When most Americans think of Lebanon they conjure images of remnants of war torn cities and long stretches of  endless desert. Not only is this geographically incorrect (Lebanon hosts impressive ice capped mountains, forests, and beaches) but completely untrue. Beirut has long been known as one of the remaining vestiges of unfettered nightlife- a place where with enough money and know-how you can find just about anything (without arriving at the point of excessive like cities like Dubai).

Although Beirut has frequently been a site of conflict and casualty (the most recent conflict with Israel was just a few short years ago) the vibrant spirit of the city has yet to be extinguished.  In spite of all the turmoil, or more likely as a result of it, the unrestrained desire to enjoy one’self manifests itself in a variety of ways, and there is entertainment to cater to nearly any scene. Beirut hosts some of the most highly ranked nightclubs in the world and an endless walk of small bars, as well as large scale performances by top name DJ’s and bands, and even the occasional rave. Beirut still manages to evoke a sense of unity amongst the locals in that wherever you may prefer to party, you are living it up to the fulest.

The Adventure

In the short time I spent in the city, I grew determined to experience just what gave Beirut its acclaim and the status of of one of the nightlife capitals. Beirut is home to many of the highest rated clubs in the world, unfortunately the glamour and status of many of these clubs make them exclusive to the point of ridiculousness. One attempt to get into the highly reputable SkyBar ended in disappointment, as nothing would gain us entry, not the dinner reservations that had been booked, not the offer to purchase bottle service, not the friends within, not even the $100 notes offered to the bouncer. Then again, we were hardly surprised, given that this had been ranked the number One club in the world just last year and had a line of beautiful people stretching along the back- at about 10:00 P.M.

Our night continued, however, with a short walk to Gemmayzeh- the district best known for the long walk of shoulder to shoulder bars. We tried to take in as many as we could in a week in Beirut and barely even touched the surface. The range of bars catered to every style, every music, every attire, even every language. One could easily spend nights on end here- but we were on a mission.

In any case we ventured to an equally impressive nightclub, BO18, which in my mind would be nearly impossible to top. Designed by renowned architect Bernard Khoury, BO18 was situated in what looked like essentially just a large parking lot. Upon further inspection we could see that the line was located in a narrow passageway to some stairs, and that the club itself was a large bunker housed stories below the ground. This controversial new club is a large steel structure built on a site of a former refugee camp.  (To many, this conundrum epitomizes the collective attitudes of the city itself- that nothing can break the spirit of Beirut and it’s people though their memories are not forgotten.)

When we finally made it inside we were no less appreciative, as the decor was uniquely artistic and the live DJ spinning deep house beats had the entire floor jumping. And it was just getting started… The club is known as an after-hours spot that continues until 10A.M. Around four we got an unexpected surprise…The roof of the bunker begin to widen as mechanical gears pulled it apart. We were able to witness the light slowly creeping in from the ceiling as the sun began to rise overhead- all while still sipping a Vodka-RedBull ten feet underground.

Did It Live Up to the Hype?

ABSOLUTELY!

Beirut is a spectacle to behold, even if for nothing else than it’s nightlife (though it just so happens it is a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures, languages, and history). Just to be forewarned, however, it is not cheap. I arrived directly after backpacking around Greece and Turkey and was accustomed to the lifestyle of being a bum (sleeping as cheap as possible, eating koftes from the grocery store, walking to avoid a cab – I was actually offered a job in Istanbul drawing in tourists to restaurants but I drew the line when i found they would only pay me in food). Needless to say, I was utterly unprepared for the expenses of Beirut nightlife. I adapted quick, however, and I’m glad I did for it to this day remains one of the most amazing cities to party in.