Sanayeh, officially the René Moawad Garden, is the largest urban park in central Beirut. Laid out in the 19th century as a French-style public garden, it is now a popular gathering place for families, runners, and migrant workers on their Sunday off.
The grounds were restored a decade ago after years of neglect: there are now playgrounds, walking paths, a small pond, and dozens of mature trees. It is one of the few patches of green where ordinary Beirutis hang out, and it gives a snapshot of city life that the polished downtown does not.