Hidden Gems You Need to Check Out When Visiting Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon. Photo by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash

Suppose you are not planning a more extended stay in Beirut, Lebanon. In that case, it is reasonable to focus on the city’s most popular attractions like the National Museum of Beirut or beautiful Zaitunay Bay. However, in case you have more time on your hands, we recommend diving deeper into the city’s impressive offering and checking out some of its hidden gems. Find out the best ones below.

MIM Mineral Museum

While not as popular as the National Museum of Beirut, MIM Mineral Museum is well worth your time. The place is home to the largest private collection of minerals in the world and displays more than 2000 individual minerals belonging to 450 different species. 

Hanna Mitri Ice Cream

Located on El Saydeh street, Hanna Mitri Ice Cream is a small shop that’s really easy to miss as it doesn’t have flashy signs and neon lights. However, once you find it, you’ll be treated with an impressive offer that might “single-handedly ruin” all other ice creams for you, according to one Trip Advisor user.

Souk al-Ahad

Forget the high-end stores and shopping malls. The place to buy things in Beirut is Souk al-Ahad market. It’s the place where locals come, and here you’ll find everything from antiques and souvenirs to cars and knockoffs.

Soha Village

You’ll have to make a half-hour trip from Beirut to get to Soha Village, but you won’t regret it. Established as an “escape resort,” the area offers amazing views, booming nature, and attractive opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking.