St Nicholas Stairs
Beirut's vibrant Daraj El Fan, a 125-step staircase adorned with colorful murals, connecting Gemmayzeh to Sursock.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for vibrant art & photos
St Nicholas Stairs
Best Time
Best for vibrant art & photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Beirut's vibrant Daraj El Fan, a 125-step staircase adorned with colorful murals, connecting Gemmayzeh to Sursock.
"A must-see gem in Beirut, blending art, history, and local life."
📸 Capture the Art
The stairs are an open-air gallery! Don't miss capturing the vibrant murals and colorful bougainvillea.
☕️ Cafe Stops
Enjoy a coffee or a meal at the charming cafes and restaurants at the top or bottom of the stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Daraj El Fan Murals
St. Nicholas Stairs
Vibrant murals and artistic expressions transform the steps into an open-air gallery, showcasing Beirut's rich cultural tapestry.
Bougainvillea Blooms
St. Nicholas Stairs
Colorful plants, especially bougainvillea, add a vibrant and beautiful touch to the surroundings, creating picturesque scenes.
Gemmayzeh & Sursock Connection
St. Nicholas Stairs
A vital pedestrian link connecting the lively Gemmayzeh district to the elegant Sursock area, offering a scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art and Atmosphere
Connect Gemmayzeh and Sursock
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Art
The stairs are an open-air gallery! Don't miss capturing the vibrant murals and colorful bougainvillea.
☕️ Cafe Stops
Enjoy a coffee or a meal at the charming cafes and restaurants at the top or bottom of the stairs.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
With 125 steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring this scenic pedestrian link.
📍 Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Sursock Museum or the lively streets of Gemmayzeh.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Art
The stairs are an open-air gallery! Don't miss capturing the vibrant murals and colorful bougainvillea.
☕️ Cafe Stops
Enjoy a coffee or a meal at the charming cafes and restaurants at the top or bottom of the stairs.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
With 125 steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring this scenic pedestrian link.
📍 Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Sursock Museum or the lively streets of Gemmayzeh.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about St. Nicholas Stairs, affectionately known as Daraj El Fan, for its vibrant street art, colorful bougainvillea, and its role as a charming pedestrian link between Gemmayzeh and Sursock. It's praised as a beautiful and authentic spot in Beirut, offering a delightful cultural experience with nearby cafes and restaurants.
"“Also known as Daraj El Fan, this staircase is located in the heart of Gemmayzeh, leading up to the Sursock area. You’ll find restaurants both at the top and the bottom, while colorful plants like bougainvillea add a vibrant and beautiful touch to the surroundings.”
Would you like it to sound more casual, descriptive, or formal?"
TonY NouH
"St. Nicolas Stairs, also known as the “Stairs of Art,” is a vibrant landmark in Beirut’s Achrafieh district. This 500-meter-long staircase, comprising 125 steps, connects Gouraud Street to Sursock Street, serving as a vital pedestrian link between these two bustling areas. 
The stairs are renowned for their colorful murals and artistic expressions, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Local artists have transformed the steps into an open-air gallery, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors. 
Adjacent to the stairs are quaint cafés and shops, offering a perfect setting to relax and immerse oneself in the local atmosphere. The area is also home to significant cultural sites, including the Sursock Museum and the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Beirut, enhancing its appeal to tourists. 
Visitors often praise the stairs for their unique charm and the sense of community they foster. The blend of art, history, and local life makes St. Nicolas Stairs a must-visit destination for those exploring Beirut."
Dani Baal
"What can I say about this place? I have lived all my childhood on those stairs or next to them..i just love the place for all the memories i have there. Still, anyone cannot but enjoy this beirut's gem. Located in the center of Gourau Street in Gemmayze..the stairs are the largest in Lebanon and secong biggest in lebanon with 202 steps forming it. In summer..it used to host an art festival so this is why the stairs are also known to be the stairs of art. Currently and sadly..the festival no longer takes place.
Lovely houses could be found on the two sides of the stairs. One hostel named "meshmoush" exists in the middle of the stairs..and at the top..you can find two nice coffee shop and an italian restaurant. An art gallery is also based there and more places are expected to open soon.
The stairs actually link two important streets..General Gouraud Street in Gemmayze(popular street) and the prestegious fancy Sursock street at the top where Sursock museum is based. This is a must see place when you are in Beirut."
Selim Mezher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Nicholas Stairs, also known as Daraj El Fan, is located in the heart of Gemmayzeh, Beirut. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. It connects General Gouraud Street in Gemmayzeh to Sursock Street.
While there isn't direct metro access, many local buses pass through the Gemmayzeh area. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are the most convenient options for reaching the stairs directly.
Walking is the best way to explore! The stairs themselves are a pedestrian link, and the surrounding Gemmayzeh and Sursock neighborhoods are best discovered on foot to enjoy the cafes and architecture.
Parking can be challenging in this busy Beirut district. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or taxis, or to be prepared for a potential search for street parking.
Cycling is possible, but be aware of Beirut's traffic. The stairs themselves are for pedestrians, so you'll need to park your bike nearby if you arrive by cycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting St. Nicholas Stairs is free! It's a public space and an open-air art installation.
The stairs are accessible 24/7 as they are a public thoroughfare. However, the surrounding cafes and shops have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the art on the stairs, as it's an ongoing public art project. Enjoy the vibrant displays freely!
Yes, you can visit St. Nicholas Stairs year-round. The murals and atmosphere are enjoyable in any season, though summer can be hot.
While official guided tours might not be common, many locals and visitors enjoy exploring independently. You can find information about Beirut's art scene online or ask at local cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best light to capture the vibrant colors of the murals and bougainvillea. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
The entire staircase is a photo opportunity! Focus on the detailed murals, the blooming bougainvillea, and the charming architecture on either side.
Drone usage in urban areas like Beirut can be restricted. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the vibrant colors and details. If you have a DSLR, bring a versatile lens to capture both wide shots and close-ups of the art.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of residents and businesses in the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several charming cafes and restaurants located both at the top and bottom of the stairs, offering a variety of cuisines.
Yes, you can find some inexpensive and tasty restaurants, especially in the Gemmayzeh area, offering local Lebanese dishes.
You'll find a mix of options, including Italian restaurants, local Lebanese cuisine, and cafes serving snacks and coffee.
Lebanese cuisine is rich in vegetarian and vegan dishes like hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh, so you should have no trouble finding options.
Both offer great experiences. Dining at the top provides views, while the bottom puts you closer to the vibrant Gemmayzeh street life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the stairs themselves are a pedestrian link, the surrounding areas of Gemmayzeh and Sursock offer more to explore. Consider combining your visit with a trip to the Sursock Museum (check for family-friendly exhibits) or finding a park nearby. Remember to bring water and comfortable shoes for everyone, as the 125 steps can be a bit of a climb for little legs.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most flattering light. Be mindful of other visitors and residents, and always seek permission before photographing individuals up close. The stairs connect you to the Sursock Museum, a must-visit for art lovers, making this area a perfect cultural outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with locals or cafe owners; they often have the best insights into the city. The vibrant art provides a constant source of interest, and the walk itself is a pleasant way to discover the city's charm. It's a great starting point for exploring the surrounding neighborhoods on foot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Daraj El Fan
The art is not static; it changes over time, with new pieces appearing and older ones fading, adding to the dynamic nature of the experience. This ever-changing landscape ensures that each visit can offer something new. The sheer variety of styles and themes depicted in the murals provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse perspectives of Beirut's artistic community. It’s a place where everyday life meets extraordinary creativity, making a simple walk up or down the stairs an engaging cultural experience.
Connecting Neighborhoods: Gemmayzeh and Sursock
At the top of the stairs, visitors are greeted by the elegance of Sursock Street, which leads to significant cultural landmarks like the renowned Sursock Museum. This connection allows for a seamless transition between the vibrant nightlife and artistic streetscapes of Gemmayzeh and the cultural institutions and refined architecture of Sursock. It’s an ideal route for those looking to experience the multifaceted charm of Beirut, moving from the energetic streets to areas of historical and artistic significance.
A Local's Perspective and Memories
Historically, the stairs were also known to host an art festival during the summer, further cementing their identity as 'Daraj El Fan.' Although the festival no longer takes place, the spirit of art and community remains. The presence of charming houses, a hostel, cafes, and an art gallery along the stairs contributes to this enduring sense of local life and artistic expression, making it a cherished spot in Beirut.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit