Beirut
“Never judge a book by its cover,” they say. Well, I can concur with this statement.
Achrafieh is a book with an average cover. On the main roads, you see the commercial side of it. Modern buildings, major coffee shops, like Starbucks, as well as fast food places and small shops lining the streets.
My first impression: Ok, so just another neighborhood with residential buildings and stores. Boy, was I ever wrong. When I was asked to write an article for Live Achrafieh, I was excited to be asked to go explore the area, take pictures and see what I found during my adventure. What I found was more than I had ever expected.
Then I wondered. What is the difference between what locals see and what foreigners see? Are their views different?
As a foreigner to the neighborhood myself, I found people to be very friendly, open and accepting. I immediately felt at home and comforted, walking around, taking pictures and admiring the beauty of the combination of old and new.
“Achrafieh is a nice little haven within Beirut. It could seem small at times, not a huge area, but at the same time there’s a lot to do, and you can find your favorite spots and have fun with the nightlife and great variety of restaurants,” says Cameron Anderson, 27, who hails from San Francisco and works in Achrafieh.
Unique boutiques like Rue 181 and Over the Rainbow are just two of the many designer shops hidden around the small and narrow streets of Achrafieh; each with one-of-a-kind designs by various Lebanese artists or imported items from around the globe, especially the United States and Europe. These shops are hidden in alleys or in back roads, so to get to them you have to do some exploring.
Mar Mikhael, another area in Achrafieh has more of an artistic scene, with music blasting out of the bars and the pubs, live music from local bands and art shows in the area. It’s a massive walking area. You can spend 8 hours going through the whole of Achrafieh, as all the areas are all connected and pretty close to each other. You can spend a whole day moving around the area.
So what are you waiting for? Go explore and find your own treasures and make your own memories.
Where to watch a movie? To see a play? To buy art pieces? Or searching for some books for your leisure time…just follow the guide
If you are searching for a place to relax, to stay fit, a place to take care of yourself and to be taken care of, just check our guide
Follow the guide to find where to let your child learn and study, from the very beginning to superior studies
Any financial question? You need to open a bank account or insured a property? Follow the guide
Follow the guide to know where to shop for your daily needs, and where to order for your diner, reception and gathering
A contract to sign or an issue to resolve? An apartment to decorate or a house to build? Consult our guide and find the right person
Hanging out in Achrafieh won’t have any more secrets for you. Just follow the guide and discover where to go
To know where the nearest pharmacy is or to find a hospital, a clinic or a specialized center follow the guide
Find, in this guide, useful contacts for all your administrative steps or for any questions of public policy you may have
Whether you have a gift or furniture to buy, or you just want to pamper yourself, follow the guide and prepare your shopping session
Need help to plan your stay, a car for your move, a hotel to stay… find it all in our guide
If you need any helpful number, for urgent situation, or just to keep them for a safety issue, follow the links