Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, a vibrant, big and lively city nearby the Mediterranean sea. The city is one of the greatest hubs of the Middle East and has a greatly mixed Arabic-occidental cultural history. From its churches, mosques, and museums, the city has a great range of activities and points of interest to please its visitors from all over the world. In this article, we’ll focus on the 10 top-ranked things to do while being around the capital.
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1. Mzaar Kfardebian
You though Lebanon was an empty desert place? Mzaar Kfardebian will change your mind. This ski area is the largest ski resort in the Middle East. Here, one hour away from Beirut, you’ll enjoy the 80 kilometers (50 miles) of ski trails with the many winter sports professionals supporting you in your rides. Furthermore, this 5-star ski resort offers many other activities such as skying school, a wonderful pool, game rooms, sauna and spa.
Mzaar Kfardebian
Address: Mzaar Kfardebian Ski Resort, Lebanon
Website: Mzaar Kfardebian
2. Sursock Museum
The Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum (named after the creator who donated the place to the city after his death), is a great modern and contemporary art museum located in the Achrafieh district museum in Beirut, opened since 1961. You’ll enjoy going there even just to gaze at the beautiful Lebanese-Italian architecture of the building, remaining with Venetian and Ottoman influences. But of course, the most important feature of this place are the exhibitions taking place inside the 8,500 square meters area (91,500 square feet), displaying works of Lebanese and international artists alike. There you’ll enjoy discovering the modern art collection, the Japanese engravings and Islamic art, along with the 800 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sursock Museum
Address: Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street, Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
Website: Sursock Museum
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3. National Museum of Beirut
The National Museum of Beirut is the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon, officially opened in 1942 and featuring an extensive and great collection of about 100,000 objects (including antiquities and medieval finds), and 1,300 artifacts from prehistoric times. Here you’ll just be blown away by the quantity and the quality of the works and objects exhibited. From sarcophagi, mosaics, jewelry, coins, ceramics, woodwork, and weapons, you’ll walk through the history of civilizations during a pleasant and instructive day-out.
National Museum of Beirut
Address: Museum Street, Beirut, Lebanon
Website: National Museum of Beirut
4. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is a beautiful edifice, built in 2008 and located in downtown Beirut. A dominant feature of the city, here, you’ll gaze at the beautiful Ottoman-style architecture in this mammoth 11,000 square meter (118,400 square feet) area, dominated by its 48-meter (157 feet) high blue dome and 65-meter (213 feet) high minarets. It’s a magical place where you’ll get in close connection with the tradition and culture of the country.
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
Facebook page: Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
5. Beirut's Corniche
The Corniche of Beirut is a 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) long seaside promenade featuring a magnificent view of the Mediterranean and the Mount Lebanon. It’s an enjoyable place were walking through the palm trees will bring you relaxation and peace. Popular destinations for walkers, joggers, skaters and bikers, the Corniche might be one of the most iconic places in the town, dating back from the time of the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon and still marked by the civil war and the bullet holes from the 17 years of conflict. Moreover, you’ll enjoy stopping by one of the many cafes or bars alongside the waterfront, enjoying a drink or a narguileh break. One of the many unmissable things to do in the town.
Beirut's Corniche
Website: Beirut’s Corniche
6. Beirut Old Town
Beirut’s historical and geographical core, also known as Beirut Central District (BCD), is an area thousands of years old and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Today, after many challenges and troubles though the ages, the area hosts most of the administrations of the country as well as many other companies and organizations. A great place to walk in while discovering the Lebanese capital.
Beirut Old Town
Website: Beirut Old Town
7. Saint George Cathedral
Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the city’s oldest extant church: built in 1767. Through the ages, the church has faced many troubles but has always remained, but, walking there, you’ll be witnessing the scars of the passing time and the holes of the civil war over the walls.
Saint George Cathedral
Facebook page: Saint George Cathedral
8. Robert Mouawad Museum
The Robert Mouawad Private Museum is located in Beirut’s Zokak el-Blat quarter. A former palace built in the Neo-gothic style in 1911, the museum houses objects reflecting a mix of artistic oriental and occidental cultures, a rare collection of books, Chinese porcelain, ceramics, and other significant pieces. The Islamic-style building is also a piece of art by itself and you’ll enjoy walking across the area gazing at its Byzantine mosaics, Roman marble sculptures, jars and jugs, historical columns, pottery, ancient weapons, unique carpets and much more. A great place to go for those looking for a history-discovery day-out.
Robert Mouawad Museum
Address: Army Road, zokak el blat Beirut, Lebanon
Website: Robert Mouawad Museum
9. René Moawad Garden
Located in the Sanayeh district of Beirut, the René Moawad Garden is one of the oldest public open-air spaces in the capital. Also known as Sanayeh Gardens, this open green space is a wonderful place where tables and shade attract card, backgammon players and kids all year-long. This is the perfect place for a leisure walk or a fresh picnic while staying in the city.
René Moawad Garden
Website: René Moawad Garden
10. Gemmayzeh
Gemmayzeh is a neighborhood in the Rmeil district of Beirut, a trendy village-type neighborhood and bohemian quarters full of narrow streets and historic buildings from the French era. You’ll enjoy walking around the area, enjoying the several bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and lounges, known especially for its culinary scene, its art activities and festivals. The perfect place to hang-out!
Gemmayzeh
Website: Gemmayzeh
Enjoy Lebanon's capital
With these 10 great things to do around Beirut, you’ll experience the rich and beautiful capital of Lebanon where you’ll get plenty of memories from this great country.
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