Located in the Bayview Hotel, the open-air C Lounge is where the beautiful people of Beirut kick back, cocktails in hand, and take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean. With the resident DJ spinning house tunes and an almost never-ending sunset, it's no wonder it's heaving at the weekends. Book a table.

A lively spot to hang out with Beirut's cool crowd, this tiny red-walled bar in the student quarter of Hamra wouldn't look out of place in London's trendy Shoreditch. It does some of the best cocktails in the city – the mojitos are particularly good, and wonderfully refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.

Perfect for indulging your inner James Bond, this suave bar is comprised of three areas - a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace. It attracts an interesting mixture of local sophisticates and, unusually, does afternoon tea complete with a special 'Chocotini' cocktail. It also has wonderful sea views.

B 018 is an enormous tomb-like space that is packed to the rafters every weekend. It has the cachet to attract the cream of the international DJs who spin mainstream house, electronica and techno music. Open until the small hours, the roof peels back at dawn so clubbers can watch the sun rise.

Not, as the name would suggest, a casino but an extremely swanky club popular with Beirut's glitterati and celebrity set. Furnished with scores of comfy couches and boasting a cream and gold colour scheme, it's a little slice of Dubai in Beirut.

Expect smooth RnB grooves and commercial pop music until 2am.

The choice for the champagne and cocktail set, White is a 1,200 capacity club that sparkles under the stars with its white furniture and staff dressed entirely in white too. As one of the swankiest nightclubs in Beirut, expect the odd big name DJ to make the journey over and play.

Dany's is a Beirut institution. A magnet for the young, liberal and intellectual, this Hamra joint has an excellent, well-stocked bar and a small stage in the cellar where you'll find live bands at least three times a week. DJs are in residence daily, playing everything from indie, jazz and funk to soul and electro.

Beirut's premier live music venue started life in 2003, when this former cinema was converted into a lavish, cabaret-esque music hall of plush seating, low lighting and red drapes. Today, it's where the big international performers play as well as local acts. Buy your ticket well in advance – no matter who's playing, gigs usually sell out.

Don't be fooled by the name – Hole in the Wall doesn't do this cosy live music pub justice. Peppered with old concert posters and festooned with fairy lights, it's a great spot to watch local bands and acoustic acts, but try to arrive early, as it can get really busy.