Cover Photo: Nour Al Nimer
Beirut is one of this year’s hottest travel destinations, with art, food, hotels and nightlife to rival London, Shanghai and New York. Nour Al Nimer, the founder of luxury tableware brand Nimerology, grew up in Beirut but now lives between Istanbul and New York. When she returns to the Lebanese capital these are her favourite places to visit. Don't forget to check out all five of our insider guides to Beirut (links at the end of this article)

1. <strong>Fashion stop</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Rami Kadi

“Every time I’m in Beirut I visit the boutique of Lebanese-American fashion designer Rami Kadi. I love his loud and colourful prints.” 

Find out more at rami-kadi.com

2. Unexpected architecture

Tatler Asia
Above The Rashid Karami International Fair

“Design enthusiasts should make a pilgrimage to Tripoli (70km north of Beirut) to marvel at the abandoned structures of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. His futurist masterpieces were supposed to host a trade fair. Building began in 1967 but stopped in 1975 because of the civil war and never restarted. Known as the Rashid Karami International Fair, the abandoned site is now a forgotten shrine to the legendary architect spread over a square kilometre of landscaped gardens. Most days the area is completely deserted except for a few local skateboarders riding Niemeyer’s iconic domes.”

3. Islamic art

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Dar El Nimer

“My father is an art collector and he runs a non-profit art and culture space called Dar El Nimer in the heart of Beirut where he shows his vast collection of art, antiques and ancient artefacts from the Middle East and around the world. He’s a proud Palestinian and is particularly keen to promote education and discussion about culture from his homeland.” 

Find out more at darelnimer.org

See also: Botswana Bound: Inside Belmond's Redesigned Savute Elephant Lodge

4. <strong>Ancient ruins</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Baalbek's ancient Roman temple

“The most impressive archaeological site in Lebanon is a Roman temple complex in Baalbek (85km northeast of Beirut). Well preserved and spectacular in size and beauty, these ancient monuments rival those in Rome and are a Unesco World Heritage site.”

Check out more travel tips from our other Beirut insiders: Joanna Laura Constantine, Jewellery Designer | Nour Salamé, Founder Of Kaph Books | Eli Rezkallah, Artist And Photographer | Gregory Gatserelia, Interior Designer


Portrait photography: Walid Rashid

Topics