QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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Lebanon is a small country at the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea covers an area of about 4000 sq m (10452 sq km) and it’s at the meeting point of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. The capital of Lebanon is Beirut. Lebanon, the country that used to be called the “Switzerland of the East”
Summer Festivals take place throughout the summer months which extend from July to the end of September where concerts, ballets, operas and modern dance bring life back to the ancient stones of Baalbek, Beiteddine, Byblos and Tyr.


GO THERE FOR

The History – with thousands of years worth of sights, from Roman ruins to the most stunning recent architectural constructions, there is a seamless progression between past and present on every street.

The Fashion – Beirut caters to a hip, young crowd who would only ever be seen in the latest designer threads and designs. The rise of Elie Saab, in particular indicates that fashion here is a major interest.

The Nightlife – Beirut is known as the Middle East’s party city with a wide variety of bars, nightclubs and entertaining places.


DON’T MISS

Al-Arz (The Cedars)
Named after the ancient trees which form a forest in the heart of the village, hundreds of young cedar trees have been planted around the area over the last 30 years. In addition to the Forest of the Cedars of God, there are a number of sites of interest in the area. The town of Bsharri is best known as the birthplace and resting place of Gibran Khalil Gibran, Lebanon's most famous mystic, poet, artist and novelist. The town also has three churches and a waterfall.

Byblos (Jbeil)
Byblos is located on the Mediterranean coast. It is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, founded in approximately 5000 BC. Byblos is famous for its crusader castle ruins and Phoenician history.

Jeita Grotto
Jeita Grotto is a compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon located 20 km north of Beirut in the Nahr al-Kalb valley. This grotto is made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries and a lower cave through which a 6230m long river runs. In this cave and surrounding galleries, the action of water in the limestone has created cathedral-like vaults of various sizes, colours, stalactites and stalagmites, majestic curtains and fantastic rock formations. The grotto accommodates a huge hall with a ceiling height of 108m from water level.

Baalbeck Ruins
Baalbeck
The famous Roman ruins at Baalbeck in the Bekaa Valley on the Syrian border.

Downtown
The Beirut downtown area contains an incredible number of churches and mosques. There are many different architectural styles and religions represented, most of these were partly destroyed during the war but all have been restored and rebuilt.

Pigeons’ Rock
The Corniche, Raouché Beirut
The most famous natural feature in Beirut, Pigeons’ Rock are off-shore rock arches rising out of the sea.

Ksara Winery
Ksara
Chateau Ksara it the oldest and most famous of Lebanon’s wineries, it is located in the Bekaa Valley, south of Zahle. Originally the site of a medieval fortress, it has bountiful grapevines and amazing underground caves where the barrels of Ksara are stored and the wine is matured.

The National Museum
Damascus Road and Museum Crossing, Ashrafieh, Beirut
The National Museum displays an impressive collection of archaeological objects and statues charting the history of Lebanon through the ages.


BASICS

Quintessentially Beirut
Al Saideh Center, 1st Floor, Mansourieh, PO Box 11-2855, Beirut, Lebanon
Telephone: +961 317 1071
Email: qbeirut@quintessentially.com

Languages: Lebanese (spoken), Arabic (Formal), French, English, and Armenian.
Time: (UTC +2), November – April, (UTC +3), May – October.

CURRENCY
The Lebanese currency is the lira (LBP), but US dollars are also widely used and are legal tender everywhere. The present rate of exchange is about £1= LL 2,500, $1= LL 1,500 but check latest rates before travelling. There are numerous banks and plenty of ATMs so you should never be stuck for money, and all credit and debit cards are accepted.

VISAS
A visa is needed when entering Lebanon. It can either be attained from a Lebanese embassy prior to arrival or – at the time of writing – can be bought at the airport on arrival, but do check as this can change at any moment.

TELEPHONES
The international code is +961,
The phone numbers in this book include the city code (01). And for mobiles the prefix is (03) or (70) or (71). All numbers consist of six figures plus the city or mobile code. Make sure that your mobile telephone has the international roaming option switched on.
Emergency Services: 112 (police and ambulance), 175 (fire)
Directory Enquires: 120

Electricity: 230V; Lebanon plug adaptors usually accept 4 types of plugs: flat blade plug, two round plugs, three round pins arranged in a triangle and two parallel flat pins with round pin.

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
General Enquiries: (961)1628000 or 150 from within Lebanon
http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb/

GETTING AROUND

Getting into town from Beirut airport is relatively straightforward. There are numerous taxis as you walk outside the airport and the minimum fare for the 20-minute journey to almost any neighbourhood is around $20.

