Ain el Mreisseh Beirut
My favourite place to walk
Ain el Mreisseh is an area closest to the lighthouse, set on Beirut’s 5km-long Corniche. The Corniche starts in the historic Saint George Bay in the city’s downtown and ends after the public beach, Ramlet el Bayda. Ain el Mreisseh is my favourite stretch: it’s the prettiest, in my opinion, as you’re closest to the sea, and there are some interesting landmarks nearby such as La Maison Rose, a beautiful pink house built in 1882, and the old-fashioned black and white lighthouse.
Ain el Mreisseh is nicest on a windy day when you’ll see the waves hitting the rocks and almost ploughing into the shack of the café right by the modern lighthouse. I like to cross the street to stop at one of the many small cafes, like Uncle Deek. They don’t look like much, but here you can buy a traditional sahlab drink – a sweet concoction made from a flower extract.
I like this spot because it feels like something of a leveller in a classist and divided society. You see and meet people from all walks of life here, be it Syrian refugees enjoying one of Beirut’s few free public spaces; Beiruti fishermen; glamourous Lebanese women speed walking in designer jogging gear and chatting loudly on their phones; to people sunbathing, smoking shisha and playing music on the shores.
About this spot
Paris
- 24 hours daily
LBP
free
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Ezzo for Antiques
For 30 years & counting
It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beyt Sirena
Ras Beirut dining spot
"Beyt Sirena" is a coffeeshop in one of my favorite areas of the old Beirut. I love the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, and you should try their sahlab...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Aura Gems
Quirky Hamra gem & crystal shop
"Aura Gems", a kooky shop in a Hamra backstreet in Beirut, sells hundreds of different gems and crystals in all colours of the rainbow...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Das Küche
Sausages and beer
"Das Küche" is a must-visit spot in Beirut if you like real German or Polish sausages (more than 15 types!) and beer. Remember to bring cash!
by
Viera
Obeid
Ghazar restaurant & bakery
An Armenian hidden gem
The texture of these stuffed flatbreads is slightly crisp and flaky, with a hint of sweetness that you will seriously regret not trying...
by
Najat
Kibbi
The MIM museum
A mesmerizing stare
Located under USJ's grounds on Damascus street, this Museum is a must-go especially if you're a huge fan of stones and geology like myself!
by
Najat
Kibbi
Pool D'Etat
Summer Hangout Spot
Located on a rooftop in Hamra, Pool D'etat is an affordable pool by day and a very nice place to grab a drink or dinner by the pool at night...
by
Tala
Ladki
Onomatopoeia Beirut
The music hub
"Onomatopoeia Beirut" is a calm and cozy café that feels like home to everyone that visits, the space exists for all musicians and creatives to hang out...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Flat White
Coffee place in Pharoun Street
"Flat White" in Beirut with their modbar is the first presented in any coffee shop here in Lebanon! Great if you're a coffee geek...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Neighbourhood
The one with Beirut's coordinates
"Neighbourhood" in Beirut is a cafe that puts you among up-cycled furniture and a paster-color ambience. Come for a cup of their home-blend latte!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden
Hidden by cement
I enjoy going to "Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden" in downtown Beirut - I admire the sculptures done by Saloua Raouda Choucair and the trees & benches...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Memory Tree
The only famine memorial
The "Memory Tree" is the only standing memorial to the famine that Mount Lebanon suffered from 1915 till 1918. It's covered in Arabic calligraphy...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Beirut
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
