2 minute read

Beirut 10+1 THINGS TO DO IN BEIRUT

Lebanon’s capital and largest city is a hub of incredible culture, unforgettable food, and fascinating history. We invite you to discover the hidden beauty of Beirut, with our recommendations as your guide.

Written by Ioanna Lambrou

Advertisement

1. Pigeon Rocks

A true national and natural treasure, the Pigeon Rocks are a must-visit. Offering magnificent views, nature paths, and a perfect backdrop for your photos, this is a sight you can’t miss out on.

2.

Take a scenic stroll through one of Beirut’s upscale neighbourhoods, where each house is an architectural marvel. Take in the beautiful French colonial style buildings that house multiple art galleries and even a popular farmer’s market.

Rumoured to be the longest staircase in the Middle East, St. Nicholas Stairs, also known as L'Escalier de SaintNicolas, are 125 steps filled with bars, restaurants, and cafés on either side that make it a hugely popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Dating back 5000 years, the Beirut Souks is now a famed market featuring your favourite luxury brands.

4.

Soak up the heart of the city in the Star Square, named after the six streets that meet in its centre, and enjoy the impressive Art Deco architecture and the main attraction: a 1930s Rolex clock tower.

5.

Located in a 19th century villa, Sursock is a major contemporary art museum in Beirut and a hub for Lebanese culture; make sure you pay a visit to learn more about the incredible talents that Lebanon has birthed, while also experiencing the building’s astonishing architecture.

6.

Dating back 5000 years, the Beirut Souks is now a famed market featuring your favourite luxury brands, as well as a Sunday open-air market with antiques, oriental jewellery, and much more.

7.

One of Beirut’s buzzing neighbourhoods, Mar Mikhael is a central hub for the artsy crowd. Take a stroll through the area, enjoy the street art, and find yourself immersed in a unique hipster culture, with lots of lively nightlife opportunities.

8. The National Museum of Beirut

History buffs will fall in love with Beirut’s National Museum, filled with ancient historical artefacts from the city’s long and magnificent history. A few must-sees are the Byblos figurines, Aphrodite’s marble statue, and the seven wise men mosaic.

Stuck on what to do at night? Catch an arthouse flick at the

If you’re looking for a break from the city, the ultimate road trip will lead you to Beit ed-Dine, a small town just outside of Beirut.

Exploring is fun and definitely rewarding, but holidays are also about relaxing! Spend a day lounging by the beach at Beirut’s Corniche, a beautiful stretch along the city’s waterfront, perfect for a swim.

If you’re looking for a break from the city, the ultimate road trip will lead you to Beit ed-Dine, a small town just outside of Beirut that features an incredible 19th century palace, built for Emir Bashir Chehab II. Designed by an Italian architect, the palace is a harmonious balance between Arabic and Italian baroque styles and today, it functions as a museum, featuring hundreds of items from the Bronze and Iron Ages, lead sarcophagi, and Islamic pottery among others. It’s worth the trip, trust us!

This article is from: