Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Beirut

37 Degrees
This friendly little bar off Monnot Street is the perfect starting point for a night out.
A chat with Eau de Vie manager, Nikki Baltrop
Londoner Nikki Baltrop moved her hedonistic life from London to Beirut, and became restaurant manager at Phoenicia Hotel's Eau de Vie.
ABC Shopping Centre
Beirut's main mall houses the ABC department store as well as a range of other shops restaurants and a six-screen cinema. Spread over six levels ABC has everything you could possibly want under one roof - and then some.
Abdel Wahab el Inglizi
A Beirut institution: fine Lebanese food in elegantly glamorous surroundings.
Achrafieh
Tucked away on the picturesque streets of Achrafieh are independent antique stores furniture and design galleries craft stalls jewellers and clothes shops selling everything from locally-made accessories to international designer labels.
Aero Club
Whether you're a master of the skies or simply want to learn flying is a great way to see the sights. And with the airport so close to the centre of town it's practically a must.
Agial Art Gallery
Beirut is at the very heart of a thriving Middle Eastern art scene and the Agial Art Gallery owned by Saleh Barakat is the place to seek if you are looking for Arab art.
Aishti
Al Ajami
Amazing Lebanese food and deep sofas make the trek to West Beirut worthwhile.
Al Balad
Cheap and cheerful Lebanese restaurant with fantastic food. A local treat.
Al Bustan Hotel
An original Lebanese gem located high up in the hillside village of Beit Mery.
Al Dente
Elegant popular Italian restaurant in a traditional Lebanese house.
Al Falamanki
Backgammon, Shisha and Lebanese tea are all on the menu at this lively little café
Al Kahwa
Across the road from the university Al Kahwa attracts a friendly student crowd.
Al Mijana
Glamorous Lebanese restaurant in a beautiful Ottoman building.
Al-Omari Mosque
Once a Christian church Al-Omari was converted to a Sunni mosque in the 11th Century.
Albergo
The Albergo is located in one of the city's oldest most picturesque and fashionable neighbourhoods. It is unique for providing handpicked furniture and Jacuzzi baths. 
Alice Mogabgab Gallery
One of Gemayzeh's best galleries for local regional and international art run by dealer and agent Alice Mogabgab. Stop by if you are in Gemayzeh.
Allo Limo
Amore Mio Café
Smart modern café with a large terrace in the upmarket Verdun shopping area.
An interview with Gordon Campbell Gray
We caught up with hotel owner Gordon Campbell Gray, the man behind One Aldwych in London, Le Gray in Beirut and Carlisle Bay in Antigua.
Arab Image Foundation
The AIF is a haven for discovering an incredible archive of photographs covering all aspects of Arab life over the last 150 years. Truly a must visit
Archaeological Remains
Beirut's turbulent history has seen occupation from everyone from the Romans and the Phoenicians to the French and the Syrians. One aspect to emerge out of this is archaeological ruins - and lots of them. Keep your eyes peeled.
Art Lounge
Fabulously trendy loft-style bar with an intellectual art scene.
Atlas Beach
Atlas Beach is for those who prefer a quieter beach side experience with a distinct lack of the drone of jet skis and nattering. On the other hand also lacks some of the facilities of other beaches.
AUB Museum
Beirut's principal university has beautiful gardens and an archeology museum.
Aziz
Unassuming yet fabulous French restaurant with an excellent wine list.
Baalbeck Int’l Festival
The Baalbeck International Festival is the oldest and the most prestigious festival in the Middle East. 
Balthus
Glamorous Art Deco French restaurant beloved of Beirut's powerbrokers.
Bamboo Bay
Just $10 gets you in to Bamboo Bay and access to golden sands, Jacuzzis, a pool and an outlet of La Posta. Looks like it's swim o'clock already.
Bar Louie
Low key bar hosting jazz soul and bluegrass from international and local talent.
Bar ThreeSixty
Open from October to April, Bar ThreeSixty is a chic, sophisticated spot for drinking and dancing in Downtown Beirut.
Barometre
Small dark and smokey; an intellectually hip hangout in once glamorous Hamra.
Basta
BHV stocks a wide range of home furnishings, appliances, clothing and computers - it's good if you are looking for well-priced items from non-designer brands.
Bay Rock Café
Touristy but popular café with beautiful views over the Med and Pigeon Rocks.
Bayview Hotel
The Bayview Hotel has just 36 rooms and sits right at the end of Ain El Mreisseh peering out onto the Mediterranean.
Beirut by Bike
Cycling in Beirut can be somewhat problematic - the problem being the insanely dangerous and blinkered driving style of most Lebanese. But if you can get up to er speed on the principles of survival here then it's a great way to see the city.
Beirut Drinks In Its Wine Renaissance
Beirut National Museum
If Lebanon is admired for its seven millennia of history, the Beirut National Museum is at the same time its window and refuge. 
BO18
This legendary club has a decadent crazy debauched vibe.

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