Barzakh Bookshop Beirut
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
Samira from Beirut
Barzakh Bookshop is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem, with its location right above the late Horseshoe Cafe where poets, authors, philosophers, and politicians used to sit out there on its sidewalk. Nowadays, the building that hosts Barzakh is not to be missed - it's the same one that has the huge famous drawing of Eternal Sabah on Hamra Street.
Barzakh Bookshop started as a space that hosts film screenings, music salons, poetry readings, and much more events. Not to mention that they have thousands of books that are archived and the staff are working carefully to select a lot of books for sale at affordable prices, when all other bookshops are selling books for much higher prices with the current economic crisis happening in Lebanon.
Barzakh opened as a coffeeshop in late 2021 and their space screams for advocating literacy and as a safe space for the ones that used to walk on Hamra street from thinkers, poets, authors, cinematographers, and artists of all kinds...
As the owner Abdullah puts it, Barzakh's trying to reclaim that identity. Personally speaking, its absence was felt. Now it's the melting pot of those who knew Hamra as the space that embraces Arabs and Non-Arabs, Iraqi authors and others, and people considered opponents of the state and rebels in their own countries. Barzakh is there to welcome their ideologies.
I personally love their ambiance full of plants, books, antique furniture, and a welcoming literary community!
Beirut Spotter Samira
About this spot
Our Beirut City Guide
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
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
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
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
Gemmayze
Charming neighborhood
"Gemmayze" in Beirut is a charming neighborhood known for its bars, restaurants, coffee shops and galleries. I recommend walking it from downtown...
by
Viera
Obeid
The Bruvs
Burger Restaurant
My friend got the chicken sandwich which he said was delicious, while I enjoyed the Bruvs pasta, which was creamy, cheesy, and simply yummy!
by
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Abou Jihad
Lebanese Cuisine
I am a vegetarian and going to a Lebanese diner is never an issue: half of the mezze does not contain meat or poultry, and several dishes are even vegan.
by
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Sld Bar
Healthy Food Restaurant
The menu is diversified with not only hearty salads but also tartines, sandwiches, soups, desserts, and sweet bowls. One of my favorites is the Acai bowl.
by
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Beirut?
✓ 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 Art & culture
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
