Lebanon Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Lebanon

Lebanon's traditional souks (markets) are found all over the country offering decorative and handmade items at relatively low prices. Special purchases include traditional pottery and glassware, as well as cutlery made of tempered steel or copper with ram or buffalo bone handles. Brass and copper goods include braziers, bowls, fluted jugs, ashtrays, swords and doorstops are also attractively designed and hand engraved.

Cloth, silk and wool kaftans, abayas (embroidered nightwear) and table linen are popular, as is hand-worked gold and silver. Luxury and international brands crowd the streets of the newly developed Beirut Souks in the Soldiere district of downtown Beirut, which now occupies the site of the former traditional souk area. Saifi Village is another corner of the city renowned for its more eclectic range of artisans, contemporary boutiques, galleries and specialist shops catering to the upper end of the market.

Shopping Note

The export of antiques is forbidden. It is possible to reclaim duty on purchases on departure at the airport. An official form bearing the stamp and details of the shop the goods were purchased in must accompany all purchases.

Shopping hours

Mon-Sat 0800-1800.

Nightlife in Lebanon

Over the last few years Beirut has been gaining a reputation for its lively nightlife with an ever-increasing number of bars and nightclubs springing up all over the capital, especially in downtown Beirut in and around Gemayzeh Street. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras, floorshows discos and carbaret-style shows such as those at the popular Music Hall on Omar Daouk Street. Some British-style pubs can also be found in Beirut. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world, while the internationally renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.