Karim Sayah is a trained physical therapist (+ general fitness guru!) based in Beirut, Lebanon.
We originally caught up with him after the devastating explosion in the city’s port in August 2020, which destroyed large parts of the capital. But the resilience shown by the city’s inhabitants has been incredible and, while still recovering from the ordeal, the city continues to rebuild.
Karim was keen to shine the spotlight on his home city. – In recent decades, Beirut has not been an obvious choice for the average traveller but, as Karim points out, it is an amazingly vibrant place with lots to explore – especially if you know where to look!
He loves the city, not only for its amazing places + unique vibe, but also for the many creatives who call it home - such as artist + designer Mario Zaher. We asked Karim to share some of his favourite places in the city…
>>>
Karim Sayah is a trained physical therapist (+ general fitness guru!) based in Beirut, Lebanon.
We originally caught up with him after the devastating explosion in the city’s port in August 2020, which destroyed large parts of the capital. But the resilience shown by the city’s inhabitants has been incredible and, while still recovering from the ordeal, the city continues to rebuild.
Karim was keen to shine the spotlight on his home city. – In recent decades, Beirut has not been an obvious choice for the average traveller but, as Karim points out, it is an amazingly vibrant place with lots to explore – especially if you know where to look!
He loves the city, not only for its amazing places + unique vibe, but also for the many creatives who call it home - such as artist + designer Mario Zaher. We asked Karim to share some of his favourite places in the city…
>>>
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RAOUCHÉ CLIFF
"It is known for its upscale apartment buildings, numerous restaurants, + cliffside cafés that line the corniche or the wide, seaside sidewalk of Avenue de Paris, which is popular on weekends + evenings, where strollers + joggers crowd the pavements. Don't forget to watch the sunset fade behind that giant nature made rock in the middle of the sea."
T MARBOUTA RESTAURANT
"It's the best Lebanese hidden gem in Hamra Street. Enjoy that yummy food in its backyard with friendly staff + amazing atmosphere."
@tmarbouta
MAR MKHAYEL
"Mar mkhayel is the most famous street, known for its bars + nightlife experience. Mar mkhayel is the place to go to catch pre-party drinks. Although it's an old area, it's full of young people with vibrant energy."
All photos are copyright F1FTY except: Karim Sayah profile photo (Courtesy of Karim Sayah); Raouché Cliff (Credit: Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash); T Marbouta (Credit: Instagram @tmarbouta); Mar Mkhayel (Credit: tongeron91 CC BY-SA 2.0)