St. Nicolas Stairs, Beirut Travel Guide

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Ascend into Beirut's art scene on the St. Nicolas Stairs, a vibrant landmark connecting history, culture, and stunning city views.

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St. Nicolas Stairs

The St. Nicolas Stairs, also known as the Stairs of Art, is a vibrant public stairway in Beirut's Achrafieh district. Connecting Rue Gouraud and Rue Sursock, the 125 steps and 500-meter span make it the longest stairway in the Middle East. Adorned with colorful murals and street art, the stairs have become a cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination.

A brief summary to St. Nicolas Stairs

VGV8+H5P, Beirut, LB
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. Nicolas Stairs.

Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and better lighting for photos.
Explore the surrounding neighborhoods to discover hidden cafés and shops.
Take your time to appreciate the murals, each telling a unique story of Beirut.
Check local listings for nearby art events or markets happening during your visit.

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Explore St. Nicolas Stairs on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Rue Gouraud (Gemmayzeh), the St. Nicolas Stairs are easily accessible on foot. Simply walk east along Rue Gouraud until you reach the clearly marked stairway entrance. The stairs connect directly to Rue Sursock in Achrafieh. The walk from the start of Rue Gouraud is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

Several buses and service taxis (shared taxis) operate in the Gemmayzeh and Achrafieh areas. From Charles Helou bus station, take a bus or service taxi towards Gemmayzeh. Get off near Rue Gouraud and walk towards the stairs. A bus ride within Beirut costs around 75,000 LBP. A service taxi ride within Beirut costs around 150,000 LBP.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Ask the driver to take you to the St. Nicolas Stairs in Achrafieh, near Rue Gouraud. A taxi ride within Beirut typically costs around 600,000 LBP. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about St. Nicolas Stairs

The St. Nicolas Stairs, also called L'Escalier de L'Art, is more than just a means of getting from one street to another; it's a journey through Beirut's vibrant art scene and rich history. Located in the Rmeil district, these stairs connect Rue Gouraud in Gemmayzeh with Rue Sursock in Achrafieh, offering pedestrians a scenic uphill route.Since 1973, the St. Nicolas Stairs have served as an open-air art exhibition venue, hosting art events twice a year. This has led to the alternative name, Escalier Saint-Nicolas des Arts, reflecting its significant role in the local art community. The artistic vibe is reminiscent of Montmartre, enriching Beirut's urban landscape and establishing the stairs as a focal point for artistic expression and cultural gatherings.As you ascend, you're enveloped in a tapestry of colors and creativity, with murals and street art by local artists narrating stories of the city. The aroma of Lebanese cuisine wafts from nearby cafes and restaurants, inviting you to take a break and savor local flavors. The stairs offer stunning views of the surrounding architecture, reflecting Beirut's complex history and resilience. Nearby attractions include the Sursock Museum, showcasing contemporary Lebanese art, and the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Beirut.