The Many Faces Of Beirut

There aren’t many cities in the world that can compete with Beirut’s aura of unpredictability. It is one of the most diverse places to live in, and is a city that's buzzing all year long! This is a list of different Beirut neighbourhoods in an effort to convey the many faces of an exciting city.

Mar Mikhael

Via executive-magazine.com

A little slice of the golden era, 1920s style homes ooze charm in Mar Mikhael

Via 2famous.tv

An average Wednesday in Mar Mikhael, Beirut. Every day is a street party.

Mar Mikhael is the perfect stomping ground for twenty-somethings who embrace the artistic, bohemian lifestyle. Lately, it has replaced the neighboring Gemmayze as the go-to destination for Beirut's youth thanks to the trendiest bars in town, including Internazionale and Radio Beirut. Due to the indoor smoking ban, Mar Mikhael's busy streets are often filled with large groups of people enjoying a cigarette or socializing over a couple of drinks, which only adds to the lively atmosphere.

Sioufi

Daniel Harake / Via ink361.com

Paul Gorra / Via ameinfo.com

Ashrafieh's Sioufi is one of the rare neighborhoods in Beirut to have preserved part of its cultural heritage. It is starting to become a popular area amongst real estate developers, with projects such as the upcoming St. George Residences that aim at combining luxury with Sioufi's authentic milieu. The area is also close to Sassine Square and popular mall ABC Ashrafieh, so there's always a way of keeping busy, whether by going shopping or enjoying a casual coffee.

Hamra

Bassel Abou Zeki / Via basselabzeki.wordpress.com

Kleiske / Via Flickr: kleiske

Due to its proximity to two of the country's leading universities (the Lebanese American University and the American University of Beirut) Hamra is widely considered to be the hub of student life in Lebanon. Once hailed as the Champs Elysees of Beirut, this historic street has enjoyed a revival of sorts during the last decade. Step into local favorite Café Younes or any pub on the famous Alleyway street and you're bound to meet interesting people from all four corners of the globe.

Raouché

Via lebanonbynet.com

View of Raouché overlooking the Pigeon's Rock.

Via coralbeachsuite.com

This commercial and residential area is home to Beirut's Corniche, a well-

known seaside promenade. It is a wonderful sight – particularly at sunset – and is constantly filled with joggers, bikers and fishermen. There are a multitude of restaurants in Raouché such as Chez Popeye, which started serving its international cuisine in 1963. The coastline overlooks the Pigeons' Rock (sometimes called the Rock of Raouché), two huge rock formations in the middle of the sea which represent a natural landmark and a popular tourist attraction.

Interestingly, archeological digs near Raouché's shores have produced some of the oldest evidence of human communities in Beirut, such as flints and basic stone tools.