Prior to 1975, HamraStreet was referred to as Beirut's
"Champs Elysées" as it was frequented by tourists all year
round. Hamra Street is a first rate commercial district which
proudly displays the latest fads in fashion. It also hosts a good
number of hotels, furnished apartments and coffee shops that cater to
visitors and students from close by American University of Beirut and
Lebanese American University.