Don’t be fooled by its small size—Lebanon’s character is truly larger than life. This soulful Mediterranean nation blends tradition and modernity, East and West, with its gregarious capital rivaling the likes of Dubai for fun and excitement.
Beirut and the bars of Gemmayzeh are indeed the pulse of the country. People come here from all over to revel in its effervescent dining scene, rich history and, of course, the bacchanalian parties that continue into the early hours. From glamorous rooftop clubs to beach clubs and gritty dive bars, the nightlife in Beirut is famous world over.
But beyond its vibrancy, Lebanon’s charming reputation is also grounded in the warm hospitality of its residents. The nation truly lends itself to a culture of family, friendship and connectivity, where making unforgettable friends is pretty much a guarantee on any night out. A cosmopolitan melting pot of trendsetters and socialites, Lebanon has indeed cemented its status as a go-to on the Middle Eastern social calendar.
Consider this your guide to Lebanon’s unmissable spots, from party venues to upscale restaurants and (most importantly) those aesthetic cafes to get that perfect IG shot. Hot girls hang out in Lebanon. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.
Nightlife
Lebanon turns up the heat when night falls on the country. Beirut is with out a doubt the place to be, dubbed the Middle East’s original party city. Famous for the lavish escapades of the 1960s, where celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Marlon Brando partied with oil sheikhs on beaches until dawn, Beirut’s nightlife remains just as exhilarating today. Staying out late is part of the culture, and clubbing in Beirut is a year-round concern. However, the summer months are especially lively, as many of the city’s top clubs move to the New Corniche. If you’re in the mood to party, join the crowd at these buzzing hotspots.
Why you’ll 💘 : Music, seafood, sunset, ocean views…all the essentials for a good time.
Why you’ll 💘 : A party venue with the hottest DJs of the moment.
Why you’ll 💘 : The go-to for dancing, drinks and a fun night out.
Why you’ll 💘 : A Beirut hotspot and award-winning party destination with some seriously impressive interiors.
Why you’ll 💘 : The ultimate party-till-dawn destination, designed for Beirut’s seasoned ravers and music lovers.
Why you’ll 💘 : A cocktail bar with otherworldly views over the coast. Pair a drink with sunset views for the perfect IG pic.
Why you’ll 💘 : This unique outdoor venue should be on everyone’s bucket list. You just have to experience it for yourself.
Why you’ll 💘 : A household name that’s trusted for a good time.
Why you’ll 💘 : This is a sunset bar like no other. More on the sophisticated side, but still worthy of your Lebanon night-out rotation.
Why you’ll 💘 : Club nights don’t get much better than this. This spot is a guaranteed showstopping party.
Why you’ll 💘 : A rooftop concept in Beirut with street food and resident DJs.
Why you’ll 💘 : Go for the views, stay for the good vibes and electric music.
Why you’ll 💘 : The ultimate speakeasy experience in Lebanon that you have to try out.
Why you’ll 💘 : Live music, great food and a venue pulsating with energy. What more could we want?
Why you’ll 💘 : A feast for your soul and your IG feed.
Why you’ll 💘 : Top choice Latino oriental bar that’s perfect for sundowners.
Why you’ll 💘 : Events at Skinn hit different. This club is a popular choice for a reason.
Why you’ll 💘 : Parties in this venue go haaard. Hit up this ultra popular event on a Saturday and you won’t be disappointed.
Why you’ll 💘 : A concert venue and ultimate live music experience worthy of any visitor’s night out.
Dinner spots
A true taste of Lebanese culture, a nation renowned for its cuisine, starts at dinner. Lebanon’s culinary scene is dynamic and ever-evolving, with trendy, upscale restaurants opening across the country offering the very best of the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage. For the IT girls, Lebanon’s top restaurants are a feast for the feed too, with incredibly chic and aesthetic interiors making them bucket list destinations. We’ve rounded up the top spots to see and be seen…
Bazalt: One of Beirut’s trendiest Asian restaurants with a lively bar that draws in the coolest crowd at night.
Em Sherif: A famous homegrown concept serving up Lebanese cuisine in restaurants, cafes and delis across the country and beyond. P.s. Don’t skip the Em Sherif’s rooftop in Beirut.
Amar Beirut: A Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with nightly live entertainment.
Le Sushi Bar: Beirut’s highly acclaimed sushi hotspot, serving up top-tier Asian food best paired with their famous cocktails.
Liza Beirut: Known as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, Liza Beirut is equal parts mouthwatering and breathtaking.
Bobo Fou: A Mediterranean bistro bar that will transport you to the French Riviera, Italian coast or Greek islands with its eclectic menu.
Plume: The interior of this restaurant is almost as magical as the food itself (which, FYI, is a wonderful fusion of French, Italian, and Japanese). Your IG feed is begging you to visit.
Parasol: Poolside dining bliss with brunch offerings that are simply irresistible.
