Casino du Liban

The Casino du Liban is one of the oldest and grandest casinos in the Middle East, perched on the hillside above Jounieh with panoramic views over the bay. The main building has an extravagant 1950s design — marble floors, chandeliers, terraces — and the complex includes a large auditorium that continues to host concerts and shows.

The casino is worth a visit even if you have no intention of gambling. The dress code is enforced — no jeans, trainers, or casual wear — so dress accordingly. The shows staged at the casino's theatre range from Lebanese pop concerts to occasional international acts; check the programme in advance. Evening visits are best, when the lights of the bay are spread below. Entry to the casino floor requires a passport or ID; Lebanese nationals are not permitted to gamble.

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The Casino du Liban opened in 1959 on a hillside above Jounieh and became one of the most glamorous entertainment venues in the Arab world, drawing performers including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fairuz. It closed during the Civil War in 1989 and reopened in 1996. Bullet holes were found in the walls during renovation.

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