Some go to Lebanon for the sightseeing. Some go for the lovely food. Some visit to enjoy the amazing winter season while others go to shop at the ABC mall. But a sizable number of people–including myself–go for the nightlife.
The city, while heartbroken by the destruction of war, opens its doors for all people to enjoy themselves in the different clubs and bars around town. The nightlife spots are spread across the city and in most high-level hotels. In the following, this reporter will escort you on a short tour through the most notable night clubs and bars in the city that knows no darkness.
Al-Gemayze District:
Gemayze is a narrow small street in the heart of Beirut inundated with amazing bars and pubs. This hot spot is a must-visit in Beirut if you want to spend your evenings in great ambiance and lovely company. Most bars and pubs in Gemayze are relatively small, but each and every one of them has its own taste and style that will grab your attention.
As you enter the street of Gemayze, you will immediately notice the bars around you. Do not fall for the first bar that looks appealing. Take a lovely walk down the street (which goes down for nearly 20 minutes), and check out the selection. Some bars offers an open mic night while others offer a certain genre of music (Hip Hop, Gypsy guitar, jazz, etc) or even Karaoke.
Highlights in the bar scene here: 55 Lounge and GEM.
SkyBar:
Located on the top of al-Nahar newspaper building, SkyBar Beirut is one of the most important locations for any night-lifer in Beirut. The bar, overlooking the sea of Beirut, is an exact copy of the bar with the same name on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. But Beirut's rendition boasts a larger collection of alcoholic beverages and cocktails. The bar is divided into two sections; the tables and the bar stand. You can get inside to stand next to the bar without any reservation if you ‘look the part’ ( if you are dressed for clubbing). Tables are reserved a week in advance–for certain holidays a month in advance booking is necessary–so be careful to book your table before hand.
The service is amazing and the view is breathtaking. The bar, one of the most exclusive in Beirut, is a great experience for a night out in Beirut.
Phone number: +961-3-939191
The C-Lounge:
Located on the rooftop of the Bay View hotel, the C-Lounge is dangerously hip and amazingly chill. The place welcomes you with open arms and allows you to spend a fantastic night surrounded by beautiful people and chill-out music. The party starts around 1AM, where the resident DJ kicks off the night with some dance-tunes. The C-Lounge is known for its strict policy prohibiting Arabic music; their music collection is solely new and hip Western tunes.
The service is amazing, and the waiter will treat regulars with a complimentary drink to set the mood every now and again.
Phone number: +961-1-373090-95
Buddha Bar:
Buddha Bar is the place to be seen in Beirut. The bar, composed of three floors (a dinning hall and a two-story bar), is considered the indisputably hottest spot in the Lebanese capital. A big Buddha statue stands in the middle of the dining area, surrounded by tables for the people who want to enjoy some Asian cuisine, but as the night takes over, people vacate the tables and migrate towards the bar section.
Dozens of bartenders are standing waiting for you to order, and a long list of bottles of wines and strangely-named cocktails are provided for you to pick your poison of choice. Bit by bit you will be ready to swim across the beautiful people of Beirut and enjoy the beats of the DJs in the bar. Complimentary shots are provided to you wherever you stand and servers, both male and female, and beautiful and constantly buzzing around with drinks to keep the party moving.
The best thing about Buddha bar is that when you book a table, it becomes your own private dance floor, as your friends gather around the short table and dance around–or on top of–it with you.
The bar is located in Beirut's downtown Assaily Building. Phone number: +961-1-993199.
