Lifestyle
Two years following the devastating blast, Beirut is still on its way to rebuilding itself.
However, with the spirit of Lebanon’s people and as a city with a rich heritage, it’s a place that continues to be a go-to destination for visitors the globe over.
From handicrafts to restaurants with seafront promenades, the city presents a host of activities for all those to be experienced with friends and family.
So, for your next trip to Beirut, has curated a guide of all the must-visit hotspots to add to your itinerary.
Restaurants
Amelia
Guests are taken on a culinary journey born of Japanese and Peruvian origins. With freshly baked pizza and a host of must-try cocktails, this fine-dining haven is the perfect way to unwind in a regal setting. Located on Armenia street in Mar Mikhael, this restaurant is sure to please your taste buds.
Em Sherif Café
To rediscover culinary traditions, this luxe restaurant serves sumptuous bites and delectable delicacies with authentic flavours. With a first-class dining experience, this restaurant serves dishes in a cosy environment with a wide variety of mezze and food. Located in Minet El Hosn, Downtown, this café is open from Monday to Sunday 9am to 3am.
Clap
This fine-dining Japanese restaurant authentically presents culture through its omakase-style menu. From grilled umami chicken wings to black cod miso, there are a host of dishes to try in an intimate environment. Located in Martyr’s Square, Annahar Building, this restaurant lies in the heart of the city.
Yamas
For traditional Greek cuisine with an artistic twist, this restaurant brings exciting classic flavours and a fun ambience. From stunning sunset views to a carefully curated menu, there’s enough and more to feel at home at this restaurant. Located at Aishti by the sea, at Atelias Seaside Road in Lebanon, it’s open daily from 5pm to 2am.
Hotels
Hotel Albergo
Emulating an old-time charm, this sophisticated sanctuary delivers old-fashioned service with boudoir-style suits, antique hunted pieces and dead sea amenities for the ultimate luxe escape. Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood in East Beirut, this chic property lies at the epitome of peace.
Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge
Whether you’re on the lookout for a sunny day by the pool or escape with a lavish beachfront, this hotel is the place to be. The rooms offer a panoramic view of the city with beach lounge access to unwind. From VIP areas to private jacuzzis, this luxe getaway offers the perfect escape on your next visit.
Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort
By bringing the most refined European experience to the heart of Beirut, this luxurious property gives visitors a break from the bustling city life. This five-star resort is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea with a labyrinth of pools, private jacuzzi bungalows and an ideal getaway for creating memories worth a lifetime.
Activities
Visit the Pigeon Rocks
This famous natural structure is situated close to Ramlet el-Bayda and is open to the public to experience its clifftop walks, natural harbours and 60-metre rocks reminiscent of a bygone era. For those who wish to get a closer look, they can take a boat trip to witness this wonder closely.
Sursock Museum
For an insight into Lebanese art, this museum is an inviting space that supports artists within the country. Born out of Lebanese collector Nicholas Sursock’s commitment to art, this contemporary haven showcases International artists, Japanese engravings and Islamic art with over 800 pieces on display. Located in Achrafieh, this museum’s structure gives visitors an insight into Lebanon’s classic architecture.
Discover the Ancient Roman Baths
As a meeting house for local people, these major thermal complexes have become an archaeological site for tourists and residents to visit. Situated 15 minutes away by walk from Saifi Village, it is now used as a concert venue and a section is transformed into a home for medicinal plants that were used during Roman times to nourish and heal the skin.