Taxis
We recommend:
Allo Taxi
Royalty Taxi


WHEN TO GO

Beirut enjoys a four season Mediterranean climate with rainy winters (11˚C low and 18˚C high), moderate springs (12˚C low and 26˚C high), warm summers (21˚C low and 32˚C high) and warm autumns (21˚C low and 27˚C high) and an average of 300 sunny days a year. There are very few times that Beirut isn’t suitable to visit. The winter is mild on the coast and snowy in the mountains and the summer is hot on the coast but cooler in the mountains.

Public Holidays:
6th January - Christmas (Armenian Community)
Varies depending on Muslim calendar - Eid Al Fitr
9th February - St. Maroun’s Day
Varies depending on Muslim calendar - Eid Al Adha
Varies depending on Muslim calendar - Islamic New Year
Varies depending on the Gregorian and Western calendars - Easter (Western
Varies depending on the Gregorian and Western calendars - Easter (Eastern)
May 1st - Labour Day
May 6th - Martyr’s Day
May 25th - Liberation of South
Varies depending on the Muslim calendar - Prophet’s Day
August 15th - Assumption of Mother Mary
Varies depending on the Muslim calendar - Ashoora
November 1st - All Saints Day
November 22nd - Independence Day
December 25th - Christmas Day

WHERE TO STAY

Albergo Relais &.Chateaux
137 Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Street, Achrafieh
The only true boutique hotel in Beirut, located in one of the city’s oldest, most picturesque and fashionable neighbourhoods. Opened in 1998, the Albergo is a converted city mansion with 33 rooms, and very French in style. The rooftop boasts a small but exquisite pool and a delightful library-like restaurant that offers views of both the sea and the mountains.

Intercontinental Phoenicia
Ain el Mreisseh, Downtown
Probably Beirut’s most famous hotel, the Phoenicia reopened in April 2005 after sustaining massive damage from the bomb blast that killed former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. The refit has allowed the opportunity for the almost 500-room luxury hotel to update and become even more luxurious. Perfectly located for getting around the city, the Phoenicia overlooks the Beirut marina, which fills with exclusive yachts in the summer, and has incredible views of the Mediterranean and the mountains. The rooms, located in two separate towers above the hotel, are spacious and elegant.

Intercontinental Le Vendôme
Ain El Mreisseh, Downtown
Although part of the Intercontinental chain, Le Vendôme is a boutique for downtown Beirut. It’s not much to look at from the outside but inside it is cosy, luxurious and lavishly decorated in a classical style; with stunning views over the Corniche and the Mediterranean. Each of the 51 rooms are individually decorated in different colour schemes while the 22 suites are furnished with old master prints, wood-panelling and heavy fabrics. There is no pool here, but guests may use the facilities at the Intercontinental Phoenicia next door, amongst others.

Al-Bustan Hotel
Beit Mery, Beirut
The Al-Bustan Hotel is a piece of Lebanese history located high up in the hillside village of Beit Mery, and commanding a wonderful view over the whole of Beirut and the surrounding areas. Built in 1962, the Al-Bustan – which means ‘the garden’ – is possibly the only Beirut hotel to have an Arabic name and is imbued with plenty of Lebanese style, charm and authenticity to go with it. Still privately owned, it is clean and well kept; and while not as modern as the central Beirut hotels, each room contains a painting or sculpture from part of the Bustani art collection.

The Metropolitan Palace Hotel
Horsh Tabet, Sin El Fil
This luxurious hotel opened in 2001 to great acclaim, and is part of the Metropolitan chain owned by wealthy Emirati Khalaf al-Habtoor. One of the tallest buildings in the city, it has become a landmark on the skyline, offering fantastic panoramic views over Beirut from all of its 183 rooms. Very Arabic in style, it is expensively kitted out and has all the facilities you might ever need – including a directional finder for Mecca.

The Habtoor Hotel
Horsh Tabet, Sin El Fil
The most prestigious landmark to grace the Beirut skyline, Habtoor Grand Hotel Convention Centre & Spa takes hotel and leisure facilities in Beirut to a new level. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a range of world-class restaurants, state-of-the-art business and leisure facilities as well as extensive shopping and entertainment choices. Habtoor Grand Hotel Convention Centre & Spa is the first choice for both business and leisure travellers staying in Beirut.

