My safe place: this is the area I go to when I’m sad, happy, excited... This is where I sit with friends for hours to just talk, have a cup of coffee and a cigarette while enjoying the area’s vibe and aesthetic.
Walking down rue Gouraud will feel as if you’re taking a walk down memory lane. The Saint Nicolas Stairs, also known as Escalier de l'Art, are located adjacent to Rue Gouraud and host annual art events. The stairwell leads from Gemmayze to Rue Sursock.
It is a relic from another era, magnificent in its ancient buildings. Graffiti embellishes many of its walls. surrounded by old mansions that now feel feeble but were once vibrant. Surrounded by a new generation of artists and designers plus shop owners, it’s exactly where the old meets the new.
The graffiti, the diversity, its people, the whole area screams Lebanese. It’s artistic, wild by night, yet calm by day. You’ll always find a new hidden gem pop up around this area, from diverse coffee shops to different concept stores, varied restaurants and cultures... there’s something for everyone.
Head on a morning walk in Gouraud street, put on your earphones, grab a coffee cup from coffee shop Sip facing the St. Nicholas stairs, sit there with your book or sketch book while listening to Trip to the Moon by Omar Rahbany, and just enjoy the area. Or at least that’s what I do…
Gouraud Street
LBP
free
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
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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".
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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.
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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.
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Tucked away in a small alley at the end of Mar Mikhael, the pink walls and soft music is unmissable. Orenda boasts an outdoor garden and an indoor space with a room reserved for their gift shop!
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Some personal favorites are the hot Saj, locally produced peanut butter, jams, and other snacks such as Carob flavored cookies and of course, fresh fruits. It gets crowded, items run out fast so hurry up!
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This is one of my personal go-to places for gifting, as every plant expresses a different type of emotion and could mean many things to different people.
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On the inside, Beyt is all about the traditional vibes, with an Arabic-style lounge area, a balcony overlooking the street with two small tables that seat two people each, and a gift shop packed with local goods!
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I hadn't been to an arcade since I was a teenager, and I only used to play Dance Dance Revenge, but this time, as an adult, I can safely say I had as much fun as a teenage me would have!
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The beauty of Ramlet El Bayda lies in its sunsets. Grab a coffee, grab a friend, grab a snack, and be amazed by the colors. You can also catch the same sunset from one of the many coffee shops in Raouche or Manara!
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My personal favorites are the mango shrimp salad and the chicken provolone, both are scrumptious. They have signature drinks, mocktails, wine, and others to also quench your thirst!
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Once you're in, you're taken back in time through its lovely Arabic ambiance. Mezyan's main mission is to serve good food, good vibes, and prices for everyone.
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179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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