Biking around Beirut, with its heavy traffic and lack of pavements, is not the first thing that springs to mind if you’re looking for a relaxing activity, but I beg to differ. You can rent bikes at Beirut by Bike just beyond Zeitunay Bay in Biel. You can cycle for up to 5km along the Corniche, or close to Beirut’s port where there are vast swathes of unused land.
I like to start in Biel and cycle along the empty pedestrianised roads – there are great views onto the sea and the port close by. It’s one of the rare stretches of car-free space in Beirut, and although it can get busy on weekends it’s still quite a solitary spot. The landscape around is changing progressively, with buildings slowly popping up, clubs opening and closing, and more recently, the Dinner in the Sky restaurant, where diners sit at a table suspended 50 metres in the air by a crane.
I often cycle past Zeitunay Bay and all the way up the Corniche, where you’re closer to the sea and have to navigate children playing football, break dancers and fishermen. For a break, you can stop for a drink at one of the many seafront cafes.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.
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"Beyt Sirena" is a coffeeshop in one of my favorite areas of the old Beirut. I love the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, and you should try their sahlab...
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"Das Küche" is a must-visit spot in Beirut if you like real German or Polish sausages (more than 15 types!) and beer. Remember to bring cash!
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The texture of these stuffed flatbreads is slightly crisp and flaky, with a hint of sweetness that you will seriously regret not trying...
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Located under USJ's grounds on Damascus street, this Museum is a must-go especially if you're a huge fan of stones and geology like myself!
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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...
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"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...
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"Flat White" in Beirut with their modbar is the first presented in any coffee shop here in Lebanon! Great if you're a coffee geek...
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"Neighbourhood" in Beirut is a cafe that puts you among up-cycled furniture and a paster-color ambience. Come for a cup of their home-blend latte!
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I enjoy going to "Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden" in downtown Beirut - I admire the sculptures done by Saloua Raouda Choucair and the trees & benches...
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The "Memory Tree" is the only standing memorial to the famine that Mount Lebanon suffered from 1915 till 1918. It's covered in Arabic calligraphy...
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179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 179 Insider Tips