Mövenpick Hotel and Resort
General de Gaulle Avenue, Raouche
Prominently located on Beirut’s seafront, with its own private beach and marina, two swimming pools and numerous chalets, the Mövenpick is classic luxury in the heart of the city. It offers unparalleled standards of service and numerous facilities, from stylish restaurants to a 2000 sq metre spa with 11 massage rooms. It has 293 rooms, the best of which have wonderful views over the sea. At night, the lights from the local fishing boats bob up and down in the waters in front of the hotel.

Monroe
Kennedy Street, Downtown
There isn’t a single hotel in Beirut that can beat the Markazia Monroe Suites for location. On the edge of downtown, the 81-room hotel overlooks Riad el-Solh Square and is within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Monnot Street and Gemayzeh. The drawback is the ring-road flyover running past the hotel, although it’s not as noisy as you’d think. An extension of the Monroe Hotel, the Markazia is as modern as you get, converted from an office building and opened in 2004. Unfortunately the Markazia doesn’t have its own pool or fitness club but guests have access to all such facilities at its sister hotel, the Monroe.

The InterContinental Mzaar, Mountain Resort and Spa
Ouyoun El Simane, Kfardebiane
The only 5 star hotel in the region, located less than an hour's drive from Beirut. Nestled between sky, mountains and sea, it is surrounded by a dazzling choice of leisure and archaeological sites. The Mzaar Intercontinental is a palace of excitement when it comes to ski pleasures, but it also offers year-round indoor and outdoor activities.

Le Gray
266 Zahr Plaza, Sami El Solh Avenue, Beirut
Relax and enjoy boutique elegance in the heart of Beirut’s downtown. As part of the prestigious Beirut Gate development, Le Gray Hotel has spacious rooms and suites to meet your every need. From sleek contemporary private rooms for formal meetings or spectacular events to unique rooftop bars and restaurants you can be sure of a welcome second to none at this exclusive hotel. With a central location between Beirut’s rich archaeological heritage and cutting edge designer outlets you will never be far from the best that the city has to offer.


WHERE TO EAT

Lebanese Cuisine

Diwan Sultan Ibrahim
Minet el Hosn, Downtown
Go for fish fresh from the Med, notably sea bass, mallifa, red mullet and bizri (deep-fried small sardines, a local speciality) as well as traditional Lebanese grilled dishes and mezze.

Chez Sami
Maalmeltein. Jounieh
A delightful fish restaurant appropriately set by the sea, so much so that the sound of crashing waves rather than music accompanies your dining experience.

Abdel Wahab
Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Street, Achrafieh
Named after the street that the restaurant is situated on, Abdel Wahab features a rich Middle Eastern décor, with damascene walls and glass blown ornaments which welcome you into an authentic Lebanese dining experience. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine including grilled meats, mezzes and their own unique recipes which can also be enjoyed on the terrace.

Babel
Dbayeh,Maten, Lebanon
Babel is a newly opened Lebanese dining experience serving a variety of Arab specialties.

Karam Beirut
Downtown Beirut
Karam is a casual yet elegant dining experience offering traditional Lebanese fare. It is popular with tourists and locals alike so reservations are recommended but not a must.

Mounir
Camille Chamoun str. Broumana
Mounir offers both traditional Lebanese food and fresh seafood in a charming setting of natural beauty. The restaurant has a private vineyard and is located in the forest. Their garden has waterfalls and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. It is ten minutes from the city.

Fakhreddine
Broumana, Lebanon
Due to its position in the mountains above Beirut, Fakhreddine offers spectacular views. The food is traditional Lebanese and during the summer months can be enjoyed outside on the terrace. This is a popular place so reservations are a must in order to secure a table with a view.

Seafood

Mandaloun Sur Mer
Biel, Beirut
Chic seafood restaurant where you will feel as though you are floating on the Mediterranean

Mhanna Sur Mer
Amchit, Lebanon
At Mhanna Sur Mer, visitors can choose their own fish from a display and then pick their preferred method of preparation. As suggested by its French name, the restaurant sits just above the sea offering a marvelous sea view. Due to Mhanna Sur Mer’s location, quality of produce, luxurious décor and seaside patio reservations here are a must.

Al-Sultan Brahim
Minet el Hosn, Downtown
Founded by three brothers in 1968 to supply people with the freshest fish, Al-Sultan Brahim still fulfills its goal today. The restaurant also serves a selection of salads and hot and cold mezzes.

Dar L’Azrak
Jbeil, Amshit
Dar L’Azrak is restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The restaurant serves a great selection of seafood.

