For our friends from abroad
Travel: The best option for travel around Lebanon is by private taxi. We've listed some below but there are many good options. Uber is also available in Beirut, but it may be difficult to find any in the mountains where the wedding venue is.
Currency: Lebanese businesses primarily use USD ($), so you can rely on that entirely.
Weather: Beirut is warm and sunny in July, but expect a bit of humidity and a possible light breeze in the mountains at night.
Wedding attire: most Lebanese weddings are very formal and fancy. Just make sure to plan for a little bit of heat during the daytime and to dress comfortable! We planned the wedding around dancing so make sure you're able to comfortably do that in your outfits.
Water: Lebanese tap water is NOT safe to drink.
Beiteddine Palace
Beiteddine Palace is an 18th-century palace in Beiteddine - a masterpiece of the early 19th century Lebanese architecture built by Emir Bechir Chehab II. In 1943, Lebanon’s first post-independence president declared it as his summer palace. Since 1985, the palace hosts the Beiteddine Festival, one of the biggest annual music and art festivals in the Middle East.
Moussa Castle
In the Lebanese mountains, the site of Qasr Moussa - or Moussa Castle - tells the story of a common man who pursued the dream of building his own castle. After years of working in the restoration of famous national landmarks, Moussa acquired the skills and the finances to make his vision a reality. He spent 60 years building it himself, stone by stone. It is now open as a museum with wax figures depicting stages and milestones of his life.
Chouf Cedar Reserve
A great place for a hike! The Chouf Cedar Reserve represents a quarter of the remaining cedar forests in the country and 5% of Lebanon’s entire area. The reserve marks the southernmost limit of Lebanese cedar growth, and incorporated within the protectorate six cedar forests. Of these, the Barouk and Maaser El Shouf forests have the largest number of ancient trees – some are thought to date back 2,000 years.
Albergo Rooftop - Beirut
This was where we had our first date and we love this spot. It's part of a beautiful old hotel in the center of Beirut.
Casablanca - Beirut
This is a hidden restaurant in Beirut near the American University. It's great for lunch or dinner and has a really cute sea view and great food.
Em Sherif Restaurant - Beirut
This Lebanese restaurant has many branches - Em Sherif Ashrafieh, the original location with only a set menu, Em Sherif Cafe, a more casual spot with an a la carte menu, Em Sherif Rooftop for food and drinks, and Em Sherif Deli, for on the go bites.
Al-Sultan - Baalshmey
Very casual restaurant but great Lebanese food for those in the area and looking to try a local spot.
Le Telegraphe de Belle Vue - Bhamdoun
This place is in El-Matn, where Makram is from and has a very cute vibe and good French food.
Coara Vegan Cuisine - Kfarkatra
Garden-to-table Lebanese food. This restaurant is run by a local couple and their family and they use only local ingredients sourced either from their garden or their neighbors'.