Beirut, Lebanon
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Beirut.
This is the nightlife area - bars, restaurants, bohemian atmosphere. Good lighting and crowds until late make it feel safer than other parts of the city. Some buildings still show damage from the 2020 explosion.
Converted townhouses along Rue Gouraud hold most of Beirut's best bars and restaurants. During the day it's quiet - some galleries, coffee shops, not much happening. After 9pm the whole street fills up with locals and expats at Lebanese wine bars, cocktail spots, and late-night shawarma joints open until 4am. You'll see enough women eating and drinking alone that it's completely normal. The 2020 port explosion damaged this area badly and you'll still see buildings being renovated, but the nightlife bounced back fast. Staff at most places speak English. Streets stay busy and lit until late on weekends, which makes walking around feel safer. After 2am when bars close things empty out quick, so have an Uber ready instead of walking.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Sat alone at bars without any issues"
"Enough women out that you don't stand out"
"Still some explosion damage but the area's lively again"
"Staff spoke English and were professional"
"Felt safe while it was busy, emptied out after closing time"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The upscale dining district with converted warehouses, rooftop bars, and higher prices than Gemmayzeh. More polished and inclusive atmosphere. Good concentration of quality restaurants where eating alone is common.
Waterfront area with the Pigeon Rocks and Corniche promenade. Safe during the day with good views, but gets isolated at night. Worth visiting for scenery, not necessarily where you'd want to stay.
Upscale residential area with boutique shopping and quality restaurants. Quieter and more expensive than the nightlife districts. Safe, family-oriented atmosphere works if you want a calmer base, but you'll need taxis to reach the interesting parts of the city.
Help other women stay safe in Gemmayzeh
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.