Linda Sursock Beirut
Life of the party
As you walk up Saint Nicholas Stairs (check out the article) from Gemmayze, you'll reach a street that welcomes you with Villa Linda Sursock. It was once owned by a party advocate, who hosted events over events, and parties over parties.
The late 19th century built villa is built with the typical Ottoman yet affected Italian style with its interior design. You can still see the dominant architecture of the double 3 arches, and the engraved work of wooden art in the rooms of the 2-floored villa. The lavishness is even more visible in the paintings of the rooms.
I personally love that every time I walk inside, the artistic efforts put into villas in the previous centuries leave me awe-struck. The Arabic calligraphy written on some of the pieces installed on the walls keeps my Arabic mother tongue stuttering for a few minutes to decode the beautiful artwork to read it properly.
Villa Linda Sursock is open to the public during daytime if they want to walk in and observe, but sometimes they do not allow people inside. It was transformed in 2013 into a space that hosts events and occasions with the Le Bristol Beirut Hotel's management. However, the space is currently being restored after the tremendous aftermath of the August 4th 2020 blast.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Stories
Froyo is back to Beirut
At Stories frozen yogurt wise, they have different flavors, sizes, and toppings, and from the flavors I have tried, I have yet to be disappointed!
by
Tala
Ladki
Snoubar Bayrout Bookshop
The yellow bookshop
"Snoubar Bayrout Bookshop" in Beirut specializes in Arabic literature, children's books, Lebanese art books and more! Get lost for hours here...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Al-Bustani School
Neglected first national school
The school was a non-religious institution that opened its doors to any student regardless of religion, social status, or where they were from.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Sheikh Abdel Rahman Hout Garden
Amidst highways
The best part? The garden has no gates and is accessible 24/7. Most locals don't know it because barely anyone is walking in the midst of highways.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Curl Book & Coffee Shop
Couldn't get any cozier
"Curl Book & Coffee Shop" is just what Beirut needs in such difficult times... Everything's local here & my favorite drink there is the Whimsical Latte...
by
Samira
Ezzo
My Loves Calligraffiti
A message through art
The "My Loves" Calligraffiti in Beirut is laid out on a 35m building by artist Belal Khaled shows the importance of graffiti as a true art form...
by
Najat
Kibbi
The Old Manara
Beirut's old lighthouse
"The Old Manara" (lighthouse) in Beirut has been standing still since 1957. I love how it makes me feel so small next to it...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Rose House
Ras Beirut's abandoned mansion
"The Rose House" is one of the oldest mansions in Beirut, as it goes back to the 19th century. I love thinking of the stories it holds inside it...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Booza Society
Hamra's Artisan gelato shop
"Booza Society" in Beirut makes some of the best gelato I've ever tried! Who said you can only get good gelato in Italy?!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Al Makan
A cultural & spiritual hub
"Al Makan" in Beirut is the only place I'd call my second home. As a cultural & spiritual hub, its schedule is always full of activities & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Egg
Downtown Beirut's lost cinema
"The Egg" in Beirut was originally called City Center. Its once locked ruins gained new life in the 2019 revolution and became a public space thereafter...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Grand Theatre
Beirut's long gone theatre
"The Grand Theatre" in Beirut has long stopped hosting plays and showing movies, but a lot of people discovered this landmark during the protests...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 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:
