Samira from Beirut

About Me I am a reflective wanderer who turns her encounters into stories to be told during her walking guided tours in Beirut. I am passionate about discovering hidden gems, attending art exhibitions, having oral history conversations about the recent history of Beirut, and discovering specialty coffee shops. Why Beirut? Beirut is the city that all the Arab countries have...

Sep 1, 2025

Crypt Museum Beirut

Underneath a cathedral

"An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you."

As you're walking in Downtown Beirut, especially in Place de l'Etoile with the clock tower in the middle, you'll find a hidden gem... Literally, right underneath the oldest cathedral in Beirut, Saint George Orthodox Cathedral that dates back to the 14th century.

This museum, called The Crypt Museum, was inaugurated in 2011 and opened to the public, and anyone can visit the museum to get to know in an engaging way the layers of this city of Beirut dating back in this area of Beirut right under the church, to the Hellenistic period. The most exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you, and people above in the church can look down and see you! Honestly, that is really stimulating and shows the brilliance of designing this museum.

However, you need to note that to enter the beautiful historical zone that leads you to this museum and church, you need to pass by the "not-so new" security checkpoints (just one parliamentary guard) who might allow you in or not. The roads that have the Lebanese Parliament and Lebanese Grand Serail of Ministers got surrounded by checkpoints post 2019-revolution in Lebanon for security purposes.

Last but not least, you can buy a CD with short documentation of the archaeological excavation process that took 17 months in 1994-1995, covering 316 square meters. They sell it in 3 different languages: Arabic, English, or French, for 100,000 LBP only.

Art & culture

About this spot

Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

entrance ticket:

LBP

100000

01980920

Social

find your way in Beirut, download our app.

Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

Wissam Sargi Salon

Beauty Lounge & Clinics

At Wissam Sargi, you can pamper yourself every single day of the week. They do hair fashion for men, women, and children as well as makeup and facial care.

Relaxing

Marie-Chantale

Sundberg

Sep 8, 2025

Skin Society

Beauty & Cosmetics

One of my favorite sections is the one with hand-made soaps. These soaps are simply heavenly: they smell great, last long, and look super cute!

Relaxing

Shopping

Marie-Chantale

Sundberg

Sep 8, 2025

Saj Al Balad

Fresh taste of Saj in Beirut

Whenever I crave some fresh breakfast outside, "Saj Al Balad" in Beirut comes to mind. The owner will make you feel most welcome whenever you visit!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Samira

Ezzo

Sep 8, 2025

Sep 8, 2025

Gouraud Street

Where the old meets the new

"Gouraud Street" adjacent to the St. Nicholas Stairs in Beirut is my safe place. I come here when I'm sad or happy, with friends, for coffee and a chat...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Najat

Kibbi

Sep 8, 2025

Bedo

Sujuk shawarma sandwiches

"Bedo" in Beirut makes the best sujuk and basterma sandwiches around. Honestly, the taste reminds me of good old childhood memories - and fun nights out!