Beirut, Lebanon, is known throughout the Middle East for its hedonistic party scene and the huge variety of its nightlife.
From bars where rich young Lebanese go to eye each other up over frozen cocktails, to family run establishments showcasing the best of Arabic pop music, the scene is as varied and exciting as you want it to be.
How best to tackle it? The key is to try a bit of everything. Here are some of the best.
1. Beiruf
Beirut’s aptly named Beiruf rooftop bar/club caters to a well-dressed, slightly older crowd with money to throw around. Think Möet covered in sparklers, giant lasers, and delicious frozen shots that you get free before you blow half your week’s budget on a drink. Every last barstool is booked at the weekend, so either go early (around 10), or after 2 am if you haven’t reserved ahead.
Location: Downtown/waterfront
2. BoBo
BoBo is a tiny place tucked behind Hamra Street, opposite the Chinese restaurant Chopsticks. This hole in the wall bar has extremely handsome bartenders, live music on Thursdays and Saturdays, and delicious free snacks. A good place to start a big night out as the local Al Maza beer is a very reasonable 5000 LL, a price almost unheard of in upmarket Hamra.
Location: Hamra
3. Buddha Bar
As the name suggests, this giant bar/restaurant/club features a massive Buddha watching over diners eating sushi and drinkers on the upper floor. Enjoy a laidback lounge atmosphere with a baroque feel that quickly deteriorates into a lot of sweaty bodies dancing. Book ahead.
Location: Downtown
4. Café Hamra
Café Hamra is the best place for a late night arguileh (sheesha pipe) and a quiet, romantic drink. The outdoor seating area gives you a view of the stars while you sit back and contemplate what to order on their extensive menu of alcoholic and soft drinks. During the day this is a great breakfast joint to try to ease through any lingering hangover.
Location: Hamra
5. Ob La Di
Beirut’s Ob La Di is one of Gemmayze’s best bars. It is laid-back and unpretentious, with plenty of dancing on tables, great DJs and a raucous crowd.
Location: Gemmayze
6. Em Nazih at Saifi Urban Gardens
This family run establishment is cheap, extremely laidback, and only plays Arabic music. For as authentic an Arabic party experience as you can get in Beirut, drop by on a Friday night and listen to a band play the classics before all the owner’s relatives get up and start teaching you their dance moves.
Location: Gemmayze
The nightlife in Beirut really is amazing, and among the best in the Middle East. Other popular countries to visit in this region include Israel, Dubai and Jordan.