Raouche promenade at sunset

The Raouche promenade is Beirut's classic sunset spot. The sun sets directly behind the Pigeon Rocks from most of the year, making the arch glow orange and framing the two stacks against the sea. A wide paved promenade and a row of cafes give choices between standing, sitting at a terrace, or buying a coffee to take away. It is crowded on summer evenings and weekends, but the open air makes it manageable. Late afternoon is also good for photographers because the stacks are lit from the side. The area is free, and the cafes charge higher prices for the view, so a coffee costs roughly $3 to $6. Taxis wait nearby when it gets dark. Winter storms bring big waves and sometimes close the harbour steps.