Some people just like to go for sightseeing and explore when they visit new towns and cities while others along with these like to shop and buy local crafts. Vacation shopping is a lot of fun and most people love to go on a shopping spree while on holiday.
The Middle East is increasingly becoming a shopping hub across the world with shopping festivals in Dubai and other main cities in the Middle East. Lebanon is no exception when it comes to shopping culture!
A major town in the Middle East is Beirut which is the capital city of Lebanon. The city is a major tourist destination and visiting this city is a great choice for people from the Middle East and all over the world who love to visit historical coastal Mediterranean cities with a modern infrastructure and great shopping scene. Lebanon is a cultural hub in the Middle East and shopping in this country is an important part of the overall tourist experience in Lebanon.
The country is famous for it’s souks, or local markets, which are found in every corner and street of the country and a great place to find goods and souvenirs. Souks are also where the biggest bargains can be figured.
There is a culture of bargaining and vendors drive a hard haggle, but foreigners should keep in mind that most are not being malicious and should negotiate respectfully. Always try your luck before settling for the final price, you might get more value!
Hamra Street is a an example of a trendy post-war neighborhood in Beirut that is a popular tourist destination and shopping hub in the city. Hamra Street is a great multicultural destination in the country with retail stores, pubs, and restaurants for tourists to enjoy on their vacation.
Achrafieh is one of the oldest parts of the country and foreigners can explore the traditional past of the capital in this part of town. Aprt from museums, churches and historic architectural wonders, this part of the city is also popular for shopping.
There are certain locally-made products that simply cannot be missed, most of an extremely top-quality and which would sell for much higher anywhere else in the world. The vendors are typically the artisans by nature, which creates an informative and fun shopping explore.
Visitors can find everything from cutlery and handmade glassware to hand-woven materials like silk scarves and woolen kaftans. If it’s a standout souvenir you’re searching for, there are always the traditional Lebanese swords.
For something more tuned, and possibly even air-conditioned, head to downtown the capital where new indoor souks and luxury malls are being built to showcase designer produce and exclusive boutiques. Another trendy area in Lebanon that focuses in niche clothing and jewelry is Saifi Village.
Many contemporary artists and designers have opened up stalls and galleries here. Travelers can purchase one-of-a-kind products right off the rack, but are sure to feel the impact on their pocketbook.
"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey
