the third oldest museum in the Near East. Be sure to go on a weekday though, as they are closed on weekends! aub.edu.lb/museum_archeo.

From theater to concerts, to orchestras and cabarets, they celebrate the diversity of the stage with their passionate performances. https://metromadina.com/

Take a walk on the Corniche, with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean and spotted with places for a drink and a bite with fantastic views, it will give you a beautiful break from the noisiness of the city. It is also where you can find the infamous Raouche Rocks (also affectionately called The Pigeon Grotto).

A famous beach club that offers beautiful views of the sea and Raouche Rocks. Go swimming in one of their two pools, bask in the sun, or go on a Friday night to dance! 

https://www.facebook.com/sportingclubbeach.beirut/?rf=135439096527603

This garden opened in 2016 to celebrate the University’s 150th anniversary. It boasts a large variety of plants, trees, and flowers, all set surrounded by the infamously beautiful campus buildings, and giving you views to the sea. Don’t forget to bring a piece of ID! And tours are available for those who book ahead of time 

https://www.aub.edu.lb/botanicgarden/Pages/default.aspx

This is a must visit for book collectors and lovers of movie posters – old and new. http://alfurat.com/

If you’re looking for locally made products or treats, look no further. Visit the Tawlet or the weekly farmers market for packaged food products like honey, homemade soaps, dishware, books, and more. It is the perfect place to get a gift for yourself, a loved one (or both!).

This internationally renowned designer is from right here in Lebanon. Visit the designers Instagram page to see his stunning designs, and visit his store in Mar Nicolas. maisonrabihkayrouz.com  

This young Lebanese clothing designer has made waves at home, and abroad. Her designs are both classic, and contemporary, with luxurious fabrics and silhouettes. https://larakhoury.com/

Bringing a modern breath of air to traditional Lebanese embroidery, Salim’s designs are unique pieces of traditional heritage https://www.instagram.com/azzamsalim/.

This local gem sells ceramics, silverware, traditional clothing, soap, embroidery, textiles and toys, all made by Lebanese artisans. https://lartisanduliban.com/

For those vinyl enthusiasts, this is where you will want to go to find everything from Middle Eastern to global music, and posters http://bit.ly/2YdDxBZ.

Piaff Boutique brings all types of women's fashion items - from casual wear to formal wear - from different international brands. piaffboutique.com

A mall that gives you your favourite stores, with the fresh air. This is a popular place for those who need to do some shopping, without being overwhelming in size https://www.abc.com.lb/Directory/Verdun/3.