When travelling, eating local food is a big part of the experience. In Beirut, however, eating out is an opportunity that must not be missed. I skipped my hotel breakfast for a rich manaeesh - baked dough with a choice of topping of za’atar, cheese or minced lamb. Obviously, I made the right decision.

“Cities were made to be walked!” I was walking in the labyrinth of narrow streets in Beirut when I found this cafe with an interesting interior – the green tablecloth matched the green wall. I spotted a man who was so into his game that he didn’t even notice me taking his picture.

I then stumbled upon a men’s saloon with its retro interior – the shop opened in the early 1970s and has not changed whatsoever. I needed a shave so I sat in the old barber’s chair.