Chez Sami
Maalmeltein, Jounieh
A delightful fish restaurant appropriately set by the sea, so much so that the sound of crashing waves rather than music accompanies your dining experience.

Italian Cuisine

Claudia’s
31 Abdel Wahab Street, Beirut
Cosy and intimate; chic Italian fare. Excellent service with generous portions, Claudia’s also boasts an extensive wine menu and good desserts -we recommend you choose the penne fantasia.

Al Dente
Albergo Hotel,Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Street, Achrafieh, Beirut
Al Dente serves Italian cuisine in a traditional Lebanese house that was transformed into a Boutique hotel. Serving great home-made pasta and fine risottos, complemented by a decent international wine list.

Da Giovanni
Saifi village, Downtown Beirut
Located in downtown Beirut, Da Giovanni is an Italian restaurant that specialises in seafood. Chef Giovanni Casa has put a French twist on his unique cuisine.

International Cuisine

Scallywags
St Joseph University Street, Achrafieh, Beirut
London-based Richard Defontaine is behind this restaurant, he came to Beirut on holiday and loved it enough to open a place here – you’ll often see him getting up and doing a little live karaoke for his guests when he is in town. Fusion cuisine is the order of the day – Italian, French and English cooked in Far Eastern spices, creating a delicious and comforting array of dishes. There is a menu, but Defontaine will often serve up whatever he feels like cooking on the day.

Casablanca
Ain el Mreisseh, Beirut
A traditional French Mandate period Lebanese house by the sea, the daily menu includes good, fresh fish and a fantastic lobster served with organic vegetables.

Mandaloun Grill
Pasteur Street, Gemmayze, Beirut
Choice of meat cooked on the grill, a la plancha or roasted. Extensive wine list

Japanese Cuisine

Le Sushi Bar
Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Street, Achrafieh, Beirut
The best of Beirut’s numerous sushi bars gets top marks not just for the standard of its food but also its freshness and cleanliness.

French Cuisine

La Table D’Alfred
Sursok str. 360, Achrafieh, Beirut
La Table D’Alfred is both a restaurant and a separate lounge bar. The restaurant has its own private dining sections. The restaurant is glamorous and entertains guests with a live pianist playing every night.

Eau de Vie
Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, Ain ElMreisseh, Downtown Beirut
Eau de Vie is pure high life: a potent mixture of Mediterranean views, exquisite surroundings and gourmet food. Located on the top floor of the Phoenicia Hotel, the menu is impressive and consists of delicately prepared dishes and fantastically fresh seafood.

Au Premier
Intercontinental Vendome Hotel, Ain El Mreisseh, Downtown Beirut
Located on the first floor of the Intercontinental Le Vendôme Hotel, Au Premier excels at pure French gastronomy. From the exquisite foie gras starters to a perfect filet de boeuf and a melt-in-your-mouth crème brûlée, with a wine list to compliment, Au Premier is undoubtedly one of Beirut’s top culinary spots

Centrale
Mar Maroun Street, Saifi/Gemayzeh, Beirut
This restaurant-cum-bar serves some of the best French food in town has an elevator to the top floor that has a retractable roof for marvelous views of Old Beirut. La Centrale is the proud owner of the largest wine cellar in Beirut. Dining is accompanied by a soothing jazz soundtrack that evolves into an electrolounge mix to get the post dinner festivities started.

Argentinean Cuisine

La Parrilla
66 Saint Maron Street, Gemmayze, Beirut
La Parrilla, Lebanon’s first Argentinean restaurant plays the part with a pianist playing songs as far off as Joan Baez, Algerian Souad Massi and, more obviously, classic tango melodies.

Armenian Cuisine

Al Mayass
Trabaud Street, Achrafieh, Beirut
Mayass has rightfully earned its reputation for excellent food at reasonable prices. This traditional Armenian–Lebanese eatery serves fantastic mezze and Armenian specialties from Aleppo, in a cosy atmosphere more reminiscent of a Mediterranean island than an old Achrafieh house.

Mountain Restaurants

Chez Michel
Faqra
Chez Michel, with its traditional rocks, wood architecture and Lebanese cuisine is an attractive sight to the traveller. A stable in Faqra since 1983, Chez Michel specialises in Lebanese mezze and features music every weekend. When it gets too crowded upstairs, there’s Chez Michel’s cave downstairs, with room for many more après-skiers.

