Hamra is within the Ras Beirut district, it is one of Beirut’s major commercial districts and renown for being one of the most down-to-earth and dynamic areas in the Middle East. In the 60s and 70s, it was the posh and trendy part of Beirut. Hamra streets buzz with caf�s, restaurants and pubs which have a history of being frequented by the region’s most prominent writers, intellectuals and artists, it has now picked a new niche as the new center of alternative Beirut culture. Hamra is also known for its tourist appeal and is home to a variety of hotels and fashion stores. Its main landmark is the Crowne Plaza, The American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University are located in the neighborhood giving a vibrant student liveliness to the area.
Hamra is crowded; its traffic is often at a standstill, its restaurants full and the bars overflowing. Although it has yet to revive fully its pre-war legacy, Hamra has undergone many renovations and is still regarded by many as the heart of the city.
