The main cities of Lebanon are the vital center for the areas around them, not only as services or commercial centers but also as a cultural centers where they host major schools universities which define the life of the city.

Shopping

Beirut is not only the capital and most vibrant city of Lebanon; it is a special must visit destination to the whole Middle East. Its most fidele visitors are beyond Lebanese, they come mainly from Jordan, and Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Beirut is a very shopping-friendly city with convenient stores and small boutiques in most of its streets. Well-known fashion shopping neighborhoods are Verdun Street, Hamra Street, Kaslik, Sassine Square, Furn El Shebbak, and Burj Hammoud etc… Beirut is also well known as an art destination with lots of small theatres that host local and international performances and movies, cafes hosting celebrities from the region and an active network of art and antiques galleries.

Beyond Beirut

Citylife, however extends beyond Beirut to the major central cities of Lebanon are Zahle in the Bekaa, Saida Sour and Nabatiyeh in the South, and Tripoli, Batroun and Zgharta in the North. Also ski resorts are the ultimate options not only for skiers but also for its night life, in winter, and summer.

Summer mountain resorts take a city aspect in the summer like the usual and well-known Arabs’ favorite destinations Aley, Bhamdoun and Broumana for their proximity to Beirut. Yet other destination offer a charming dynamic city life like Faytroun, and Ehden.

The coastal Mediterranean town, El Batroun located North of Beirut, between Byblos and Tripoli has marked itself as a new destination for nightlife, sun & sand and entertainment business investment.

Education

The Lebanese set a great deal of value on education, and the small country of Lebanon has over 30 universities spread all over its area. Beirut is home to the oldest school of law in the world, and the city's dynamics have been long marked with different university districts. The American University of Beirut AUB, and the “Universite” St. Joseph. USJ are two of the oldest campuses who marked the city since they were established more than a 100 years ago.

Beyond Beirut, a lot of universities have satellite campuses, The Lebanese University has branches in all major cities in Lebanon, and the Lebanese American University has expanded to a bigger campus in the Byblos area.

Many of the more prestigious universities offer Arabic language programs which are a major attraction for the newer generations of the Lebanese and Arab Diaspora, who can learn the language within its environment.

Arabic Program at LAU - Arabic Program at AUB - Arabic Program at NDU - Learn Arabic at USJ - Saifi Institute for Arabic Language - Lebanon School of Arabic