Experience in Beirut, Lebanon by Laetitia

What is it like to live in Beirut? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Beirut is a great city, very lively and active. The contrast between the old streets and houses and the new downtown with the Beirut souks is wonderful. It’s a bit crowded and very loud, but it’s nice overall, especially at night with all the bars, pubs and nightclubs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Beirut?

Of course there’s the classes during the day, but the rest of the student lifestyle is really cool. Lebanese students are very welcoming, and you can count on them to show you around.

How much does it cost to live in Beirut?

It depends on how one wishes to live, but for accomodation, depending on wether it’s a dorms, apartment, or colocation it can go from 300$ to 1500$. Food and living costs should be enough with 300$.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Beirut? Is there any advice you can give?

It can be difficult if you don’t have contacts. Ask your host university if they have a Facebook group for international students, they usually post all the good deals on it.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Lebanese food is amazing ! It’s one of the best in the world. It’s very healthy, especially the Lebanese mezza : hummus, taboulé, fattoush, rqaqat, moutabbal... lots of options for vegans / vegetarians too.

What places would you recommend visiting in Beirut?

You really have to visit everything. The downtown and the souks are great, with Zeituna Bay, it’s a great place to have a meal next to the port. Hamra and Mar Mikhael areas are great at night. Ashrafieh holds lots of charm too.

Is it good to eat out in Beirut? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes definitely ! So many great restaurants. My favorites are for a lebanese meal Cafe Em Nazih (very cheap), or Abdel Wahab. Zeituna Bay holds many great restaurants, and there’s just so many choices to eat out in Beirut that I can’t think of anything else precisely.

Is the nightlife good in Beirut? Where is good to go?

It ranks among the top 5 in the world. For a drink, go to Hamra, Mar Mikhael, Gemmayze, or Badaro (especially Bodo bar). For a heavier party experience, there’s Ahm (only during summer), Grand Factory (during winter), O1ne, Music Hall, Ballroom Blitz, Skybar (summer)...

What advice would you give future students heading to Beirut?

Enjoy Beirut to the max, visit the whole country, and try to have Lebanese contacts as they will help you with everything.