Guides
What To Do If You’re Only In Beirut For A Winter Weekend
Welcome to Beirut. Whether you’re here for a month or just a weekend, there is a lot to be done. Here’s what you should do in Beirut if you’re only here for a winter weekend.
Friday afternoon:
Pass by Babel Bay in Zaitunay Bay for a late seafood lunch and Arak by the sea. After that, go for a stroll along the port and head towards Gemmayze for a refreshing cup of tea at the only tea garden in Beirut, Blue House Tea Garden. If you’d rather have a hearty cup of coffee you won’t have to veer too far from there, as Sip Beirut is currently our favorite cafe in town and it’s on the same street.
Friday evening:
No one’s up to any good in Beirut on a Friday evening. For delicious nibbles, fancy cocktails, and contagiously peppy music, go to La Mezcaleria in Saifi (make a reservation first) – Beirut’s first and best Mezcal bar. If tequila isn’t your thing, not to worry, you can also pass by the neighboring Bar du Port for French-inspired delectable dishes and drinks.
Friday late night:
Try SAX for a trendy night out in the heart of Beirut’s downtown. Dimly lit and oozing trendy vibes, this place is sure to give you a good feel of Beirut by night. After that, if you’re looking to party, Discotek is a guaranteed party people-pleaser. Their massive disco ball is sure to keep your spirits high all night, and if that’s not enough, you can resort to a few glasses of the other types of spirits they serve. With retro music and electrifying lighting, this disco-themed Beirut hotspot is sure to have you coming back to Beirut for another weekend getaway soon. If you find yourself still eager to party afterwards, you can always pass by one of Beirut’s late night clubs, like the notorious BO 18, the newly opened after hours club CLOSR, or, for feel-good tunes to end your night right, The Grand Factory.
Saturday morning:
This one depends on how early you get to bed (or don’t) on Friday night. If you’re one of those rare breeds who can party all night long and wake up the next morning like it ain’t no thang, then you’ll probably wake up hungry. For feel-good boozy lunch spots around the city, check out one of these bustling brunch spots.
Now that you’ve fueled up to face the day, why not go shopping at one of Beirut’s melting pots for overspending. Try Beirut Souks for a downtown shopping experience, or ABC in Verdun or Achrafieh if you prefer to shop ’til you drop in the comfort of a mall.
Saturday lunchtime:
Once you feel rested and rejuvenated after your shopping spree, you’ll probably be hungry again. For a budget-friendly lunch in the city that doesn’t compromise on quality, pass by Kissproof in Badaro, Beirut’s most hipster hood. Their sandwiches are out of this world, and their bacon cheese dip is too. Have a chipotle bloody mary on the side of your meal, and get yourself in the mood for what’s still to come this evening.
Saturday afternoon:
For a true taste of Beirut’s culture, you’ll need to take a stroll through one of its most famous neighborhoods. Go for a walk in Hamra, where you’ll be surrounded by Lebanese lifestyle in all its glory – from shopping, to cafe-lined streets, to friendly faces always eager to say hello. Check out our guide to a day well spent in Hamra for a more detailed guide.
Alternatively, take a stroll through the quaint streets of Achrafieh for another glimpse of Beirut’s vibrant culture. Be sure to pass by Beirut’s celebrated ‘Ice Cream King’, Hanna Mitri Ice Cream, which was once dubbed by CNN as the best ice cream in the world. While you’re in Achrafieh, be sure to at least take a stroll by the Sursock Museum, as you’re bound to be blown away by its grandeur.
Saturday evening:
Get your sushi on at Kampai, or feast on a worldly meal at Baron – their menu is to die for. We suggest you order their brisket burgers or a steak because that’s what they do best.
Saturday night:
Since you partied hard on Friday night, maybe Saturday should be reserved for some good old pub-hopping. You’ve probably heard about it before, so we won’t go into too much detail – but the place to do this is Mar Mikhael. Start your evening off at any of the seemingly infinite bars on this popular Beirut street, and the drinks and your fellow drinkers will lead you to the next bar, and the next, and the next, until you end up needing to go home. If you’d rather go pub-hopping in a less crowded area, try Badaro, Gemmayze, or Hamra – for the same vibes, but a little more toned down.
Sunday morning:
Happy Sunday! Your trip may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your last taste of Beirut today. Get up and get ready and head down to the Corniche for a stroll along what is perhaps the most quintessentially Beirut street in the country. Sit back, relax, and watch the characters come and go while breathing in the fresh salty air and basking in the beauty of the winter sun and sea. When you’re done, head towards Raouche for lunch.
Sunday lunchtime:
After your walk on the Corniche, head towards Beirut’s famous Ferris Wheel (the one at the Luna Park that you’re sure to have noticed lit up at night) and walk past it to get to your lunch spot. There’s nothing quite like lunch at Feluka Restaurant at Sporting Club Beach on a Sunday. You’ll feast on one of Beirut’s most delicious seafood meals, all the while perched above the sea and above what is one of Beirut’s most beloved beaches.
Too bad it’s not summertime – as you’re sure to feel nostalgic for a summer dip in the pool or the sea. If the weather is good enough though, you can do so! The staff at Sporting fill their pools year-round depending on the weather. So pack a swimsuit with you before you leave in the morning just in case!
Sunday afternoon:
Hopefully by now you’ve gotten a feel for the best of Beirut. Once you’re done with lunch, you can continue walking towards Raouche to Falamanki, for a cup of Turkish coffee with a panoramic view of Beirut’s natural wonder, the Raouche Rocks. Depending on what time your flight is, after this it might be time to call it a day. Get your last breath of Beirut’s chaos and get ready to plan your next trip back soon.
We hope you enjoyed your trip enough to come back in summer, when you can be sure to expect our summertime weekend guide. Bon voyage, and come back again soon!
Friday afternoon:
Pass by Babel Bay in Zaitunay Bay for a late seafood lunch and Arak by the sea. After that, go for a stroll along the port and head towards Gemmayze for a refreshing cup of tea at the only tea garden in Beirut, Blue House Tea Garden. If you’d rather have a hearty cup of coffee you won’t have to veer too far from there, as Sip Beirut is currently our favorite cafe in town and it’s on the same street.
Friday evening:
No one’s up to any good in Beirut on a Friday evening. For delicious nibbles, fancy cocktails, and contagiously peppy music, go to La Mezcaleria in Saifi (make a reservation first) – Beirut’s first and best Mezcal bar. If tequila isn’t your thing, not to worry, you can also pass by the neighboring Bar du Port for French-inspired delectable dishes and drinks.
Friday late night:
Try SAX for a trendy night out in the heart of Beirut’s downtown. Dimly lit and oozing trendy vibes, this place is sure to give you a good feel of Beirut by night. After that, if you’re looking to party, Discotek is a guaranteed party people-pleaser. Their massive disco ball is sure to keep your spirits high all night, and if that’s not enough, you can resort to a few glasses of the other types of spirits they serve. With retro music and electrifying lighting, this disco-themed Beirut hotspot is sure to have you coming back to Beirut for another weekend getaway soon. If you find yourself still eager to party afterwards, you can always pass by one of Beirut’s late night clubs, like the notorious BO 18, the newly opened after hours club CLOSR, or, for feel-good tunes to end your night right, The Grand Factory.
Saturday morning:
This one depends on how early you get to bed (or don’t) on Friday night. If you’re one of those rare breeds who can party all night long and wake up the next morning like it ain’t no thang, then you’ll probably wake up hungry. For feel-good boozy lunch spots around the city, check out one of these bustling brunch spots.
Now that you’ve fueled up to face the day, why not go shopping at one of Beirut’s melting pots for overspending. Try Beirut Souks for a downtown shopping experience, or ABC in Verdun or Achrafieh if you prefer to shop ’til you drop in the comfort of a mall.
Saturday lunchtime:
Once you feel rested and rejuvenated after your shopping spree, you’ll probably be hungry again. For a budget-friendly lunch in the city that doesn’t compromise on quality, pass by Kissproof in Badaro, Beirut’s most hipster hood. Their sandwiches are out of this world, and their bacon cheese dip is too. Have a chipotle bloody mary on the side of your meal, and get yourself in the mood for what’s still to come this evening.
Saturday afternoon:
For a true taste of Beirut’s culture, you’ll need to take a stroll through one of its most famous neighborhoods. Go for a walk in Hamra, where you’ll be surrounded by Lebanese lifestyle in all its glory – from shopping, to cafe-lined streets, to friendly faces always eager to say hello. Check out our guide to a day well spent in Hamra for a more detailed guide.
Alternatively, take a stroll through the quaint streets of Achrafieh for another glimpse of Beirut’s vibrant culture. Be sure to pass by Beirut’s celebrated ‘Ice Cream King’, Hanna Mitri Ice Cream, which was once dubbed by CNN as the best ice cream in the world. While you’re in Achrafieh, be sure to at least take a stroll by the Sursock Museum, as you’re bound to be blown away by its grandeur.
Saturday evening:
Get your sushi on at Kampai, or feast on a worldly meal at Baron – their menu is to die for. We suggest you order their brisket burgers or a steak because that’s what they do best.
Saturday night:
Since you partied hard on Friday night, maybe Saturday should be reserved for some good old pub-hopping. You’ve probably heard about it before, so we won’t go into too much detail – but the place to do this is Mar Mikhael. Start your evening off at any of the seemingly infinite bars on this popular Beirut street, and the drinks and your fellow drinkers will lead you to the next bar, and the next, and the next, until you end up needing to go home. If you’d rather go pub-hopping in a less crowded area, try Badaro, Gemmayze, or Hamra – for the same vibes, but a little more toned down.
Sunday morning:
Happy Sunday! Your trip may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your last taste of Beirut today. Get up and get ready and head down to the Corniche for a stroll along what is perhaps the most quintessentially Beirut street in the country. Sit back, relax, and watch the characters come and go while breathing in the fresh salty air and basking in the beauty of the winter sun and sea. When you’re done, head towards Raouche for lunch.
Sunday lunchtime:
After your walk on the Corniche, head towards Beirut’s famous Ferris Wheel (the one at the Luna Park that you’re sure to have noticed lit up at night) and walk past it to get to your lunch spot. There’s nothing quite like lunch at Feluka Restaurant at Sporting Club Beach on a Sunday. You’ll feast on one of Beirut’s most delicious seafood meals, all the while perched above the sea and above what is one of Beirut’s most beloved beaches.
Too bad it’s not summertime – as you’re sure to feel nostalgic for a summer dip in the pool or the sea. If the weather is good enough though, you can do so! The staff at Sporting fill their pools year-round depending on the weather. So pack a swimsuit with you before you leave in the morning just in case!
Sunday afternoon:
Hopefully by now you’ve gotten a feel for the best of Beirut. Once you’re done with lunch, you can continue walking towards Raouche to Falamanki, for a cup of Turkish coffee with a panoramic view of Beirut’s natural wonder, the Raouche Rocks. Depending on what time your flight is, after this it might be time to call it a day. Get your last breath of Beirut’s chaos and get ready to plan your next trip back soon.
We hope you enjoyed your trip enough to come back in summer, when you can be sure to expect our summertime weekend guide. Bon voyage, and come back again soon!