Igloo
Faraya
Igloo, in Faraya, is the oldest – and still madly popular – of the mountain hangouts. Originally opened as a pub in 1955. Igloo has expanded – both in size and menu – over the years and is now a happening restaurant complete with special dishes, including steak haché and escargots à la bourguignonne. Boasting an incredible garden area that seats 300 to 350, Igloo also features a rustic and warm interior that’s spacious enough for wild weekend after-dinner dancing.

La Fondue
The InterContinental Mzaar Hotel, Ouyoun El Simane, Kfardebiane, Faqra
In Faraya and just steps away from the entrance to the InterContinental Mzaar hotel, La Fondue, which is only open on weekends and holidays, specializes in, as its name suggests, the melted cheese delight. The warm décor, dim lighting and low ceiling make it an ideal and cosy place to take refuge during snowy afternoons or unwind in evenings sipping wine and enjoying some runny fondue or raclette.

Le Log
Faqra
Faqra’s stylish Le Log, which is open only on weekends and holidays, features upscale dining in an elegant wood and glass setting. The restaurant offers typical and mountain-style cuisine – fondue, pierrade de boeuf, international cheeses and an impressive wine selection. There’s also a children’s menu for smaller appetites. Le Log was recently contracted out to Beirut’s Le Bristol hotel, resulting in a completely revamped experience.

Montagnou
Faraya
In Faraya proper, the veritable Swiss chalet-style décor and dining of Montagnou has been around for a decade, serving traditional and heart-warming mountain cuisine. Co-owner and grand chef Tony Saade, who trained in France, has created a special menu with many winter-warming favourites: fondue, French onion soup, magret de canard and pierrade de boeuf. The unique architecture, with its high cathedral ceiling also features a bread oven, a winery with fifty varieties of Bordeaux wines and a more intimate downstairs seating area with fireplace, which is ideal for private gatherings of 15 to 20.

Rikky’z
Kfardebiane, Faqra
Rikky’z is the newest edition to Faqra’s hotspots; it opened its doors just before the holiday season and has already established itself as a favourite. Its owner’s popularity, warm wood décor, extensive menu, French wine cellar and large central chimney may all to contribute to this.

Cafes & Snacks

No Lebanese café could survive without serving food, and nearly all of them produce dishes ranging from Lebanese mezze to sandwiches, so go on – indulge

Sydney’s
Intercontinental Le Vendôme l, Ain el Mreisseh, Downtown
Sydney’s is the luxury café–bar for any taste at any time. With the feel of a British gentlemen’s club, it is located high up on the roof of the Intercontinental Le Vendôme with a conservatory and bar area.

Al Dirwandi
Ain EL Mreisseh, Beirut
Al Dirwandi cafe and restaurant is the Beiruti experience you've been longing for. Enjoy their remarkable setting where you are in one of the city's premium locations and savour some of the most delicious flavours Lebanese cuisine has to offer.


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Pubs

Gauche Caviar
Gouraud Street, Gemayzeh, Beirut
A popular pre-clubbing destination, Gauche Caviar’s simple design complements the more provocative paintings on the walls. Wooden tables and high chairs provide the seating. The crowd is on the younger side, usually turning up ready to tear the place up as the DJ spins trance and funky house.

Myu
Gemmayzeh, Gouraud Street, Beirut
Mediterranean food served. The tube shaped bar gets very crowded and hectic, but the dinning area behind it offers a more leisurely atmosphere. Music is very commercial but that is not what draws the crowd, who are there to socialize and getaway from the louder bars.

Cloud 9
Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh, Beirut
Cloud 9 offers pastas, filet mignon, burgers, salads, and so on. The place is decorated with Sally K’s paintings, and the music is upbeat lounge/electro.

Nightclubs

Music Hall
Starco Building, Downtown Beirut
Music Hall is one of the few places in Beirut where you can watch six or seven bands in a night whilst you eat a luscious dinner and drink bottles of the finest alcohol available. Formerly the Starco Cinema, the space was taken over in late 2003 by record-label owner and music entrepreneur Michel Elefteriades, who has created a sort of cabaret-show environment.

Element
Damascus Road, Achrafieh, Beirut
Element is one of Beirut’s legendary clubs. It serves French fusion-food and the music is usually from the 80’s.

Mandaloun
Mar Mikhael, Beirut
Inside the music is dominated by an Arabic one-man show; it’s popular with a slightly older crowd but still bristling with atmosphere along with a giant projector screen that descends from the ceiling to play pop and R&B video clips.