Cyrano: A stylish brasserie with signature comfort dishes like cuisse de canard with raspberry sauce.
Margo Rooftop: The go-to rooftop bar for great food and sunset soirées.
Centrale: French fine dining in the heart of Beirut.
Grecco: Greek and Mediterranean delicacies served next to the ocean. This is the perfect sunset dinner spot.
Meat The Fish: The ultimate destination for seafood in Lebanon, with a side of party vibes.
Falamanki: Traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Prepare to be obsessed with this foodie franchise.
The Bros: Burgers, wings and more. The Knafeh b kaak is a must try in Lebanon.
Dea Del Mare: Dine under the sun at this gorj seaside resort, serving up your fave poolside nibbles.
Nabeh Merched: Traditional Lebanese mezzah served under a waterfall…say less.
Thanna: Lebanese cuisine served in aesthetic interiors in downtown Beirut.
Tom & Mutz: Beirut’s top Italian-American fusion restaurant with a desert menu that’s worth saving room for.
Metropole: This restaurant gives all the French al fresco vibes with some of the country’s best dishes.
Zaïa: A fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine paired with panoramic views over Beirut.
Amelia: Spectacular cliffside views with an infinity pool and breathtaking sunsets, enjoyed over some of the finest Japanese and Peruvian flavours in Lebanon.
Beach clubs
📍 Rocca Marina, Hamat.
Santorini who? This beach club and seafood destination is the ultimate Instagrammable hot spot. With endless parties, green surrounding and *those* gorge dip pools, Rocca is a true must-visit destination.
📍 Beirut.
One of Lebanon’s oldest beach clubs, Sporting Beach and Pool Club, is a beloved local hotspot perfect for music events, sunbathing, and swimming. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, take a dip, or groove to the tunes, this iconic venue has it all.
📍 Beirut.
Bringing the most refined European hotel experience to the heart of Beirut, consider this a pool day for sophistication and world-class service. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lebanon’s capital, this is a chic beach club to rival all Euro summers.
📍 Batroun and Jiyeh.
Located just south of the beloved beachside town of Batroun, Orchid is an upscale beach club where dedicated surfers and chic Beirutis mingle all summer long. This stylish spot offers a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, making it an ideal place to lounge and indulge in a touch of elegance.
📍 Anfeh, Koura.
Introducing Lebanon’s latest hotspot, a new beach club that’s rapidly becoming the trendiest destination in the country. With its chic design, vibrant atmosphere, and prime location along the stunning coastline, this beach club has quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists.
📍 Halat.
Kalani Beach Club offers an idyllic blend of relaxation, luxury, and gourmet dining (Italian food by the beach…yes please), making it the perfect spot to live out your beachside dreams.
📍 Beirut.
Experience the ultimate pool and beach day combined into one Instagrammable escape. At this luxurious spot, you can bask in the best of both worlds with a dip in the jacuzzi, perfectly positioned to overlook the breathtaking ocean view.
📍 Dbayeh.
Indulge in a day of poolside bites and chic vibes at this stylish spot. Lounge by the shimmering pool, surrounded by sleek decor and accompanied by cool beats from a DJ deck.
📍 Jounieh Bay.
Did someone say…private beach? This is the ultimate cool girl pool day, with a world-class restaurant and stunning coastal views, perfect for sundowners.
Coffee break
Swirkies: Sweet treats, inventive drinks, IG photo ops…sign us up.
The Backburner: Coffee here is the real deal. And matcha girlies, this is a spot for you.
Stories: Coffee with a side of frozen yogurt? Say less.
Bachir: For all your ice cream needs. This place is so bestie date coded.
Kalei Coffee Co: Sustainably sourced coffee and good food make this the perfect breakfast spot.
Neighbourhood: An all-day drinks venue to cure all sorts of cravings.
Patchi Cafe: Healthy and irresistable food in an aesthetic cafe.
Praline: A luxe cafe that allll the fashion girlies will love.
The Slow: Super chic and aesthetic cafe and concept store, perfect for girly hangouts.
Where to stay
Hotel Albergo: Famed for its Lebanese-oriental style, this boutique hotel has boudoir-style suites, furnished with unique antique-hunted pieces. The rooftop is a favourite dining spot in the city, with exteriors simply too beautiful to pass up for the IG grid. Every detail at Albergo is designed for a sensory experience, and a stay here is truly worthy of your Lebanon bucket list.
Arthaus: Beirut’s most unique boutique hotel, Arthaus is a popular spot in the heart of the bohemian Gemmayze district. This charming hideaway perfectly captures the vibrant spirit and artistic flair of its surroundings, offering guests an intimate and unforgettable stay.
L’Hôte Libanais: A series of guest houses that reflect the beautiful heritage architecture that Beirut is famous for. These guest houses are your best option to experience Lebanese culture at its most sophisticated, in terms of design. It’s also a far more authentic stay than a traditional hotel, where the owners often meet you on arrival.
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