The Memory Tree Beirut – The only famine memorial
The Memory Tree is the only standing memorial to the famine that Mount Lebanon suffered from 1915 till 1918 during the Ottoman rule due to the British and French blockade along the Mediterranean.
The Arabic calligrapher, Yazan Halawani, stated the following about this tree: "It is said that the Lebanese suffer from collective amnesia. And that Beirut finds it difficult to recall this brutal past. It is also said that those who can't remember the past are doomed to repeat it." And this resonated in me as a local.
It is all made of Arabic calligraphy of the phrases that poets and writers wrote about the famine who lived through it, as Khalil Gebran. Surrounding it is a group of benches that anyone can sit on and a sidewalk that is wide enough for biking and kids to play around.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Beirut
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...
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Steampunk – Industrial Specialty Coffee House
They have outdoor and indoor seating, with 3 comfy sofas that fit the steampunk theme and even the light bulbs above the bar are held up by gears.
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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.
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Hamra Street Art – Murals beautifying the area
Here's a small guide to enjoy Beirut's Street Art, more specifically in the area of Hamra. They're often painted around bullet holes from the civil war...
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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!
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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...
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Persian Cup – A Hidden Gem
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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Catrinas – Mexican restaurant
"Catrinas" is one of my favorite restaurants in Beirut. It makes extremely delicious Mexican food and has spot-on atmosphere. Just try not to go at night.
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Second Base – My go-to thrift shop in Beirut
"Second Base" is a thrift-concept store in Beirut invented by FabricAID. They sell vintage, hipster revealing, extroverted clothing items...
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Lennon – Give peace a chance
"Lennon" in Beirut is a colorful, chill, hippie place that will certainly catch your eye. You can't just order a single drink here...
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Al Makari Sweets – A disappearing Beiruti dessert
"Al Makari Sweets" in Beirut makes authentic mufata'a dessert. It's hard to make, thus it's hard to find, but they make it like my grandma used to...
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