Stuff We Love
Mia Arawi

These Wonderful Spots Around Beirut Will Have You Feeling Nostalgic AF

There are so many places in Beirut that will have you feeling very nostalgic, and we’re here to make you reminisce the good old days with these wonderful spots around the city.


1. Hamra Vintage, Hamra

Filled with amazing antiques, collectibles, and vinyl records from all over the world, this Hamra gem has been in business for many years.



Photo: talaalaminzz___ on Instagram.

Watch us get styled by the amazing owner of Hamra Vintage here!


2. Beit Beirut, Sodeco

Beit Beirut is a museum and urban cultural center celebrating the history of the city. Most interesting is its ongoing exhibition “Allo, Beirut?” that is displaying Beirut’s forgotten archives.



Have you seen our visit to this exhibition? Check out our TikTok.

@beirut.com Rethink Beirut, question our present, reclaim our past 🇱🇧 #allobeirut#beirutcityguide#beirut_lebanon#sodeco#exhibition#the60s#memories#lebanontiktok#lebanesecheck#wheretogo#museum#fyp#viral#nostalgic ♬ Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg


3. St. Nicholas Stairs, Gemmayze



A stroll through the iconic St. Nicholas stairs will bring back so many memories. Hanging out by the stairs during the day when the sun was out, or taking a break from bar hopping during the night when we were out with friends.


4. Book Bazar, Hamra



Another old but gold Hamra spot that has an amazing collection of books for you to sift through. We recommend having a chat with the wonderful owners behind this adorable bookshop!


5. Al Ba3sa, Manara



If you don’t know the story of Al Ba3sa building, then you’re in for a treat. Back in 1954, two siblings fought over the family inheritance, which led to one of the brothers purposefully block the other’s sea view.

Check out our video!




6. Chico Records, Ras Beirut



One of the most amazing record shops in Lebanon (and possibly, the world). Established back in 1964, Chico Records has one of the largest and oldest collections of vinyls that you won’t find anywhere else.


7. The Rose House, Ras Beirut



This marvelous 19th century mansion in the heart of Beirut was used as a public art center back in 2014. It is one of the loveliest sights to see in Beirut for its pop of color and iconic architectural heritage.


8. The Fayrouz mural, Gemmayze

Passing by the beautiful Fayrouz mural in Gemmayze will always give us goosebumps. If you look close enough, you’ll find a bunch of names and dates scribbled near the mural.



Ghassan Halwani, who has created amazing short films about those who went missing during the civil war, made sure to uncover the old missing persons poster hidden below the mural and rewrite the names of those who disappeared.


9. Café Younes, Hamra



The idea of this iconic café was first conjured up by Amin Younes back in 1935 but did not properly come into fruition until 1960 when the café opened in Hamra. Serving arguably some of the best coffee in town, this gem will be cherished by old and new generations of Lebanese.


10. Le Chef, Gemmayze



Le Chef has been making delicious homemade dishes (with teta-approved recipes) for many years. The home cuisine served at this quaint little restaurant is unlike any other, with many years of experience and love for Beirut put into every dish.

Photo: chefsinternational on Instagram.