Al Ba'sa (the grudge) Beirut
A wall or a building?
The Grudge is the narrowest building in Beirut, sitting adjacent to the old lighthouse in the Manara neighbourhood, on prime real estate land. I like to walk around the neighbourhood because it houses many old, beautiful, and unfortunately crumbling buildings, set amongst palms and other greenery. The views onto the sea from this hill are superb.
The Grudge has an interesting story: built in the 1950s, it came about as a dispute between two brothers. Each brother inherited a plot of land from their father, but they were unable to agree what to build. The brother who had the plot closest to the roadside decided to develop the land himself. The building he constructed became the embodiment of a grudge: a building to block his brother’s sea view, and to decrease the value of his land.
Although at first it looks too narrow to be inhabitable, inside there are said to be two apartments on each floor – the building is four metres at its widest point. At its narrowest, the building is 60cm wide, which from certain angles makes it look like a wall – one that was built to block a million-dollar view. It’s one of Beirut’s few buildings which will likely be saved by the law – even if the house is demolished, the area of the plot is smaller than the minimum allowed to build on. Only time will tell what will become of it.
About this spot
Zantout
- 24 hours daily
LBP
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Beirut guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Massabki Serhal Mural – Look Both ways - A Women
This piece shows beauty and power in whatever future you choose for yourself as a woman, and it shows how you can find light, hope, and love.
By
Najat
Kibbi
Lennon – Give peace a chance
"Lennon" in Beirut is a colorful, chill, hippie place that will certainly catch your eye. You can't just order a single drink here...
By
Najat
Kibbi
Salud – Best Mexican in town
"Salud" in Beirut is a happy Mexican bar-restaurant, one of my favorites in town! You have to try their beef burritos together with a pitcher of Margarita!
By
Najat
Kibbi
Dead End Paradise – A reminder of hope
"Dead End Paradise" in Beirut was created by the owners of Electric Bar Sutt, destroyed in the 4/8 explosion. It reminds us to enjoy life to its fullest...
By
Najat
Kibbi
Farrouj Zaghal – 1966 Chicken Restuarant
What makes the chicken sandwiches different at Zaghal's is that they're wrapped in a "Marqouq bread" which was not popular in Beirut back in the 60s...
By
Samira
Ezzo
Steampunk – Industrial Specialty Coffee House
They have outdoor and indoor seating, with 3 comfy sofas that fit the steampunk theme and even the light bulbs above the bar are held up by gears.
By
Samira
Ezzo
Jaï – My Asian spot in Beirut!
Go to "Jaï" for awesome Thai, Chinese and Indian food in Beirut! Stick around for their fluffy donuts topped w/ spiced almonds and a coconut/lemon dip...
By
Samira
Ezzo
Cantina Sociale – A wine shop and café concept
Cantina Sociale is a wine and coffee shop concept located in Beirut. If you’re a fan of wine and chill, modern spaces then you need to hit it up...
By
Najat
Kibbi
Grand Meshmosh – Lowkey spot to chill
Very charming in a very simple manner - nothing too extravagant, yet very cozy. I love that Grand Meshmosh is never too loud or too crowded, but just perfect.
By
Tala
Ladki
Raseef Beirut – Cozy, Homey, Beautiful
One of my favorite places in Hamra is Raseef Beirut, originally a small sidewalk restaurant and pub – hence the name: “Raseef”, which translates to “sidewalk".
By
Tala
Ladki
Em Nazih – Come for the food, stay for the vibes
Known for its system, unique decor, and budget-friendly menu, Em Nazih is where you'd go on a lazy Sunday when you want to stuff your face with some good Lebanese food or on a casual coffee or drinks outing.
By
Tala
Ladki
Molo – All day coziness
The menu includes some local bites, but Molo is best known for its pizzas, served on a wooden plank. The menu is also rich with different types of hot tea, coffee, and signature cocktails.
By