Buddha Bar
Riad el Solh Square, Downtown Beirut
Part of the legendary Parisian franchise, this three-floor establishment serves Asian-fusion cuisine in the restaurant and plays chill-out music in the bar and lounge area from 9pm-11pm proceeded by international music.

White (in summer) and Eight (in winter)
Al Nahar bldg, Downtown Beirut
Fusion cuisine served, an elegant all white setup, a roof- top nightclub

BEIRUF (only during summer)
Beirut harbor
A roof- top nightclub

Sky Bar (only during summer)
Biel Pavillion, Beirut
A roof- top nightclub

Riviera Island (only during summer)
Ain El Mreisseh, Hotel Riviera, Beirut
An outdoor Beach club

Cassino
Corner of Sodeco Square, Damascus Road, Beirut
Dress to impress here and look forward to experiencing the legendary Beirut Arabic one-man (or one-woman) show, where a local singer plays a dabki drum and electro keyboards and sings up-tempo Arabic pop.


WHERE TO SHOP

Boutique 1
2 Park Avenue, Beirut Central District
Offering an edited selection from some of the hottest designers across the globe, Boutique 1, Beirut’s flagship store opened in 2009 and is situated on one of the most prestigious streets in the Beirut Central District. Showcasing the most coveted fashion collections, alongside beauty, homeware and books, the Beirut store shadows the lifestyle concept available in Dubai and reemphasizes Beirut’s new found fashion city status.

ABC Shopping Centre
Sassine Square, Achraftieh, Beirut, Dbayeh, Maten
ABC department store, houses everything from casual and formal wear to cosmetics and lingerie, as well as numerous other shops, cafés and a six-screen cinema. The six level building consists of a huge variety of stores such as Aizone – high-end casual wear for men and women, including brands such as Diesel, Miu Miu and Armani; chic Lebanese stores, eyewear, including sunglasses from D&G, Gucci and Roberto Cavalli.

Saifi Village Arts Quarter
Saifi, Downtown, Beirut
Opened at the end of 2004, located in a residential area of downtown just off Martyr’s Square, there are plenty of galleries, design, furniture and fashion stores, and is well worth a visit. All the stores and galleries in the village are local or regional.

City Mall
Nahr El Mot, Beirut
At City Mall, you will find what you need in its 11,000sqm shopping area. The commercial gallery welcomes you to 100 stores and you can later enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the 15 cafés and restaurants, while your children are safely watched in the kids’ playground. The mall includes a cinema complex with nine movie theatres, specialty shops and the BHV department store on two levels.

Le Mall
Habtoor Hotel, Sin El Fil, Beirut
Le Mall is a shopping centre that houses a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment zones.

Beirut Mall
Tayouneh, Mathaf, Beirut
Beirut Mall opened at the end of 2006; one can shop at the many different specialty shops or enjoy the indoor theme park which is spread over a 3500sqm indoor area.

Downtown
Downtown is a beautiful area and a fantastic place to walk around, while unwinding at a café or shopping at its boutique stores.


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Spas

The Spa
Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, Mreisseh, Beirut
Located at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, The Spa offers balneotherapy and hydro massage, algo-therapy and presso-therapy. Or if you want aerobics, steam rooms, saunas, jet showers or just a facial, it’s all here, in a split-level section of the hotel decked out in marble and mosaic.

Essential Spa and Health Club
Möevenpick Hotel, Raouche, Beirut
Located at the Möevenpick Hotel, a 3,000sqm spa and health club, this really is luxury relaxation at its finest. Offering a huge range of massages and treatments at reasonable prices, it has relaxation rooms, jet showers, steam rooms and saunas, and four swimming pools, both outdoor and in. Never overly full, it makes for a tranquil escape from Beirut’s urban sprawl.

The Spa
Four Seasons Hotel, Minet El Hosn, Beirut
The Spa at Four Seasons offers pampering and rejuvenation in seven different treatment rooms, including a VIP couple’s suite with its own private terrace and water views. Or lounge in the tranquil terrace oasis of the 26th-floor rooftop pool.

The PureGray Spa
Le Gray Hotel, 266 Zahr Plaza, Sami El Solh Avenue, Beirut
The PureGray Spa is luxurious and intimate, with personalised service featuring six stylish treatment rooms including a double treatment room for couples and a wet treatment room with its own shower. The spa offers a select menu of innovative and restorative treatments from prestigious Spanish skincare house, Natura Bissé.

Hairdressers and Make-up Artists

Joeseph Saad & Eva Atallah
Zalka, Maten
Stylists to the stars, Joseph Saad and Eva Atallah offer a full range of hair and make-up services specialising in bridal beauty.

