A handy guide to Beirut's crazy summer party scene

Crazy parties, particular rooftop clubs and summer seaside events, have become a defining characteristic of Beirut. Even when someone doesn't know much about Lebanon, chances are they've heard about the way this city loves to party.

Although Lebanon is a lot more complex than drinking and dancing, the party culture is a vibrant part of normal life for many locals just as much as for tourists. Fortunately, it's not all one scene and there is something to fit everyone's taste.

Summer is definitely the height of the action. Whether you prefer dancing by the sea, a rooftop with an incredible view or underground venues, you'll definitely find something you're looking for.

In the summer, these are the parties where you'll find all kinds of people. From artsy types to tourists and those who just want to dance outside until the sun comes up.

Open on Saturday nights, this outdoor venue is located in Biel, near Downtown. With's its unique dome framework covered dance floor, you'll enjoy dancing the night away to some of the hottest local and international DJs.

This seaside party at Sporting Beach Club in Manara is possibly the coolest weekly summer event the city has to offer. You can dance all night while planes fly in overhead to land at the airport and Lebanon's famous Raouché (Pigeon Rocks) can be see just some meters away from the decks railing. On special weekends, the party moves to other areas throughout Lebanon as well. As the name suggests, parties happen on Saturday.

Situated on the terrace of Beirut's iconic – but ruined – Saint Georges Hotel located by Zaitunay Bay, this party happens on Fridays and sometimes other days of the week. You enter through the ruined hotel, which is decked out in the trendiest way before exiting onto the terrace where the party really begins.

These are the places to go when you want to dance all night to the coolest beats.

Beirut's most famous club is known to most everyone as a former bomb shelter from the war. Although that's an interesting backstory, this underground venue located in Qarantina was actually just formerly a storage facility. However, that doesn't make it any less cool. With the roof opening up in summer, you can dance under the city to the coolest electronic beats until the sun forces you home.

Actually set on the top floor of an old factory in Qarantina, you ride up in an industrial elevator to every party lovers dream venue. With regular live music concerts and weekend DJ parties, this is one of the chillest spots you can find in the city.

White Beirut, located by Beirut's Seaside Road, was nominated as The World's Finest Club in 2015. Convinced you should check it out? Be aware, this place usually requires a reservation.

These are the places you dress up for. You go for the excellent cocktails, unique settings and let's be honest, to be seen by others.

Located in Biel, this outdoor restaurant bar is the place to go to brush shoulders with the city's trendy crowd and influencers.

It's actually an abandoned train station in Beirtut's Mar Mikhael neighborhood, complete with an old time steam engine, where the DJ plays his set to crowds of happy partiers. It's open every night starting at 6 p.m.

These places are all places to dress up for. Remember, you're going to be seen.

Nestled on a rooftop Downtown, the club regularly features live music and of course, always great cocktails.

Also located downtown, the view is certain to impress.

These hole-in-the-wall venues offer something unique and raw, different than any other in Beirut.

Located in a back alley of Mar Mikhael, around the corner, down some stairs and into a basement, this place is one that must be discovered. The parties range from live music jam sessions to DJs playing funk music on vinyl.

Hidden on a side street of Tabaris, you descend the stairs and find yourself in the midst of people who just want to party hard. Note, this is an after-part hot spot. So, it's best to go late... or early, depending on how you think about it.