Walking in Achrafieh Beirut – Meeting the locals
When I came to Lebanon eight years ago, I didn't speak Arabic. I took some classes but what really helped me learning the language and culture was interacting with the locals. If you wander around Achrafieh (and I'm sure other parts of Beirut as well, I'm only writing about Achrafieh because I live here and I walk around a lot), whether it is on the small streets around Sassine square or Saint Nicola's Cathedral, you will spot a lot of elderly locals. They will be just sitting on plastic chairs in front of their buildings or shops, playing cards or backgammon and sipping "ahwe" (an Arabic word for coffee). You will notice how they are eager to talk to you, to just say hi and ask you how you are and inviting you to have a coffee with them.
If you start passing by the same spots regularly you will see how they recognize you and wave at you from a distance. A truly heartwarming and unique feeling that makes you feel like you are in a small village where everybody knows you, despite being a stranger in the capital of Lebanon.
I strongly encourage you to take an hour or two to walk around and interact with the locals, have "ahwe" with them, let their kindness overwhelm you. The fact that you don't speak Arabic won't be a problem: they will try even harder to understand you and use whatever foreign vocabulary they might know.
About this spot
Achrafieh
- 07:00 - 18:00 daily
LBP
free
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Beirut
Holiday Inn Beirut – War-abandoned hotel
"Holiday Inn Beirut" was a victim of the war. It has remained abandoned since the '70s, continuing to remind the Lebanese about the horrors of conflict...
By
Rayan
Ezzeddine
The Bruvs – Burger Restaurant
My friend got the chicken sandwich which he said was delicious, while I enjoyed the Bruvs pasta, which was creamy, cheesy, and simply yummy!
By
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Ezzo for Antiques – For 30 years & counting
By
Samira
Ezzo
Dragonfly – A bar with a spirit
"Dragonfly" is a small pub in Gemmayze we always happily return to, even if Beirut is known for it's varied nightlife. It really feels like an old cave...
By
Viera
Obeid
Snack Faysal – Takeaway with a scenery
"Snack Faysal" (est. 1984) in Beirut is a true local-favorite snack and pastry joint right next to the American University. I love getting takeaway here!
By
Najat
Kibbi
Toufic's Wall of Things – One man's work of art
"Toufic's Wall of Things" in Beirut is an interesting piece of installation art with a mysterious story! What an unexpected find...
By
Rayan
Ezzeddine
Pool D'Etat – Summer Hangout Spot
Located on a rooftop in Hamra, Pool D'etat is an affordable pool by day and a very nice place to grab a drink or dinner by the pool at night...
By
Tala
Ladki
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...
By
Viera
Obeid
Molo – All day coziness
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.
By
Tala
Ladki
Onomatopoeia Beirut – The music hub
"Onomatopoeia Beirut" is a calm and cozy café that feels like home to everyone that visits, the space exists for all musicians and creatives to hang out...
By
Najat
Kibbi
Joe Peña's – Amor a la Mexicana
"Joe Peña's" in Mar Mkhael, Beirut is an excellent Mexican restaurant. Their famous margarita is a must, and the guacamole is an experience on its own.
By
Stephanie
Geryes
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in Beirut and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
