Beiruting News

Lebanon is a country rich in history and culture, with influences from various civilizations throughout its existence. Aside from its stunning nature and mouthwatering cuisine, the country is famous for its bustling markets, or souks, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Read more as we explore some of the best souks in Lebanon, each offering its own unique cultural experience.

Souk el Tayeb – Downtown Beirut

Souk el Tayeb is a weekly farmers market that takes place every Saturday in downtown Beirut. Founded in 2004, the market aims to promote Lebanese cuisine and support small-scale farmers and producers. Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread, homemade jams and preserves, and a variety of other locally produced goods. In addition to the market, Souk el Tayeb also hosts cooking workshops and events throughout the year.

Souk el Akel

Souk el Akel is a popular street food festival that takes place in different locations around Lebanon. Founded in 2014, the festival brings together a variety of food vendors, offering everything from traditional Lebanese dishes to international cuisine like unique burgers, desserts, drinks, and more. In addition to food, Souk el Akel also features live music and entertainment, making it a fun and lively event for all.

Souk el Ahad – Beirut

Souk el Ahad is a large and bustling market located in Beirut. As its name suggests, it normally opens to the public every Sunday where you’ll find vendors selling some the most random items and trinkets, from things such as the country’s first ever recorded cassettes, to children’s toys, books, souvenirs, and so much more.

Old Souk – Byblos

The Old Souk, surrounded by the idyllic sea views in Byblos, was a hub for trading with foreign nations. The market is visited by locals and foreigners alike and is extremely popular during Lebanon’s summer months, given its close proximity to attractive beaches, pubs, and restaurants. Visitors can find unique souvenirs such as mosaic tiles, pottery, musical instruments, books, and handcrafted jewelry, as they stroll the beautiful souk, indulge in street food, and listen to locals play music.

Jounieh Old Souk

Jounieh Old Souk is a traditional market located in the coastal city of Jounieh. The souk is known for its charming atmosphere and authentic Lebanese architecture, with stone buildings and a range of shops and boutiques selling local crafts, clothes, souvenirs, and food. The souk is particularly popular during the summer months, when it comes alive with street food, lively music at pubs, and cultural events, by the sea.

Batroun Old Souks

Batroun Old Souks are a historic marketplace located in the coastal city of Batroun, Lebanon. The souks date back to the 18th century and are famous for their traditional architecture, picturesque alleys, and welcoming shops selling local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The souks are divided into two main areas: the textile souk, where you’ll find a range of silk, wool, and cotton, and the fruit and vegetable souk, that sells fresh local produce such as olives, figs, and more. The souks are also home to many restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Souk el Tayeb – Batroun

Souk el Tayeb Batroun is a weekly farmers market that takes place every Sunday in the coastal town of Batroun. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as locally produced dairy products and a variety of freshly produced honey. In addition to food, Souk el Tayeb in Batroun also features handmade crafts and a selection of natural cosmetics.

Souk Al Attareen – Tripoli

The name "Attareen" means "perfumers," and the market was named after the perfumers and spice merchants who used to sell their products there. The souk dates back to the Ottoman era and is frequently visited today for its unique shops selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and Lebanese spices.

Souk Al Hadadeen - Tripoli

Souk Al Hadadeen, located in Tripoli, is a market that specializes in traditional metalwork. The souk offers a variety of handmade items, including lanterns, candleholders, and decorative metalwork.

Souk al Haraj – Tripoli

The name "Haraj" means "second-hand goods," and the market is known for its extensive collection of used and refurbished items, including clothing, electronics, and household appliances. The souk is spread over several blocks and is a hub for bargain shopping, attracting visitors from across the country. The market also offers a range of new goods and souvenirs, making it a great place to find unique items at affordable prices. Despite its bustling atmosphere, the souk retains a traditional feel, with vendors using a range of sales techniques, including haggling, to attract customers.

Souk Al Sayyaghin - Tripoli

Souk Al Sayyaghin is particularly famous for its metalwork and blacksmithing, with many shops offering handmade copper and brass items such as plates, pots, and decorative items. Visitors can also find a range of traditional textiles, including silk and wool, as well as herbs and spices such as sumac and zaatar. The souk is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a glimpse of traditional Lebanese life and culture. It is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and experience the rich history and heritage of Tripoli.

Souk Al Ahad - Tripoli

Souk Al Ahad, located in Tripoli, is one of the largest and busiest markets in Lebanon. The souk dates back to the Mamluk era, and it is famous for its traditional crafts, textiles, and silverware. It also offers a variety of food items, including spices, nuts, and sweets.

Souk el Barghout – Tripoli

Located in the city of Tripoli, Souk el Barghout is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Lebanon. The souk dates back to the Ottoman period and is known for its narrow alleys and beautiful architecture. Here, you can find a variety of goods, including textiles, spices, and traditional handicrafts. The market is also famous for its sweet treats, including ma'amoul and baklava.

The Old Souks of Baalbeck

The Old Souks of Baalbeck are a historic marketplace situated in the heart of the city and date back to the Roman era, with many of the buildings and shops dating back several centuries. Visitors can also find traditional Lebanese foods, spices, sweets, local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, but the souks are particularly famous for their jewelry and silverware, with many shops offering handmade pieces crafted by local artisans.

Souk el Sedd – Jezzine

Souk el Sedd is known for its charming atmosphere and authentic Lebanese architecture that date back several centuries. The souk offers a range of shops and boutiques selling local goods and souvenirs, but it is particularly known for the region’s best artisan shops and most famous traditional cutlery.

The Souk of Bourj Hammoud

The Souk of Bourj Hammoud is a bustling marketplace located in the Armenian district of Bourj Hammoud. The souk is known for its diverse range of shops, selling everything from clothing and shoes to fresh produce and artisanal foods. Visitors can also find traditional Armenian handicrafts such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The souk is famous for its lively atmosphere and vibrant street art, which reflects the cultural diversity of the area.