I come to the American University of Beirut (AUB) on Bliss Street when I want to escape for some greenery and shade, especially in the heat of the summer. Open to visitors all year round (do bring ID and be prepared to go on a guided tour), AUB is a haven of foliage and scenic views of the Mediterranean. The university has a stunning campus and there’s also an on-site archaeological museum which is well worth a visit.
The campus, which is filled with ancient trees, is a home to hundreds of stray cats, who get fed daily by the local residents. Look out for Zaha Hadid’s distinctive modernist building built in 2014, set between the 100-year old buildings, and the secret staircases leading downhill.
The campus also occasionally hosts events, including ticketed concerts. Check the Facebook page for details.
Whilst I’m in the area, I usually stop off at one of the many small eateries on Bliss Street – look out for the excellent saj (a thin dough topped with zaatar or other toppings) bakery and the fresh juice and ice-cream places.
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What you will be able to see is the bath's infrastructure, which includes fired clay or terracotta with some other mosaics that are still preserved.
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For your afternoon coffee or late-night chit-chat, this dreamy place is a definite go-to as it overlooks the beauty of Gemmayze's historical buildings.
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If you feel like playing some board games with friends, reading a book while sipping on your coffee, and delighting your palate with some food on the side, then Luna's kitchen is the right place for you.
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Their specialty dessert, Persian love cake, is a concoction of cardamon, pistachio, and zest of lemon. It tasted as delicious as it looked.
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I usually stop by Terghale for fresh juice and my friends mostly order shisha or coffee, and we can spend hours here sitting and reading in silence.
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Make sure to try the beetroot carpaccio and the tomato bruschetta as snacks. Their signature cocktails are delicious and I also fancy their minted lemonade.
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My favorite treat at Emotions is the "chausson au citron" - lemon turnover, which tastes simply yummylicious: not too lemony or sour, not too sweet, not too small.
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With their creative combinations and delectable thin dough, their menu is surely going to offer you an interesting array of choices. From classic options to the sweet and sour assortment.
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Make sure to try their Bitchin Friez, they are crunchy and cheesy. And the cheezy bites are scrumptious, just the way I love them. You got it, I am a cheese fan!
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I finally ordered the carrot lentil ginger soup, the wild mushrooms toast, and a small-sized Asian crunch salad. Everything smelled delicious and tasted very good.
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Karim's Training Facility is located underground and the hanging mirrors make the space look larger than it is. The premises are regularly sanitized, and this is essential for someone like me.
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179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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