7 Things That Are ALWAYS A Good Idea In Beirut

Looking to sweeten up a sour mood while in the city? Beirut has a lot to offer, from delectable bites to exciting activities that will make your day 99% better. We compiled a list of things that are ALWAYS a good idea in Beirut. Save this for next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

1. Treat yourself to something sweet from Gustav Pastry

If you’re looking for mouth-watering, original desserts, then head straight to Gustav, home of Sweet Innovations. A sweet local success story, Gustav opened their doors in 2010 in Hamra, Beirut and quickly became a haven for dessert lovers, as they introduced innovative French-inspired creations to the Lebanese pastry market.

Boasting what is potentially the largest dessert menu in Lebanon, Gustav brings elements that are local into Western pastries with a twist, while their creative chefs continue to experiment with new flavors and innovative designs, constantly refreshing their tantalizing menu.

Not only that, but they also cater to special occasions and create customized cake designs, personalized to each client depending on their theme of choice, including birthdays, graduations, and weddings!

Discover their wide range of freshly-made sweet creations, perfect for summer such as their line of elegant ice cream flavors, original fruits tarts such as pomegranate and orange/grapefruit, fraisier, passion fashion, white pina, pavlova, mango… not to mention their renowned cake balls and red velvet cakes that have always been a fan favorite!

They’re open from 10 AM until 10 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12 PM until 10 PM on Sunday. You can call them on +961 1 747 199 for delivery, or make online orders via Gozilla, Rush, Tekram, and Toters. For more information, check out their Instagram!

2. Make last-minute plans to visit Kanvartfuly

The art space hosts a number of art workshops that you can reserve a spot for, but they also offer walk-in activities that don’t require prior reservation.

Their walk-in activities include tote bag painting, pot and mug painting, mirror dotting, yarn art, embroidery, and much more! So if you just happen to feel extra artsy while in Beirut, you and your friends will have a blast getting creative at Kanvartfuly.

As for their private workshops, you’ll be assisted by their experienced instructors who will be guiding through all you need to know about the course. Whether it be the basics of different art styles or the how-tos of painting techniques, they’ll be there to lend a helping hand.

For more information, make sure to check out their Instagram.

3. Uncover some of the newly opened spots in Beirut

If you’re not sure where to start, maybe create a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit but never made the time to. Luckily for you, we have a Beirut bucket list that we created for 2024! Click here to check it out.

There’s also a section on our website that keeps you posted on all the newly opened spots in Lebanon. The most recent additions to the Beirut city family include Jacaranda, Lucy Lu, and Bunman.

For more new spots, click here!

4. Grab a drink with your friends at Kintsugi

Kintsugi is an adorable boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar, a hidden oasis that is dedicated to giving you a one-of-a-kind Beirut experience.

A wonderful escape without having to actually leave the city, you can stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks before retreating to one of the amazing rooms at their boutique hotel.

The place was actually a destroyed house that was transformed into the gem that it is today, which is why it’s called Kintsugi. It’s a Japanese technique that repairs “broken china and apply golden lacquer to its cracks”, to give them a second chance.

They’re open every day except Monday, from 9 AM until 2 AM. You can reach out to them on +961 70 283 233.

5. Make the summer heat 99% more bearable at Pool d’Etat

A place that embodies everything we love about Beirut, especially its liveliness and its people. The crowd over at Pool d’Etat is the chill type, but they won’t say no to a little fun.

You can cool off with a dip in the pool and top off your visit with poolside drinks, a place you and your friends will turn into your go-to summer hangout spot in the city (especially if you’re a bunch of avid beach goers who are too lazy to leave the city).

And chow down on one of their burgers when hunger strikes. Is it really a successful pool day without a delightful bite to top it off?

Make sure to check out their Instagram for upcoming events and offers.

6. Chow down on prosciutto, pizza, and pasta at Tom&Mutz

Load up on all the Italian-American style dishes at the charming eatery in Mar Mikhael. If you’re a large group of friends, you can share an order of truffle fries and calamari puttanesca, then dig into one of their specialty pizzas.

You can also opt for their classics, like the bufala and proscuitto pizza or a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. There are so many options for you to choose from, and you can also complete your visit with a few happy hour drinks.

Open every day except Monday, Tom&Mutz will welcome you from 12 PM until 11:30 PM. Check out their Instagram for more.

7. Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet from Bouquet Délicieux

Stick around for that Badaro charm as you people watch, sip on your coffee, and enjoy the smell of flowers. The flower and coffee shop is a wonderful Beirut gem that is a must-visit, especially if you’re one for tranquil outings in the city.

The perfect place to be after a long day at work, you can ask one of their talented florists to create a colorful bouquet for you to take home or gift your loved one. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful bouquet.

You can also attend their bouquet and flower basket workshops! Stay updated on their Instagram for upcoming workshops.