Area Guides: Where to Live in Lebanon

Beirut is Lebanon's capital and its business, cultural and nightlife centre. Each neighbourhood has its own character — from the universities and cafés of Hamra and Ras Beirut, to the seafront Corniche, Downtown, and the historic streets of Achrafieh, Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael.

Achrafieh is one of Beirut's oldest and most sought-after residential districts, set on a hill in the east of the city. It is known for its traditional Lebanese houses and stairways, Sassine Square, the Sursock Museum, and the lively bars and restaurants of nearby Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael.

Metn is the Mount Lebanon district just north-east of Beirut, stretching from busy coastal towns such as Dekwaneh, Sin el Fil, Jdeideh and Antelias up to mountain towns like Beit Mery, Broummana, Baabdat and Bikfaya.

Aley is a Mount Lebanon district south-east of Beirut, along the Beirut–Damascus road. Towns such as Aley, Bhamdoun and Sawfar have long been summer resorts, known for pine forests, mountain views and cooler air.

Jbeil, known internationally as Byblos, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 40 km north of Beirut. Its old souk, ancient harbour and seaside restaurants make it one of Lebanon’s best-loved towns.

Keserwan lies north of Beirut, from the coastal city of Jounieh and its bay up to the mountain ski resorts of Faraya and Faqra. Kaslik, Zouk and Adma along the coast offer shopping, marinas and nightlife, while Harissa overlooks the whole bay.