We Lebanese know Beirut by heart! We know all the shortcuts, the hidden restaurants that offer amazing food, and the small stores that sell everything we need!
But how much do we know about old Beirut? Have a look at some rare vintage pictures of Beirut!
#1 Snow in Old Beirut!

This picture was taken next to the Continental Hotel, Raouche. Wouldn’t it be cool if it snows in Beirut every year? The white coat seems to suit Beirut!
#2 Venice? Nope. Just flood!
No, we did not have the Lebanese version of Venice back in the old days. That’s a flood right next to Hotel Phoenicia.
#3 The Green Line (Khat El Tames)
You’ve certainly heard a lot about the line of demarcation. Now you have a mental image of it!
#4 This is how kerosene used to be delivered!
Those were simpler times!
#5 Vintage MEA Poster!
MEA has always been making sure to offer the best service!
#6 The airport looked drastically different!
It looks way better now, but at least there wasn’t traffic in front of the entrance back then! If you’re interested in seeing how old Lebanon looks like in motion, check out a colored video of Lebanon in 1969!