Bassam Fattouh
Verdun, Beirut
Bassam’s studios all follow the Fattouh philosophy of beauty coming from both within and the exterior. They offer detailed customised services to every individual.

Fadi Ibrahim
Dbayeh, Maten
Fadi Ibrahim offers a wide variety of beauty services including make-up, nail care, hair dressing, hair removal, tattoos and facial treatments. Ibrahim’s also offers special wedding services.

Elie Feghali
Jdeideh, Maten
Feghali has numerous services including make up, hair dressing and accessories. Elie is also a fashion designer so he can create whole new looks from head to toe.

Joe Raad
Verdun, Beirut
Joe Raad salon has been going for years and is an up and comer in Beirut. The salon offers hair styling services.

Fady Kataya
Verdun, Beirut
Fady Kataya is a make up salon and spa that works with celebrities, brides and customers who want something special.

Simon El Mendelek
Zalka, Maten
Simon El Mendelek is known as one of the finest hair and make up salons in Lebanon.

Pace et Luce
Verdun, Beirut
This beauty salon offers great service and quality products at good prices. They have been used by many celebrities for hair dressing.

Activities

Skiing

Cedars
Located on Mount Makmel, to the north of Beirut, the Cedars is considered Lebanon’s oldest resort. One of two resorts offering black ski runs.

Faraya Mzaar / Faqra
Faraya Mzaar (at an altitude of 1,850–2,465m) has 42 slopes and 80km of ski tracks offering challenges to a variety of skill levels. One of two resorts offering black ski runs.

Laqlouq
This is one of Lebanon’s smaller ski resorts, where the slopes cater mainly for beginner and intermediate skiers.

Zaarour
The smallest ski resort in Lebanon, as well as the closest to Beirut, Zaarour is a beautiful spot.

Cycling

Beirut by Bike
Minet El Hosn, Downtown Beirut
This is the main Beirut bike club where bikes can be hired for daily tours of the city. They are a good crew of people and will provide you with a guide if you wish, maps, as well as all of the protective gear you’ll need.

Flying

Aero Club of Lebanon
Beirut International Airport
Learn to fly with the Aero Club of Lebanon. The Club also offers sightseeing tours.

Flying Carpet
Beirut International Airport
Flying Carpet offers chartered flights, air taxis, sightseeing tours and pilot training.

Fishing

The Dbayeh Fishing Club
Dbayeh, Lebanon
The club provides four tours a day of sea fishing from Dbayeh Port, the first operating from 6am to noon and the last one between midnight and 6am. Boat rentals and cruises are also available the Dbayeh Fishing Club.

Paintball

Xtrem Paintball
Roumieh, Lebanon
Lebanon’s first paintball facility, Xtrem Paintball offers an exciting afternoon. Reservations must be made seven days in advance.

Cinemas

Cinamacity
City mall, Nahr El Mot
Cinamacity is the only cinema to play films from each of the six major studios. Has nine screens, including 3D capability.

Grand Cinemas ABC
ABC centre, Ashrafieh
The Grand Cinema ABC offers 3D capability and e-ticketing kiosks.

Grand Concorde
Concorde centre, Beirut
Grand Concorde, part of the Grand Cinemas group is recently purchased and offers 3D capability and e-ticketing kiosks.

Dance Accademies

Academy of Dance Khanito
Zalka, Maten and Verdun, Beirut
Khanito Khagic Nicoli Torkomian teaches Latin & ballroom dancing, salsa, rumba, cha-cha, rock 'n' roll, tango, waltz, hip hop, ballet, oriental, modelling, jazz and organises special classes for children.

Caracalla
Ivoire center SEF, Beirut
Caracalla is an acclaimed international dance school that produces touring shows. The school provides classes in multiple dance disciplines including its own Caracalla style of dance.

Nada Kanso Espace Dance
Tabaris Garden, Beirut
This small school teaches classical dance for adults and kids.

Nameless Dance Academy
Jdeideh, Maten
This academy boasts champion trainers, led by the famous Pierre Dib. With ballroom dancing, Latin, Middle Eastern, salsa, Tango and rock n’ roll all on offer, there is something for everyone.

Beaches & Resorts

Edde Sands
Kesrouan, Jbeil
Edde Sands is a beach resort, spa and boutique hotel offering restaurants and bars perfect for private events.

Orchid
Jiyeh
Orchid is an exclusive, adults only resort. Despite its spa-like feel, Orchid offers visitors a lively atmosphere with its Champagne bar and modern restaurants.

