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Neighborhood in Beirut
Photo: E.Heidtmann, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hamra is a district in Beirut. Prior to 1975, Hamra Street was referred to as Beirut's "Champs Elysées" as it was frequented by tourists all year round. It hosts a good number of hotels, furnished apartments, and coffee shops that cater to visitors and students from close by American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University. It has been revitalized, with many new upscale bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops opening, and is becoming a popular district for shopping, nightlife, and cuisine once again.
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Hamra District
Archeology and history, the Middle East's oldest museum.
contemporary art from the Arab world
art gallery, antique dealer
paintings, historic photos, antiques
An independent theater, music venue and cultural hub with a broad repertoire.
Offers a variety of dermato-cosmetic procedures and body treatments including endermology, cellulite removal and body modeling.
Reflexology
This two-room relaxing treatment centre in the heart of Hamra gives a soothing session for US$36 (around 50 min). Other treatments (including Reiki) average around $20. Advocates a holistic approach to health - you won’t find the latest pill-popping techniques here. Yoga classes are $10 per class, or $30 for the month. Qi Gong and Capoeira classes are also available.
Live Local and International Jazz, Blues, Latin and Oriental Music
Blue Note Café is the main live Jazz restaurant in town: local and international jazz musicians every week. Famous musician who have played at Blue Note include Deborah Davis, Muralli Coryell, Steve Potts and Ray Vega among others. In addition to Jazz, its weekly music program includes live Blues, Latin and Oriental music. Reasonably priced, the cuisine is a mix of oriental and international food. The atmosphere is authentic, jazzy and relaxed.
Caravanserail was opened in December 1969 by George Karajian and he is still running the live music bar and restaurant. It is open on Fridays and Saturdays; Fridays are home to one of Beirut's finest live jazz bands and Saturdays are reserved for traditional oriental/Arabic music from their resident Oud and Derbake players. The food is simple, tasty and reasonably priced, consisting of mostly small dishes inspired by tapas and mezze-type portions which are great for sharing, although there is a main dish available for the more hungry! All of the food is homemade by George. The decor is vintage and cosy with low ceilings in parts and soft furnishings and fabrics around the venue. There is still space for a dancefloor on a Saturday night though. Many of the fixtures are the same as they were on opening day in 1969 and you can feel the atmosphere coming through the walls. Worth a trip just to listen to the music and meet George and his head waiter, Ali, as they are Caravanserail.
Lebanese cuisine at decent prices. This is one of two restaurants with the same name.
Simple trendy decoration with non-matching colourful sofas, antique furniture, candles and mirrors as well as a fireplace warming things up in winter. Art films are shown on Sundays. In the afternoon a variety of coffee and cakes are served from the kitchen, and at night great drinks and music by the DJ take centre stage, playing lounge, Acid jazz and Funk. Normally packed with a trendy artistic crowd.
Pascucci Hamra has something for everyone: a lounge area, study area and business center; therefore making it the perfect place for anyone and everyone from students wanting to study, to a group of friends simply wanting a coffee and a chat. The business center is fully equipped with laptops, wifi and printers, and is available for rental. Both the business center and the study area are non-smoking areas. In the evening the lounge area is transported into a chilled out venue where friends can enjoy a cocktail and relaxing music. As well as excellent coffee, Pascucci offers a range of dishes and appetizers from coconut chicken curry to rocket salad. A wide selection of delicious cakes and pastries are also available.
Decorated with bold colors and 1950s style furniture, Marqueez is a classic venue offering a varied eating and entertainment experience. Relax indoors or outdoors, sit at the bar, small tables or the bigger dinner tables to chill, work or hang round. The menu offers a fairly priced fused variety of Mediterranean dishes, drinks and wine. An eclectic selection of music and live performance is scheduled weekly.
Lounge
Cribs is a charming merge of old style decor and attitude mixed with modern outlook and approach. Through the day, relax in the calming atmosphere and enjoy a coffee or a beer while listening to lounge music. At night, Cribs is the place to be at, playing a mix of soft, alternative, oldies, hip hop and R'n'B music with a cosy modern ambience. Indulge yourself in the signature cocktails or just have a few drinks with colleagues and friends after work during happy hour. Cribs is your home away from home with its intimate setting and down to earth vibe. A special delicious international food will be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Weiner Haus
Le Commodore Hotel features a range of meeting and banquet facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, and “Lifestyle,” Beirut’s finest health club.
Women's speciality store.
Reiki, NLP, energy and alternative healing techniques, life-coaching, self-empowerment workshops, feng shui, yoga, etc.
Body piercing & tattoo specialized in Arabic calligraphy. Ethnic clothing, speciality T-shirts (classic & underground music movements), gifts, spiritual incense accessories, fashion accessories, Indian & Asian themes. Affordable custom tailoring and repairs on premises.
Hamra lies to the west of Downtown Beirut. Hail a taxi or walk to the short distance.
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