Beirut offers a wide range of shopping, from traditional souks to designer boutiques.
Beirut Souks downtown is a large modern shopping complex built on the site of the original Ottoman-era markets. It houses international brands, local designers, restaurants and cinemas. Clean and air-conditioned, though it lacks the atmosphere of a traditional market.
Hamra is a more eclectic shopping street with bookshops, clothing stores, and cafes. It has a neighbourhood feel and is good for browsing without the high-end prices of downtown.
Verdun is Beirut's upmarket shopping district, with designer boutiques and high-end fashion outlets. Aishti, on El Moutrane Street downtown, is the flagship store for international luxury brands including Chloe, Jimmy Choo and Gucci.
Souk el Tayeb is a weekly farmers' market held on Saturdays, selling organic produce, artisan cheese, honey, bread and traditional Lebanese products. It is the best place to buy food souvenirs and taste regional specialties.
Artisan du Liban at Ain Mreisseh sells traditional Lebanese crafts, fabrics and contemporary designs inspired by local heritage. Good for gifts and household items.
The Sunday market at Jisr el-Wati in Sin el-Fil is Beirut's biggest flea market -- a sprawling affair where you can find everything from antiques to second-hand clothes. Arrive early for the best picks and be prepared to bargain.
For books, Librairie Antoine has several branches across Beirut with good selections in English, French and Arabic.