Though it grew to become a metropolitan city without civil planning, Beirut’s unplanned growth gave it a unique mixture of Oriental and Western styles. You do not expect to find your way by using conventional tourist guides and booklets. It is through the hospitable nature of the Lebanese people that you get to know your neighborhood. The natives are multi-lingual, warm and extremely welcoming to almost any foreigner. The intellectual activity of the city and the country is quite remarkable. Though this kind of activity underwent a phase of hibernation during the years of civil strife, almost every Lebanese citizen is aware of the political, social, and economic happenings on both the domestic and international levels.

The Hamra District and Downtown

AUB is conveniently located in the Hamra district and surrounded by many restaurants, hotels, furnished apartments, pubs, beach resorts, coffee shops, bookstores and bakeries. In addition, the Hamra district houses a wide variety of landmarks all within close proximity to one another. Most government buildings such as the Central Bank, and the Ministries of Tourism, Finance and Telecommunications are located in Hamra. The Central District, now known as "Downtown" is a 15 minute walk from campus. Known as the former commercial center of the country, Downtown is now a beautifully renovated architectural space full of high-end commercial and retail boutiques.

The Beirut Outskirts

The Achrafieh district, on the outskirts of Beirut, monopolizes the city’s nightlife and is where most of the popular pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are located. Beirut nightlife is among the best in the world.

During the winter and fall seasons, Beirut also provides entertainment through its theatres, festivals, and exhibitions. During the summer season, festivals are held in the famous Beiteddine and Baalbek Temples, two of the many open-air landmarks in the North of Lebanon. The festivals host various types of events suiting almost all tastes and preferences.