Top Rated Shopping in Beirut

Librairie Antoine, with more than 50 years of existence, is the largest bookstore in Beirut. Acting as agent and distributor for hundreds of French and European publishing houses, this bookstore is the place to visit if you are looking for any title you have in mind. The staff is very professional and efficient and the range of subjects and titles held in stock is impressive. Librairie Antoine, through its five subsidiaries, is one of the main supplier of academic books in the Lebanon.

The bookstores offer also the largest selection of local and foreign newspapers and periodicals

A typical Middle Eastern experience is incomplete without paying a visit to a traditional souk. Contrary to the traditional market, near the ultra modern Beirut Souk shopping mall, you will find yourself chasing the smell of spices and fresh fruits and vegetables. Stumbling upon Souk El Tayeb will be a serendipity. Organic product lovers should most certainly pay a visit to the stalls.One of the earliest farmers markets in the country, you will find a wide range of consumables and artistic products. Nearly one third of their market section comprises of local produce from Lebanon's farmers. You can also relish some of the traditional street food delicacies like Kibbeh and Manakish on their stalls. Handmade crafts like pottery, scented soaps and insightful books for kids are also sold at the souk.

Known for its colorful and quirky designs, Emilio Pucci is a popular brand. With innovative designs that make bold fashion statements, they have outfits for every occasion, from simple everyday wear to embellished party gowns. Look out for their maxi dresses, jumpsuits and frock coats. They also have a section for shoes and handbags in jaunty prints and colors.

Located in Central District, the Beirut Souks is one of the most happening entertainment and retail networks in the city. Divided into South Souks and North Souks, the complex reflects the ancient Greek, Phoenician as well as Mamluk and medieval styles of architecture through its alleys, facades and piazzas. From a 14 screen cinema complex, over 200 shops from Louis Vuitton to Stella McCartney and a host of restaurants, the 163,010 square meters (1,754,600 sq ft) of floor space has everything one could ask for. A haven for shoppers, the Beirut Souks are a must-visit.

The Beirut Mall is one of the signs of a growing Lebanese economy. The mall has been constructed by few of the worlds leading architects and its colorful and spacious interiors embrace every shopper who enters with a feeling of warmth. The four massive floors house over 12 restaurants, 2 theaters and over 650 spaces for parking! The mall boasts of farm superstores which have the freshest farm produce this side of the equator and also a food court which is known far and wide for its multi cuisine fare. The mall has its fair share of designer boutiques and shops from where you can buy just about anything under the sun. Their mission statement is to be the mall of choice and they are definitely on their way!

Tony Salamé's Aïshti started out as a brand in 1989 with a showroom in Jal el Dib. The store branched out to the coveted locale of downtown Beirut in 2001. Featuring multiple luxury labels like Burberry, Cavalli, Prada, Marc Jacobs, to name a few, Aïshti is now a name synonymous with luxury clothing in the city. The brand has also extended its functioning to a day spa, a hair salon, a restaurant as well as three different magazine publications. Needless to say, Aïshti is still making waves in the fashion industry of Beirut.