Badaro is a well-known residential neighborhood and business hub in the heart of Beirut. The neighborhood is roughly bounded by the Pierre Gemayel avenue on the north, the Hippodrome on the west, Sami el Solh avenue on the east, Beirut's pine forest on the southeast and the Tayyouneh roundabout on the south. Badaro is the common name of Beirut's "Horsh" (park) administrative district which also includes three parks: a pine forest known as Horsh Beirut, the Beirut Hippodrome and the Pine Residence, the French ambassador's residence. Badaro, the "Village" of Beirut Badaro is one of Beirut's most appealing neighborhoods, a lovely place with leafy streets to stroll during daytime, and recently became a nightlife destination. Badaro is within Beirut's green district, next to a public park (the Beirut pine forest) and a hippodrome. Opposite the museum, the tomb of the unknown soldier, as well as a Roman era colonnade, are part of a small garden with a Byzantine floor mosaic. Badaro is a neighborhood on a very human scale with small groceries around every corner, with a village feel. The neighborhood residents, a mix of impoverished Christian bourgeoisie, bohemian-style people in their 30s, and well-established urban professionals, are loyal to the local bakery and pastry shops. Because of the blossoming café and bar scene since early 2014, it has become a hip destination for Beirut's young and restless but old Beirutis remember that Badaro was already Beirut's version of the Village in the swinging sixties. Groceries and eateries can be found on almost every street of the area. You'll find dozens of restaurants, pubs, and sidewalk cafés of virtually every style. At many spots, you'll find affordable eats with the chance to enjoy your meal on the sidewalk. There are also some well-known upscale restaurants in the neighborhood. Badaro is also home to one of Beirut's nicest hotels, the Smallville Hotel, with its unique location next to the Beirut Museum and its stylish (design) interior. The area around the museum square is Beirut's "Little Paris" as it includes most of Beirut's French facilities such as most of the Université Saint Joseph campuses, the French embassy and consulate, the Lycée Français and the Pine Residence, the French ambassador's residence, an outstanding 19th century palace known as "La residence des pins". History According to a widespread version, in the 17th century, the ruler of the Principality of Lebanon, Emir Fakhreddin, planted pine