Experience in Beirut, Lebanon by Pia

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

Beirut is an amazing city. It is a mixture of oriental and western culture. When in Lebanon, any stranger or mere bystander will always be more than willing to give you directions to wherever you need to go. Everybody is so friendly. I would recommend anyone to come live in Beirut. It is one of the top cities in the Middle East. Beirut is on the Mediterranean coast and the mountains aren't that far from Beirut (like 2 hours away). So anybody can go skiing and swimming in the same day.

What is the student lifestyle like in Beirut?

Public transportation isn't very developed in Beirut. So usually students have their own cars or take taxis. However the student life in Beirut gives you the opportunity to meet people from different sects and races. The nightlife in Beirut is also crazy. Lebanese like to go to pubs for happy hours and partying till dawn.

How much does it cost to live in Beirut?

In Beirut there are some expensive places and some very cheap places. For a foreigner, Lebanon might seem cheap since the wages in Lebanon aren't that high compared to some other countries.

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

There are some student dorms for exchange students.

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

AMAZING FOOD. Mostly healthy and very diversified food.
Favourite dishes: Tabouleh, hommors, warak enab.

What places would you recommend visiting in Beirut?

I would recommend anyone to come and visit Beirut Downtown. Gemmayzeh street, Uruguay street and Mar Mikhael street are very popular places for pubing.

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

The food in Lebanon is usually clean in most places.
Favourite spots: Roadster Diner, Al Halabi, Leila's,...

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

Like I have said earlier amazing nightlife and coolest nightclubs are in Lebanon.
Every person visiting Beirut should go to: BO18, the One and Mar Mikhael streeet,

What advice would you give future students heading to Beirut?

Enjoy your experience in Beirut since it is one of a kind. I don't think any other city resembles Beirut in any way.