What better way to learn about the best places to shop in Beirut than by a personalized tour of the city delivered by Beirut native and regional fashion influencer, Lana El Sahely of L’Armoire De Lana? Not only can she bring an insider’s perspective to shopping, but you’ll also benefit from her well-honed eye for style. The always thoughtful El Sahely even made sure to create her tour based on a “weekend visit” to Beirut. By concentrating her list according to location and the idea that you might be on a limited itinerary, you’ll make the most of your time in the city while shopping and sightseeing.
Read on for exclusive insight on the can’t-miss locations to visit the next time you’re in Beirut.
Orient 499
This boutique is by far, my favorite spot in town giving oriental traditions the best modern twist. Founded by Frank Luca and Aida Kawas, Orient 499 showcases very unique and exclusive handicrafts and designers’ pieces. It goes from antiques to modern furniture, clothing, accessories, and more.
Mina El Hosn, (+961) 1 369 499
PopUp Concept
Recently opened, this concept store is already known for carrying very exclusive and rare brands: from Nialaya Jewelry to Buscemi shoes or Thom Browne Eyewear, you will love how different the pieces here are. I like that its target audience goes from young trendy teenagers to the jet-set businessman who truly values refined pieces.
Achrafieh, (+961) 1 200 386
Plum Concept Store
We all have a little favorite and I can’t help but admit that I love every single piece in Plum. I love how the store has a very fresh concept — it offers everything from fashion and lifestyle to beauty and accessories. I like that it can satisfy the most traditional fashion sense, yet appeal to the craziest ones. You will always discover very unique perfumes and beauty products and you will love dwelling in their selection of stationery and books.
Downtown, (+961) 1 976 565
Aishti
Opened by Tony Salame in 1989, Aishti remains the number one shopping destination in our country. Aishti has grown from a single high-end clothing store to a huge chain with various branches throughout Lebanon, selling top luxury brands. You will love stopping by Aishti downtown for a little bit of shopping, having your hair done at Aishti Spa, and grabbing the most delicious meal at People. The group has also now opened its art foundation in Jal El Dib, and it’s simply incredible.
Downtown, (+961) 1 991 111
Boutique 1
Situated in one of my favorite streets in downtown Beirut, Boutique 1 has, first and foremost, some of the most professional staff in all of Lebanon. You will always feel as if you’re walking through your closet, which is something more rare to find these days. Everyone is welcoming and knows the selection perfectly, plus you can always get a few styling tips. The selection is great, from the fun Markus Lupfer t-shirts to the very elegant Victoria Beckham dresses and the sporty A.L.C. looks. It’s everything you need to complete your closet.
Downtown, (+961) 1 981 666
Cookie Dough
Yes, luxury for little ones can exist! Yasmine Agha travels the world to bring to her gorgeous boutique the finest and most beautiful pieces. Cookie Dough offers clothing, footwear, and accessories, for newborns to 12-year-olds, with very distinctive style and a truly unparalleled service. I also love that they have a Nursery Consulting Center with trained experts to guide you when shopping for décor items, furniture, and baby gear.
Clemenceau, (+961) 1 364 073
Meat the Fish
Because who doesn’t need a quick healthy and delicious meal in the middle of a long day of shopping? This is my new favorite place in town. It’s been trending for a while, and you definitely can’t miss it the next time you’re in Beirut. The menu changes daily, which I love! I would recommend to get the beetroot salmon sashimi, roast beef and shaved truffle bruschetta, chirashi bowl, or the cookie with sea-salt.
Saifi Village, (+961) 1 993 606
Piaff Boutique
Throughout the past 30 years, Piaff Boutique has gained an unbeatable reputation of being a luxurious and creative name bringing very unique labels to Beirut’s fashion market. The mission of the boutique has always been clear, and you will never find a dull piece in there. Everything revolves around design-centric, and sometimes pretty crazy, pieces. From Tata Naka to Martin Grant, Issey Miyake and many others, Piaff Boutique will leave you surprised.
Clemenceau, (+961) 1 362368
The Silly Spoon
The Silly Spoon is a contemporary tableware and home accessories store owned by sisters Lea and Jessica Majdalani. I love how they call it the “fashion of the table”, focusing on mix-and-match sets when they travel abroad to select for their boutique. The Silly Spoon is filled with very elegant pieces — you will find hip and renowned brands amongst emerging regional ones. Everything is hand-picked and perfectly curated.
Achrafieh, (+961) 1 339 909
Label Queen
Every trendy young lady out there will fall in love with this address. From high-street to high-end pieces, Label Queen brings together several brands and creators from all around the world. From ready-to-wear to elegant gowns and casual denim, as well as jewelry, vintage pieces and more, you will just love the place.
Saifi Village, (+961) 1 992 009
