Things to Do

Built in the 17th century, the Audi family house and soap factory were turned into a soap museum in 2000. The exhibits take the visitors through the different stages of soap-making and present the history of the soap industry in the region from Aleppo, Syria and Nablus, Palestine to our very own Tripoli.

A dazzling and very hip venue promising to host large events, dripping with atmosphere. The centre boasts a huge skylight, an indoor tree under high ceilings and can host up to 700 people. The centre will feature exhibitions, concerts, graduations, commercials and lots more.

A weekend favourite for many a Beiruti. Lose yourself in a colourful maze of stalls and vendors offering an eclectic selection of anything and everything a chap can unload, including new and used books and DVDs, vintage wedding dresses, fragrant perfumes, decorative accessories, electronic equipment, aging photographs and even pets.

Souk el Tayeb can proudly boast to be Lebanon's first farmer's market, and a brilliant one at that. Bringing together farmers from all over the country on a weekly basis, this souk helps support organic agriculture and local farmers while acting as a unique social arena for Lebanese and visitors to meet and mingle.

One of the oldest caving associations in the Middle East, the Spéléo Club was founded in 1951. Every Thursday at 8pm, club members meet at the Broummana centre to discuss past and future activities. Certified caving teachers train club members in different techniques, and lend all the necessary equipment.

Enjoy rafting with some of the most experienced people in town. Different levels available. Rent a cosy cottage and enjoy the fresh food at the restaurant on site after a thrilling adventure on the river.

This group specialises in all outdoor activities on land, giving you endless fun and adventures. From a huge selection of caving, rafting, mountaineering, climbing, trekking and more, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

This Achrafieh garden has a colourful tiled pool at its centre, flanked on either side by armless statues of Greek goddesses and surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes, with small benches interspersed between them. It's a lovely spot to lean back in the sun with friends or to escape to when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Beirut's buzzing city life.

Shake off the day-to-day doldrums as you run around the 800 square metre indoor paintball arena at Tactix Paintball, complete with an old wreck of a bus in its centre. As an extra bonus, you have the option of purchasing a DVD of your match.

Lebanon’s oldest ski resort, The Cedars opened its first ski lift in 1953. Now filled with an assortment of swank hotels, chalets, clubs and restaurants, this popular ski resort is the perfect winter getaway. Plus, the stunning scenery and the quality of the snow make The Cedars an exceptional skiing venue. The original ’53 chair lift is no longer in use, as spiffier modern chair lifts have taken its place along with four smaller ski lifts for tamer, child-friendly slopes.

Opened in 1923, this 18-hole golf course is a veritable Beirut institution. Includes a gym, tennis courts, swimming pool, diving tank, basketball courts, a playground and junior pool for children, indoor squash court, billiard room, an English-style pub and a restaurant.

A private Catholic university founded by the Lebanese Maronite Order. The university offers diverse courses catering to different fields in education. Located in the stunning city of Jounieh, the university offers breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains and Beirut.

This bite-sized park is close by the St. George hospital and provides a welcome breath of fresh air for many of the hospital's patients and their visitors. A small children's play area is located at one end of the park, but the majority of the park's visitors are 60+. Come watch old men playing backgammon or sitting round in white plastic chairs, smoking, chatting and cracking each other up.

This museum provides a window into the historical and contemporary experience of emigrants to very different parts of the globe. Photographs, artwork, documents, and a variety of cultural items lend colour and personal detail to the stories of communities and families.

Exhibition and event space located in the Beirut Souks. Hosting a variety of musical performances, festivals, bazaars and exhibitions. Underground parking available, entry and exit lanes are distributed along Allenby Str. Pedestrian access is available all around the Souks. Facilities are provided throughout the public areas of the Souks, such as telephone booths, ATM machines, information desks, information screens and public toilets.

A large, funky indoor space that is regularly used to host parties. The venue is sound-proof and large enough to host 500 – 600 people at events. It is possible to rent the space and install your own bar, lighting or sound equipment.

The Silk Museum is the perfect getaway to keep your kids entertained at the weekends. Tour the eco museum, see the processes of weaving and the cocoons from which the silk comes. Let your kids find their green fingers in a one-hour long gardening workshop.

Situated in the heart of Ashrafieh, these magnificent gardens are available for all to enjoy. The gardens surround the Sursock Palace, which is still a fully functioning residence. Steeped in history the palace and gardens stand proudly having survived intact since 1860. This is without a doubt a must see.

Sports stadium, hosting football and rugby. Home of the Cedar rugby team and holds up to 10,000 spectators.

Shhh. One of Lebanon’s best beaches is also… free. Tyre’s long expanse of golden sand is a protected area thanks to the giant turtles that lay their eggs here. These unspoilt sands draw crowds of families, off-duty peacekeepers, lads with footballs, women in bikinis or in hijab: the kind of mix that is rare in this country of so few public spaces. We like.