"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...

"Aura Gems", a kooky shop in a Hamra backstreet in Beirut, sells hundreds of different gems and crystals in all colours of the rainbow...

"Hanna Mitri" in Beirut is all about the ice cream. It's existed since 1949 and it's the only place in the city that has people queuing up outside it...

"Barbeer" in Beirut is the jewellery, silver and gold district---much more local than the city's modern souks. You definitely won't leave disappointed...

"Makan" in Beirut has no set cuisine: Thai, Greek, Uzbek, Peruvian or Georgian... it all depends on the chef and the day! Very welcoming atmosphere.

The "Al-Omari Mosque" in Beirut is one of the city's oldest buildings. I think it perfectly showcases Lebanon's multi-religious culture...

"Barbar" in Beirut is a fast food chain -- my favorite franchises are in Hamra. Open 24/7, they each offer cooked food, juices, ice cream & pastries...

"Al Ba'sa (the grudge)" is Beirut's narrowest building & it has a story -- it comes from a dispute between two brothers. What will become of it, I wonder.