Shopping is a quintessential leisure activity in downtown Beirut. Lebanese track the European fashion trends closely in both interior design and clothing. Designer garments, jewelry, and accessories are introduced in Beirut first before they spread to the other Arab markets. Rue Hamra is a shoppers' paradise, with everything from stylish everyday wear and shoes to upscale evening wear.

Some of Beirut's home furnishings stores rival cutting edge retailers in Europe and the United States in terms of selection and interesting items. Visit Charme d'Antan in Achrafiyé, located on Elias Sarkis Avenue facing the Rizk Tower. For good bargains on old or replica furniture, visit Le Hangar de Denise in Horsh Tabet or try the flea market in the old streets of Basta Tahta. Carpets are also big in Beirut. Kabalan on the Salim Salam Bridge, Maktabi in Verdun, and Nalbandian in Achrafiyé are big names in new and antique carpets.

Lebanon supports its own echelon of fashion and furniture designers, artists, and photographers, whose work can be seen in galleries and shops throughout the city. Try Aishti, or visit one of the many designer stores in the Solidère region, to find the latest fashions.

The traditional crafts are also a big pull: hand-made olive oil soaps, Jezzine cutlery made from animal horns, boldly designed silver and gold jewelry, and hammered copper trays with arabesque designs are must-buys. Traditional crafts can be found at several artisanat shops throughout the city. There is a large Ministry of Culture-sponsored artisanat shop near the Corniche and a private artisanat shop on Rue Clemenceau, near the Gefinor Center.