Laguava Resort
Rmeilleh
Laguva has a tropical feel to it, with water sports and beach activities it offers fun for the whole family. There is also a children’s pool and an adult’s pool.

Janna Sur Mer
Greater Beirut, Damour
Janna Sur Mer lays claim to the biggest pool in the Middle East, with features including waterfalls, a swim up bar and island there is something for everyone. There are also three restaurants to choose from, a beach, water sports including scuba diving and private events hire.

WHAT TO SEE

Archaeological Remains & Sight Seeing

Harrisa
Harrisa is a religious sight, located in the high mountains of Jounieh overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Jounieh City. There are two ways to access it, either by car or enjoy a ride by a gondola lift, known as the "Téléférique". When you reach the site, there is a 15 ton statue of the Virgin Mary known as Notre Dame du Liban. There are also a number of beautiful churches and breathtaking views.

Musa Castle
Moussa Castle is located in Deir el Qamar, dominating the valley where a tributary of Nahr el Damour flows. It is an authentic place where one can feel the typical and traditional Lebanese customs accumulated and protected throughout hundreds of years.

Beiteddine Palace
Beiteddine was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Emir Bechir Chehab II. A perfect example of classic Lebanese architecture of the time, it has decorated ceilings, colourful marble mosaic floors, and luxurious Turkish baths and harem suites. The palace is in a beautifully groomed garden setting with water jets and colonnades, there is also a guest house in which the French Poet "Lamartine" once dwelt.

Al-Omari Sunni Mosque
Weygand Street, Downtown Beirut
Originally the Church of St John the Baptist of the Knights Hospitallers, but was converted to a mosque in 1291.

St George’s Maronite Cathedral
Riad El Solh Street, Downtown Beirut
This Greek-Orthodox church, built in 1767, was the oldest functioning church in Beirut. During the war, many decorations were destroyed; however after undergoing restoration the church can be seen in its former glory.

Jewish Synagogue
Wadi Abou Jamil Street, Downtown Beirut
There is a beautiful ruin of the only synagogue to exist in Beirut. The synagogue harks back to the time before the Israeli invasion, when most Lebanese Jews fled the country.

The Corniche
The wide pavement that comprises the Corniche stretches from St George’s Bay all the way to the Pigeons’ Rock providing beautiful sea views to strollers.


Museums

American University of Beirut/AUB Museum
The AUB Museum was founded in 1868 and features a collection of Lebanese and Arabic artefacts and coins dating back to the Stone Age. There is also a selection of pottery and terracotta statuettes. Lectures are given throughout the year on a range of subjects.

Robert Mouawad Private Museum
Adjacent to the British Embassy and the Grand Serail, Downtown Beirut
This private museum is housed in what used to be the Henry Pharaon Palace, named after the late head of a prestigious Lebanese dynasty. Bought and restored by the wealthy Lebanese jeweller Robert Mouawad, the museum now houses ancient Arab artefacts such as swords, pottery, jewels and objects of art collected by Pharaon and Mouawad over many decades.

Sursock Museum
Sursock Street, Gemmayze Beirut
Owned by the Sursock family, one of the most famous in Beirut, the Sursock Museum is a beautiful Italian-Lebanese style mansion with an interior featuring wood-panelling, marble floors and colourful stained-glass windows. The building was left to the city of Beirut in the will of Nicolas Sursock and is now a modern art museum.

Art Galleries

Alice Mogabgab Gallery
Ashrafieh Street, Ashrafieh, Beirut
The Alice Mogabgab Gallery exhibits contemporary work and specialises in painting, sculpture and photography from the local and international art scene.

Arab Image Foundation
Starco Building, Downtown Beirut
One of the most important cultural foundations in the Middle East, it includes 19th-century studio portraits and 20th-century pictorial practices.

Ciecle des Lumieres
Tabaris, Beirut
This gallery exhibits 18th and 19th century paintings and antiques. A wide collection of Bohemian and ruby glassware, silver and antique furniture are also on display.

Zee Gallery
Pasteur Street, Beirut
Astonishing gallery for furniture and decorative pieces imported from Nepal, Thailand and other Far Eastern countries. Fountains, Buddha statues, Asian tableware, Vietnamese paintings, Chinese antiques, mother of pearl accessories and a whole lot more.

XXe Sciecle
Makdessi Street, Beirut
Authentic antiques gallery specializing in furniture and textiles from the 1950’s and 60’s and 70’s.