The Old Manara Beirut
Beirut's old lighthouse
Samira from Beirut
This lighthouse has stood still from 1957 until now in its same spot, though it's not functioning anymore and is abandoned. This old manara (meaning lighthouse in Arabic) is a hidden gem that is fascinating to observe, as anyone can get very close to it, yet not everyone may have access inside.
A family named Chebli owned this lighthouse, as you can see on the doorbell on the door of the old manara. However, the new residential tower built next to has led to its dysfunctional state.
What I love about this lighthouse is that you feel so small in front of it, and it stands as an intersection between long stairs to the left that can lead to the Ain el Mreisse area in Beirut, and to the right you would see The Rose House, which I have already written about in another article.
Beirut Spotter Samira
About this spot
Bliss Street, Beirut
LBP
no-price
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
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...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Sugar Shake
A hidden shakes destination
At "Sugar Shake" right behind Beit Beirut Museum, you will be served one of the freshest and tastiest smoothies & frozen yogurts you can have in the city!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Le Mikado
My go-to flower shop
"Le Mikado" in Beirut has been providing customers with (dried) flowers and arrangements since the '50s. I just love their display outside the shop...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Kalei
Specialty coffee in Ras Beyrouth
"Kalei" isn't just one of my favorite specialty coffee spots in Beirut - the building it occupies has been around since the 1800s, and you can tell!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Liza
A fancy dining spot
"Liza" in Beirut in the 19th-century palace is the place to go if you want to dine luxuriously with a menu and presentation that are 'lavishly perfect'...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Mansion
20th-century public space
"Mansion" Blatt in Beirut is a 20th-century villa that's been turned into a shared coworking & creative space used by designers, artists, architects & more.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Assabil
My haven away from chaos
My favorite "Assabil" Public Library in Beirut is in Monnot. It's always active with events, whether virtual or real-life ones and full of youth!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Crypt Museum
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.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Garden of Forgiveness
Cardo and Decumanus Maximus
The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Barzakh Bookshop
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beit Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
L'Artisan du Liban
Souvenir shop made in Lebanon
"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...
by
Viera
Obeid
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 Beirut
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
