American University of Beirut

The American University of Beirut is one of the most popular places in the city centre, near Hamra Street and the district of the same name. It is frequented by many foreigners who come to study abroad or learn Arabic. The university is open to everyone, and has an extraordinary campus with gardens overlooking the sea, and even a church. You'll have to pass through a security booth to enter, but if you chat with the security guards, they'll let you through to the courtyard as if you were a normal student.