It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a city as chaotic as Beirut, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. However, if you know where to go, you’ll quickly get to grips with this captivating capital. We outline how to spend 24 hours in Beirut.
Start your day at Falamanki Raouche (+961 1 808011), where you can indulge in a traditional Lebanese breakfast. Sit on the terrace to enjoy an unparalleled view of the magnificent Pigeon Rocks and the Mediterranean Sea.
MORNING
After you’ve enjoyed an array of Falamanki delights — manouche, foul moudamas, labneh and kishk — walk down the hill. Head inland near the giant Ferris wheel to see Manara’s abandoned lighthouse. This structures, like countless others in the area, are testaments to glorious old Beirut.
AUB
Walk along Bliss Street toward the American University of Beirut (AUB). The historic campus, which dates back to 1866, boasts spectacular buildings and beautifully manicured gardens.
Once you’ve reached the intersection at the end of Bliss Street, turn right and walk up Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Street. Explore Agial (+961 1 345213), an art gallery showcasing modern and contemporary art from the Arab world. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions for those interested in discovering the works of established names and emerging talents from across the region.
Agial
Running perpendicular to Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Street is Hamra Street, the neighborhood’s most well-known thoroughfare. It is fun and lively, boasting a wide variety of shops, many of which are more affordable than those located in other parts of Beirut.
Head toward Clemenceau — an area that has retained much of its charm — and stop for a coffee at Edda Arabica, a charming specialty coffee shop that’s located on the ground floor of the Gefinor Center.
Edda Arabica
After you’ve wandered around Clemenceau, taking in the sights of Haigazian University, Dar El-Nimer for Arts & Culture, Trad Hospital and the other architectural beauties, walk downhill toward Omar Daouk Street. There you’ll find Orient 499 (+961 1 369499), an impressive boutique that specializes in beautifully crafted decorative items, abayas and modern souvenirs that capture the spirit of the region.
Orient 499
Facing the store is one of Beirut’s most iconic landmarks: the Holiday Inn. Built in 1974, the hotel witnessed only a short period of prosperity as the civil war erupted a year after it opened. Having played a significant role in the “Battle of the Hotels” — a sub-conflict of the 15-year war — the abandoned, bullet-ridden building stands as a painful reminder of a tragic period in Lebanon’s past.
AFTERNOON
A must for visitors to the capital, Tawlet Mar Mikhael (+961 81 266060) is the farmers’ kitchen overlooking the souk area. Here, the menu changes every day, with homemade dishes prepared by cooks from different parts of Lebanon.
After lunch, wander around Mar Mikhael, find the colorful stairs and visit the concept stores and design boutiques selling creative, locally made products. If you’re in search of a unique gift or souvenir, pass by Zawal and Plan BEY (+961 1 444110), which can be found side by side on Armenia Street.
Continue your journey along Armenia Street and venture onto Gouraud Street, Gemmayze’s main thoroughfare. There, and in the side streets, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to art galleries: Art on 56th (+961 1 570331), Art District (+961 81 680069) and Fadi Mogabgab (+961 1 567288) to name a few. For design enthusiasts, Studio Nada Debs (+961 1 568111) is a must.
Studio Nada Debs
No adventure to Gemmayze would be complete without a walk up the 125-step public stairway that connects Gemmayze to the leafy, upscale neighborhood of Sursock. Although it’s a long way up, your efforts will be rewarded once you reach the top as the peace and quiet that permeates Sursock is rare in a city as chaotic as Beirut.
Sursock Museum
Besides the exquisite villas, Sursock is home to the Villa Audi Mosaic Museum (+961 1 200445) and the Sursock Museum (+961 1 202001), which showcases over 800 pieces of modern and contemporary art by Lebanese and international artists. Entrance to both museums is free. Don’t leave without picking up a souvenir from the Sursock Museum Store (+961 1 202009).
EVENING
Enjoy a drink at Centrale (+961 3 915925). Since its opening in 2001, this restaurant has attracted visitors from far and wide thanks to its marvelous tunnel-shaped bar that’s suspended in the air. Even the elevator ride is a talking point (expect leather banquettes!)
Dinner in Beirut is a late-night affair, so don’t be surprised if you’re eating after 9 pm. For an authentic yet elegant Lebanese experience, book a table at Liza (+961 1 208108) in Achrafieh, a delightful restaurant located in a gorgeous heritage house. Alternatively, you can dine at Em Sherif (+961 1 206206), where you’re guaranteed a feast fit for royalty.
Em Sherif Cafe
LATE NIGHT
You needn’t be a hardcore reveler to enjoy the epic nightlife of the Lebanese capital; there’s really something to suit every taste. Whether you choose to end your night watching live music performances at MusicHall (+961 3 807555) or you choose to dance the night away at Iris (+961 3 090936), remember that there’s nowhere in the world quite like Beirut.
Music Hall
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our article on new dining and hotspots nightlife in Lebanon.
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