24 Hours Well-Spent in Beirut City

Dana Mortada   |   15-06-2017

For many, they find it in the same sentence with war and conflict, but In 2009, The New York Times has voted for Beirut as the number one city to visit. Fans of this eccentric place appreciate Beirut’s food scene and picturesque nature; and despite all the chaos, journalist Michael Specter once wrote “Beirut will always be a place where ideas and beauty flourished … and flourish still.”

Come on a full day meander behind closed doors, to discover a different Beirut. Here’s your guide to spending 24 hours in Lebanon’s beautiful capital city.

9 AM: Stroll along the Corniche

Al-Manara Corniche

Grab a Man'oushe

Man'oushe Oven

11 AM: Visit a Historic Landmark

Martyrs’ Square

Home of the Lebanese Parliament

Nejmeh Square

Go Shopping in the Souk

Beirut Souks

3 PM: Learn about Lebanese culture,

Sursock Palace

Explore French-Style Buildings

Gemmayzeh Street

9 PM: Dinner by the Waterfront

Zaitunay Bay

9 AM: Stroll along the Corniche

Apart from being a perfect exercising spot, the Corniche also known as the Ave de Paris is a famous seaside promenade in central Beirut. Stretching from the Ramlet al Bayda beach all the way to the Saint George marina area, lined up with palm trees and it offers the best view along the Mediterranean Sea.

Grab a Man'oushe

After an energetic walk along the seaside, stop by a bakery and a grab Lebanon’s most infamous breakfast food a Man’oushe- a delicious flatbread with dried thyme or cheese.

11 AM: Visit a Historic Landmark

Now it is time to visit some must-see attractions. Martyrs’ Square is a historic landmark, placed in the heart of Downtown Beirut. First constructed in 1931, a monument dedicated to the brave men who were executed during Ottoman rule.

Home of the Lebanese Parliament

In the middle of Beirut city, Nijmeh Square is the Home to the parliament. In the past this square was a major part of the reconstruction of the city after the civil war, and today it is one of the most active hubs in Beirut. Have a rest and grab a cup of coffee by the square’s magnificent 1930’s Rolex clock.

Go Shopping in the Souk

Also in Downtown, “Beirut Souks” is an architectural wonder and most definitely the best spot to walk around, shop and dine. It is a beautiful outdoor mall with a range of brands, and city’s best cafés and restaurants.

3 PM: Learn about Lebanese culture,

Sursock Museum is a marvel landmark not to be missed. Built in the 19th century, by the Sursock family is today turned into a major attraction for contemporary art and a museum about Lebanese culture.

Explore French-Style Buildings

Rue Gouraud or known as Gemmayzeh is a neighborhood in the Achrafieh district- mixed with residential buildings and commercial shops and restaurants. Its edgy environment is the perfect place to bar hope in the afternoon, while you take a stroll through the old streets.

9 PM: Dinner by the Waterfront

Zaitunay Bay is a prime waterfront land with numerous restaurants and cafés, offering a wide range of cuisines to satisfy everyone's taste palate. After walking through the old and the new, end your day over a relaxing dinner by the yacht docks and the lights of this lively city.