Believe it or not, there’s more to Lebanon than its pretty beaches, its vibrant nightlife, and its evergreen mountains. The country is rich with a complex history that can still be felt in a range of experiences you might not have thought would be so culturally telling. If you’re visiting Lebanon from abroad, or just feel like getting to know better the country you thought you knew so well, here are some underrated cultural experiences you can explore that will help you do just that.
1. Visit Tell in Tripoli
Walk around in the ancient area of Tel and spend the day munching on delicious food from the street kiosks ranging from ka3ke to moughrabiye sandwiches. Veer off to see the old clock tower, and the old hotels, and spend the day walking through the old alleyways lined with authentic Lebanese cafes. End your day with a cup of Turkish coffee at Kahwet Fahmi for an exceptionally Lebanese day away.
2. Explore Batroun’s old souks
Stroll through the port-side old souk and admire its historic architecture. Eat a scrumptious octopus sandwich from George Maalouf Kitchen, and refresh yourself with an ice cold lemonade from Hilmi’s Lemonade – which has been favorite among locals for decades. Walk along the port and find yourself by the water for a perfectly authentic Lebanese day.
3. Visit an artsy community center in Tripoli or Beirut
Whether you visit Kahwetna in Tripoli or Hona Beirut in the capital, you’re sure to appreciate the peaceful vibes and artistic depths of the cultural hubs in both areas. The peacebuilding project began in Tripoli as a cafe that was run by former fighters, and soon expanded to include a recording studio, a cinema, and an exhibition venue that often hosts an array of different classes and events. Their Beirut branch, Hona Beirut, opened earlier this year, bringing with it a much needed green space and cultural hub to the urban city of Beirut. Read more about it here.
4. Immerse yourself in the cultural chaos of Souk el A7ad
This bustling, chaotic, and vibrant Sunday market has become a symbol of urban life in Beirut since it began 20 years ago. With a range of things to see, explore, and buy, Souk el A7ad in Corniche el Nahr is the perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture without veering too far from the city.
5. Discover an authentically Lebanese vineyard in the Bekaa
A picturesque vineyard nestled in Lebanon’s glorious Bekaa valley, Le Clos St. Thomas is a must-visit immersive wine-tasting experience. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful wine cellars at the stunning Château where they produce award-winning Pinot bottles, and meet the family behind the brand that you know and love so well.
6. Journey through Deir el Ahmar’s magical walking trail
With many unknown historical sites and churches, and a wild unspoiled nature, the Bekaa’s Deir el Ahmar has both vast historical legacy and amazing natural escapes. Home to a stunning hiking trail, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in nature and hearty organic homemade food from the local NGO WADA, the Women’s Association of Deir El Ahmar. Established in 1994, WADA promotes women’s roles in rural society and help organize hikes and walks around the area, where you’ll begin and end your hike at their headquarters there. From the green-filled path to the mountain’s peak, Deir Ekhwet el Salib, this is the perfect getaway for those looking to see nature and culture all at once.
7. Get to know Beirut on an informative walking tour
Have you ever passed by a building in Beirut and wanted to know its story? Have you walked past the same building every day and wondered who to ask to find out its history? If you’re interested in getting to know Beirut on a deeper level, from its side streets to its grand monuments, and its quaint neighborhoods to its picturesque ruins, there’s a lot hidden beneath the surface of the city you thought you knew so well. WalkBeirut is a walking tour that takes you around the city, telling you about the history behind some of Beirut’s most iconic neighborhoods.
8. Have a seafood feast in Sour
Indulge in a full-on Lebanese seafood feast at Le Phenicien in Sour, one of the most authentic restaurants of its kind in the country.
9. Bask in the beauty of Maghdoushe
A stunning old Lebanese village, Maghdoushe is abundant with beautiful churches, stunning architecture, and picturesque panoramic views of the country, making this Southern Lebanese village well worth a visit.
10. Take a walk through the wetlands of Ammiq
The largest remaining freshwater wetland in Lebanon, this area of the Bekaa Valley used to be filled with marshes and lakes – and these are the last remnants of them.
11. Explore 3ayoun El Samak in Akkar
With out-of-this-world untouched natural scenery, 3ayoun El Samak has some of the most stunning (and hidden) waterfalls you’ll find in the country. Very well-kept and picturesque, be sure to clean up after yourself after visiting this stunning Lebanese escape – to maintain its picture-perfect beauty.
12. Get to know the city through the stories of its people at a Beirut storytelling night
Every month or so, a literature-loving group of writers in Beirut called Cliffhangers host themed storytelling nights at different cafes and bars around the city. It’s a great way to get some insight into the real experiences of people living in the country, and to get to know people in an interactive and fun-filled social setting.
