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Beirut Nightlife

Beirut has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to bars, clubs and pubs, and plenty of would-be patrons ready to enjoy them – whatever day of the week it is. Competition for clients is fierce, so friendly service, low prices and interesting entertainment is the norm. Nights out Beirut-style means all night out, with party-goers getting home well after the sun comes up.

But while there's plenty for bar and club fans to enjoy, the reverse is true for classical music and dance enthusiasts. Beirut's theatres offer a pretty uninspiring repertoire of political debates and poetry readings as well as plays (some good, some terrible) by local talent.

Bars in Beirut

C-Lounge

Located in the Bayview Hotel, the open-air C Lounge is where the beautiful people of Beirut kick back, cocktails in hand, and take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean. With the resident DJ spinning house tunes and an almost never-ending sunset, it's no wonder it's heaving at the weekends. Book a table.

Address: Ain el Mreisseh, Bay View Hotel, Rue Rafik El Hariri, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 3 331 003.

Ferdinand

A lively spot to hang out with Beirut's cool crowd, this tiny red-walled bar in the student quarter of Hamra wouldn't look out of place in London's trendy Shoreditch. It does some of the best cocktails in the city – the mojitos are particularly good, and wonderfully refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.

Address: Hamra, Rue Mahatma Gandhi, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 1 355 955.

Hemingway’s Bar and Cigar Lounge

Perfect for indulging your inner James Bond, this suave bar is comprised of three areas - a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace. It attracts an interesting mixture of local sophisticates and, unusually, does afternoon tea complete with a special 'Chocotini' cocktail. It also has wonderful sea views.

Address: , Mövenpick Hotel Beirut, Général de Gaulle Avenue, Beirut, 2038 6908
Telephone: +961 1 869 666.
Website: http://www.movenpick-hotels.com

Clubs in Beirut

B 018

B 018 is an enormous tomb-like space that is packed to the rafters every weekend. It has the cachet to attract the cream of the international DJs who spin mainstream house, electronica and techno music. Open until the small hours, the roof peels back at dawn so clubbers can watch the sun rise.

Address: Medawar, Quarantina, Lot 317, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 3 810 618.

Cassino

Not, as the name would suggest, a casino but an extremely swanky club popular with Beirut's glitterati and celebrity set. Furnished with scores of comfy couches and boasting a cream and gold colour scheme, it's a little slice of Dubai in Beirut.

Expect smooth RnB grooves and commercial pop music until 2am.

Address: , Sodeco Street, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 3 944 955.
Website: http://www.cassinobeirut.com

White

The choice for the champagne and cocktail set, White is a 1,200 capacity club that sparkles under the stars with its white furniture and staff dressed entirely in white too. As one of the swankiest nightclubs in Beirut, expect the odd big name DJ to make the journey over and play.

Address: East Suburbs, Seaside Road, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 3 060 090.
Website: http://www.whitebeirut.com

Live music in Beirut

Dany’s Pub

Dany's is a Beirut institution. A magnet for the young, liberal and intellectual, this Hamra joint has an excellent, well-stocked bar and a small stage in the cellar where you'll find live bands at least three times a week. DJs are in residence daily, playing everything from indie, jazz and funk to soul and electro.

Address: , Rue 78, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 76 997 992.

Music Hall

Beirut's premier live music venue started life in 2003, when this former cinema was converted into a lavish, cabaret-esque music hall of plush seating, low lighting and red drapes. Today, it's where the big international performers play as well as local acts. Buy your ticket well in advance – no matter who's playing, gigs usually sell out.

Address: , Starco Center, Rue Omar Daouk, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 1 371 236.
Website: http://www.themusichall.com

The Hole in the Wall

Don't be fooled by the name – Hole in the Wall doesn't do this cosy live music pub justice. Peppered with old concert posters and festooned with fairy lights, it's a great spot to watch local bands and acoustic acts, but try to arrive early, as it can get really busy.

Address: Marfaa, Off Monot Street, Beirut,
Telephone: +961 3 439 122.

Classical music in Beirut

Dance in Beirut

Theatres in Beirut

Music and Dance in Beirut

Culture in Beirut

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Talal Hotel

Talal Hotel offers bright, clean rooms complete with comfortable beds for next to nothing. Better still, it's within striking distance of Gemmayzeh and Place des Martyrs. The atmosphere is lively and the hotel also has a communal kitchen. The result is friendly but a bit like living as a student.

Regis Hotel

At first look, you could be forgiven for thinking that you'd just pitched up at the Lebanese Fawlty Towers. However, staff are warm and welcoming, rooms are clean and the breakfast is excellent. All rooms have modern air-con, fridges and TVs, but better still is Regis' proximity to the Corniche.

Casa d'Or

The Casa D'Or is a welcoming, comfortable alternative to functional budget hotels or the home-stays that dominate the lower end of the market. It's not especially glamorous but rooms are clean, comfortable and well appointed, and a decent breakfast is included in the price. It also offers low season discounts.

InterContinental Phoenicia Hotel

When you're looking to rub shoulders with Beirut's A-list, this prestigious hotel is the play to stay. It certainly looks the part with acres of marble floor, draped silk curtains and gold gilt fitting. Plus, it has some of the best facilities in town, including an excellent gym and pool area.

Hotel Albergo

If nothing but the finest will do, make Hotel Albergo your base. With just 30 rooms and a swimming pool, everything screams opulence, including the excellent rooftop bar, complete with fabulous views of the city. Rooms are themed in European, Oriental, colonial and Mediterranean styles, and the lovely Italian restaurant is also well worth a visit.

Pension al-Nazih

Close to the main sites, including the Place des Martyrs, Pension al-Nazih is a small 10-room budget hotel offering pleasantly comfortable rooms complete with cable TV and 24-hour hot water – neither guaranteed in Beirut. Rooms are plane and a little dated, but it's still an excellent budget option. Wi-Fi and breakfast cost extra.